- Must visit
Green Vault
One of the world’s richest treasure museums, displaying dazzling jewels, goldwork, and ceremonial masterpieces of Saxon rulers.
Cheapest price
€60
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
404 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mainz to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mainz to Dresden will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €60.
Of the 4 trains that leave Mainz for Dresden on Thu, Aug 13, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 404 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 5 h 33 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 €24, and a flight costs an average of €137.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€93 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €227 Average price | €73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Mainz to Dresden:
A bus is €57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Dresden costing on average €93.
A bus is €191 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mainz to Dresden costing on average €227.
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 4m.
Bus takes on average 6h 6m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (5h 4m by train vs 5h 7m by car). Tickets start at around €93 compared to roughly €73 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 Mainz to Dresden trains for today, Wednesday, August 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:11 AM Mainz | 5h33 | 12:44 PM Dresden | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:43 AM Mainz | 5h01 | 12:44 PM Dresden | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:10 AM Mainz | 5h28 | 1:38 PM Dresden | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 13 | |||||
![]() | 5:29 AM Mainz | 5h14 | 10:43 AM Dresden | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Mainz to Dresden run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:38, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average train duration 5h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
First train 1:38 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 Mainz 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 Mainz to Dresden trains use the Mainz Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Dresden-Neustadt. Use this guide to compare Mainz and Dresden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several restaurants available on-site.
Free Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs located near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim.
Available at Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bahnstrecke Mainz–Mannheim: Wheelchair accessible with elevators.
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.
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