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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 49 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
670 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 $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Dresden without transferring at least once.
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5:48 AM5h55Köln Hbf11:43 AMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer- 7:54 AM5h49Köln Hbf1:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 9:58 AM5h45Köln Messe/deutz Bf3:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 11:54 AM5h49Köln Hbf5:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 1:54 PM5h51Köln Hbf7:45 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 9:58 AM5h45Köln Messe/deutz Bf3:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 7:54 AM5h49Köln Hbf1:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 11:54 AM5h49Köln Hbf5:43 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 1:54 PM5h51Köln Hbf7:45 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
- 3:54 PM5h51Köln Hbf9:45 PMDresden$1361One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Dresden
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 416 miles (670 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price | $271 Average price | $115 Average price Cheapest | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 25m Average total duration 26h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Dresden:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $136 (€110).
A bus is $156 (€126) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Dresden costing on average $271 (€219).
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 52m.
Bus takes on average 26h 55m.
You'll arrive about 4h 30m sooner (5h 52m by train vs 10h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $136 (€110) compared to roughly $106 (€85) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne to Dresden train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:48 AM Köln Hbf | 5h55 | 11:43 AM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 7:54 AM Köln Hbf | 5h49 | 1:43 PM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 9:58 AM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h45 | 3:43 PM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 11:54 AM Köln Hbf | 5h49 | 5:43 PM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 1:54 PM Köln Hbf | 5h51 | 7:45 PM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 3:54 PM Köln Hbf | 5h51 | 9:45 PM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
| 5:54 PM Köln Hbf | 6h46 | 12:40 AM Dresden | 1 transfer | |
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.
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden
Italy
Germany
Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $136 (€110) but you can travel from only $76 (€61) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:10, the last at 08:19. The fastest train covers the 416 miles (670 km) distance in 5h 45m.
Distance 416 miles (670 km) |
Average train duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€110) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 45m |
First train 8:10 AM |
Last train 8:19 AM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from $76 (€61). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More 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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