- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£38
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£105
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
5 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
6 h 10 m
Trains on 14 Oct
16
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 £105 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
To travel from Dresden to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 1654 · IC 2238 · ICE 652
ICE 1654 · ICE 612
STR 7 · ICE 1654 · ICE 612
IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 728
IC 2046 · ICE 595 · ICE 724
STR 10 · IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 728Trains from Dresden to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 16m. 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 475 km distance in 5h 7m.
Distance 475 km |
Average train duration 6h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 7m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1552 · S8 · ICE 510 | On time 18:11 Dresden Hbf | 7h30 | 1:41 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1552 · ICE 920 | 18:11 Dresden Hbf | 7h54 | 2:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1970 · ICE 1540 | Delayed 20:49 Dresden Hbf | 9h29 | 4:21 4:21Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
16534 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 | On time 21:12 Dresden Hbf | 8h32 | 5:44 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 14 October | |||||
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:15 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h40 | 13:55 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:30 Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 10h25 | 13:55 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
STR 10 · IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 728 | On time 4:51 Dresden | 6h23 | 11:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 changes | |
STR 10 · IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 1610 | On time 4:51 Dresden | 6h42 | 11:33 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 1610 | On time 5:00 Dresden Hbf | 6h33 | 11:33 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2044 · ICE 593 · ICE 728 | On time 5:00 Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 11:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
STR 7 · ICE 1654 · IC 2238 · ICE 652 | On time 6:01 Dresden | 7h14 | 13:15 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
STR 7 · ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 6:01 Dresden | 6h04 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1654 · IC 2238 · ICE 652 | On time 6:11 Dresden Hbf | 7h04 | 13:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 | On time 6:11 Dresden Hbf | 5h54 | 12:05 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
STR 7 · IC 2046 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | On time 6:51 Dresden | 6h42 | 13:33 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
STR 7 · IC 2046 · ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 6:51 Dresden | 6h23 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 changes | |
IC 2046 · ICE 595 · ICE 724 | On time 7:00 Dresden Hbf | 6h14 | 13:14 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 changes | |
IC 2046 · ICE 595 · ICE 1518 | On time 7:00 Dresden Hbf | 6h33 | 13:33 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:15 Dresden, Bayrische Straße (Hauptbahnhof) | 10h42 | 21:57 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:30 Dresden, Bf Neustadt | 10h27 | 21:57 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Neumarkt, 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.
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