- Must visit
Museum Ostwall im Dortmunder U
Major museum for 20th- and 21st-century art in the Dortmunder U, with changing exhibitions and city views from the upper floors.
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£11
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 14 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cologne to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dortmund will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.
Of the 9 buses that leave Cologne for Dortmund every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 74 km distance in an average of 2 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Dortmund among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £7.
Distance: 74 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£7 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price |
2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dortmund coaches for today, Sunday 2 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 22:10 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h55 | 1:05 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 3 August | |||||
FlixBus | 5:10 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 3h10 | 8:20 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 5:30 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h50 | 8:20 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 7:50 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 9:50 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h40 | 11:40 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h45 | 11:05 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:05 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h30 | 18:35 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:45 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 3h25 | 21:10 Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Cologne to Dortmund run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 74 km distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 74 km |
Average bus duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 3:40 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Dortmund — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dortmund trip today.
Major museum for 20th- and 21st-century art in the Dortmunder U, with changing exhibitions and city views from the upper floors.
Interactive football museum beside the main station, covering German football history with media installations and trophies.
Museum at Zollern Colliery presenting Ruhr industrial history in a striking Art Nouveau machine hall and heritage complex.
Large urban lake with promenades, boat hire and skyline views; popular for walks, cycling and waterside relaxation.
Green park with themed gardens, mature trees and one of Germany’s notable botanical collections, ideal for a quiet stroll.
Central square framed by historic façades and busy streets, useful as a starting point for exploring the old city centre.
A dark, top-fermented beer from Dortmund, long tied to the city’s brewing heritage. It is smoother and less bitter than Pils, and a classic local drink.
A hearty potato stew from Westphalia, traditionally cooked with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is valued as comforting regional home cooking.
A classic Westphalian dish of rye bread topped with ham, pickles and sometimes egg. It reflects the region’s rye bread and cured meat traditions.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving Dortmund classics, beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively, historic setting.
Established German restaurant known for generous regional cooking, seasonal dishes and a warm, traditional atmosphere.
Casual local venue popular for currywurst, schnitzel and Ruhrgebiet comfort food in an unfussy setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while public transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
Official public transport app
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf -> Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dortmund by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dortmund, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Dortmund buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dortmund bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Bistro Central (0.2 km), Restaurant Heimatliebe (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the station.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
Available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need