- Must visit
Old Masters Picture Gallery
Major art museum in the Zwinger, famed for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and an outstanding collection of European paintings.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Dresden
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
6 h 24 m
Average duration
8 h 57 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
470 km
Cheap tickets
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 $38.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Essen for Dresden on Mon, Jul 13, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct trains cover the 470 km distance in an average of 8 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 24 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest trains will take 11 h 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.
3:04 PM9h31Essen12:35 AMDresden$381One-way0 transfers- 12:05 PM11h00Essen11:05 PMDresden$441One-way0 transfers
- 11:48 AM8h52Essen8:40 PMDresden$481One-way0 transfers
8:15 AM6h24Essen2:39 PMDresden$1561One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 AM6h24Essen2:39 PMDresden$1561One-way0 transfers
- 11:48 AM8h52Essen8:40 PMDresden$481One-way0 transfers
- 3:04 PM9h31Essen12:35 AMDresden$381One-way0 transfers
- 12:05 PM11h00Essen11:05 PMDresden$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Dresden
Omio 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 $137.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $336 Average price | $97 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Dresden is a bus with an average price of $41 (€33).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Dresden:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Dresden costing on average $60 (€49).
A bus is $295 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Dresden costing on average $336 (€276).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Dresden is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 22m.
Bus takes on average 7h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Dresden including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Dresden among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 15m faster (6h 22m by train vs 6h 37m by car) and roughly $37 (€30) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($60 (€49) vs $97 (€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.
Live departures
Essen to Dresden train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Dresden trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| IC 2155 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 | On time 10:15 AM Essen Hbf | 6h35 | 4:50 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 847 · RJ 177 | On time 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 6h47 | 5:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 625 · ICE 1651 | On time 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 6h56 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 547 · 18520 · IC 2271 · 16527 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h15 | 6:34 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 547 · IC 2049 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h32 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 11:53 AM Essen Hbf | 6h58 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 549 · RJ 385 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 5h48 | 7:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047 | On time 1:53 PM Essen Hbf | 6h58 | 8:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 941 · RJ 179 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 6h46 | 9:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 723 · ICE 1655 | On time 2:51 PM Essen Hbf | 6h55 | 9:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 6h38 | 11:42 PM Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 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 | |
| FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 6h44 | 11:48 PM Dresden Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen 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.
Mon
Jul 13
Jul 13
Tue
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Wed
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Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
Why should you book Essen to Dresden trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Dresden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Dresden.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Dresden.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Dresden.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Dresden.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Dresden
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Dresden run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average train duration 6h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Dresden from $20 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 17m
Cheapest Price
$110 (€90)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 56m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€17)
FlixTrain frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 57m
Cheapest Price
$103 (€85)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Dresden
Things to do in Dresden
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
- Must visit
Green Vault
Historic treasury in Dresden Castle displaying royal jewels, goldsmith works, and courtly masterpieces of Saxony.
- Recommended
Albertinum
Leading museum for modern art and sculpture, with works from Romanticism to the present in a restored riverside building.
- Must visit
Neumarkt
Reconstructed historic square around the Frauenkirche, lively and photogenic with major landmarks close together.
- Must visit
Fürstenzug
Long porcelain mural on Augustus Street depicting Saxon rulers, one of Dresden’s most photographed walk-through sights.
- Must visit
Brühl Terrace Promenade
Popular walking area above the Elbe with classic skyline views and elegant historic surroundings.
- Vegetarian
Dresdner Christstollen
Rich yeasted fruit bread with butter, raisins, candied citrus and powdered sugar. It is Dresden’s most famous specialty and traditionally protected by origin.
- Vegetarian
Eierschecke
Classic Saxon sheet cake with a yeast or sponge base, creamy quark layer and fluffy egg-butter topping. It is especially associated with cafés in Dresden.
Sächsischer Sauerbraten
Saxon-style marinated pot roast, usually served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a traditional festive dish in the region.
Bean & Beluga
Well-known upscale Dresden restaurant recognized for refined modern cuisine, polished service and a fine-dining experience.
Kutscherschänke
Long-running traditional restaurant in the Neustadt known for hearty Saxon dishes, rustic interiors and a cozy local atmosphere.
Pulverturm an der Frauenkirche
Historic vaulted restaurant near the Frauenkirche serving Saxon and German classics in a distinctive old-town setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-14 for takeaway or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60-120 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, tip about 5-10% for good service, usually by stating the total when paying.
DVB mobil
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.40
- Day pass
- EUR 9.00
To the city center
Dresden Hbf, Dresden -> Altmarkt, Dresden
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Tickets must usually be validated before boarding if not bought digitally in the app.
- Card payment is available in many ticket machines, but not reliably on all trams and buses, so buying in the app is the safest option.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to 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.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Dresden can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $20 (€17), while the average price is around $60 (€49).
The train from Essen to Dresden takes 5h 56m and runs 10 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Dresden is 292 miles (470 km).
The first train from Essen to Dresden leaves at 12:15 AM.
The last train from Essen to Dresden leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Dresden. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Dresden.
The train station in Essen that goes to Dresden is Essen Hbf, which connects to Dresden Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Dresden is by train, with a cost of around $20 (€17).
The train journey from Essen to Dresden offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the industrial Ruhr area transitioning into the picturesque landscapes of Saxony, including forests, rolling hills, and the Elbe River as you approach Dresden.
A day trip from Essen to Dresden is not feasible, as the journey takes 5h 56m each way. The distance is 292 miles (470 km), and the train frequency is 15 times per day.
In Dresden, you can explore the Zwinger Palace, an iconic Baroque complex with museums and art collections, and visit the Frauenkirche, a reconstructed Lutheran church offering panoramic city views from its dome. Experience performances at the Semper Opera House, renowned for its stunning architecture. Discover history at Dresden Castle, which houses museums and the famous Green Vault. Enjoy a walk along Brühl's Terrace, a scenic promenade along the Elbe River known as the Balcony of Europe.
A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal for exploring Dresden, allowing time to visit key attractions such as the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, and the Semper Opera House, as well as enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Elbe River.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Dresden.
Since both Essen and Dresden are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Dresden include Leipzig, Görlitz, Chemnitz, Ústí nad Labem, Děčín.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Dresden among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Dresden, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and public transport. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have been reported. It's advisable to use official taxis, keep valuables secure, and be wary of unsolicited offers or street distractions.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Dresden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dresden and Essen
Most popular train connections to Dresden
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