Travelling by Train from Cologne (Köln) to Dortmund
One of the best things about Germany is how speedy and reliable the nation's train network is, connecting major cities like Cologne (Köln) and Dortmund, helping commuters and travellers get around with ease. You can take Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains to get you from city to city in just over an hour on the fastest services.
You'll step off onto the train onto the platform at Dortmund's main station in the centre of the city. From there, you can explore the city streets, admiring local landmarks like the iconic Westfalen Park and Westfalen Stadium, as well as the famous U-Tower.
Ready to book? Start a search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you want train times, FAQs and tips on buying cheap train tickets from Cologne to Dortmund, keep reading.
Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf by train
| Journey time | From 1h 8m |
|---|---|
| Price | €4.99 - €42 |
| Distance | 45 miles (73 km) |
| Frequency | 80 trains per day |
| Departure station | Köln Hbf |
| Arrival station | Dortmund Hbf |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Thalys, Flixbus |
Deutsche Bahn and Thalys trains from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
Thalys
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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Cheap train tickets from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf
- lowest price found‡
- from€4.99
- 2 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€24.48
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€27.44
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
How long does the train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Köln Hbf and Dortmund Hbf is 1 hour and 23 minutes, with around 80 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Köln Hbf and Dortmund Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf is 1 hour and 8 minutes.
How much does the train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf cost?
Train ticket prices from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf can start from as little as €4.99 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf without having to change trains. There are 53 direct trains from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf leave?
The first train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf leaves at 11:09. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf leave?
The last train from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf leaves at 10:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Köln Hbf and Dortmund Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf cover a distance of around 45 miles (73 km) during the journey.