How much is the train ticket from Dortmund to Essen?

The cheapest train tickets from Dortmund to Essen start from $6. The average price for this train route is around $17. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Dortmund to Essen?

The average train ride duration from Dortmund to Essen is 23m, covering a distance of 20 miles (32 km). The quickest train can get you there in 16m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn .

Which train operators service the Dortmund to Essen route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 8 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE , FlixTrain , Deutsche Bahn , Deutsche Bahn EuroCity , FlixBus .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Dortmund to Essen?

The earliest train departs from Dortmund to Essen at 6:10am. And the latest train departs at 8:27pm.

What is the best train operator from Dortmund to Essen?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity , with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 reviews.

Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Dortmund to Essen?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn EuroCity has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

Which train operator has the most timely service from Dortmund to Essen?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity , with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Dortmund to Essen?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity , with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Train Dortmund to Essen from $9 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Dortmund to Essen on January 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	1:13pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	1:37pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags

Next departures for Dortmund to Essen on January 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	1:13pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	1:37pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags

Next departures for Dortmund to Essen on January 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:15pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	25m	6:40pm	Essen Central Train Station	Cheapest
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	Fastest
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	1:13pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	1:37pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	1:13pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	1:37pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags

Next departures for Dortmund to Essen on January 25
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	12:14pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	12:38pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Train	1:13pm	Hbf Bus Stop - Dortmund	24m	1:37pm	Essen Central Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Tuesday at 5:13 AM CET.

Compare 3 ways to go from Dortmund to Essen

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as the good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $3, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

10carpool per day

40mAverage Duration

20 milesDistance

1kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$6 - $8	Average Duration55m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$6 - $39	Average Duration23m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$3 - $7	Average Duration40m	CO₂ emissions 1kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Dortmund and Essen?

Dortmund

A
Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
Brinkhoffstraße 33, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
Visit page

Essen

A
HBF
Am Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page
B
Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit
Freiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page

Train Companies

Deutsche Bahn ICE

3.5/513 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

FlixTrain

3/522 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.2

Wifi1.8

Deutsche Bahn

4/58 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3

Cleanliness3.8

Wifi3.2

Deutsche Bahn EuroCity

5/51 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

FlixBus

3.5/512,134 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

DE train companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, Deutsche Bahn ICE, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Dortmund to Essen by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Dortmund to Essen?
The cheapest train tickets from Dortmund to Essen start from $6. The average price for this train route is around $17. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Dortmund to Essen?
The average train ride duration from Dortmund to Essen is 23m, covering a distance of 20 miles (32 km). The quickest train can get you there in 16m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn.
Which train operators service the Dortmund to Essen route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 8 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Dortmund to Essen?
The earliest train departs from Dortmund to Essen at 6:10am. And the latest train departs at 8:27pm.
What is the best train operator from Dortmund to Essen?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 reviews.
Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Dortmund to Essen?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn EuroCity has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator has the most timely service from Dortmund to Essen?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Dortmund to Essen?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn EuroCity, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01/20

$9

01/21

$16

Today

$22

01/23

$22

01/24

$16

01/25

$16

01/26

$11

01/27

$16

The cheapest trip from Dortmund to Essen was searched and found on Jan 20, 2026 with a price of $9

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Dortmund to Essen, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $9 to $42 for a train ticket from Dortmund to Essen based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $11 which is on 2026-01-26.