Travel Guide: Cologne To Dortmund

There are several ways to travel from Cologne to Dortmund. The most popular way is by train, with 51 direct trains per day. The train journey takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes, and tickets start from $6. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, with tickets costing between $10 and $45.

Travel by train

Taking the train is a convenient and comfortable option for traveling from Cologne to Dortmund. The train journey offers a scenic route through the German countryside and can be an enjoyable experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the train journey between these two cities.

Step 1: Getting to Cologne Central Station

To begin your train journey, you need to make your way to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof). This major transportation hub is located in the heart of Cologne and is easily accessible by local transport. You can take a regional train, tram, or bus to reach the central station. If you are already in the city center, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the station.

Step 2: Purchasing Train Tickets

Once you arrive at Cologne Central Station, head to the ticket counters or automated ticket machines. You have the option to buy a single journey ticket or a day pass, depending on your travel plans. If you intend to travel back to Cologne on the same day, a day pass might be more economical. You can also purchase tickets online in advance through the Deutsche Bahn website or their mobile app.

Step 3: Boarding the Train

Trains from Cologne to Dortmund depart regularly, with at least one train per hour. Look for trains departing from Cologne Central Station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Dortmund Central Station). The train ride typically takes around one hour and twenty minutes, but this may vary depending on the type of train and the number of stops along the way. Make sure to check the departure boards for the correct platform information.

Step 4: During the Journey

As you settle into your seat, you can enjoy the passing landscapes and urban settings along the route. The train journey takes you through the Rhine-Ruhr region, offering glimpses of industrial heritage and picturesque towns. Keep your ticket handy as conductors may come by to check them during the journey. You can also purchase snacks and beverages on board or bring your own to enjoy during the ride.

Step 5: Arriving in Dortmund

Before you know it, you'll be arriving at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof. Dortmund's central station is a modern transportation hub with excellent facilities. From here, you can continue your journey to your final destination within Dortmund. The city center is just a short walk or subway ride away, and you'll find a range of public transport options available at the station.

Travel by bus

There are several bus companies that offer direct trips from Cologne to Dortmund. The earliest bus from Cologne is at 5:05 am, arriving in Dortmund at 8:00 am, and the latest bus is at 11:20 pm, arriving at 1:40 am. The shortest travel time between the two cities is 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the longest is 3 hours and 25 minutes. The price for a one-way adult ticket ranges from €5.49 to €9.

One of the bus companies operating this route is FlixBus, with tickets starting at €5.49. FlixBus buses are equipped with comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They also offer a generous luggage allowance, with one carry-on bag and one checked bag permitted. Additionally, FlixBus is committed to sustainability and offers passengers the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions when booking their tickets.

Another bus company serving this route is BlaBlaCar, with tickets starting at €7. The average duration of their buses from Dortmund to Cologne is 1 hour and 55 minutes, and they offer 3 buses per day, with direct services available.

Travel by car

The distance between Dortmund and Cologne is around 60 miles, and the drive takes approximately 1 hour 2 minutes. The route is a straightforward one, and you will be using the A40 and A1 for the majority of the journey.

From Dortmund, you will first want to get on the A40 from Rheinlanddamm and Stockumer Str./L663, and follow the A40 until you reach the A1. This will be after you have passed the Dortmund-Barop junction. Merge onto the A1, and continue on this road until you reach the A559/B55 junction. Take the exit towards Köln/Köln-Deutz from the A559/B55, and follow signs for Köln/Deutz onto the B55. From here, you can continue on to your destination in Cologne.

Alternative Routes

If you would like to take a different route, you can take the B1 from Dortmund to Cologne. This route is slightly longer, at 71 miles, and will take you through the towns of Hagen, Lüdenscheid, and Gummersbach, before reaching Cologne. This route will take you through the Naturpark Bergisches Land, a nature park in the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Another alternative is to take the A45 and A3, which will take you through the cities of Siegen and Wetzlar, before reaching Cologne. This route is around 100 miles and will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Travel by rideshare

If you're looking for a cheap and environmentally friendly way to get from Cologne to Dortmund, ridesharing is a great option. This method of travel involves sharing a car with other individuals who are taking the same trip, which reduces the cost of transportation for everyone involved.

The distance from Cologne to Dortmund is around 58-60 miles, and the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. Ridesharing is a flexible way to travel, as you can often book a ride at the last minute. It's also a great way to meet new people and make your journey more fun!

You can find ridesharing options between Cologne and Dortmund on websites such as Blablacar and Gopili. These websites allow you to compare prices and find the best deals for your trip. Prices for ridesharing from Cologne to Dortmund typically range from $5 to $12, making it a very affordable option.

So, if you're looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get from Cologne to Dortmund, consider using a ridesharing service. It's a convenient, flexible, and social way to travel!

Travel by plane

Although there are no direct flights from Cologne to Dortmund, you can take a connecting flight. The average flight time from Cologne to Dortmund is 2 to 14 hours. The price of a flight ticket from Cologne to Dortmund can vary depending on the time of booking and the airline. The cheapest flight ticket from Cologne to Dortmund is £93. The best price found on Skyscanner for a flight from Cologne to Dortmund is £278, which includes a connecting flight with Pegasus Airlines and Ryanair.

Frequently asked questions