Train from Cologne to Dresden: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Cologne to Dresden on 18 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Flixtrain + Flixbus
    Hbf
    Dresden central station (Bayrische Straße)Cheapest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Hbf
    Dresden HbfFastest
    Flixtrain + Flixbus
      Hbf
      Dresden central station (Bayrische Straße)No tags
      Flixtrain
        Hbf
        Dresden Central StationNo tags
        Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
        Cologne Messe/Deutz
        Dresden HbfNo tags

        Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 4:45 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 508, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

        6carpool per day
        6hAverage duration
        476 kmDistance
        20kgCO₂ emissions
        Average priceR 466 - R 2 446Average duration9h 25m
        12kg CO₂e
        Average priceR 435 - R 5 170Average duration7h 18m
        11kg CO₂e
        Carpool
        Average priceR 508 - R 1 150Average 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 435. The average price for this train route is around R 1 926. 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
        13/12
        R 3 753
        14/12
        R 1 138
        Today
        No data
        16/12
        No data
        17/12
        No data
        18/12
        R 869
        19/12
        R 1 118
        20/12
        R 1 636
        busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cologne to Dresden was searched and found on 18 Dec 2025 with a price of R 869

        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 869 to R 5 195 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 869, which is on 2025-12-18.

        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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