The cheapest and fastest trains from Dresden to Cologne
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£127
Fastest journey
5 h 36 m
Average duration
6 h 4 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
475 km
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden to Cologne will cost around £127 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 12 trains that leave Dresden for Cologne every day 2 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 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 22 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.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 722
IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 124
ICE 1652 · ICE 722
RJ 384 · ICE 650Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Dresden to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dresden to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. 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 £18, and a flight costs an average of £296.
Distance: 475 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£70 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £424 Average Price |
7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m 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 |
![]() 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.
Live departures
Dresden to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne trains for today, Thursday 15 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:40 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h10 | 20:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:55 Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 9h55 | 20:50 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2172 · ICE 852 | On time 16:35 Dresden Hbf | 6h58 | 23:33 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
76557+ ICE 1552 · ICE 522 | On time 16:53 Dresden Hbf | 6h38 | 23:31 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
76557+ ICE 1552 · ICE 920 · 25400 | 16:53 Dresden Hbf | 8h42 | 01:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
EC 458 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 20:02 Dresden Hbf | 8h55 | 04:57 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Friday 16 January | |||||
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 03:15 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h34 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 05:53 Dresden Hbf | 6h56 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 06:00 Dresden-Neustadt station | 6h49 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 124 | On time 07:01 Dresden Hbf | 6h42 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1652 · ICE 722 | On time 07:01 Dresden Hbf | 6h13 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 07:05 Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 9h44 | 16:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 07:15 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 9h34 | 16:49 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 124 | 07:38 Dresden Hbf | 6h05 | 13:43 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1746 · ICE 837 · ICE 722 | 07:38 Dresden Hbf | 5h36 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
RJ 384 · ICE 650 | On time 07:53 Dresden Hbf | 6h22 | 14:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 1516 | On time 08:10 Dresden Hbf | 6h23 | 14:33 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2048 · ICE 597 · ICE 720 | On time 08:10 Dresden Hbf | 6h04 | 14:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dresden to Cologne 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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Dresden to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Dresden to Cologne
Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 475 km distance in 5h 56m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Dresden to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Dresden and Cologne from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
FAQs: Dresden to Cologne train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Dresden and Cologne
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- There are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4.
- Burger King
- asiagourmet
- dean&david
- Hot Dog King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- BABA Döner
- Marché
- backWERK
- Ditsch
- & more
- Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Kipping
- Pullman Dresden Newa
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
- Monday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Thursday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Friday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 07:00 - 20:00
- ElbUferei
- Raskolnikoff
- Byblos
- Kantine No. 2
- Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden
- Rothenburger Hof
- Mezcalero
- Villa Romantika
- Suppenküche
- Eisdiele
- Restaurant Hurvinek
- Oskars
- Azimut Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Dresden
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