The cheapest and fastest trains from Dresden to Cologne
Cheapest price
€31
Average price
€83
Fastest journey
6 h 42 m
Average duration
7 h
Trains per day
36
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dresden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden to Cologne will cost around €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
It's difficult to get from Dresden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 2448 · ICE 699 · IC 6040207:22PM10h35Dresden Hbf05:57AMCologne Hbf€311One-way2 transfers
IC 2446+
95838+
89996 · ICE 92105:22PM9h44Dresden Hbf03:06AMCologne Hbf€311One-way3 transfers
FlixBus+
FlixTrain04:15AM9h26Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)01:41PMCologne Hbf€351One-way1 transfer
FlixBus+
FlixTrain03:30AM10h11Dresden, Bf Neustadt01:41PMCologne Hbf€351One-way1 transfer
IC 2248 · S5 · ICE 699 · IC 6040208:22PM9h35Dresden Hbf05:57AMCologne Hbf€421One-way3 transfers
RJ 178 · ICE 54810:53AM6h42Dresden Hbf05:35PMCologne Hbf€1101One-way1 transfer
ICE 1746 · ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 122808:19AM6h46Dresden Hbf03:05PMCologne Hbf€921One-way4 transfers
ICE 1746 · ICE 597 · ICE 72008:19AM6h55Dresden Hbf03:14PMCologne Messe/Deutz€1101One-way2 transfers
ICE 1746 · ICE 597 · ICE 151608:19AM7h14Dresden Hbf03:33PMCologne Hbf€1101One-way2 transfers
RJ 176 · ICE 154202:53PM7h21Dresden Hbf10:14PMCologne Hbf€771One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Dresden to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dresden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 52m. 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 €26, and a flight costs an average of €322.
Distance: 475 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price | €41 Average price Cheapest | €460 Average price |
7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 34m Average total duration 8h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Dresden to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne trains for today, Monday, March 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:30 AM Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 10h11 | 11:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 2:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h26 | 11:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 3:59 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h42 | 11:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:06 AM Dresden-Neustadt station | 7h35 | 11:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h28 | 3:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 6:19 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h14 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 505 · 4616 · ICE 1228 | On time 6:19 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h46 | 1:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 611 | On time 6:19 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h29 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 6:19 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h55 | 1:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dresden to Cologne 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.
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Why should you book Dresden to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 to find the best option for your trip from Dresden to Cologne.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dresden to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Dresden to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Dresden to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dresden to Cologne
Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €26 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 5h 56m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 7h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Dresden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Dresden and Cologne from €26. 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
FAQs: Trains from Dresden to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dresden to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Dresden to Cologne
- 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.
- 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
- Italienisches Dörfchen
- BrennNessel
- Kahnaletto
- Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Elbflorenz
- Penck Hotel
- Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Artis
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Dresden
More options for your journey from Dresden to Cologne
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