- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dresden to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden to Cologne will cost around $202 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 44 trains from Dresden to Cologne, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 53 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 6 h 3 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.
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ICE 1652 · ICE 610
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ICE 1558 · ICE 516
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ICE 1650 · ICE 518
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STR 7 · ICE 1652 · ICE 610
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STR 7 · ICE 1650 · ICE 518
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Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 6h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 50m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Dresden to Cologne.
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STR 7 · IC 2446 · ICE 852 | On time 4:51 PM Dresden | 7h22 | 12:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · IC 2446 · ICE 695 · ICE 524 | On time 4:51 PM Dresden | 6h48 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2446 · ICE 695 · ICE 524 | On time 5:00 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h39 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2446 · ICE 852 | On time 5:00 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h13 | 12:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2446 · ICE 695 · ICE 524 | On time 5:00 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h39 | 11:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1552 · ICE 522 | On time 6:01 PM Dresden | 6h30 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1552 · S8 · ICE 510 | On time 6:01 PM Dresden | 6h09 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1552 · ICE 920 | On time 6:01 PM Dresden | 8h04 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1552 · ICE 522 | On time 6:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h20 | 12:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1552 · ICE 920 | On time 6:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h54 | 2:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1552 · S8 · ICE 510 | On time 6:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 5h59 | 12:10 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 10 · ICE 1970 · ICE 1540 | On time 8:38 PM Dresden | 9h37 | 6:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 10 · S2 · ICE 1970 · ICE 1540 | On time 8:44 PM Dresden | 9h31 | 6:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1970 · ICE 1540 | On time 8:53 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h22 | 6:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · 16534 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 9:02 PM Dresden | 8h42 | 5:44 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 3 transfers | |
16534 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 9:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 8h32 | 5:44 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 transfers | |
16534 · ICE 699 · ICE 618 | 9:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 8h52 | 6:04 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · 16536 · S3 · ICE 273 | On time 10:02 PM Dresden | 11h04 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 5 transfers | |
STR 7 · 16536 · S3 · ICE 273 | On time 10:02 PM Dresden | 9h38 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
16536 · S3 · ICE 273 · ICE 18 | On time 10:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h28 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16536 · S3 · ICE 273 · ICE 18 | On time 10:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 9h28 | 7:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16536 · S3 · ICE 273 · 29506 | On time 10:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 10h54 | 9:06 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
STR 10 · 16538 · S3 · 16302 | On time 11:05 PM Dresden | 11h07 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
STR 10 · 16538 · ICE 1656 · ICE 158 | On time 11:05 PM Dresden | 11h38 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 10 · 16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 822 | On time 11:05 PM Dresden | 10h09 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
16538 · S3 · 16302 · ICE 956 | On time 11:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h00 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16538 · ICE 905 · ICE 822 | On time 11:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 10h02 | 9:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
16538 · ICE 1656 · ICE 158 | On time 11:12 PM Dresden Hbf | 11h31 | 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h30 | 1:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:30 AM Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 10h15 | 1:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | On time 8:01 AM Dresden | 6h03 | 2:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1652 · ICE 228 | On time 8:01 AM Dresden | 8h05 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1652 · ICE 154 | On time 8:01 AM Dresden | 6h42 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 228 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h55 | 4:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 154 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h32 | 2:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 610 | On time 8:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 5h53 | 2:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 8:51 AM Dresden | 6h42 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 7 · IC 2048 | On time 8:51 AM Dresden | 7h54 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · IC 2048 · ICE 950 | On time 8:51 AM Dresden | 7h21 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 8:51 AM Dresden | 6h23 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 9:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h33 | 3:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2048 · ICE 950 | On time 9:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h12 | 4:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2048 | On time 9:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h45 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 9:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 3:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · 16510 · 16118 · ICE 558 | On time 9:01 AM Dresden | 8h14 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 9:07 AM Dresden Hbf | 8h36 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
16510 · 16118 · ICE 558 | On time 9:12 AM Dresden Hbf | 8h03 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain | 9:16 AM Dresden-Neustadt station | 8h27 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
STR 7 · ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 10:01 AM Dresden | 6h03 | 4:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | On time 10:01 AM Dresden | 6h24 | 4:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1650 · ICE 28 | On time 10:01 AM Dresden | 8h05 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 28 | On time 10:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h55 | 6:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 1716 | On time 10:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 4:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1650 · ICE 518 | On time 10:11 AM Dresden Hbf | 5h53 | 4:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · IC 2440 | On time 10:51 AM Dresden | 7h54 | 6:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · IC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 626 | On time 10:51 AM Dresden | 6h23 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
STR 7 · IC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 1514 | On time 10:51 AM Dresden | 6h42 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
STR 7 · IC 2440 · ICE 858 | On time 10:51 AM Dresden | 7h21 | 6:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 626 | On time 11:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 5:14 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
IC 2440 · ICE 599 · ICE 1514 | On time 11:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 6h33 | 5:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2440 | On time 11:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h45 | 6:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2440 · ICE 858 | On time 11:00 AM Dresden Hbf | 7h12 | 6:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · 16514 · 16122 · ICE 556 | On time 11:01 AM Dresden | 8h14 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
16514 · 16122 · ICE 556 | On time 11:12 AM Dresden Hbf | 8h03 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:15 AM Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h26 | 9:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:30 AM Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 10h11 | 9:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
STR 7 · ICE 1558 · ICE 1714 | On time 12:01 PM Dresden | 6h24 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1558 · ICE 26 | On time 12:01 PM Dresden | 8h05 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
STR 7 · ICE 1558 · ICE 516 | On time 12:01 PM Dresden | 6h03 | 6:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 1714 | On time 12:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 516 | On time 12:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 5h53 | 6:04 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1558 · ICE 26 | On time 12:11 PM Dresden Hbf | 7h55 | 8:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cologne.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dresden to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dresden to Cologne trains use the Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Dresden and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln 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: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Check train stations information for Dresden and Cologne, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need