The cheapest and fastest trains from Mainz to Dresden
Cheapest price
$172
Average price
$199
Fastest journey
5 h 28 m
Average duration
5 h 32 m
Trains per day
3
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 $199 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
It's difficult to get from Mainz to Dresden without transferring at least once.
29511 · ICE 690 · IC 244111:10 AM5h28Mainz Hbf4:38 PMDresden Hbf$1721One-way2 transfers
29507 · ICE 692 · IC 24439:10 AM5h28Mainz Hbf2:38 PMDresden Hbf$1721One-way2 transfers
S8 · ICE 15578:02 AM5h41Mainz Hbf1:43 PMDresden Hbf$2531One-way1 transfer
29511 · ICE 690 · IC 244111:10 AM5h28Mainz Hbf4:38 PMDresden Hbf$1721One-way2 transfers
29507 · ICE 692 · IC 24439:10 AM5h28Mainz Hbf2:38 PMDresden Hbf$1721One-way2 transfers
S8 · ICE 15578:02 AM5h41Mainz Hbf1:43 PMDresden Hbf$2531One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Mainz to Dresden
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 $30. 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 $30, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $283 Average price | $92 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 $71 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Dresden costing on average $116 (€93).
A bus is $238 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mainz to Dresden costing on average $283 (€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 $116 (€93) compared to roughly $92 (€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.
Live departures
Mainz to Dresden train times
The table below shows live departures for Mainz to Dresden trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S8 · ICE 1557 | On time 8:02 AM Mainz Hbf | 5h41 | 1:43 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
29507 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 9:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 5h28 | 2:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
29511 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 | On time 11:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 5h28 | 4:38 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Mainz 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.
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
Why should you book Mainz to Dresden trains with Omio?
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz to Dresden.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Mainz to Dresden
Trains from Mainz to Dresden run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€29) but you can travel from only $30 (€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 $37 (€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 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Mainz to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Mainz and Dresden from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Mainz to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Mainz to Dresden
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:15
- Saturday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Mangal
- Asia Wok
- Bistrorante Midi
- McDonald's
- Advena Europa Hotel
- GuestHouse Mainz
- Terminus
- Hotel Moguntia
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
- Burger King
- asiagourmet
- dean&david
- Hot Dog King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- BABA Döner
- Marché
- backWERK
- Ditsch
- & more
- Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Kipping
- Pullman Dresden Newa
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
- Monday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Thursday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Friday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 07:00 - 20:00
- ElbUferei
- Raskolnikoff
- Byblos
- Kantine No. 2
- Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
- Rothenburger Hof
- Mezcalero
- Villa Romantika
Most popular train connections from Mainz
More options for your journey from Mainz to Dresden
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