4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€55
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 11 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
475 km
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 €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cologne for Dresden on Thu, Jan 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 01 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 6 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jan 01 the slowest trains will take 6 h 42 m 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 545 · RJ 383ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443ICE 2507 · IC 2179ICE 11 · ICE 692 · IC 2443
FlixTrainICE 219 · ICE 1559ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443ICE 121 · ICE 1559ICE 11 · ICE 692 · IC 2443ICE 545 · RJ 383
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 €23. 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 €23, and a flight costs an average of €406.
Distance: 475 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€84 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €433 Average price |
7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m 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, Wednesday, December 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h26 | 8:40 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h16 | 8:30 PM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 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 train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Jan 16
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 20
Jan 21
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Dresden?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 13 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €23 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 5h 44m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 7h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from €23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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.
When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Cologne Hbf and Cologne Messe/Deutz. When arriving in Dresden, you can end your route in train stations like Dresden Hbf and Dresden-Neustadt station.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Dresden Hbf, located 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Dresden
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
- Burger King
- asiagourmet
- dean&david
- Hot Dog King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- BABA Döner
- Marché
- backWERK
- Ditsch
- & more
- Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Kipping
- Pullman Dresden Newa
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
- ElbUferei
- Raskolnikoff
- Byblos
- Kantine No. 2
- Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
- Rothenburger Hof
- Mezcalero
- Villa Romantika
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Italienisches Dörfchen
- BrennNessel
- Kahnaletto
- Cafe Friedrichstadt
- 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.
