Quick Overview
20-30 min
Journey Time
€8.60
Single Ticket
Every 20 min
Frequency
From Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, explore Germany using German trains.Book via DB Navigator.
Step-by-Step Directions
Exit Arrivals Hall
After collecting your luggage, follow signs for “Bus” or “AirportExpress”.Exit the terminal building.
Find the AirportExpress Bus Stop
The bus stop is directly outside the terminal, clearly marked with “AirportExpress” signs.Look for yellow buses.
Buy Your Ticket
Option 1: Buy from the driver (cash or card)
Option 2: Download DSW21 app for mobile tickets
Board the Bus
Buses run every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes in the evening.Check timetable at the bus stop.
Arrive at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
The final stop is Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (main train station).Journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Ticket Options & Prices
Single Ticket
One-way from airport to city center
- • Valid for one journey
- • Buy from driver or DSW21 app
- • Valid for 90 minutes
€8.60
Return Ticket
Round trip between airport and city
- • Valid for both directions
- • Slightly cheaper than two singles
- • No expiration date
€15.00
Deutschland-Ticket
Unlimited travel on all regional transport
- • Includes AirportExpress bus
- • All buses, trams, S-Bahn in Germany
- • Monthly subscription
€63/mo
Bus Schedule
From Airport → City
- 🕐 Mon-Fri: 05:00 - 00:00 (every 20 min)
- 🕐 Sat: 05:00 - 00:00 (every 20 min)
- 🕐 Sun: 06:00 - 00:00 (every 20-30 min)
- 🕐 Night service: Limited (check schedule)
From City → Airport
- 🕐 Mon-Fri: 04:00 - 23:00 (every 20 min)
- 🕐 Sat: 04:00 - 23:00 (every 20 min)
- 🕐 Sun: 05:00 - 23:00 (every 20-30 min)
- 🕐 Peak times: May run more frequently
Important: Schedules align with flight times but always check current timetables at dsw21.de or on the DSW21 app.
Connecting to Other Cities
From Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, you can reach major cities across Germany:
Major Connections:
- 🚄 Cologne: 1h 15min (ICE/IC)
- 🚄 Düsseldorf: 30-40min (RE/IC)
- 🚄 Hamburg: 3h 30min (ICE)
- 🚄 Berlin: 4h 30min (ICE)
- 🚄 Munich: 5h 30min (ICE)
Regional Connections:
- 🚂 Essen: 30min (RE)
- 🚂 Bochum: 20min (S-Bahn)
- 🚂 Münster: 40min (RE)
- 🚂 Paderborn: 1h (RE)
Pro Tips
Download DSW21 App
Buy tickets in advance, check real-time schedules, and save time at the airport.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can delay the bus.For departing flights, add 15-20 minutes buffer to your journey time.
Deutschland-Ticket Covers It
If you’re traveling around Germany, the €63 Deutschland-Ticket includes the AirportExpress and all regional transport.
Luggage Space
Buses have luggage racks.Arrive early during peak times to secure space for large suitcases.
Alternative: Taxi or Uber
Taxi:
- 💶 €30-40 to city center
- ⏱️ 15-20 minutes
- 🚕 Available at terminal exit
When to Consider:
- • Late night arrivals (limited bus service)
- • Groups of 3-4 (split cost)
- • Heavy luggage
Book Your Onward Journey
Find and book train tickets from Dortmund to your destination!