- 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
$152
Average price
$166
Fastest journey
8 h 47 m
Average duration
9 h 25 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
556 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Dresden will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Dresden without transferring at least once.
ICE 200 · ICE 1651
EC 99 · 3291 · ICE 706 · ICE 598
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1561
ICE 200 · ICE 1561
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1561
EC 99 · 3291 · ICE 706 · ICE 598
ICE 200 · ICE 1651
ICE 200 · ICE 1561Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $156.
Distance: 345 miles (556 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $373 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $205 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 40m Average total duration 10h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 42m Average total duration 10h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Dresden:
A bus is $97 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Dresden costing on average $164 (€132).
A bus is $306 (€247) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Dresden costing on average $373 (€301).
Other travel options to Dresden take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 10m.
Bus takes on average 10h 12m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with EuroNight, ÖBB.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Dresden trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 388 · 88617 · ICE 506 · ICE 1651 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 10h09 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 388 · 88617 · ICE 506 · ICE 1561 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 10h09 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h52 | 4:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 · ICE 1651 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 9h47 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · 4564 · ICE 1651 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 9h47 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 · 4564 · ICE 1561 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 9h47 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 282 · IC 2069 · ICE 1006 · ICE 1561 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 9h09 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 282 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 10h14 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1651 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h47 | 5:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 514 · ICE 372 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 9:02 AM Zurich HB | 9h49 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 514 · ICE 372 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 9:02 AM Zurich HB | 9h49 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 99 · 3291 · ICE 706 · ICE 598 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 9h19 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 99 · 3291 · ICE 706 · ICE 598 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 9h19 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 108 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h52 | 6:51 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 1653 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h47 | 7:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 1655 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 8h47 | 9:46 PM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 193 · 3297 · ICE 702 · ICE 594 | On time 1:32 PM Zurich HB | 9h18 | 10:50 PM Dresden Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 526 · ICE 276 · ICE 1657 | On time 3:02 PM Zurich HB | 9h24 | 12:26 AM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 184 · ICE 590 · 16501 | On time 4:37 PM Zurich HB | 12h57 | 5:34 AM Dresden Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 780 · ICE 274 · ICE 590 · 16501 | 4:59 PM Zurich HB | 12h35 | 5:34 AM Dresden Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 Zurich to Dresden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 10h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€52) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 345 miles (556 km) distance in 8h 21m.
Distance 345 miles (556 km) |
Average train duration 10h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€52) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 8h 21m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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, Dresden -> Altmarkt, Dresden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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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