Cologne to Dortmund: By Train, Boat or Bus?

As I live near Cologne, friends visiting here often ask me about the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to neighboring cities. One of the most common questions is "What's the best way to get from Cologne to Dortmund?"

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available from Cologne, whether it is by train, bus, car rental and even flight! Each one has its pros and cons, which I'll outline below.

So keep reading to find out the best ways to get from Cologne to Dortmund!

Where is Dortmund?

Dortmund is a big city in western Germany. It's in the North Rhine-Westphalia state and has easy access to other major German cities like Cologne, as well as countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

As a modern city, Dortmund is supported by an extensive transportation network. And I mean extensive. This includes highways, railways, and Dortmund Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Germany too.

Cologne to Dortmund Distance

Cologne and Dortmund are approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) apart, and well-connected to each other.

The distance varies depending on which mode of transport and which route you take.

Cologne to Dortmund by Train

Time: 4/5
Price: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

 Convenience: 3/5

Ask anyone from here and they'll say getting from Cologne to Dortmund by train is the most convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. 

I don't wish to sound biased, but Germany has one of the most developed and reliable train transportation systems in the world. It's fast, punctual, and affordable.

1. Departure from Cologne: Your journey typically begins at Köln Hauptbahnhof or Cologne Central Station.

In the city center, this station is easily accessible from other parts of Cologne by public transport, wherever you're coming from. It has domestic, international, as well as regional train services.

2. Ticket Purchase: You'll need to buy tickets if you want to take the train.

Your options are purchasing a ticket through one of the authorized online platforms, or from the ticket machines at the station or the manual ticket counters.

I always advise booking your tickets in advance. Especially during peak travel times, you may waste time queueing up to buy tickets at the station!

Whenever I have purchase train tickets, I like to use Omio. It's my favorite platform to check for the best train tickets in Europe:

3. Train Options: Most will suggest taking a high-speed train like ICE, when traveling between Cologne and Dortmund. [1] This is the fastest train, and you can get a ticket under a few euros if you book early. 

Thereafter, you can connect to a regional train within Dortmund to get to your final destination.

4. Urban Journey: The journey between Cologne and Dortmund is not the most scenic. You'll see a mix of urban areas, suburban developments, and industrial zones.

There are portions of the journey where you'll pass through agricultural areas, so you may see farmland, fields, and countryside scenery.

I remember a family trip I took from Cologne to Dortmund, and my kids were absolutely delighted. They couldn't contain their excitement as the ICE train sped along, and they spent the entire journey with their faces pressed against the window.

So no matter what, I strongly suggest snagging a window seat if you have the chance!

5. Arrival in Dortmund: Your train will arrive at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, the central train station in Dortmund.

Clear signs will guide you to the tram station or taxi stand, so don't worry about losing your way. The station also has a convenience store, which comes in handy for grabbing a snack for the road.

Cologne to Dortmund by Bus

Time: 3/5
Price: 5/5
Comfort: 3/5

 Convenience: 2/5

The bus offers you the most budget-friendly option, with fares starting at just €7. The journey takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the timing and bus route.

Nevertheless, it remains a convenient way to travel between these two cities.

1. Depart from Cologne: The bus ride is not as convenient as the train because the departure point is usually at Cologne Bonn Airport or Leverkusen, a city at the borders of Cologne.

This means you'll have to first make your way out of the city centre before catching the bus.

2. Purchase Your Ticket: You can easily buy your bus tickets from Cologne to Dortmund online here. It's advisable to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your seat and potentially snag lower fares.

3. Bus Options: Several bus companies operate the Cologne-Dortmund route, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities. Some buses may provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating, so be sure to check the features of each bus service when making your reservation.

4. Enjoy the Scenic Route: While the bus journey may not match the speed of a train, it can still be an enjoyable experience. You'll get to admire the passing scenery, including picturesque countryside and charming towns along the way.

5. Arrive in Dortmund: Your bus will drop you off at one of the bus terminals or stops in Dortmund, depending on the bus company and route. Dortmund boasts a well-connected public transportation system, giving you various options to reach your final destination within the city.

Cologne to Dortmund by Private Transfer

Time: 3/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

Convenience: 5/5

While private transfers may cost more than the other options, I find them well worth it, especially when more flexibility and comfort is needed.

When we traveled with my elderly in-laws, with a fair amount of luggage, we always opted for private transfer. Our driver not only picked us up from home but also helped with our bags. We didn't have to worry about navigating our group to or from a train station or airport!

You can also choose a smaller or bigger vehicle depending on how many seats and luggage you have. There's a variety of choices, from SUVs and sedans to bigger minibuses and vans.

However, take note that a private transfer won't be as fast as a high-speed train (but faster than a bus). Depending on traffic, it can take from 1 to 2 hours.

Cologne to Dortmund by Taxi

Time: 3/5
Price: 2/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 3/5

The benefits of taking a taxi are similar to those of a private transfer. However, there are some potential downsides.

One major concern is price. Taxi meter fares can rack up depending on the route and traffic, and I don't like worrying about what I'll end up paying.

A couple of times, I've even found myself struggling to even get a cab, which is frustrating when we're traveling on a schedule.

So if I had to choose, I'd still choose private transfer. Every thing is pre-arranged. There's usually better rates, and you don't have to worry about flagging down a taxi or deal with climbing fares.

Rent A Car: Driving from Cologne to Dortmund

Time: 3/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 5/5

If your goal is simply to get from Cologne to Dortmund, you might want to skip the car rental. However, the most enjoyable part of renting a car is the freedom to make spontaneous stops!

Pop by traditional German towns like Schwelm and Ennepetal, or make a detour to visit Monschau, Aachen, or visit the beautiful Burg Eltz... there are countless worthy spots to stop by before landing in Dortmund.

When choosing a car rental company, I suggest finding a trusted website that helps you compare rental options from various companies.

I remember a road trip that quickly turned into a nightmare due to a really bad car rental experience. Basically, the agent informed me that they had overbooked their cars and didn't have the one I had reserved. I was offered a much smaller car, which wasn't big enough for my luggage...

So these days, I only use Discover Cars. They source from highly-rated car rental companies (so you avoid those with a bad reputation) and give you a breakdown of their rental rates and vehicle types. 

And applying for German car insurance through Discover Cars during your booking can save you half of what typical rental companies charge.

How much are Cologne car rentals?

The cost of renting a car in Cologne varies depending on the rental company, type of car, and time of year.

Plan to set aside around €28/day for an economy car with full coverage insurance.

If you've been searching for a rental car in Germany online, you might have seen prices as low as €4. However, these low prices are a bit misleading because they only cover the cost of the car itself.

They don't include things like insurance, taxes, and fees, which can add up. So, to be cautious, expect the total daily cost of the car to be at least €28 or more.

Do I need a Germany car insurance?

Yes, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement for car rentals. This insurance protects you from any liability resulting from property damage, death, or injury caused to anyone or anything outside your car rental in Germany.

Fire insurance is also included in the car rental rate when you book with some rental car companies.

This is also why I always choose Discover Cars for my car rentals because they provide full coverage for around €6.50 per day. For me, it's an easy decision because it gives me peace of mind.

Is it safe to drive from Cologne to Dortmund?

Driving from Cologne to Dortmund is a safe and convenient option for travel.

The route from Cologne to Dortmund provides you with glimpses of Germany's diverse landscapes. It offers a mix of urban areas, countryside, and the scenic Rhine River, making it an interesting and varied journey for those on the road.

There are a few local cafes and restaurants along the way where you can stop for lunch or enjoy a cup of coffee.

By the way, both cities have low emission zones, so it's important to have an environmental badge if you plan on driving in the inner parts of Dortmund or Cologne. [2]

Lastly, make sure to obey traffic rules and drive responsibly!

Cologne to Dortmund by flight

Time: 2/5
Price: 2/5
 Comfort: 3/5

 Convenience: 2/5

While you can take a flight from Cologne to Dortmund, it's not a good choice. That's because many of them are flights that connect via other stops, like Munich.

In fact, the flights take longer than the buses.

Also, the Dortmund and Cologne airports can be far from the cities, and the time you spend getting through the airport can be longer than the actual flight too. Short flights like this can also harm the environment.

To put it simply, you're better off taking the train or driving to Dortmund!

Tips for Traveling from Cologne to Dortmund

Plan ahead and book tickets in advance

Whether you're buying a train ticket or reserving a rental car in Germany, take advantage of the "early bird" deals and discounts that are frequently available. If you want to cut costs, don't delay; make your travel arrangements in advance!

Booking ahead not only puts money back in your pocket but also saves you from the frustration of navigating through busy ticket vending machines at the station.

The idea of standing in line behind fellow travelers, some struggling with the machines, sends shivers down my spine.

Purchase a transportation pass for convenience

With a zone ticket or tourist pass, you can jump on and off trains whenever you want, no need to deal with separate tickets each time. The best part is it lets you be spontaneous and explore different places along the way.

If you're planning to travel from Cologne to Dortmund, as well as other countries in Europe, consider getting a transportation pass like the Eurail Pass. This can save you both time and money by providing unlimited access to trains rides.

Allow extra time for unexpected delays

While German punctuality is impressive... it's always a smart move to build some wiggle room into your schedule, just in case life decides to throw you a curveball.

I used to plan my trips down to the minute, but unexpected train track maintenance or flight delays still managed to throw a wrench into my plans.

As an "experienced" traveler, these days I've learned to allow for some extra time in my itinerary.

Conclusion: Cologne to Dortmund

In conclusion, getting from Cologne to Dortmund is quick and convenient with multiple ways to do it!

If you want the fastest route - book tickets to take an InterCity Express train.

For the cheapest option, take a bus. Book your tickets here.

If you want a more comfortable ride and are carrying lots of luggage - maybe a private transfer suits you more.

If you're planning to make a day trips or a few pitstops along the way - renting a car is your best bet.

No matter what you pick – train, taxi, or renting a car – the trip won't eat up more than an hour. So, there's really no excuse not to go for it. I'd say go ahead and start prepping now!

Related:

• Cologne to Essen: By Train, Bus, Rental Car?
• Cologne to Duisburg: By Train, Boat or Bus?
• Cologne to Bochum: By Train, Bus, Taxi?

FAQs

1. What are the transportation options for getting from Cologne to Dortmund?

You can travel by train, bus or car to get from Cologne to Dortmund.

2. How long does it take to travel from Cologne to Dortmund by train?

The travel time from Cologne to Dortmund is approximately 1-2 hours.

3. Are there direct trains available between Cologne and Dortmund?

Yes, there are direct trains available that connect Cologne and Dortmund.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Cologne to Dortmund by train?

The ticket prices for a one-way journey from Cologne to Dortmund vary depending on the type of train and class you choose. It typically ranges between $10-30.

5. Can I use public transportation like buses within Dortmund after arriving?

Yes, there is an extensive network of buses and trams in Dortmund that you can use for local transportation once you arrive in the city.