- 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 on 17 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£8
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
21 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
21 m
Trains on 17 Sept
5
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 £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 5 trains from Dortmund to Essen, including 5 direct services.
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 an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, while a coach costs an average of £6.
Distance: 32 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Essen:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Dortmund to Essen costing on average £6.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 28m.
The journey is about 18m faster (23m by train vs 41m by car) and roughly £1 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£4 vs £6). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:36 Dortmund | 0h22 | 6:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 14:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 18:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:27 Dortmund | 0h21 | 19:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:50 Dortmund | 0h21 | 20:11 Essen | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

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 20m.
Distance 32 km |
Average train duration 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £2 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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. 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-Germania is 7 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Germania 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: Óla Kalá, Imbiss Futterluke, Pizzeria Puzzle, Side Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Germania. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Germania.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Germania. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Germania.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Germania. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Germania: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Germania: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Germania.
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 is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Essen-Eiberg is 6 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Eiberg 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: Zur Krone, Hannappel, Pizzeria Roma, Horster Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Eiberg. ATMs are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Eiberg. Information desks are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Eiberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need