Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dortmund to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cologne:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Cologne costing on average $17 (€14).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 46m.
Travel optionsfrom Dortmund to Cologne
How to get from Dortmund to Cologne by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Dortmund to Cologne is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus7:35 PM1h45Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf9:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$81One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
FlixBus7:35 PM1h45Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf9:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$81One-way0 transfers
Fastest
ICE 2079:36 PM1h07Dortmund Hbf10:43 PMCologne Hbf$161One-way0 transfers
Other options
ICE 234:35 AM1h14Dortmund Hbf5:49 AMCologne Hbf$81One-way0 transfers
ICE 1015:34 AM1h14Dortmund Hbf6:48 AMCologne Hbf$81One-way0 transfers
ICE 15404:53 AM1h20Dortmund Hbf6:13 AMCologne Hbf$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus6:25 PM1h55Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf8:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus10:55 AM2h25Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf1:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$91One-way0 transfers
FlixBus5:15 AM2h50Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf8:05 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$101One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
Compare train and bus 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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How to get from Dortmund to Cologne
The Best Way According to our Users
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FAQs: Travel from Dortmund to Cologne
Travel to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Dortmund to Cologne.

This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Cologne:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Cologne costing on average $17 (€14).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 46m.
- Around 11 trains per day.
- Around 9 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Dortmund and Cologne as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Dortmund Hbf and arrive in Cologne Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar to go to Cologne by train.
- Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar to go to Cologne by bus.
- 8 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar.
- 9 direct buses per day with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Travelling from Dortmund to Cologne: related information
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