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Taking the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden in 4 hours 27 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 19 minutes to travel the 232 miles (373 km) from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 27 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 25 trains per day running on this route. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available. You can travel on this route with either ICE, DB or ÖBB. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden start from £17.46 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than 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 timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden by train
It takes an average of 6h 19m to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden by train, over a distance of around 232 miles (373 km). There are normally 25 trains per day travelling from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden and tickets for this journey start from £17.46 when you book in advance.
| First train | 01:02 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:53 | |
| Departure station | Frankfurt (Main) | |
| Arrival station | Dresden | |
| Journey time | From 4h 27m | |
| Distance | 232 miles (373 km) | |
| Frequency | 25 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £17.46 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), EC (Eurocity) and ÖBB trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
EC (Eurocity)
ÖBB
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.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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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.
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- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
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.
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- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
ICE and Eurocity (EC) classes from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE and Eurocity (EC) when travelling from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden.
ICE
Eurocity (EC)
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Second Class
Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Onboard services on ICE and Eurocity (EC)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden.
ICE
Eurocity (EC)
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling 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.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board 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 their EC trains.
When travelling 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 travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and 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 travelling on a 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 travelling 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 board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) 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 Frankfurt (Main) 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden take?
The average journey time by train between Frankfurt (Main) and Dresden is 6 hours and 19 minutes, with around 25 trains per day. 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 Frankfurt (Main) and Dresden by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden is 4 hours and 27 minutes.
How much does the train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden cost?
Train ticket prices from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden can start from as little as £17.46 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden without having to change trains. There are 8 direct trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden leave?
The first train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden leaves at 01:02. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden leave?
The last train from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden leaves at 20:53. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Frankfurt (Main) and Dresden by train?
Trains travelling from Frankfurt (Main) to Dresden cover a distance of around 232 miles (373 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Dresden to Frankfurt (Main).