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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Taking the train from Heidelberg to Dresden in 5 hours 28 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Heidelberg to Dresden? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 34 minutes to travel the 403 km from Heidelberg to Dresden by train, although you can get there in as little as 5 hours 28 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 21 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel with DB trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.
Train tickets from Heidelberg to Dresden are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Dresden? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Heidelberg to Dresden by train
| First train | 1:27 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:14 pm | |
| Departure station | Heidelberg | |
| Arrival station | Dresden | |
| Journey time | From 5h 28m | |
| Distance | 250 miles (403 km) | |
| Frequency | 21 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Heidelberg to Dresden
Want to know more about your journey from Heidelberg to Dresden? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Heidelberg to Dresden by train?
Which train companies operate from Heidelberg to Dresden?
Is it possible to get from Heidelberg to Dresden without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Heidelberg to Dresden?
What time does the first train from Heidelberg to Dresden leave?
What time does the last train from Heidelberg to Dresden leave?
How often are trains from Heidelberg and Dresden?
Do you need to book the train from Heidelberg to Dresden in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Heidelberg to Dresden?
Deutsche Bahn and EC (Eurocity) trains from Heidelberg to Dresden
Deutsche Bahn
EC (Eurocity)
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.
More information
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.
More information
- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
Eurocity (EC) classes from Heidelberg to Dresden
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity (EC) when traveling from Heidelberg to Dresden.
Second Class
Traveling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power outlets and a bar car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and an in-seat meal service.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Onboard services on Eurocity (EC)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Heidelberg to Dresden.
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.
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.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cheap train tickets from Heidelberg to Dresden
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 Heidelberg to Dresden 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.