- Must visit
Green Vault
One of the world’s richest treasure museums, displaying dazzling jewels, goldwork, and ceremonial masterpieces of Saxon rulers.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
5 h 58 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
470 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Dresden will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 19 trains that leave Essen for Dresden on Thu, Aug 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct trains cover the 470 km distance in an average of 5 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest trains will take 6 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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FlixBus
26719 · ICE 549 · RJ 385
26723 · ICE 641 · RJ 179
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $28, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $393 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration 7h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Dresden:
A bus is $18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Dresden costing on average $58.
A bus is $353 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Dresden costing on average $393.
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 19m.
Bus takes on average 7h 38m.
The journey is about 18m faster (6h 19m by train vs 6h 37m by car) and roughly $43 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($58 vs $100). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Dresden trains for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 849 · 21905 · IC 2271 · 16527 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h13 | 6:34 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 849 · RJ 385 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h46 | 7:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26719 · ICE 549 · RJ 385 | On time 1:13 PM Essen Hbf | 5h54 | 7:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1747 | On time 1:15 PM Essen Hbf | 6h05 | 7:20 PM Dresden Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 941 · 21921 · IC 2273 · 16531 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h13 | 8:34 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 941 · RJ 179 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h46 | 9:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 8h31 | 1:35 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 9h31 | 2:35 AM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h31 | 2:35 AM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 8h21 | 5:25 PM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 8h36 | 5:40 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 8h21 | 5:25 PM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 8h36 | 5:40 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 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 Essen to Dresden run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 292 miles (470 km) distance in 5h 56m.
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average train duration 6h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
One of the world’s richest treasure museums, displaying dazzling jewels, goldwork, and ceremonial masterpieces of Saxon rulers.
Major Old Masters gallery with Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and superb European painting in the restored Zwinger complex.
Important porcelain collection presenting Asian and Meissen works. A concise stop for design, craftsmanship, and court luxury.
Baroque palace courtyard framed by Semperoper, Zwinger, and cathedral. It is Dresden’s ceremonial heart and a classic first stop.
Historic square around Frauenkirche with museums, terraces, and cafés nearby. A key base for exploring Dresden’s rebuilt center.
Open riverside meadows along the Elbe with superb skyline views. Ideal for picnics, cycling, and classic postcard panoramas.
A rich layered sheet cake baked on a spit with butter, eggs and marzipan. It is a classic Saxon festive specialty strongly associated with Dresden.
Dresden’s famous fruit bread made with raisins, candied peel, butter and icing sugar. Protected as Original Dresdner Christstollen and central to Christmas tradition.
Small fried dough pastries, often filled with fruit jam and dusted with sugar. A traditional Saxon sweet commonly enjoyed at fairs and festive times.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant with modern tasting menus and polished service, suited for a special culinary evening in Dresden.
Historic vaulted restaurant serving Saxon classics and local beer in a grand old-town setting near the Frauenkirche.
Traditional brewery pub pouring unfiltered house beer with hearty Saxon dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere in the historic centre.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, meals, and transit are usually a bit cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but central tourist areas cost more.
Service is not usually included. Round up or tip 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés.
Official public transport app
Dresden Hbf -> Altmarkt, Dresden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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 Essen to Dresden trains use the Essen Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Dresden-Neustadt. Use this guide to compare Essen and Dresden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need