- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Old Masters gallery with major European paintings, including Raphael, in the Semper building at the Zwinger.
Cheapest price on 12 Oct
£16
Average ticket price on 12 Oct
£63
Fastest journey on 12 Oct
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 12 Oct
5 h 55 m
Trains on 12 Oct
32
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 £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
To travel from Cologne to Dresden you need to make at least one change.
ICE 619 · ICE 698 · IC 2449
IC 60403 · ICE 698 · IC 2449
ICE 723 · ICE 1655
ICE 1541 · RJX 251
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 217 · ICE 1559
ICE 513 · ICE 1557
ICE 625 · ICE 1651
ICE 629 · ICE 1653
ICE 723 · ICE 1655Trains from Cologne to Dresden run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. 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 23:55. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 5h 8m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 6h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 8m |
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 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dresden trains for today, Sunday 11 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 11 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 8:19 Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 14:50 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 11 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 · STR 10 | On time 8:19 Cologne Hbf | 6h40 | 14:59 Dresden | 3 changes | |
ICE 555 · 16119 · 16523 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 7h50 | 16:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 555 · 16119 · 16523 · STR 10 | On time 8:44 Cologne Hbf | 7h54 | 16:38 Dresden | 3 changes | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 8:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h01 | 14:50 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 529 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 · STR 10 | On time 8:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h10 | 14:59 Dresden | 3 changes | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:31 Cologne Hbf | 6h12 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 121 · ICE 1559 · STR 10 | On time 9:31 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 15:59 Dresden | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 1651 | On time 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 7h50 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 27 · ICE 1651 · STR 10 | On time 9:53 Cologne Hbf | 8h06 | 17:59 Dresden | 2 changes | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h45 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 217 · ICE 1559 · STR 10 | On time 9:58 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h01 | 15:59 Dresden | 2 changes | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 · S1 | On time 10:29 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 16:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1515 · ICE 690 · 16525 | On time 10:29 Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 17:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 557 · 16123 · 16527 | On time 10:44 Cologne Hbf | 7h50 | 18:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 · ICE 690 · 16525 | Delayed 8:50 10:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h49 | 17:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 · S1 | Delayed 8:50 10:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h12 | 16:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 225 · ICE 1651 | Delayed 9:32 11:28Cologne Hbf | 6h15 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 625 · ICE 1651 | On time 11:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h58 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h37 | 20:51 Dresden-Neustadt station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 8h46 | 21:00 Dresden Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 · S1 | On time 12:29 Cologne Hbf | 6h28 | 18:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1517 · ICE 598 · 16529 | On time 12:29 Cologne Hbf | 7h05 | 19:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 559 · IC 2239 · ICE 1653 | On time 12:44 Cologne Hbf | 7h01 | 19:45 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · 16529 | Delayed 10:49 12:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h49 | 19:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 · S1 | Delayed 10:49 12:45Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h12 | 18:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · 16529 | On time 12:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h45 | 19:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 · S1 | On time 12:49 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h08 | 18:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 10h36 | 2:50 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 10h21 | 2:35 Dresden, Neustadt Exit | 1 change | |
ICE 19 · ICE 590 · 16501 | On time 20:18 Cologne Hbf | 9h16 | 5:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 19 · ICE 590 · 16501 · STR 7 | On time 20:18 Cologne Hbf | 9h28 | 5:46 Dresden | 3 changes | |
ICE 823 · ICE 590 · 16501 | On time 20:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 8h59 | 5:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 823 · ICE 590 · 16501 · STR 8 | On time 20:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 9h10 | 5:45 Dresden | 3 changes | |
ICE 205 · EC 459 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 10h12 | 7:06 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 205 · IC 60409 · 16503 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 9h40 | 6:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 205 · EC 459 · STR 8 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 10h21 | 7:15 Dresden | 2 changes | |
ICE 205 · IC 60409 · 16503 · STR 8 | On time 20:54 Cologne Hbf | 9h51 | 6:45 Dresden | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

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
The most popular day trips by train from Dresden are Leipzig, Berlin, Meißen, Bautzen and Chemnitz. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Dresden on Omio.

Leipzig is known for Bach, the Thomaskirche and a long tradition of trade and publishing. Its compact centre combines grand historic architecture with creative neighbourhoods, canals and a youthful cultural scene.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 101 km distance in 1h 1m.

Berlin is Germany’s capital, known for its layered history and creative, straightforward character. The Brandenburg Gate, museum collections and traces of the Berlin Wall sit among green spaces, varied districts and a strong nightlife culture.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 165 km distance in 1h 26m.

Meißen is a historic town on the Elbe, known for Albrechtsburg Castle, its cathedral and the origins of European porcelain. Steep old streets, riverside vineyards and Saxon character make it feel compact, traditional and easy to explore.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 22 km distance in 29m.

Bautzen is known for its many towers, preserved old town and Sorbian heritage. Above the River Spree, it mixes medieval character with a distinct bilingual culture.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:07, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 49m.

Chemnitz is a Saxon city known for its industrial heritage, modernist buildings and engineering tradition. The Karl Marx Monument, varied museums and a steadily renewing centre give it a practical, cultural character.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 62 km distance in 1h 0m.
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.
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