.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden
Showing times and prices for May 17
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€111
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 54 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
475 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dresden will cost around €111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Fast trains
Of the 29 trains that leave Cologne for Dresden on Sun, May 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 5 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest trains will take 6 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 1541 · RJX 25111:27 PM8h40Cologne Hbf8:07 AMDresden Hbf€201One-way1 transfer- ICE 619 · ICE 698 · IC 244911:54 PM8h45Cologne Hbf8:39 AMDresden Hbf€201One-way2 transfers
- IC 60403 · ICE 698 · IC 244911:42 PM8h57Cologne Hbf8:39 AMDresden Hbf€201One-way2 transfers
- ICE 617 · IC 60409 · 165039:54 PM8h43Cologne Hbf6:37 AMDresden Hbf€381One-way2 transfers
- ICE 617 · EC 4599:54 PM9h12Cologne Hbf7:06 AMDresden Hbf€381One-way1 transfer
- ICE 219 · ICE 15599:58 AM5h45Cologne Messe/Deutz3:43 PMDresden Hbf€2021One-way1 transfer
- ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 204912:45 PM5h53Cologne Messe/Deutz6:38 PMDresden Hbf€2021One-way2 transfers
- ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 24438:45 AM5h53Cologne Messe/Deutz2:38 PMDresden Hbf€2021One-way2 transfers
- ICE 629 · ICE 16531:45 PM6h00Cologne Messe/Deutz7:45 PMDresden Hbf€1501One-way1 transfer
- ICE 727 · ICE 16575:45 PM6h00Cologne Messe/Deutz11:45 PMDresden Hbf€701One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Dresden
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a flight costs an average of €276.
Distance: 475 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest | €474 Average price |
7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Dresden train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixTrain+FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 10h21 | 2:35 AM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h21 | 1:35 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, May 17 | |||||
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h26 | 5:40 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h11 | 5:25 PM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 11 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 8:19 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h19 | 2:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 545 · RJ 383 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h42 | 3:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 2:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 847 · IC 2441 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h12 | 4:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 219 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h45 | 3:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h21 | 9:35 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 549 · ECE 385 | On time 12:26 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h41 | 7:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1517 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 12:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 6:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 6:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 941 · IC 2047 | 1:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h13 | 8:40 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 153 · ICE 1653 | On time 1:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h17 | 7:45 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 629 · ICE 1653 | On time 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h00 | 7:45 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Dresden by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sat
May 16
May 16
Sun
May 17
May 17
Mon
May 18
May 18
Tue
May 19
May 19
Wed
May 20
May 20
Thu
May 21
May 21
Fri
May 22
May 22
Sat
May 23
May 23
Sun
May 24
May 24
Mon
May 25
May 25
Tue
May 26
May 26
Wed
May 27
May 27
Thu
May 28
May 28
Fri
May 29
May 29
Sat
May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Jun 05
Why should you book Cologne to Dresden trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Dresden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Dresden.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Dresden.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Dresden.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Dresden.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Dresden?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Dresden is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Dresden route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Dresden per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Dresden.
Trains
from €21Buses
from €22Flights
from €162Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 6h 46m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €25
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 6h 46m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €25
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from €25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 59m
Cheapest Price
€46
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 46m
Cheapest Price
€33
FlixTrain frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 58m
Cheapest Price
€85
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
7 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Dresden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dresden by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dresden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Dresden can start from as little as €33 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Dresden is €61; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cologne to Dresden is 6h 46m to travel the 475 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Cologne to Dresden with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Dresden, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Dresden. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Dresden and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Dresden from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Dresden is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Dresden including taking a bus, train, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Dresden
Cologne
Dresden
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Dresden.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Dresden is Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dresden Hauptbahnhof for your journey to Dresden from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
Dining
- Burger King
- asiagourmet
- dean&david
- Hot Dog King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- BABA Döner
- Marché
- backWERK
- Ditsch
- & more
Accessibility
- Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Hotel Kipping
- Pullman Dresden Newa
- IntercityHotel Dresden
Information Desk
- Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
Dresden-Neustadt
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Thursday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Friday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 07:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- ElbUferei
- Raskolnikoff
- Byblos
- Kantine No. 2
Hotel
- Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
- Rothenburger Hof
- Mezcalero
- Villa Romantika
Dresden Mitte
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Italienisches Dörfchen
- BrennNessel
- Kahnaletto
- Cafe Friedrichstadt
Hotel
- Elbflorenz
- Penck Hotel
- Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Artis
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Dresden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dresden and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Dresden
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
