- Must visit
Green Vault
One of the world’s richest treasure museums, displaying dazzling jewels, goldwork, and ceremonial masterpieces of Saxon rulers.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$54
Fastest journey on Sep 17
9 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
9 h 53 m
Buses on Sep 17
2
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 2 buses from Cologne to Dresden, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 475 km distance in an average of 9 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 10 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, while a flight costs an average of $546.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $113 Average price | $546 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 58m Average total duration 9h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Dresden:
A bus is $66 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $113.
A bus is $498 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $546.
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 19m.
Bus takes on average 9h 28m.
Tickets start at around $47 compared to roughly $105 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $58. The journey takes 9h 28m versus 6h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h00 | 8:10 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h45 | 7:05 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cologne to Dresden run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 but you can travel from only $12 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
One of the world’s richest treasure museums, displaying dazzling jewels, goldwork, and ceremonial masterpieces of Saxon rulers.
Major Old Masters gallery with Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and superb European painting in the restored Zwinger complex.
Important porcelain collection presenting Asian and Meissen works. A concise stop for design, craftsmanship, and court luxury.
Baroque palace courtyard framed by Semperoper, Zwinger, and cathedral. It is Dresden’s ceremonial heart and a classic first stop.
Historic square around Frauenkirche with museums, terraces, and cafés nearby. A key base for exploring Dresden’s rebuilt center.
Open riverside meadows along the Elbe with superb skyline views. Ideal for picnics, cycling, and classic postcard panoramas.
A rich layered sheet cake baked on a spit with butter, eggs and marzipan. It is a classic Saxon festive specialty strongly associated with Dresden.
Dresden’s famous fruit bread made with raisins, candied peel, butter and icing sugar. Protected as Original Dresdner Christstollen and central to Christmas tradition.
Small fried dough pastries, often filled with fruit jam and dusted with sugar. A traditional Saxon sweet commonly enjoyed at fairs and festive times.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant with modern tasting menus and polished service, suited for a special culinary evening in Dresden.
Historic vaulted restaurant serving Saxon classics and local beer in a grand old-town setting near the Frauenkirche.
Traditional brewery pub pouring unfiltered house beer with hearty Saxon dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere in the historic centre.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, meals, and transit are usually a bit cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but central tourist areas cost more.
Service is not usually included. Round up or tip 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) -> Altmarkt, Dresden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dresden by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dresden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Dresden buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) station pair, with some services arriving at Dresden, Neustadt Exit. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dresden bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Hauptbahnhof (in the station), Restaurant Alte Meister (0.5 km), Vapiano Dresden (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the shopping area.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof).
Available at Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof): Elevators, ramps.
Dresden, Neustadt Exit is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden, Neustadt Exit has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Dresden, Neustadt Exit. ATMs are available at Dresden, Neustadt Exit.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden, Neustadt Exit.
Available at Dresden, Neustadt Exit: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden, Neustadt Exit: Ramp access available for wheelchairs.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need