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

Fri, 14 Aug
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCF | TGV INOUI
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

39฿

Average price

124฿

Fastest journey

5 h 53 m

Average duration

5 h 56 m

Trains per day

20

Distance

475 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Dresden will cost around 124฿ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 39฿.

Fast trains

Of the 20 trains that leave Cologne for Dresden every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 53 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 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.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:14 PM7h30
    Cologne Hbf
    11:44 PMDresden Hbf
    39 ฿1One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:14 PM7h22
    Cologne Hbf
    11:36 PMDresden-Neustadt station
    39 ฿1One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 619 · ICE 698 · IC 2449
    12:03 AM8h35
    Cologne Hbf
    8:38 AMDresden Hbf
    60 ฿1One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus
    12:07 PM9h28
    Cologne Hbf
    9:35 PMDresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
    71 ฿1One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 2596 · IC 2447
    4:28 AM6h10
    Cologne Hbf
    10:38 AMDresden Hbf
    80 ฿1One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Dresden

Omio 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 coach with prices starting from 25฿. 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 coach costs an average of 25฿, and a flight costs an average of 276฿.

Distance: 475 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

61฿

Average Price

39฿

Average Price

Cheapest

474฿

Average Price

7h 25m

Average total duration

6h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 36m

Average total duration

8h 6m

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa Cityline

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Dresden train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for today, Thursday, 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503
Delayed
8:11 PM 9:54 PMCologne Hbf
8h40
6:34 AM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Friday, 14 August
Deutsche BahnICE 541 · RJ 173
On time
3:41 AM Cologne Hbf
7h26
11:07 AM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 2596 · IC 2447
On time
4:28 AM Cologne Hbf
6h10
10:38 AM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 521 · ICE 1555
On time
4:28 AM Cologne Hbf
7h15
11:43 AM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 1559
On time
9:18 AM Cologne Hbf
6h25
3:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 621 · ICE 1559
On time
9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h58
3:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 1651
On time
9:53 AM Cologne Hbf
7h50
5:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1515 · ICE 1651
On time
10:29 AM Cologne Hbf
7h14
5:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1515 · ICE 2590 · IC 2441
On time
10:29 AM Cologne Hbf
6h09
4:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 623 · ICE 2590 · IC 2441
On time
10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h53
4:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
FlixTrainFlixTrain+FlixBusFlixBus12:07 PM Cologne Hbf
9h28
9:35 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof)1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1519 · ICE 596 · IC 2047
On time
2:29 PM Cologne Hbf
6h11
8:40 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047
On time
2:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h55
8:40 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 125 · ICE 1655
On time
3:18 PM Cologne Hbf
6h27
9:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 723 · ICE 1655
On time
3:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
6h00
9:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 change
FlixTrainFlixTrain4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
7h30
11:44 PM Dresden Hbf0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain4:14 PM Cologne Hbf
7h22
11:36 PM Dresden-Neustadt station0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1611 · ICE 2584 · IC 2045
On time
4:29 PM Cologne Hbf
6h09
10:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 725 · ICE 2584 · IC 2045
On time
4:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h53
10:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Dresden by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Fri
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
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Sun
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24 Aug
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25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
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29 Aug
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30 Aug
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31 Aug
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01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept

Why should you book Cologne to Dresden trains with Omio?

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

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 Cologne to Dresden.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Dresden.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Dresden.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Dresden?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Dresden is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Dresden route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Dresden 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 Cologne to Dresden.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 33฿ but you can travel from only 25฿ by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 6h 46m.

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
Coach from 25฿
Distance
475 km
Average train duration
6h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
33฿
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
6h 46m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
63 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 25฿

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from 25฿. 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 59m
Cheapest Price
46฿
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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 46m
Cheapest Price
33฿
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 58m
Cheapest Price
85฿
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Cologne to Dresden train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dresden 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 Dresden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Dresden can start from as little as 33฿ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Dresden is 61฿; 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 Cologne to Dresden is 6h 46m 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 Cologne to Dresden leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 11:55 pm.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Cologne to Dresden with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Dresden, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Dresden. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Dresden and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Dresden from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Dresden is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Dresden including taking a coach, train and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Dresden

Most Cologne to Dresden trains use the Köln Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Dresden-Neustadt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dresden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Dresden

Which Cologne station do trains to Dresden leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Dresden leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · 7฿ · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · 5฿ · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · 5฿ · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · 3฿ · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · 2฿ · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · 4฿ · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · 4฿
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · 5฿

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Dresden

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Dresden

HomeTrainsCologne to Dresden train

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