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Travel from Dresden to Cologne by train in 12 hours 49 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Dresden to Cologne by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Dresden to Cologne by train is 17 hours 31 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours 49 minutes. You'll usually find 18 trains per day traveling the 669 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Cologne. During your journey, you'll either be traveling with DB or ÖBB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Book train tickets from Dresden to Cologne in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Dresden to Cologne in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Dresden to Cologne by train

First train

6:10 am

Last train

11:08 pm

Departure station

Dresden

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 12h 49m

Distance

416 miles (669 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Trenord

FAQs about the train journey from Dresden to Cologne

Want to know more about your journey from Dresden to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Dresden to Cologne?

You can get from Dresden to Cologne in 17 hours and 31 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 12 hours and 49 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Dresden to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Dresden and Cologne is 17 hours and 31 minutes, with around 18 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Dresden and Cologne by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Dresden to Cologne is 12 hours and 49 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Dresden to Cologne?

No, there are no direct train services from Dresden to Cologne. Travelling from Dresden to Cologne by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

Dresden to Cologne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Dresden to Cologne for Tuesday May 6th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
7:08 am11:19 pm16h 11m, 6 changes
8:07 am4:34 am20h 27m, 4 changes
8:08 am4:34 am20h 26m, 5 changes
10:10 am6:19 am20h 9m, 3 changes
10:46 am7:19 am20h 33m, 5 changes
2:10 pm9:59 am19h 49m, 5 changes
3:10 pm9:59 am18h 49m, 8 changes
5:22 pm11:19 am17h 57m, 6 changes
8:07 pm11:39 am15h 32m, 5 changes
8:08 pm12:39 pm16h 31m, 6 changes

Deutsche Bahn, EC (Eurocity) and ÖBB trains from Dresden to Cologne

You can travel from Dresden to Cologne on Deutsche Bahn, EC (Eurocity) and ÖBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

PhotoQualle, under licence CC3.0

EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Trenord, Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity classes from Dresden to Cologne

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord, Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity when traveling from Dresden to Cologne.

Onboard services on Trenord, Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Dresden to Cologne.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
  • You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
  • Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
  • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
  • Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
  • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with disabilities can:

  • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
  • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
  • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

LuggageLuggageBaggage

You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the onboard restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

When traveling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

When traveling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and a reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second-class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

If you’re traveling on an EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

The Mobility Service can help you with boarding, disembarking and changing trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageBaggage

You can take your baggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.

The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re traveling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

A restaurant car is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

If you’re traveling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Kids aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.

Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for kids in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can travel with your bike for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if it can be folded and is not larger than 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). You won’t need to book a space for your bike.

If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike so it's clearly visible to the ticket inspector.

PetPetPets

Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.

Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of car, several wheelchair bays, including one seat for an accompanying person, can be booked free of charge.

On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the in-seat meal service on offer there.

Cheap train tickets from Dresden to Cologne

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Dresden to Cologne by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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