- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
World-class Old Masters gallery in the Zwinger, famous for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and major works by Dutch, Italian, and Flemish painters.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
9 h 55 m
Buses per day
3
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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cologne for Dresden on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 475 km distance in an average of 9 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 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 · FlixBus
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 prices starting from $31. 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 $31, and a flight costs an average of $337.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price | $580 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 3h 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 $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $75 (€61).
A bus is $532 (€434) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $580 (€474).
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 55m.
Bus takes on average 8h 6m.
Tickets start at around $48 (€39) compared to roughly $104 (€85) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56 (€46). The journey takes 8h 6m 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, BlaBlaCar.
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, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
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 11:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h45 | 7:05 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 10h00 | 8:10 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 10h00 | 12:20 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
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 6 times per day, taking around 8h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 9h 45m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
World-class Old Masters gallery in the Zwinger, famous for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and major works by Dutch, Italian, and Flemish painters.
Dresden’s celebrated treasury with dazzling royal jewels, goldsmith work, and ceremonial objects; one of the city’s most famous museum experiences.
Major fine arts museum showing Romanticism, Impressionism, and modern works alongside sculpture in a restored historic building.
Rebuilt historic square around the Frauenkirche, central to the old town and a natural base for sightseeing and photography.
Elegant square framed by the Semperoper, Zwinger, and Hofkirche, offering one of Dresden’s most impressive urban ensembles.
Creative courtyard complex in the Neustadt with colorful facades and artistic design details, very popular on social media.
Rich yeasted fruit bread with butter, candied peel, raisins, and powdered sugar. It is Dresden’s most famous specialty and traditionally associated with Advent and Christmas.
Classic Saxon sheet cake with a yeast or sponge base, quark filling, and a fluffy egg-butter custard topping. It is especially beloved in Dresden cafés and bakeries.
Saxon-style marinated pot roast, usually beef, served with a sweet-sour gravy often balanced with raisins or gingerbread. It is a traditional festive dish in the region.
Established fine-dining restaurant known for modern high-end cuisine, polished service, and one of Dresden’s more refined gastronomic experiences.
Long-established cellar restaurant serving Saxon and German specialties in an elaborate historic setting with strong old-Dresden character.
Well-known traditional restaurant in the Neustadt area, appreciated for generous Saxon fare, rustic interiors, and a cozy local atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. Hotels vary by season, while public transport and casual dining are fairly priced.
Service is usually included. Round up for cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
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.

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