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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden
Showing times and prices for Dec 03
Cheapest price
$142
Average price
$172
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Trains per day
4
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dresden will cost around $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $142.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Dresden without transferring at least once.
ICE 545 · IC 2037 · ICE 155908:25AM7h15
Cologne Hbf03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1421One-way
2 transfers
ICE 11 · ICE 155908:18AM7h22
Cologne Hbf03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1801One-way
1 transfer
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 155908:55AM6h45
Cologne Messe/Deutz03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1831One-way
2 transfers
ICE 529 · ICE 155908:44AM6h56
Cologne Messe/Deutz03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1831One-way
1 transfer
ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 155908:55AM6h45
Cologne Messe/Deutz03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1831One-way
2 transfers
ICE 529 · ICE 155908:44AM6h56
Cologne Messe/Deutz03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1831One-way
1 transfer
ICE 545 · IC 2037 · ICE 155908:25AM7h15
Cologne Hbf03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1421One-way
2 transfers
ICE 11 · ICE 155908:18AM7h22
Cologne Hbf03:40PMDresden Hbf
$1801One-way
1 transfer
Travel 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, Tuesday, December 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 4:10 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 11 · ICE 1559 | On time 7:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h22 | 2:40 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 545 · IC 2037 · ICE 1559 | On time 7:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h15 | 2:40 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 529 · ICE 1559 | On time 7:44 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h56 | 2:40 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 103 · ICE 1621 · ICE 1559 | On time 7:55 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h45 | 2:40 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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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.
Trains
from $26Buses
from $27Flights
from $200ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Dresden
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
SpeedComfortableDisadvantages
PriceMy wife and I often go on city trips, this time it was Dresden. I can only mention one negative thing, and that is the price. The train made a clean and well-kept impression, the seats, the sanitary facilities, the corridors, everything was clean. The staff were very friendly, the wifi was good for normal use with a mobile phone. The train arrived on time and there were no delays during the journey.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden
GermanyGermany
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 $29 (€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.
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 $29 (€23)
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 |
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 $29 (€23)
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 $29 (€23). 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 13m
Cheapest Price
$67 (€54)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 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
$38 (€30)
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
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 1m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
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.
A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal for exploring Dresden, allowing time to visit key attractions such as the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, and the Semper Opera House, as well as enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Elbe River.
A day trip from Cologne to Dresden is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 44m. However, there are 13 trains available per day for this 295 miles (475 km) route.
The train from Cologne to Dresden takes 5h 44m and runs 13 per day.
In Dresden, you can explore the Zwinger Palace, an iconic Baroque complex with museums and art collections, and visit the Frauenkirche, a reconstructed Lutheran church offering panoramic city views from its dome. Experience performances at the Semper Opera House, renowned for its stunning architecture. Discover history at Dresden Castle, which houses museums and the famous Green Vault. Enjoy a walk along Brühl's Terrace, a scenic promenade along the Elbe River known as the Balcony of Europe.
The train journey from Cologne to Dresden offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and historic castles, and continues through the rolling hills and charming towns of Saxony.
The last train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 11:55 PM.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Dresden can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $38 (€30), while the average price is around $104 (€84).
The distance by train from Cologne to Dresden is 295 miles (475 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Dresden.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Dresden is by bus, with a cost of around $29 (€23).
The train station in Cologne that goes to Dresden is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Dresden Hbf.
The first train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 12:01 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Dresden.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne to Dresden. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Dresden
Cologne
Dresden
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Dresden.
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 - 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
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
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, Porz Bf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskThe major train station for arrivals in Dresden is Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dresden Hauptbahnhof for your journey to Dresden from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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 Grenzstraße
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
9 kmDining
- Zur Wetterwarte
- Campina
- Schnellrestaurant Fontane
- Bebendorf
Dresden-Pieschen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Dreißig
- Domino's
- Ciao
- Athos
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-Friedrichstadt
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Antalya
- Dix-Diner
- Bobby's Bistro & Pizzeria
Hotel
- Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt
- Artis
Dresden, Strehlener Straße (Hauptbahnhof)
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmMore options for your journey from Cologne to Dresden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dresden and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Dresden
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