- Must visit
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Old Masters gallery with major European paintings, including Raphael, in the Semper building at the Zwinger.
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£40
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£79
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
8 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
8 h 48 m
Trains on 13 Oct
16
Distance
556 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Dresden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Dresden will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
To travel from Zurich to Dresden you need to make at least 2 changes.
IR 2290 · ICE 204 · ICE 694 · IC 2445
IR 2290 · ICE 376 · ICE 1557
IC 758 · ICE 202 · ICE 692 · IC 2443
IR 3293 · S 30 · Fähre · 87556
TGV 9206+
ICE 374 · ICE 1559
TGV 9206+
ICE 374 · ICE 1559
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 1655
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 1657
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 596 · IC 2047
IC 758 · ICE 202 · ICE 692 · IC 2443Trains from Zurich to Dresden run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 556 km distance in 7h 39m.
Distance 556 km |
Average train duration 8h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 7h 39m |
First train 0:08 |
Last train 23:20 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Dresden trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 370 · ICE 1653 · STR 10 | On time 10:58 Zurich HB | 8h58 | 19:56 Dresden | 2 changes | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 596 · IC 2047 | On time 11:59 Zurich HB | 8h51 | 20:50 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 1655 | On time 12:58 Zurich HB | 8h47 | 21:45 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 104 · ICE 594 · IC 2045 | On time 13:58 Zurich HB | 8h52 | 22:50 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
EC 150 · ICE 1657 | On time 14:34 Zurich HB | 9h11 | 23:45 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 1657 | On time 14:58 Zurich HB | 8h47 | 23:45 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
IR 2290 · ICE 376 · ICE 1557 | On time 0:08 Zurich HB | 13h36 | 13:44 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
IR 2290 · ICE 204 · ICE 694 · IC 2445 | On time 0:08 Zurich HB | 12h42 | 12:50 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
IR 3293 · S 30 · Fähre · 87556 | On time 0:17 Zurich HB | 13h27 | 13:44 Dresden Hbf | 8 changes | |
IC 758 · ICE 202 · ICE 692 · IC 2443 | On time 5:58 Zurich HB | 8h52 | 14:50 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
TGV 9206+ ICE 374 · ICE 1559 | On time 6:59 Zurich HB | 8h44 | 15:43 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · IC 2441 · S1 | On time 7:58 Zurich HB | 8h59 | 16:57 Dresden Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · 16525 | On time 7:58 Zurich HB | 9h36 | 17:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 200 · ICE 1651 | On time 7:58 Zurich HB | 9h45 | 17:43 Dresden Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 108 · ICE 598 · 16529 | On time 9:58 Zurich HB | 9h36 | 19:34 Dresden Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 108 · ICE 598 · IC 2049 · S1 | On time 9:58 Zurich HB | 8h59 | 18:57 Dresden Hbf | 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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Dresden trains use the Zürich HB to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Muldenhütten. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Dresden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need