The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
5 h 34 m
Average duration
5 h 49 m
Trains per day
34
Distance
475 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dresden will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Dresden without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 1640+
25033+
ICE 590 · 16501
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 123 · ICE 893
ICE 518 · ICE 643 · IC 2435 · ICE 1657
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049
ICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047
ICE 623 · ICE 690 · IC 2441Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 bus with prices starting from €23. 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 €23, and a flight costs an average of €406.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€84 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €433 Average price |
7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m 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
Cologne to Dresden train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for today, Sunday, February 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h46 | 10:00 PM Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h54 | 10:08 PM Dresden Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h21 | 12:35 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, February 2 | |||||
ICE 616 · ICE 545 · RJ 383 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h56 | 2:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h06 | 5:20 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 7:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 1:39 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 7:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h54 | 1:39 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 | Delayed 8:43 AM 8:28 AMCologne Hbf | 6h15 | 2:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h58 | 2:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · ICE 547 · RJ 177 | 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h56 | 4:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 1651 | On time 9:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h14 | 4:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 | On time 9:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 3:39 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 623 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 | On time 9:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h54 | 3:39 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 202 · IC 2049 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h26 | 5:37 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 625 · ICE 1651 | On time 10:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h58 | 4:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h26 | 8:40 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1157 · RJ 385 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h49 | 6:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 5:37 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 11:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h52 | 5:37 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 123 · ICE 893 | Delayed 12:43 PM 12:28 PMCologne Hbf | 6h17 | 6:45 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747 | Delayed 12:43 PM 12:28 PMCologne Hbf | 5h51 | 6:19 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1549 · RJ 179 | 12:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h33 | 8:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 629 · ICE 893 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h00 | 6:45 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 629 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747 | On time 12:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h34 | 6:19 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 · ICE 641 · RJ 179 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h56 | 8:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1519 · ICE 596 · IC 2047 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 7:37 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047 | 1:45 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h52 | 7:37 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 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 Cologne to Dresden trains with Omio?
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 Österreichische Bundesbahnen 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 train, bus 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 train, bus 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?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Dresden

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden
Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 13 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) but you can travel from only $30 (€23) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 7h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€30) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from $30 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Dresden
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Dresden
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
- Burger King
- asiagourmet
- dean&david
- Hot Dog King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- BABA Döner
- Marché
- backWERK
- Ditsch
- & more
- Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Kipping
- Pullman Dresden Newa
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
- 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
- ElbUferei
- Raskolnikoff
- Byblos
- Kantine No. 2
- Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
- Rothenburger Hof
- Mezcalero
- Villa Romantika
- Italienisches Dörfchen
- BrennNessel
- Kahnaletto
- Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Elbflorenz
- Penck Hotel
- Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Artis
More options for your journey from Cologne to Dresden
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