Train from Cologne to Dresden: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Cologne to Dresden on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Flixtrain
    Hbf
    Dresden Central StationCheapest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
    Hbf
    Dresden HbfFastest
    Flixtrain
      Hbf
      Dresden Neustadt StationNo tags
      S-Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE + EuroCity Train
      Cologne Messe/Deutz
      Dresden HbfNo tags
      Regional-Express + Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
      Cologne Messe/Deutz
      Dresden HbfNo tags

      Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:24 PM CET.

      Compare 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Dresden

      We recommend carpooling

      Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Dresden. The journey takes about 6 hours and with fares starting at just R 510, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

      6carpool per day
      6hAverage duration
      476 kmDistance
      20kgCO₂ emissions
      Average priceR 468 - R 2 459Average duration9h 25m
      12kg CO₂e
      Average priceR 437 - R 5 199Average duration7h 18m
      11kg CO₂e
      Carpool
      Average priceR 510 - R 1 157Average duration6h
      20kg CO₂e

      Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cologne to Dresden by train

      Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

      1. How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Dresden?

        The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Dresden start from R 437. The average price for this train route is around R 1 936. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

      2. How long is the train journey from Cologne to Dresden?

        The average train journey time from Cologne to Dresden is 7h 18m, covering a distance of 473 km. The quickest train can get you there in 5h 40m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

      3. Which train operators serve the Cologne to Dresden route?

        Several major train operators serve this route, with 31 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, FlixBus.

      4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cologne to Dresden?

        The earliest train from Cologne to Dresden departs at 06:00. And the latest train departs at 22:04.

      5. Which is the best train operator from Cologne to Dresden?

        According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn ICE, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews.

      6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Cologne to Dresden?

        Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.4.

      7. Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Cologne to Dresden?

        According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

      8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Cologne to Dresden?

        According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn ICE, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

      Find cheapest prices for trains

      Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

      Best price found
      10/12
      No data
      11/12
      R 788
      Today
      R 978
      13/12
      R 2 498
      14/12
      R 1 472
      15/12
      No data
      16/12
      No data
      17/12
      No data
      busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cologne to Dresden was searched and found on 11 Dec 2025 with a price of R 788

      To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cologne to Dresden as early as possible.

      You can expect to pay from R 788 to R 5 224 for a train ticket from Cologne to Dresden based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 472, which is on 2025-12-14.

      Usually Deutsche Bahn ICE will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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