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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dresden to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Nov 15
Cheapest price
€66
Average price
€128
Fastest journey
7 h 22 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Trains per day
7
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 €128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Dresden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain09:30AM10h06
Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)07:36PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€661One-way
1 transfer
IC 2048 · ICE 20109:09AM7h39
Dresden Hbf04:48PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1241One-way
1 transfer
IC 2048 · ICE 940 · ICE 72509:09AM7h33
Dresden Hbf04:42PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1241One-way
2 transfers
ICE 2562 · IC 2430 · ICE 640 · ICE 61108:01AM7h47
Dresden Hbf03:48PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1241One-way
3 transfers
ICE 2562 · ICE 72008:01AM7h24
Dresden Hbf03:25PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1481One-way
1 transfer
IC 2048 · ICE 703 · RE 4646 · ICE 12209:09AM7h22
Dresden Hbf04:31PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1621One-way
3 transfers
ICE 2562 · ICE 72008:01AM7h24
Dresden Hbf03:25PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1481One-way
1 transfer
IC 2048 · ICE 703 · ICE 62809:09AM7h31
Dresden Hbf04:40PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1501One-way
2 transfers
IC 2048 · ICE 940 · ICE 72509:09AM7h33
Dresden Hbf04:42PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1241One-way
2 transfers
IC 2048 · ICE 20109:09AM7h39
Dresden Hbf04:48PMCologne Messe/Deutz
€1241One-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 €19. 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 €19, and a flight costs an average of €326.
Distance: 475 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€77 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest | €466 Average price |
7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m 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
Dresden to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne trains for today, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:09 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:08 PM Dresden | 8h55 | 4:03 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, November 15 | |||||
| ICE 2562 · ICE 720 | On time 7:01 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h24 | 2:25 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2562 · IC 2430 · ICE 640 · ICE 611 | On time 7:01 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h47 | 2:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2048 · ICE 201 | On time 8:09 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h39 | 3:48 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2048 · ICE 703 · RE 4646 · ICE 122 | On time 8:09 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h22 | 3:31 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2048 · ICE 703 · ICE 628 | On time 8:09 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h31 | 3:40 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2048 · ICE 940 · ICE 725 | On time 8:09 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h33 | 3:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 8:30 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h06 | 6:36 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
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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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.
Trains
from €36Buses
from €25Flights
from €144Journey information
Overview: Train from Dresden to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €19 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.
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 €19
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
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 €19
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Dresden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Dresden and Cologne from €19. 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 47m
Cheapest Price
€38
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
€11
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
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.
On average the Dresden to Cologne train time is 7 h 49 min covering the 475 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Dresden to Cologne leaves at 05: 22. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Dresden to Cologne leaves at 22: 14.
There are 4 trains a day from Dresden to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the journey from Dresden to Cologne you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services from Dresden to Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 14.
When departing from Dresden, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Dresden Hbf, Dresden-Neustadt station and Dresden Flughafen. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your route in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne/Bonn Flughafen.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Dresden Hbf, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
The cheapest month to travel from Dresden to Cologne by train is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Cologne from Dresden including taking a coach, flight or train.
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
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 - 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-Kemnitz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Döner Kebap Jasmin
- Zum Klaus
Hotel
- Villa Weltemühle
- Zur Post
Dresden-Reick
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Suppenküche
- Eisdiele
- Restaurant Hurvinek
- Oskars
Hotel
- Azimut Hotel
Niederwartha
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
10 kmDining
- Prinzenkeller
- Ristorante & Pizzeria Da Mimo
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
Dresden, Strehlener Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmThe major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Dresden.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
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
Köln Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
Köln-Chorweiler
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
10 kmDining
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Hotel
- Haus Wester
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-Nippes
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
Köln Steinstraße
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
8 kmDining
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
Most popular train connections from Dresden
More options for your journey from Dresden to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Dresden
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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