Dresden to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Fri, May 15
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dresden to Cologne

Showing times and prices for May 15

Cheapest price

€40

Average price

€70

Fastest journey

5 h 30 m

Average duration

5 h 48 m

Trains per day

33

Distance

475 km

Cheap tickets

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 €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.

Fast trains

Of the 33 trains that leave Dresden for Cologne on Fri, May 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 5 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .

On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 52 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.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2446 · ICE 695 · ICE 524
    5:22 PM6h17
    Dresden Hbf
    11:39 PMCologne Hbf
    401One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1556 · ICE 620
    2:11 PM6h03
    Dresden Hbf
    8:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz
    481One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 693 · ICE 528
    3:22 PM5h52
    Dresden Hbf
    9:14 PMCologne Messe/Deutz
    481One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 693 · ICE 318
    3:22 PM6h17
    Dresden Hbf
    9:39 PMCologne Hbf
    481One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2174 · ICE 844
    3:35 PM7h20
    Dresden Hbf
    10:55 PMCologne Hbf
    481One-way
    1 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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 33m. 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 €322.

Distance: 475 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€63

Average price

€40

Average price

Cheapest

€469

Average price

7h 31m

Average total duration

7h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 33m

Average total duration

8h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 33m

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, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 892 · ICE 154
On time
8:11 AM Dresden Hbf
6h32
2:43 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 892 · ICE 722
On time
8:11 AM Dresden Hbf
6h03
2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain8:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
9h28
5:43 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 154
On time
8:44 AM Dresden Hbf
5h59
2:43 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 722
On time
8:44 AM Dresden Hbf
5h30
2:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnRJ 384 · ICE 640
On time
8:53 AM Dresden Hbf
6h41
3:34 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2048 · ICE 940
On time
9:22 AM Dresden Hbf
7h11
4:33 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516
On time
9:22 AM Dresden Hbf
6h11
3:33 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720
On time
9:22 AM Dresden Hbf
5h52
3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnS1 · IC 2270 · ICE 940
On time
9:30 AM Dresden Hbf
7h03
4:33 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1650 · ICE 152
On time
10:11 AM Dresden Hbf
6h32
4:43 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1650 · ICE 628
On time
10:11 AM Dresden Hbf
6h03
4:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRJ 178 · ICE 548
On time
10:53 AM Dresden Hbf
6h42
5:35 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 626
On time
11:22 AM Dresden Hbf
5h52
5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 1514
On time
11:22 AM Dresden Hbf
6h11
5:33 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2178 · ICE 848
On time
11:35 AM Dresden Hbf
6h58
6:33 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1558 · ICE 624
On time
12:11 PM Dresden Hbf
6h03
6:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1558 · ICE 1714
On time
12:11 PM Dresden Hbf
6h14
6:25 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain12:15 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
9h25
9:40 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRJ 382 · ICE 546
On time
12:53 PM Dresden Hbf
6h42
7:35 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2442 · ICE 691 · ICE 1512
On time
1:22 PM Dresden Hbf
6h11
7:33 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2442 · ICE 691 · ICE 622
On time
1:22 PM Dresden Hbf
5h52
7:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2176 · ICE 846
On time
1:35 PM Dresden Hbf
6h57
8:32 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1556 · ICE 1252
On time
2:11 PM Dresden Hbf
6h32
8:43 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1556 · ICE 620
On time
2:11 PM Dresden Hbf
6h03
8:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRJ 176 · ICE 544
On time
2:53 PM Dresden Hbf
6h42
9:35 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 693 · ICE 318
On time
3:22 PM Dresden Hbf
6h17
9:39 PM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2444 · ICE 693 · ICE 528
On time
3:22 PM Dresden Hbf
5h52
9:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2448 · ICE 697 · 4551 · IC 60402
On time
7:22 PM Dresden Hbf
10h35
5:57 AM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn16534 · ICE 699 · ICE 6189:12 PM Dresden Hbf
8h52
6:04 AM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn16534 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540
On time
9:12 PM Dresden Hbf
9h00
6:12 AM Cologne Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn16536 · S5 · 16342 · 80340
On time
10:12 PM Dresden Hbf
11h21
9:33 AM Cologne Hbf
4 transfers
Deutsche Bahn16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 822
On time
11:12 PM Dresden Hbf
10h02
9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 1022
On time
11:12 PM Dresden Hbf
10h54
10:06 AM Cologne Hbf
2 transfers
Friday, May 15
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain4:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
9h26
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
FlixTrainFlixTrain6:53 AM Dresden Hbf
6h48
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain7:00 AM Dresden-Neustadt station
6h41
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf0 transfersDirect

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?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Dresden to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dresden to Cologne.

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 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?

The best time to book your train from Dresden to Cologne is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Dresden to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Dresden to Cologne 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 Dresden to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Dresden to Cologne

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.

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 6h 11m.

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
Distance
475 km
Average train duration
7h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
€11
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
6h 11m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
21 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Dresden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Dresden and Cologne from €11. 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 11m
Cheapest Price
€29
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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.
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.
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.
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 41m
Cheapest Price
€11
FlixTrain frequency
4 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
6h 3m
Cheapest Price
€105
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
7 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Dresden to Cologne can start from as little as €11 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Dresden to Cologne is €63; 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 Dresden to Cologne is 6h 11m 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 Dresden to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Dresden to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Dresden to Cologne with FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Dresden to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Dresden and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Dresden is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Dresden to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Dresden and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Dresden to Cologne

Dresden
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Dresden is Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dresden Hauptbahnhof for your trip from Dresden to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • asiagourmet
  • dean&david
  • Hot Dog King
  • Starbucks
  • Subway
  • BABA Döner
  • Marché
  • backWERK
  • Ditsch
  • & more
Accessibility
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
  • Hotel Kipping
  • Pullman Dresden Newa
  • IntercityHotel Dresden
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
Dresden-NeustadtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • ElbUferei
  • Raskolnikoff
  • Byblos
  • Kantine No. 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
  • Rothenburger Hof
  • Mezcalero
  • Villa Romantika
Dresden MitteWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Italienisches Dörfchen
  • BrennNessel
  • Kahnaletto
  • Cafe Friedrichstadt
Hotel
Hotel
  • Elbflorenz
  • Penck Hotel
  • Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt
  • Artis

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