- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Old Masters gallery with major European paintings, including Raphael, in the Semper building at the Zwinger.
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£67
Fastest journey
5 h 37 m
Average duration
5 h 46 m
Trains per day
67
Distance
475 km
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 £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Of the 67 trains that leave Cologne for Dresden every day 6 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 5 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 52 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.
ICE 1541 · RJX 251
ICE 100 · ICE 1541 · RJX 251
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 806 · IC 2449
ICE 957 · RJ 479
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747
ICE 217 · ICE 1559
ICE 629 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747
ICE 513 · ICE 1557
ICE 123 · ICE 1653Omio 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 £21. 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 £21, and a flight costs an average of £248.
Distance: 475 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest | £396 Average Price |
7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for tomorrow, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 521 · ICE 2596 · IC 2447 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 10:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 853 · 21857 · IC 2175 | 5:34 Cologne Hbf | 6h54 | 12:28 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 511 · ICE 1555 | On time 5:48 Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 11:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 553 · RJ 175 | On time 6:20 Cologne Hbf | 6h47 | 13:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1511 · ICE 2594 · IC 2445 | 6:27 Cologne Hbf | 6h11 | 12:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 525 · ICE 2594 · IC 2445 | 6:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 12:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 855 · 21873 · IC 2177 | 7:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 14:28 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 7:48 Cologne Hbf | 9h52 | 17:40 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 7:48 Cologne Hbf | 9h37 | 17:25 Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 change | |
ICE 513 · ICE 1557 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 5h50 | 13:44 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | 8:29 Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 14:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1513 · ICE 2592 · IC 2443 | 8:29 Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 14:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | 8:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 14:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 529 · ICE 2592 · IC 2443 | 8:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h53 | 14:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 621 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:34 Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2521 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:34 Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 557 · RJ 177 | On time 9:40 Cologne Hbf | 7h27 | 17:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 | 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h45 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 623 · ICE 2590 · IC 2441 | On time 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 16:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 · ICE 1890 · IC 2441 | On time 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 16:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1925 · ICE 1651 | On time 11:28 Cologne Hbf | 6h15 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 225 · ICE 1651 | On time 11:33 Cologne Hbf | 6h10 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 10h00 | 21:35 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
ICE 559 · RJ 385 | On time 11:42 Cologne Hbf | 7h25 | 19:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 612 · ICE 1747 | On time 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 7h09 | 19:20 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 | On time 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 18:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 627 · ICE 2588 · IC 2049 | On time 12:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h03 | 18:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 629 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747 | On time 13:35 Cologne Hbf | 5h45 | 19:20 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 123 · ICE 9591 · ICE 1747 | Delayed 11:53 13:43Cologne Hbf | 5h37 | 19:20 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 123 · ICE 1653 | Delayed 11:53 13:43Cologne Hbf | 6h02 | 19:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 951 · IC 2047 | On time 13:45 Cologne Hbf | 6h55 | 20:40 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 951 · 21921 · IC 2273 · 16531 | On time 13:45 Cologne Hbf | 6h49 | 20:34 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 123 · ICE 1653 | On time 13:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 19:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 123 · ICE 1653 | On time 13:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 19:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 651 · RJ 179 | On time 14:19 Cologne Hbf | 6h48 | 21:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047 | 14:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h05 | 20:40 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 7h24 | 22:59 Dresden Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 7h18 | 22:53 Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 10h00 | 1:35 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 23:06 Dresden Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 7h25 | 23:00 Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 10h00 | 1:35 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
ICE 953 · 21937 · IC 2275 | On time 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 6h53 | 22:28 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 125 · ICE 1655 | Delayed 13:53 15:44Cologne Hbf | 6h01 | 21:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 953 · IC 2045 | On time 15:45 Cologne Hbf | 6h49 | 22:34 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 953 · 21937 · IC 2275 | On time 15:45 Cologne Hbf | 6h43 | 22:28 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 125 · ICE 1655 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 21:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 9h21 | 1:35 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 6h46 | 23:00 Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 6h52 | 23:06 Dresden Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 725 · ICE 594 · IC 2045 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 22:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 725 · ICE 2584 · IC 2045 | 16:35 Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 22:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 127 · ICE 1657 | On time 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 6h02 | 23:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 127 · ICE 1657 | On time 17:53 Cologne Hbf | 5h52 | 23:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 957 · RJ 479 | On time 19:36 Cologne Hbf | 7h31 | 3:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 957 · RJ 479 | On time 19:46 Cologne Hbf | 7h21 | 3:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 823 · ICE 590 · 16501 | On time 20:24 Cologne Hbf | 9h10 | 5:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 | 21:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h40 | 6:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 617 · EC 459 | On time 22:01 Cologne Hbf | 9h05 | 7:06 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 617 · IC 60409 · 16503 | 22:01 Cologne Hbf | 8h33 | 6:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1541 · RJX 251 | On time 23:12 Cologne Hbf | 8h55 | 8:07 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 100 · ICE 1541 · RJX 251 | On time 23:16 Cologne Hbf | 8h51 | 8:07 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
17379 · IC 60403 · ICE 698 · IC 2449 | 23:36 Cologne Hbf | 9h02 | 8:38 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
17379 · IC 60403 · ICE 698 · ICE 806 | 23:36 Cologne Hbf | 9h02 | 8:38 Dresden Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · IC 2449 | 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h44 | 8:38 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · ICE 806 · IC 2449 | 23:54 Cologne Hbf | 8h44 | 8:38 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Cologne to Dresden run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
There are 1 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 53m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 53m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Dresden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dresden trip today.
Old Masters gallery with major European paintings, including Raphael, in the Semper building at the Zwinger.
Treasury museum displaying royal jewels, goldsmith work and ceremonial objects in richly restored historic rooms.
Contemporary art museum in a former arsenal, showing modern and post-1990 works with a strong local and international mix.
Reconstructed central square framed by baroque façades and the Frauenkirche, ideal for architecture and people-watching.
Lively inner-city district known for pubs, street art, independent shops and a distinctly alternative Dresden atmosphere.
Large riverside meadows popular for walking, cycling and skyline views across the Elbe toward the historic centre.
Sweet layered cake from Dresden made with yeast dough, butter and dried fruit. It is the city’s best-known festive speciality, especially at Christmas.
Saxon potato soup, usually hearty and rustic, often enriched with vegetables and traditionally served with sausages or bacon for extra flavour.
Simple Saxon quark cheese with linseed oil, often served with potatoes. It reflects rural Lusatian and Saxon home cooking around Dresden.
Elegant restaurant in Dresden Castle focused on refined regional cooking and a polished fine-dining atmosphere.
Popular traditional inn with Saxon and German comfort food, generous portions and a cosy historic feel in the Neustadt area.
Traditional brewery restaurant in the Altstadt known for Saxon dishes and house beers in a lively, historic setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are often cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while public transport and museums remain fairly priced for tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is customary. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up. In cafés, round up or leave small change.
Official public transport app
Dresden Hbf -> Altmarkt, Dresden
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.

Most Cologne to Dresden trains use the Köln Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Dresden-Neustadt. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dresden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need