Dortmund is a dynamic metropolis in the west of Germany, where the rich industrial heritage of the Ruhr region harmoniously intertwines with modern green parks and a major football culture. When planning a visit to Dortmund, you will discover that this city possesses excellent transport accessibility and serves as a vital hub for travellers.
The question of how to get to Dortmund is easily resolved: high-speed motorways, an extensive railway network, and air routes all lead here. Regardless of whether you choose a plane, train, or bus, the journey to this vibrant German city promises to be comfortable.
By Plane
The fastest way to reach the centre of the Ruhr region is by air. Travellers can fly directly to Dortmund Airport (DTM), which serves over three million passengers annually and is located in the eastern part of the city. This aviation hub is well connected to the main districts, allowing you to minimise transfer time after landing.
If there are no direct flights to the local airport, tourists often choose to fly into major international hubs in neighbouring cities, from where it is easy to reach the destination thanks to the developed transport network of Germany. Dortmund Airport specialises in low-cost carriers and charter flights, making travel accessible.
Rail transport in this part of Europe is renowned for its efficiency, so travelling by train is an excellent choice for tourists. The main gateway to the city is Dortmund Main Station, which welcomes both high-speed international express trains and regional commuter trains.
Getting here by rail is very convenient from neighbouring major centres: for example, the journey from the city of Essen (31 km) takes very little time. Regular connections are also established with the cities of Remscheid and Ratingen, allowing you to easily plan complex routes across Germany with convenient transfers.
Intercity buses remain a budget-friendly and sufficiently comfortable way to reach your destination. Regular routes connect Dortmund with the city of Essen: the distance is about 36 km, and the travel time takes less than an hour, making this route very popular among locals and tourists.
If you are departing from the city of Ratingen, expect to spend approximately 1.6 hours on the road (76 km). For those travelling from the city of Remscheid, the trip will be longer — about 2.8 hours, providing an opportunity to leisurely enjoy the urban scenery outside the window.
Travelling by car offers the freedom of movement and the opportunity to independently set your schedule on high-quality roads. You can get from the city of Essen in just 35–40 minutes, covering a distance of about 37.5 km via the autobahns.
Motorists driving from the city of Remscheid will spend approximately 40-45 minutes on the road (53 km). The route from the city of Ratingen is also convenient: a journey of nearly 59 km will take just under an hour, provided there are no serious traffic jams during peak hours.
To ensure your stay in Dortmund is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth familiarising yourself with local features in advance. This industrial giant of Germany is very hospitable, but as with any journey, preparation matters.
Clothing and Weather. The climate here is temperate but changeable. Even in summer, it is useful to have a light windbreaker or umbrella, and for long walks in the parks, choose the most comfortable shoes.
Transport. The city is part of the VRR transport association. It is more economical to buy day passes (Tagesticket), which are valid on the metro (U-Bahn), buses, and trams.
Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Cards are accepted in most supermarkets and restaurants, but in small kiosks (Büdchen) or bakeries, cash is often requested, so keep small denominations handy.
Health and Safety. Dortmund is a safe city, but one should keep an eye on belongings at the station and in crowded places. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are easily found by the red letter "A".
Communication. Locals speak German, but English is well understood in tourist spots and hotels. A simple greeting like "Hallo" or "Guten Tag" will always set a positive tone with your interlocutor.
Local Etiquette. Germans value punctuality and order. Upon entering a shop, it is customary to greet the shopkeeper, and on escalators, stand on the right to let those in a hurry pass on the left.
What to Avoid. Be attentive and do not walk on paths marked in red or with special markings — these are exclusively for cyclists, who ride quickly here.
Football Match Days. If the local team "Borussia" is playing, the city is painted in black and yellow colours, and transport and cafes are overcrowded. Take this into account when planning movements around the centre.
Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and secure. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Ruhr region, try the local cuisine, and discover new facets of Dortmund!