Train from Cologne to Dresden: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Cologne to Dresden on 27 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Flixtrain + Flixbus
    Hbf
    Dresden central station (Bayrische Straße)Cheapest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Dresden HbfFastest
    Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Dresden HbfNo tags
    Deutsche Bahn ICE
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Dresden HbfNo tags
    Deutsche Bahn ICE + InterCity
    Cologne Messe/Deutz
    Dresden HbfNo tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:59 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 493, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

    4carpool per day
    6hAverage duration
    476 kmDistance
    20kgCO₂ emissions
    Average priceR 427 - R 2 053Average duration9h 25m
    12kg CO₂e
    Average priceR 239 - R 4 252Average duration6h 10m
    11kg CO₂e
    Carpool
    Average priceR 493 - R 1 135Average 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 239. The average price for this train route is around R 1 462. 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 6h 10m, covering a distance of 475 km. The quickest train can get you there in 5h 49m 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 19 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 06:18. And the latest train departs at 22:18.

    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, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 7 reviews.

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

      Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn ICE has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

    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
    24/01
    No data
    25/01
    R 2 000
    Today
    R 1 600
    27/01
    R 905
    28/01
    No data
    29/01
    R 803
    30/01
    R 680
    31/01
    No data
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cologne to Dresden was searched and found on 30 Jan 2026 with a price of R 680

    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 680 to R 4 379 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 680, which is on 2026-01-30.

    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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