Dortmund Airport to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB)

Mon 14 Sept
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Great Western Railway
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Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund Airport to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Sept

Cheapest price on 14 Sept

£10

Average ticket price on 14 Sept

£31

Fastest journey on 14 Sept

1 h 19 m

Average journey duration on 14 Sept

1 h 19 m

Trains on 14 Sept

98

Distance

80 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Dortmund Airport to Cologne will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.

Fast trains

On Mon 14 Sept, we found 98 trains from Dortmund Airport to Cologne, including 13 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 80 km distance in an average of 1 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 19 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.

  • Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 1013
    15:102h19
    Dortmund-Wickede station
    17:29Cologne Messe/Deutz
    £101One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 1013
    15:122h17
    Dortmund-Wickede West station
    17:29Cologne Messe/Deutz
    £101One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 1015
    17:122h15
    Dortmund-Wickede West station
    19:27Cologne Messe/Deutz
    £101One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 1015
    17:102h17
    Dortmund-Wickede station
    19:27Cologne Messe/Deutz
    £101One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 615
    17:571h49
    Dortmund-Wickede West station
    19:46Cologne Hbf
    £101One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Dortmund Airport to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £11.

Distance: 80 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£11

Average Price

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£13

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 1m

Average total duration

1h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 14m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is a coach with an average price of £6.

This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund Airport to Cologne:

A coach is £4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne costing on average £11.

The fastest way to travel from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 1h 28m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dortmund Airport and Cologne including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £11 compared to roughly £13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 1h 28m versus 1h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Dortmund Airport to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Dortmund Airport to Cologne trains for today, Sunday 13 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixTrain10:27 Dortmund Airport
1h14
11:41 Cologne0 changesdirect
FlixTrain11:27 Dortmund Airport
1h14
12:41 Cologne0 changesdirect
FlixTrain14:27 Dortmund Airport
1h16
15:43 Cologne0 changesdirect
FlixTrain15:27 Dortmund Airport
1h16
16:43 Cologne0 changesdirect
FlixTrain15:39 Dortmund Airport
1h18
16:57 Cologne0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnS4 · S2 · ICE 515
On time
7:57 Dortmund-Wickede West station
1h49
9:46 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS4 · 20070 · ICE 956
On time
8:03 Dortmund-Wickede West station
2h19
10:22 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS4 · 20070 · ICE 956
On time
8:06 Dortmund-Wickede station
2h16
10:22 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS4 · S1 · IC 2042
On time
8:40 Dortmund-Wickede station
2h05
10:45 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS4 · S1 · IC 2042
On time
8:42 Dortmund-Wickede West station
2h03
10:45 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn20070 · ICE 956
On time
8:42 Holzwickede station
1h40
10:22 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnS4 · 20072 · ICE 6549:03 Dortmund-Wickede West station
2h11
11:14 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnS4 · 20072 · ICE 6549:06 Dortmund-Wickede station
2h08
11:14 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Deutsche Bahn174119:18 Holzwickede station
1h20
10:38 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Dortmund Airport to Cologne by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept

Why should you book Dortmund Airport to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Dortmund Airport to Cologne run on average 27 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:27, the last at 18:54. The fastest train covers the 80 km distance in 1h 13m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £5
Distance
80 km
Average train duration
1h 28m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Trains per day
27
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 13m
First train
6:27
Last train
18:54
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £5

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Dortmund Airport to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Dortmund Airport and Cologne from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
1h 14m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£11
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • WC
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • WC

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
1h 13m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£6
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.

  • Recommended

Museum Schnütgen

Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.

FAQs: Dortmund Airport to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund Airport to Cologne by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Dortmund Airport to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Dortmund Airport to Cologne covers a distance of 80 km and takes approximately 1h 13m. Trains run 27 per day.
The train distance from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is 80 km.
The first train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne leaves at 6:27.
The last train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne departs at 18:54.
Trains from Dortmund Airport to Cologne run approximately 27 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.
To get from Dortmund Airport to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.
The cheapest way to get from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Dortmund Airport to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Dortmund Airport to Cologne offers occasional scenic views, particularly as you pass through the Ruhr Valley and lush countryside, though much of the route is urban or industrial.
Yes, a day trip from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is feasible. The journey takes 1h 13m, covering a distance of 80 km. There are 31 trains per day, making it convenient for a day trip.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Dortmund Airport and Cologne

Most Dortmund Airport to Cologne trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Dortmund Airport and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Dortmund
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Dortmund Airport to Cologne

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