- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price
£4
Average price
£7
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
21 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Essen will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Of the 7 trains that leave Dortmund for Essen every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 22 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £2, and a coach costs an average of £6.
Distance: 32 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£6 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price |
53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Dortmund to Essen trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:36 Dortmund | 0h22 | 7:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 11:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 14:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 15:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:39 Dortmund | 0h23 | 16:02 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 18:48 Essen | 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 Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 21m.
Distance 32 km |
Average train duration 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £2 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Essen trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Steele Ost. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Essen 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-Mengede is 8 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Mengede 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: The Greek, Peking Garden, Piccola Enzo, Restaurant Symbol
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Mengede. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Mengede.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Mengede. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Mengede.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Mengede. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Mengede: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Mengede: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Mengede.
Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen-Steele Ost is 5 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele Ost 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Bacchos, Döner, Eiscafe Kemmerling
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele Ost. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele Ost. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Steele Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Steele Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele Ost.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need