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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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About the train journey from Kiel to Dortmund
Want to travel from Kiel to Dortmund by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Kiel to Dortmund usually takes 4 hours 42 minutes on average to travel 358 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 55 minutes. You can expect to find 31 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Dortmund, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You can choose to travel with ICE or DB to get to Dortmund – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Kiel to Dortmund in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Dortmund, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Kiel to Dortmund by train
| First train | 3:14 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:05 pm | |
| Departure station | Kiel | |
| Arrival station | Dortmund | |
| Journey time | From 3h 55m | |
| Distance | 223 miles (358 km) | |
| Frequency | 31 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Kiel to Dortmund
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Kiel to Dortmund
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Kiel to Dortmund.
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Kiel to Dortmund.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Kiel to Dortmund
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Kiel to Dortmund by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Kiel to Dortmund
Want to know more about your journey from Kiel to Dortmund? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Kiel to Dortmund take?
The average journey time by train between Kiel and Dortmund is 4 hours and 42 minutes, with around 31 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Kiel and Dortmund by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Kiel to Dortmund is 3 hours and 55 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Kiel to Dortmund?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Kiel to Dortmund without having to change trains. There are 2 direct trains from Kiel to Dortmund each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Kiel to Dortmund leave?
The first train from Kiel to Dortmund leaves at 03:14. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Kiel to Dortmund leave?
The last train from Kiel to Dortmund leaves at 22:05. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Kiel and Dortmund by train?
Trains travelling from Kiel to Dortmund cover a distance of around 223 miles (358 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Dortmund to Kiel.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.