- Must visit
Museum Ostwall im Dortmunder U
Major museum for 20th- and 21st-century art in the Dortmunder U, with changing exhibitions and city views from the upper floors.
Cheapest price on 20 Oct
£7
Average ticket price on 20 Oct
£20
Fastest journey on 20 Oct
22 m
Average journey duration on 20 Oct
23 m
Trains on 20 Oct
16
Distance
32 km
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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
On Tue 20 Oct, we found 16 trains from Essen to Dortmund, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 23 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.
ICE 645
ICE 216
ICE 849
ICE 549
ICE 941
220290
ICE 849
ICE 941
ICE 943
ICE 945Trains from Essen to Dortmund run on average 6 times per day, taking around 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 20m.
Distance 32 km |
Average train duration 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Dortmund trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
267090 | 8:13 Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 8:37 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S1 | 8:26 Essen Hbf | 0h41 | 9:07 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
220290 | 8:52 Essen Hbf | 0h22 | 9:14 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
267110 | 9:13 Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 9:37 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 12:44 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 549 | On time 13:21 Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 13:45 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 941 | On time 14:21 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 14:44 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 641 | On time 15:21 Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 15:45 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 943 | On time 16:21 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 16:44 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 643 | On time 17:21 Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 17:45 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 228 | On time 17:35 Essen Hbf | 0h29 | 18:04 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 945 | On time 18:21 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 18:44 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 2012 | On time 18:33 Essen Hbf | 0h27 | 19:00 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 216 | On time 18:56 Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 19:19 Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 645 | Delayed 18:02 19:21Essen Hbf | 0h24 | 18:26 18:26Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 947 | Delayed 18:47 20:21Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 19:10 19:10Dortmund Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Dortmund — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dortmund trip today.
Major museum for 20th- and 21st-century art in the Dortmunder U, with changing exhibitions and city views from the upper floors.
Interactive football museum beside the main station, covering German football history with media installations and trophies.
Museum at Zollern Colliery presenting Ruhr industrial history in a striking Art Nouveau machine hall and heritage complex.
Large urban lake with promenades, boat hire and skyline views; popular for walks, cycling and waterside relaxation.
Green park with themed gardens, mature trees and one of Germany’s notable botanical collections, ideal for a quiet stroll.
Central square framed by historic façades and busy streets, useful as a starting point for exploring the old city centre.
A dark, top-fermented beer from Dortmund, long tied to the city’s brewing heritage. It is smoother and less bitter than Pils, and a classic local drink.
A hearty potato stew from Westphalia, traditionally cooked with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is valued as comforting regional home cooking.
A classic Westphalian dish of rye bread topped with ham, pickles and sometimes egg. It reflects the region’s rye bread and cured meat traditions.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving Dortmund classics, beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively, historic setting.
Established German restaurant known for generous regional cooking, seasonal dishes and a warm, traditional atmosphere.
Casual local venue popular for currywurst, schnitzel and Ruhrgebiet comfort food in an unfussy setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while public transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
Official public transport app
Dortmund Hbf -> Platz der Deutschen Einheit, Dortmund
The most popular day trips by train from Dortmund are Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Münster and Bonn. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Dortmund on Omio.

Cologne is known for its towering cathedral, Roman heritage and relaxed Rhineland spirit. Museums, riverfront views and a strong brewing culture give the city an open, sociable feel.
There are 8 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.

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 34m.

Essen is a Ruhr city known for its industrial heritage and modern cultural scene. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and broad green spaces give it a practical, contemporary character.
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 18m.

Münster is a historic university city known for its cycling culture, rebuilt old town and links to the Peace of Westphalia. Gothic churches, Prinzipalmarkt and a strong student presence give it a lively but relaxed feel.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 28m.

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 29m.
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.

Most Essen to Dortmund trains use the Essen Hbf to Dortmund Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Use this guide to compare Essen and Dortmund train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen 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: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
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-Scharnhorst is 5 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Scharnhorst 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: S&E Café, S&E Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Scharnhorst.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need