- 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.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
1 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
1 h 9 m
Trains on 20 Sept
74
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund 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 to Cologne will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 74 trains from Dortmund to Cologne, including 56 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 9 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.
IC 2442
IC 2444
IC 2042
ICE 542
ICE 921
IC 2042
IC 2044
IC 2046
IC 2440
IC 2040Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, while a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 74 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Cologne:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Cologne costing on average £9.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 47m.
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £3. The journey takes 1h 18m versus 1h 16m 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Cologne trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26420 · 17419 | 13:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 14:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2046 | Delayed 13:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h09 | 12:48 12:48Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26820 | 13:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 15:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1011 | On time 13:53 Dortmund Hbf | 1h36 | 15:29 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
89722 · ICE 723 | On time 14:07 Dortmund Hbf | 1h37 | 15:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 640 · ICE 723 | Delayed 12:25 14:15Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 15:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 640 · ICE 927 | Delayed 12:25 14:15Dortmund Hbf | 1h36 | 14:02 14:02Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 611 | Delayed 14:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h10 | 13:53 13:53Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26822 | 14:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26424 · 17423 | 15:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 16:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2048 | Delayed 15:35 Dortmund Hbf | 1h10 | 14:48 14:48Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26824 | 15:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 17:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1013 | On time 15:53 Dortmund Hbf | 1h40 | 17:33 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:26 Dortmund Hbf | 1h17 | 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 20:26 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 21:55 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26840 | 23:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 1:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 20 September | |||||
26842 | 0:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 2:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26846 | 1:43 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 3:12 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 921 | 1:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h30 | 3:15 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26848 | 2:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 4:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26800 | 3:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 5:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 527 | 6:15 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 7:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 513 | On time 6:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h09 | 7:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26852 | 6:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 8:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 529 | On time 7:19 Dortmund Hbf | 1h25 | 8:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2040 | 7:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h09 | 8:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26808 | 7:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 9:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 915 | Delayed 7:53 Dortmund Hbf | 1h34 | 7:29 7:29Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
26410 · 17409 | 8:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 9:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 515 | On time 8:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h10 | 9:46 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26810 | 8:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 10:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26412 · 17411 | 9:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 10:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 946 · ICE 623 | On time 9:14 Dortmund Hbf | 1h30 | 10:44 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 2042 | 9:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h09 | 10:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26812 | 9:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 11:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26414 · 17413 | 10:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 11:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 625 | On time 10:20 Dortmund Hbf | 1h22 | 11:42 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 10:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h10 | 11:46 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1548 | On time 10:49 Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 12:09 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26416 · 17415 | 11:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 12:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 944 · ICE 627 | On time 11:15 Dortmund Hbf | 1h27 | 12:42 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
IC 2044 | 11:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h09 | 12:45 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26816 | 11:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 13:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 919 | Delayed 11:55 Dortmund Hbf | 1h32 | 11:28 11:28Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 919 | On time 11:55 Dortmund Hbf | 1h33 | 13:28 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 changesdirect | |
26418 · 17417 | 12:09 Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 13:38 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 12:26 Dortmund Hbf | 1h15 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 12:36 Dortmund Hbf | 1h10 | 13:46 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
26818 | 12:45 Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train 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.

Trains from Dortmund to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 54m.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 54m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
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.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund 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.

Most Dortmund 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 and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dortmund 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 options include: Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion, Kleimann
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Hbf. ATMs are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Hbf. Information desks are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Cityhotel Dortmund, Esplanade, Drei Kronen, Hotel Unique Novum.
Dortmund Signal Iduna Park is 2 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund Signal Iduna Park 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 options include: Strobels, Rosenterassen
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. ATMs are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Information desks are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund-Kurl is 9 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Kurl 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 options include: Yve's Eiscafé und mehr, Mamma Mia, Grill Station Husen, Pan Pizza Mo
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Kurl. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Kurl.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Kurl. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Kurl.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Kurl. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Kurl: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Kurl: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Kurl.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need