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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Dortmund
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£4
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
22 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
32 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Dortmund will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Essen for Dortmund every day 6 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 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 25 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.
FlixTrain07:030h23
Essen Hbf07:26Dortmund Hbf
£41One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain11:040h25
Essen Hbf11:29Dortmund Hbf
£41One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain17:040h25
Essen Hbf17:29Dortmund Hbf
£41One-way
0 changes
ICE 84508:210h22
Essen Hbf08:43Dortmund Hbf
£101One-way
0 changes
ICE 20808:000h21
Essen Hbf08:21Dortmund Hbf
£191One-way
0 changes
ICE 20808:000h21
Essen Hbf08:21Dortmund Hbf
£191One-way
0 changes
ICE 154508:480h21
Essen Hbf09:09Dortmund Hbf
£191One-way
0 changes
ICE 84508:210h22
Essen Hbf08:43Dortmund Hbf
£101One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain07:030h23
Essen Hbf07:26Dortmund Hbf
£41One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain11:040h25
Essen Hbf11:29Dortmund Hbf
£41One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Essen to Dortmund
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Dortmund 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 24m. 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
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price |
54m Average total duration Fastest 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 0m Average total duration 30m 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.
Live departures
Essen to Dortmund train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Dortmund trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:34
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 208 | Delayed 07:03 07:00Essen Hbf | 0h21 | 07:23 07:23Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 845 | Delayed 07:22 07:21Essen Hbf | 0h22 | 07:43 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1545 | Delayed 07:50 07:48Essen Hbf | 0h21 | 08:10 08:10Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 10:04 Essen Hbf | 0h25 | 10:29 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 16:04 Essen Hbf | 0h25 | 16:29 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 06:03 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 06:26 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Dortmund by train or coach
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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Dortmund
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
SeatCleanliness in the carPunctualityDisadvantages
Cleanliness of the toiletsThe train journey from Dortmund to Essen started on time. I quickly found a seat with a power socket. However, just like the wifi, I didn't need it on the short journey. What was positive for me was the cleanliness of the carriage. The toilets, on the other hand, were not exactly clean.
Advantages
SpeedDisadvantages
Toilet in compartment closedOn Tuesday, I travelled from Dortmund main station to Essen main station with the ICE 529. The journey was relatively short and the distance covered quickly. The board staff were nice and polite, hygiene was good, but unfortunately the toilet in my compartment was closed. So unfortunately I had to go to another compartment. Nevertheless, the journey was very pleasant and especially because of the price-performance ratio with only 17€ per journey, I would travel again with Deutsche Bahn from Dortmund HBF to Essen HBF.
Advantages
YesDisadvantages
YesThis trip was just a dream. The wifi was fine, as were the sockets and the volume, the seating was! The staff were very friendly and always helpful and very vigilant of the hygiene in the toilet, because I was not so enthusiastic, but it was quite ok, the prices were also justified.
Advantages
Staff was very niceCar was cleanDisadvantages
The train was lateWhen I took the train from Dortmund to Essen yesterday, I was unfortunately disappointed by the punctuality of the train. The train was about 20 minutes late, but the rest of the journey was very pleasant. The staff were nice and the toilets and the train in general were very clean. The wifi had a few dropouts now and then, but that's normal. Otherwise, the price was worth the trip.
Advantages
Service/PriceDisadvantages
PunctualityLast year, I took a trip from Dortmund to Essen with DB. In fact, I was very impressed with the service. The workers were very friendly and quickly looked after my interests. You could also quickly connect your mobile phone to the wifi. The seats were very comfortable and clean. It was pleasantly quiet. The toilets were very clean and hygienic. There was no need to change planes. The price was very good, only €3.00. The only problem was that the train did not arrive on time. Otherwise, I would really heartily recommend the train journey from Dortmund to Essen. Apart from arriving on time, everything was tip-top.
Advantages
Short driveDisadvantages
Floor quite dirtyI didn't like the journey back to Essen because there were often passengers who had harassed me. Nevertheless, the train was quite clean. The service was not so good, as the ticket inspector looked at me stupidly when I was looking for my ticket. Since the train leaves every 15 minutes, you didn't have to worry about being late because it always came back. The price-performance ratio is really good for the trip.
Advantages
SpeedPunctualityCleanlinessWIFISocketsDisadvantages
PriceI recently took a train journey from Dortmund to Essen and have to say that I was not entirely satisfied. The price for the journey was unfortunately not particularly cheap and I had the feeling that I had paid more than I had actually expected. Nevertheless, the train journey was pleasant and comfortable overall. The train was on time and the journey went smoothly. The station in Dortmund was well equipped and there were enough seats and toilets. The display boards were also clear and informative. All in all, I can say that the train journey from Dortmund to Essen was pleasant and comfortable overall, but the price is a point of criticism.
If I want to travel by train again in the future, I will definitely check beforehand exactly how much I have to pay and whether there are better offers.
Advantages
QuickCosyWIFIOn timeDisadvantages
PriceI recently had the opportunity to travel by ICE from Dortmund to Essen and must say that I had a satisfactory experience overall. The train was on time and provided a pleasant and comfortable journey. The interior was modern and clean, with comfortable seats and plenty of space for luggage. Unfortunately, the price was not as reasonable as I expected. It felt like I paid a high price for the convenience and speed offered by the ICE. Although I enjoyed the journey, it would be hard for me to justify paying high prices for train travel on a regular basis. All in all, the journey by ICE from Dortmund to Essen was a pleasant and comfortable experience, but the price was regrettably a little too high. I think I will consider other means of transport when I travel to Essen in the future.
Advantages
The ride was very pleasantDisadvantages
The staff was unfriendlyThe wifi on the train was surprisingly fast. The toilets were clean and were cleaned during the journey. The price of the journey was definitely worth it.
I didn't have to change trains and the train was there relatively quickly (compared to other trains). Overall, I would recommend the train to others
Advantages
Fast travel timeDisadvantages
DelayI was travelling with the Eurobahn. There are sockets for charging at the 4-seater seats with table. The seats were comfortable and clean. There is no catering on the train as it is a local train. Accordingly, you cannot reserve a seat. The toilets are so-so, I wouldn't sit on them to do my business. I could travel directly from Neuss to Dortmund without changing trains, which is of course convenient. Price-performance ratio is top, of course. Cheaper than by car.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Dortmund
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Dortmund run on average 6 times per day, taking around 24m. 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 00:03, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 21m.
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
Distance 32 km |
Average train duration 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £2 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:52 |
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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express from Essen to Dortmund trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Dortmund from £2. 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 Duration
21m
Cheapest Price
£17
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
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.
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.
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.
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
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 Duration
23m
Cheapest Price
£2
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22m
Cheapest Price
£9
National Express frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
FAQs: Essen to Dortmund train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Dortmund 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 Dortmund, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Two to three days in Dortmund is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions such as the Dortmund U-Tower, Westfalenpark, and the German Football Museum, along with enjoying its vibrant shopping streets and local cuisine.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Dortmund can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £5.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Dortmund is by train, costing approximately £2.
The train distance from Essen to Dortmund is 32 km.
The last train from Essen to Dortmund departs at 23:52.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Dortmund. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express.
There is no night train service from Essen to Dortmund.
Yes, a day trip from Essen to Dortmund is feasible with a travel time of 21m and a distance of 32 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
In Dortmund, explore the vibrant Kreuzviertel district with its trendy cafes and boutiques. Attend concerts at Westfalenhallen or delve into industrial heritage at the Zollern Colliery. Enjoy a stroll along Phoenix See, visit the serene Botanischer Garten Rombergpark, and discover top sights like Westfalenpark, the cultural Dortmund U-Tower, and Signal Iduna Park. Families can enjoy the Dortmund Zoo, and football fans will appreciate the German Football Museum.
Booking trains from Essen to Dortmund in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Essen to Dortmund covers a distance of 32 km and takes approximately 21m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Essen that goes to Dortmund is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Dortmund Hbf.
The first train from Essen to Dortmund leaves at 0:03.
Trains from Essen to Dortmund run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Dortmund.
To get from Essen to Dortmund, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train journey from Essen to Dortmund is primarily urban and industrial, offering views of cityscapes, industrial areas, and some green spaces but is not typically considered a scenic route.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Dortmund
Essen
Dortmund
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Dortmund.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
The major train station for arrivals in Dortmund is Dortmund Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dortmund Hbf for your journey to Dortmund from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
Hotel
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
Dortmund-Hörde
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Grill Palace
- Gathi's Pizza & Döner
- Onur Grill
- Café Aufbruch
Dortmund-Huckarde
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Rosmarin
- Abant Grill
- Apollon
- Tadim Restaurant
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Dortmund
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dortmund and Essen
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