- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
World-class Old Masters gallery in the Zwinger, famous for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and major works by Dutch, Italian, and Flemish painters.
Cheapest price
$175
Average price
$190
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 14 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
437 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Dresden will cost around $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $175.
It's difficult to get from Kiel to Dresden without transferring at least once.
11209 · RJ 175
11247 · ICE 91 · IC 2445
11261 · ICE 707 · IC 2443
11217 · RJ 177
11211 · ICE 509 · RJ 383
11217 · RJ 177
11209 · RJ 175
11211 · ICE 509 · RJ 383
11247 · ICE 91 · IC 2445
11261 · ICE 707 · IC 2443Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. 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 $32, and a flight costs an average of $266.
Distance: 271 miles (437 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $425 Average price | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Kiel to Dresden:
A bus is $57 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Dresden costing on average $108 (€88).
A bus is $374 (€306) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Dresden costing on average $425 (€348).
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 26m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
You'll arrive about 53m sooner (5h 26m by train vs 6h 19m by car). Tickets start at around $108 (€88) compared to roughly $98 (€81) 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Dresden trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11247 · ICE 91 · IC 2445 | On time 6:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h46 | 12:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
11209 · RJ 175 | On time 7:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 5h30 | 1:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
11261 · ICE 707 · IC 2443 | On time 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h53 | 2:58 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
11211 · ICE 509 · RJ 383 | On time 8:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 6h30 | 3:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
11217 · RJ 177 | On time 11:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 5h30 | 5:07 PM Dresden Hbf | 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 Kiel to Dresden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 271 miles (437 km) distance in 5h 2m.
Distance 271 miles (437 km) |
Average train duration 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 2m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
World-class Old Masters gallery in the Zwinger, famous for Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and major works by Dutch, Italian, and Flemish painters.
Dresden’s celebrated treasury with dazzling royal jewels, goldsmith work, and ceremonial objects; one of the city’s most famous museum experiences.
Major fine arts museum showing Romanticism, Impressionism, and modern works alongside sculpture in a restored historic building.
Rebuilt historic square around the Frauenkirche, central to the old town and a natural base for sightseeing and photography.
Elegant square framed by the Semperoper, Zwinger, and Hofkirche, offering one of Dresden’s most impressive urban ensembles.
Creative courtyard complex in the Neustadt with colorful facades and artistic design details, very popular on social media.
Rich yeasted fruit bread with butter, candied peel, raisins, and powdered sugar. It is Dresden’s most famous specialty and traditionally associated with Advent and Christmas.
Classic Saxon sheet cake with a yeast or sponge base, quark filling, and a fluffy egg-butter custard topping. It is especially beloved in Dresden cafés and bakeries.
Saxon-style marinated pot roast, usually beef, served with a sweet-sour gravy often balanced with raisins or gingerbread. It is a traditional festive dish in the region.
Established fine-dining restaurant known for modern high-end cuisine, polished service, and one of Dresden’s more refined gastronomic experiences.
Long-established cellar restaurant serving Saxon and German specialties in an elaborate historic setting with strong old-Dresden character.
Well-known traditional restaurant in the Neustadt area, appreciated for generous Saxon fare, rustic interiors, and a cozy local atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. Hotels vary by season, while public transport and casual dining are fairly priced.
Service is usually included. Round up for cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Dresden Hbf, Dresden -> Altmarkt, Dresden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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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