- Must visit
Old Masters Picture Gallery
Major art museum in the Zwinger, famed for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and an outstanding collection of European master paintings.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
5 h 48 m
Average duration
5 h 56 m
Trains per day
12
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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 12 trains that leave Essen for Dresden on Thu, May 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 470 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 48 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 6 h 7 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.
ICE 845 · IC 2177
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 545 · RJ 383
ICE 547 · RJ 177
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 847 · IC 2179Omio recommends booking the train 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 $26. 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 $26, and a flight costs an average of $140.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $343 Average price | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 52m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m 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 $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Dresden costing on average $61 (€49).
A bus is $301 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Dresden costing on average $343 (€276).
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 22m.
Bus takes on average 7h 42m.
The journey is about 15m faster (6h 22m by train vs 6h 37m by car) and roughly $38 (€30) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($61 (€49) vs $99 (€80)). 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, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 641 · RJ 179 | Delayed 1:21 PM 3:19 PMEssen Hbf | 5h48 | 9:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 943 · IC 2275 | On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h07 | 10:28 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 727 · ICE 1657 | On time 4:53 PM Essen Hbf | 7h33 | 12:26 AM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 9h31 | 2:35 AM Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 8h31 | 1:35 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
ICE 643 · IC 2435 · ICE 1657 | On time 5:19 PM Essen Hbf | 7h07 | 12:26 AM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 729 · ICE 592 · 74196 · 74041 | On time 5:54 PM Essen Hbf | 12h05 | 5:59 AM Dresden | 4 transfers | |
ICE 945 · 3317 · 3188 · 18422 | On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf | 11h36 | 5:57 AM Dresden Hbf | 5 transfers | |
ICE 823 · ICE 590 · 16503 | On time 7:40 PM Essen Hbf | 10h54 | 6:34 AM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
26832 · ICE 221 · ICE 677 · EC 459 | On time 8:09 PM Essen Hbf | 10h57 | 7:06 AM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 947 · 3140 · 18401 · S2 | On time 8:21 PM Essen Hbf | 9h47 | 6:08 AM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, May 28 | |||||
ICE 845 · IC 2177 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 6h07 | 2:28 PM Dresden Hbf | 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 | |
ICE 545 · RJ 383 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 5h48 | 3:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 847 · IC 2179 | On time 10:21 AM Essen Hbf | 6h07 | 4:28 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 · RJ 177 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 5h48 | 5:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 · IC 2049 | On time 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 6h51 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 849 · IC 2271 · 16527 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h13 | 6:34 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 8h30 | 9:35 PM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
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 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) 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 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
Major art museum in the Zwinger, famed for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and an outstanding collection of European master paintings.
World-famous treasury in Dresden Castle displaying exquisite jewels, goldsmith works, and court treasures of the Saxon rulers.
Leading museum for modern art and sculpture, with works from Romanticism to the present in a refined riverside setting.
Reconstructed historic square around the Frauenkirche, lively and photogenic, with some of Dresden’s most iconic urban views.
Dresden’s traditional central square, important for city life, markets, and seasonal events such as the famous Striezelmarkt.
Historic bridge with superb old town skyline views, especially popular for sunrise, sunset, and riverfront photography.
Rich yeasted fruit bread with butter, raisins, candied citrus, and marzipan, protected as a Dresden specialty and especially famous during Advent.
Traditional Saxon sheet cake with layers of dough, quark filling, and a custardy egg-butter topping; one of Dresden’s best-known pastries.
Saxon-style marinated pot roast, often served with red cabbage and dumplings; a classic regional comfort dish found in traditional inns.
Established upscale seafood and fine-dining restaurant near the Frauenkirche, known for polished service and an elegant setting.
Well-known historic vaulted restaurant serving Saxon and German classics in a distinctive atmospheric cellar near the old town landmarks.
Popular Bavarian beer hall in central Dresden with hearty German dishes, Augustiner beer, and a lively traditional atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but small tips are expected. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service and hand it directly to staff.
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.

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