- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
6 h 1 m
Average duration
6 h 7 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
474 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
It's difficult to get from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2444 · ICE 693 · ICE 318
IC 2444 · ICE 844
16534 · ICE 699 · ICE 618
16534 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
IC 2046 · ICE 2595 · ICE 724 · S6
IC 2046 · ICE 2295 · ICE 724 · S6
IC 2046 · ICE 2595 · ICE 1518
IC 2046 · ICE 2295 · ICE 1518
ICE 1650 · ICE 628 · S6Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $504.
Distance: 294 miles (474 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $541 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 35m Average total duration 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 19m Average total duration 7h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $40 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $81 (€66).
A bus is $500 (€409) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf costing on average $541 (€443).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 5m.
Bus takes on average 7h 49m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with FlixTrain.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 · IC 2270 · 21862 · ICE 940 | 9:30 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h03 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | On time 10:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 4:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 628 · S6 | On time 10:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 4:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16512 · ICE 507 · 4620 · ICE 28 | On time 10:12 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h53 | 5:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 178 · ICE 548 | 10:53 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h42 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1568 · ICE 1714 | On time 12:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1568 · ICE 624 · S6 | 12:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 6:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16516 · ICE 509 · 4624 · ICE 26 | On time 12:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h53 | 7:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:15 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h25 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 | 12:53 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h42 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2442 · ICE 846 | On time 1:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h10 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2176 · 21894 · ICE 846 | On time 1:35 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h57 | 8:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 756 · ICE 120 | On time 2:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h32 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 756 · ICE 620 · S6 | On time 2:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 8:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16520 · ICE 933 · ICE 528 · S6 | 2:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h11 | 9:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16520 · ICE 601 · 4628 · ICE 24 | 2:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h53 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 176 · ICE 544 | 2:53 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h42 | 9:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2444 · ICE 844 | On time 3:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h11 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2174 · 21910 · ICE 844 | On time 3:35 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h58 | 10:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 2594 · ICE 526 · S6 | On time 4:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 10:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16524 · ICE 603 · 4632 · ICE 22 | 4:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h58 | 11:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJ 174 · ICE 542 | 4:53 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h42 | 11:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2446 · ICE 842 · 26840 | 5:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 8h00 | 1:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2446 · 26842 | 5:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h01 | 2:23 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2172 · 21926 · ICE 842 · 26840 | 5:35 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h47 | 1:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1552 · IC 60402 | 6:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h33 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1552 · S5 · 16334 · ICE 740 | 6:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h19 | 3:30 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
16528 · ICE 937 · IC 60402 | 6:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h32 | 5:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2448 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | 7:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 10h42 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2248 · ICE 607 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | 8:22 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h42 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 250 · ICE 1540 | On time 8:33 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h51 | 6:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 458 · ICE 616 | On time 9:02 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h03 | 8:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
16534 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540 | On time 9:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h12 | 6:24 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16536 · ICE 2592 · ICE 646 | 10:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h21 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 1022 | On time 11:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 10h54 | 10:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 11:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h53 | 9:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
RJ 478 · ICE 946 | On time 2:53 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h42 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
16500 · ICE 2593 · ICE 728 · S6 | 4:15 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h08 | 11:23 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16500 · ICE 2593 · ICE 1610 | On time 4:15 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h18 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2274 · 21830 · ICE 944 | On time 5:02 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h31 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 126 | On time 6:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h32 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 726 · S6 | On time 6:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 12:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2046 · ICE 942 | On time 7:22 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h10 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2046 · ICE 2595 · ICE 1518 | 7:22 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h11 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2046 · ICE 2595 · ICE 724 · S6 | 7:22 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h01 | 1:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2046 · ICE 2295 · ICE 1518 | 7:22 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h11 | 1:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2046 · ICE 2295 · ICE 724 · S6 | 7:22 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h01 | 1:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2472 · S5 · ICE 640 | On time 7:26 AM Dresden Hbf | 8h08 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 124 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h32 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 722 · S6 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h12 | 2:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1652 · 3656 · ICE 882 · ICE 1546 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 8h08 | 4:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16508 · ICE 837 · ICE 720 · S6 | 8:12 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h11 | 3:23 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16508 · ICE 837 · ICE 1516 | On time 8:12 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h21 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h28 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 21:12. The fastest train covers the 294 miles (474 km) distance in 5h 59m.
Distance 294 miles (474 km) |
Average train duration 7h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 59m |
First train 2:15 AM |
Last train 9:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cologne’s key archaeological museum for Roman heritage, famous for mosaics and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be presented in temporary locations during building works
Leading fine arts museum with important medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century paintings, offering one of Cologne’s strongest classic art collections.
Revitalized waterfront district with striking modern architecture, promenades, and photogenic Rhine views, popular on social media.
Wide riverside steps and promenade on the right bank, famous for postcard views back toward the cathedral skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional facades and lively public life, ideal for absorbing the classic Cologne atmosphere.
The city’s signature top-fermented beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to Cologne’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne snack of rye roll, Gouda cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a staple in local beer halls.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means 'Heaven and Earth.'
Established traditional brewery restaurant in the old town, popular for authentic Cologne specialties, Kölsch, and rustic historic atmosphere.
Well-known central brauhaus serving Sion Kölsch and dependable local dishes. A solid choice for visitors wanting a classic Cologne beer hall experience.
A long-established restaurant by the Rhine, especially known for pork knuckle and hearty German fare in a traditional, tourist-friendly setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dresden Hbf to Cologne Hbf trains use the Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Dresden Hbf and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dresden Hauptbahnhof is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden Hauptbahnhof 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 options include: Burger King, asiagourmet, dean&david, Hot Dog King, Starbucks, Subway, BABA Döner, Marché, backWERK, Ditsch, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kipping, Pullman Dresden Newa, IntercityHotel Dresden.
Dresden-Neustadt is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden-Neustadt 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 options include: ElbUferei, Raskolnikoff, Byblos, Kantine No. 2
Wi-Fi is available at Dresden-Neustadt. ATMs are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden-Neustadt. Information desks are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Luggage storage is available at Dresden-Neustadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden-Neustadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden-Neustadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Nearby hotels include Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden, Rothenburger Hof, Mezcalero, Villa Romantika.
Dresden Mitte is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden Mitte 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 options include: Italienisches Dörfchen, BrennNessel, Kahnaletto, Cafe Friedrichstadt
Wi-Fi is available at Dresden Mitte. ATMs are available at Dresden Mitte.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden Mitte. Information desks are available at Dresden Mitte.
Luggage storage is available at Dresden Mitte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden Mitte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden Mitte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden Mitte.
Nearby hotels include Elbflorenz, Penck Hotel, Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt, Artis.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need