The Dortmund Stadtbahn is an important part of the public transport network in Dortmund, a city in the north-west of Germany. This light rail system, which is part of the larger Rhine-Ruhr Stadtbahn network, connects several cities in the region. With a network length of 75 kilometres, the Dortmund Stadtbahn has 8 different lines and 125 stations. These stations are either underground or at street level.
The Stadtbahn has been in operation since 1976 and has been continuously expanded to meet the needs of its users. A ticket for a short journey of about 20 minutes costs 1.60 euros (about 1.87 USD). The network operates from around 3:00 a.m. until between 12:00 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. the following day, with some variations depending on the line.
The Dortmund Metro, also known as the “Stadtbahn” in Germany, does not operate 24 hours a day. Fares for this metro system are based on an honour system and the daily number of passengers is not provided.
The metro does not use driverless trains and does not have platform screen doors. The metro does not have air conditioning. However, passengers are allowed to walk between platforms.
The Dortmund Metro operates from 3:30 am to 12:45 am, Monday through Sunday.
Dortmund Metro Map
Map of Dortmund Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Dortmund Metro map in PDF format.
About Dortmund City
The City’s Profile
Dortmund is the eighth largest city in Germany, with a population of approximately 586,000 as of 2015. It covers an area of 280.71 square kilometres and is located in the Rhineland region of North Westphalia. The Ruhr River lies to the south of the city, although the city itself is crossed by the smaller Emscher River.
Founded as a free imperial city in 882, Dortmund has a rich and varied history. Like many German cities, it suffered considerable damage during the Second World War, with 98% of the city destroyed by bombing.
Dortmund is an important commercial centre and boasts the largest seaport of its kind in Europe, with links to the North Sea. Once a centre of the coal industry in the 20th century, Dortmund, like much of the Rhine-Ruhr region, has been transformed into an environmentally friendly centre with lots of green spaces. The city is also an educational centre, with several universities and polytechnics. Dortmund is also home to Borussia Dortmund, the famous football club and Champions League winner.
Understanding the Dortmund Stadtbahn
The Dortmund Stadtbahn, which translates as ‘suburban railway’, is the city’s main public transport system. This light rail network has evolved from the city’s original tram system, a model that is common in the region and has been replicated in other nearby cities.
Managed by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), the Dortmund tram is part of the larger Rhine-Ruhr tram system. It comprises 125 stations over 75 kilometres, spread over 8 lines.
The rolling stock for the Dortmund Stadtbahn has been produced by various manufacturers, including older models such as the Stadtbahnwagen B (built in 1999), Bombardier’s Flexity Classic and the GT8 and Stadtbahnwagen Typ M/N of the Dortmunder Stadtwerke (DUEWAG). Approximately 130 million passengers use this service each year. The Dortmunder Stadtbahn is operated by DSW21, a municipal transport company affiliated to the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR).
- Name: Stadtbahn.
- Length: 75 kilometers.
- Railway Gauge Size: 1435 mm.
- Number of Lines: 8.
- Number of Stations: 125.
- Maximum Speed: 80 km/h.
- Website: www.bus-und-bahn.de.
- Operator: DSW21, a part of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR).
- Annual Ridership: 130 million.
- Founded: May 15th, 1976.
A Short History of the Dortmund Stadtbahn
Dortmund’s Stadtbahn was conceived when the city joined the Stadtbahngesellschaft Ruhr, an initiative to develop an underground network from the existing tram network. The original plan was to create a triangular network of three lines, similar to the design of the Prague Metro. Like many other German transport systems, the Rhein-Ruhr Stadtbahn was developed from refurbished tram lines.
Construction of the first tunnel for the 401 and 406 lines began on 22 October 1969 and was completed in 1984 in Hörde, south of Dortmund. These trains run between Leopoldstrasse and Westfalenpark stations and are part of Line I. These lines served the tunnel until the opening of the railway in the centre of Dortmund, which connected the regions.
The Schnellstrassenbahn, an express tramway now part of the U42 line, was introduced in 1976 and marked the beginning of the current tram system. The network continued to expand, with the creation of a new main line, Stammstrecke III, in 2008, allowing trains to run from east to west. These lines were eventually merged into the Dortmund Stadtbahn, which is still expanding today.
Lines and Stations of the Dortmund Stadtbahn
Dortmund’s tram system, with 125 stations, operates on 8 separate lines. The system is divided into three main lines, or ‘trunk lines’. The first, Stammstrecke I, was opened in 1983 and connects the city on a north-south axis. The next, Line II, was inaugurated in 1976 and runs from the south-west to the north-east of the city. Finally, Line III, inaugurated in 2008, completes the network. Of the total number of stations, 24 are underground, most of them in the city centre, while the rest are on the surface. The lines of the Dortmund Stadtbahn are as follows
U41
The U41 line, which is part of Line I, has 28 stations, 12 of which are underground. Starting in the north of the city at Lünen, this line crosses Dortmund from north to south, ending at the southern station Clarenberg. A journey on this line, which can be recognised by its yellow colour, takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
U42
This line, recognisable by its orange colour, also has 28 stations. However, only 8 of these are regular underground stations. The U42 line starts at Greven in the north-east and ends at Grotenbachstrasse in the south of the city. Originally part of the S-Bahn system, it is now integrated into the Main Line II.
U43
One of the newest additions to the Stadtbahn network, the U43 line on Line III connects the city from east to west. It starts at Dorstfeld Betriebshof station and ends at Dortmund-Wickede and Wickede Post stations. This line, distinguished by its turquoise colour, has a total of 34 stations, five of which are underground.
U44
Like the U43, the U44 is a recent addition to the system and is part of the Stammstrecke III. It starts further west at the Walbertstraße/Schulmuseum station and crosses the northern junction before reaching Westfalenhütte station. In total, this light blue line has 19 stations, four of which are underground.
U45
The red U45 line, part of Line I, starts in Dortmund city centre and ends in the south, between Fredenbaun and Westfalenhallen stations. This line is smaller than others in the system, with 13 stations, 7 of which are underground.
U46
The purple U46 line of the Dortmund Stadtbahn has a unique feature – all of its 7 stations are underground. It runs parallel to the U45 line, starting in the north of the city and ending in the south. This line includes all five stations between Brunnenstraße and Westfalenhallen and is part of Line II.
U47
The U47 line, distinguished by its green colour, is a major line within the Stadtbahn, with 27 stations, 8 of which are underground. This line starts at Dortmund-Westerfilde station in the north-west and continues south-east to Aplerbeck station. The U47 is part of line I.
U49
One of the smaller lines of the Dortmund Metro, the U49 has 11 stations. Identified by its pink colour, this line runs from north to south within the centre of Dortmund, starting at Hafen and ending at Hacheney. Of its stations, 8 are underground and the line is part of the main line I.
Connections to Other Systems
Dortmund’s complex road network requires a variety of transport systems to ensure efficient commuting. While the tram is the primary mode of transport, it is complemented by other transit options. In Germany, many underground, tram and streetcar systems connect to a suburban rail system (S-Bahn), and the Rhine-Ruhr region is no exception. The Dortmund Stadtbahn connects to the S-Bahn system in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
Four S-Bahn lines connect to Dortmund, many of which are integrated with the Stadtbahn. From Dortmund’s main railway station, the Hauptbahnhof, the U41, U45, U47 and U49 suburban railway lines connect with the S1, S2 and S5 suburban railway lines. The S4 line has extensive connections to the suburban railway network, providing connections to Dortmund-Wickede station (U43), Dortmund Stadthaus (U41, U45, U47 and U49) and Dortmund Möllerbrücke (U42).
The bus network, also operated by DSW21 and integrated with the metro, is an important complement to the Dortmund metro. This network covers 852.1 kilometres and includes 75 lines with an estimated 125 million passengers per year. Most bus stations are directly connected to the tram stations. Another unique transport system in Dortmund is the H-Bahn, a suspended monorail connecting the two campuses of the University of Dortmund. There is no direct connection between the Stadtbahn and the H-Bahn, but the H-Bahn can be reached by the S-Bahn.
Finally, Dortmund’s railway system is one of the most important in Germany due to its high usage. Dortmund Central Station is the third busiest station in the country, with a remarkable 41 million people passing through the city’s stations each year. Trains to the Netherlands and Belgium depart from this central station. It is also the heart of Dortmund’s suburban railway system.
Access to the Airport
The city of Dortmund is home to an airport that serves a significant part of the Rhine-Ruhr region. Although its importance has declined over time, low-cost airlines have rejuvenated the airport, turning it into a secondary hub for the city. Passengers must use a bus service to connect with the city’s tram network. An express service, known as AirportExpress, provides a direct 22-minute connection to Dortmund’s main railway station, where passengers can transfer to the underground. Alternatively, passengers can take the 440 bus, which connects to the U47 underground line.
Another major airport in the region offering international flights is Düsseldorf International Airport. As the third busiest airport in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich, it has a number of train stations. To reach the Dortmund Stadtbahn, passengers can take the S1 line from the airport S-Bahn to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, where there is a connection to the Stadtbahn.
Operating Hours and Schedules
The Dortmund Metro operates for a long period each day. Service generally starts at around 3:00am and continues after midnight until 1:15am the following day. During these hours, the metro is replaced by night bus services.
Specifically, on weekdays the U41 line starts at 3:10am with the first train departing from Stadtgarten. On Saturdays, the first train leaves Stadtgarten at 4:01, while on Sundays the service starts at 7:18. The service ends on all days with the arrival of the last train at Stadthaus station at 12:59. The frequency of trains on this line is between 10 and 20 minutes most of the day, increasing to between 15 and 30 minutes on Sundays.
As for the U42, on weekdays the first train departs from Reinoldikirche at 3:55. On Saturdays, the first train leaves at 4:49, and on Sundays it leaves at 7:18. The last trains arrive at Stadtgarten station at 12:51 every day. The frequency of the trains varies, but usually averages 10 minutes in the afternoon and 15 minutes on Sundays.
The U43 line leaves Dortmund Dorstfeld station at 3:01 on weekdays. On Saturdays it starts at 4:28 and on Sundays at 7:13. The last train arrives at Dortmund-Wickede station at 12:25. The frequency of the trains varies throughout the day, with 20-minute intervals in the early morning, reducing to 10-minute intervals for most of the day and increasing to 15-minute intervals towards the end of the day.
The U44 leaves Dorstfeld Betriebshof station at 3:45 on most days and at 4:54 on Saturdays. On Sundays, the U44 leaves Westentor station at 7:46. Daily service ends at Kampstraße station at 12:34. Trains run every 10 minutes on weekdays, and every 15 minutes at night. On Saturdays and Sundays the frequency varies between 10 and 15 minutes.
The U45 line starts at 4:03 a.m. on weekdays at Hauptbahnhof and ends at 1:03 a.m. the next day at Stadtgarten. On Saturdays, the U45 leaves Hauptbahnhof at 5:13 and ends at Stadtgarten at 1:17. On Sundays, it leaves Hauptbahnhof at 8:13 and ends at Stadtgarten at 1:10. During the week, trains on this line run every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes at off-peak times. At weekends, the frequency remains at 15 minutes and increases to 30 minutes at night.
The purple line U46 leaves Dortmund Brunnenstraße station at 4:27 on weekdays. On Saturdays the U46 starts at 5:24, and on Sundays it starts at 8:09. The service ends at Westfalenhallen station at 12:01 every day. On weekdays, trains run every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes at off-peak times. On Saturdays, the frequency varies between 10 and 15 minutes, rising to 30 minutes at the end of the day, similar to Sundays.
Finally, the U47 line starts at 3:45 a.m. on weekdays at Hafen station. On Saturdays the U47 starts at 5:01, while on Sundays it starts at 7:16. Daily service ends with the last train leaving Märkische Straße station at 12:42. On weekdays, trains on this line run every 10 minutes in the morning, increasing to every 15 minutes in the afternoon. On Saturdays and Sundays, trains run every 15 minutes, increasing to every 30 minutes at night.
Finally, the U49 line starts at 4:15 on weekdays from the main railway station. On Saturdays, the U49 starts at 5:37 and on Sundays at 8:07. The last train leaves Hacheney station every day at 23:48. The frequency of the trains starts at 20 minutes on weekdays, changes to 10 minutes for most of the day and increases to 15 minutes at the end of the night. On Saturdays, the frequency varies between 10 and 15 minutes, increasing to 30 minutes at the end of the day. On Sundays the frequency varies between 15 and 30 minutes.
Fares, Tickets, and Cards
The Dortmund Stadtbahn operates under the same fare structure as all the other systems overseen by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), the transport authority for the Rhine-Ruhr region. Fares are calculated according to the distance travelled, with four fare zones: A, B, C and D. Zone A is further subdivided into A1, A2 and A3, with each subdivision corresponding to regions of different population size.
Occasional travellers can purchase a single ticket. This ticket costs 1.60 euros ($1.87) for short distances, rising to 2.70 euros ($3.15) for zone A, 5.80 euros ($6.77) for zone B, 12.10 euros ($14.11) for zone C and 15 euros ($17.50) for zone D. Children have a fixed fare of 1.60 euros ($1.87).
Four-trip tickets are also available. These tickets cost €5.90 ($6.88) for short trips. The cost for each zone is 10 euros ($11.67) for zone A, 20.90 euros ($24.38) for zone B, 42.80 euros ($49.93) for zone C and 52.90 euros ($61.24) for zone D. Children also have a fixed fare of 5.90 euros ($6.88). Ten-ride tickets are also available, costing 13.60 euros ($15.86) for short journeys and 22 euros ($25.66) for Zone A, 44 euros ($51.33) for Zone B, 88 euros ($102.65) for Zone C and 100 euros ($116.65) for Zone D.
Unlimited day passes are available for individuals or groups. For individuals, the pass costs 6.80 euros ($7.93 USD) for Zone A, 13.90 euros ($16.21 USD) for Zone B, 23.60 euros ($27.53 USD) for Zone C and 28.40 euros ($33.13 USD) for Zone D. Seven-day passes are also available, costing 21. 90 ($25.55 USD) for Zone A1, 26.65 ($31.09 USD) for Zone A2, 27.65 ($32.25 USD) for Zone A3, 40.40 ($47.13 USD) for Zone B, 53.15 ($62 USD) for Zone C and 67.70 ($78.86 USD) for Zone D.
Monthly unlimited travel passes such as Ticket1000 and Ticket2000 are popular with daily commuters. The latter offers additional benefits, including the ability to travel with another person at certain times, travel with children under the age of 15 or bring a bicycle on board. A cheaper version of these tickets, valid from 9:00 am, is also available.
Certain demographic groups are entitled to special fares. These include students under 25 with the SchokoTicket, young people with the YoungTicket, employees of companies that promote the use of public transport with the FirmenTicket, people on low incomes with the MeinTicket and senior citizens over 60 with the BärenTicket.
Future Expansions
In 2008, the city of Dortmund adopted a rail development plan with three priority levels. Most of the objectives in this plan have been achieved, so a new development plan will be adopted in 2012, again with three priority levels. The first level includes extensions in the planning or construction phase, while the second level consists of new projects. One such project is the extension of the U49 from Hacheney to Wellinghofen. Finally, the third level includes projects such as the extension of the U44 towards Westfalenhütte or the connection at Dortmund Airport.
Tips
- Most rail vehicles in Germany do not have turnstiles for boarding. However, it is essential to purchase your ticket as inspectors can ask to see it at any time during your journey.
- In order to travel efficiently, it is useful to study the different transport options available in the Rhine-Ruhr region. The S-Bahn, for example, allows easy travel between many cities.
- It is advisable to calculate your fare in advance or to find out the cheapest ticket.
Fun Facts
- The Dortmunder Stadtbahn shares its fare system with all the transport systems in the Rhine-Ruhr region managed by the VRR.
- Its trains are painted white and red.
- It’s easy to get to nearby cities and regions thanks to the extensive underground network.
Nearby Attractions
Although Dortmund and the whole of the Rhine-Ruhr region were once industrial centres, mainly due to the coal industry, the region has become a major tourist destination following the decline of the coal industry. An impressive amount of green space has been developed and the region’s rivers have become an integral part of its geography. Some of the places accessible by the Dortmund Stadtbahn include
- Westfalenstadion: Home of Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s leading football clubs. All home games are played here, making it a major attraction. Get off the U45 at Stadion and walk west.
- Westfalenpark: Get off the U45 or U49 at the station of the same name to find this tranquil park, which offers large green spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy all year round.
- German Football Museum: As well as the stadium, this museum offers football fans a chance to immerse themselves in the history of the sport. It can be reached from several nearby stations: Westentor (U43 and U44), Kampstrasse (U41, U43, U44, U45, U47 and U49) and Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (U41, U45, U47 and U49).