Cologne to Dresden train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

Mon, 08 Dec
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dresden

Showing times and prices for 08 Dec

Cheapest price

$87

Average price

$119

Fastest journey

6 h 13 m

Average duration

6 h 38 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

475 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Dresden will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $87.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Dresden every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 6 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 13 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 57 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.

Deutsche Bahn
02:20AM6h20
Cologne
08:40AMDresden
$871One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:55AM6h43
Cologne
02:38PMDresden
$1241One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:09AM7h30
Cologne
02:39PMDresden
$1241One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:25AM7h15
Cologne
01:40PMDresden
$1291One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
06:14AM9h56
Cologne
04:10PMDresden
$1321One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Dresden

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Dresden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 0m. 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 coach costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $503.

Distance: 475 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

$104

Average Price

$47

Average Price

Cheapest

$538

Average Price

7h 39m

Average total duration

7h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 37m

Average total duration

8h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.9kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Air Dolomiti

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Dresden train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for tomorrow, Monday, 8 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:24 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn4:00 am Cologne
6h57
10:57 am Dresden0 changesdirect
flixbus_flixtrain6:14 am Cologne
9h56
4:10 pm Dresden0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn6:44 am Cologne
6h13
12:57 pm Dresden0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn7:19 am Cologne
7h19
2:38 pm Dresden0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn7:55 am Cologne
6h43
2:38 pm Dresden0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Dresden by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
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13 Dec
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14 Dec
Mon
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24 Dec
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25 Dec
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26 Dec
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27 Dec
Sun
28 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Dresden?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Dresden is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Dresden route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Dresden per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Dresden.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Dresden

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 13 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 but you can travel from only $29 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 5h 44m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $29
Distance
475 km
Average train duration
7h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$38
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
5h 44m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $29

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Dresden trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Dresden from $29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 13m
Cheapest Price
$67
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
$38
FlixTrain frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Österreichische Bundesbahnen

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 1m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Cologne to Dresden train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Dresden can start from as little as $33 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Dresden is $96; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Dresden train time is 5 h 44 min   covering the 475 km long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 5: 13am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Dresden leaves at 10: 42pm.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Cologne to Dresden with FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the trip from Cologne to Dresden you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain or Österreichische Bundesbahnen. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services between Cologne and Dresden on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Cologne Hbf and Cologne Messe/Deutz. When arriving in Dresden, you can end your trip in train stations like Dresden Hbf and Dresden-Neustadt station.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Dresden Hbf, located away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Dresden is October.
You have options as you can travel from Cologne to Dresden 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Dresden

Cologne
Dresden
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Dresden.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-EhrenfeldWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
  • Burger King
  • Café Franck
  • Eichendorf
Hotel
Hotel
  • Kölnotel
  • Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

Most popular train connections from Cologne

More options for your journey from Cologne to Dresden

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Most popular train connections to Dresden

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