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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Dresden to Cologne
Cheapest price
$130
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
6 h 3 m
Average duration
7 h 27 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
670 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dresden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden to Cologne will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
It's difficult to get from Dresden to Cologne without transferring at least once.
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9:02 PM15h36Dresden12:38 PMKöln Hbf$1301One-way1 transfer- 10:11 AM6h03Dresden4:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 12:11 PM6h03Dresden6:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 2:11 PM6h03Dresden8:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 4:11 PM6h03Dresden10:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 10:11 AM6h03Dresden4:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 12:11 PM6h03Dresden6:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 2:11 PM6h03Dresden8:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 4:11 PM6h03Dresden10:14 PMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
- 6:11 PM13h03Dresden7:14 AMKöln Messe/deutz Bf$1361One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Dresden to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dresden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $79. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $79, and a flight costs an average of $155.
Distance: 416 miles (670 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$135 Average price | $205 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 38m Average total duration 18h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dresden to Cologne:
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dresden to Cologne costing on average $135 (€109).
A bus is $114 (€92) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dresden to Cologne costing on average $205 (€166).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 2m.
Bus takes on average 18h 8m.
You'll arrive about 2h 15m sooner (8h 2m by train vs 10h 17m by car). Tickets start at around $135 (€109) compared to roughly $105 (€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
Dresden to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:11 AM Dresden | 6h03 | 12:14 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 1 transfer | |
| 8:11 AM Dresden | 6h03 | 2:14 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 1 transfer | |
| 10:11 AM Dresden | 6h03 | 4:14 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 1 transfer | |
| 12:11 PM Dresden | 6h03 | 6:14 PM Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dresden to Cologne by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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.
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dresden to Cologne
Germany
Italy
Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $130 (€105) but you can travel from only $79 (€64) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:44, the last at 12:40. The fastest train covers the 416 miles (670 km) distance in 6h 3m.
Distance 416 miles (670 km) |
Average train duration 8h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $130 (€105) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 3m |
First train 6:44 AM |
Last train 12:40 PM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Dresden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Dresden and Cologne from $79 (€64). 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 Dresden to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dresden to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
More options for your journey from Dresden to Cologne
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Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Dresden
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