The average train between Dresden and Essen takes 6h 9m and the fastest train takes 5h 42m. There is a train service every few hours from Dresden to Essen. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run hourly between Dresden and Essen. The earliest departure is at 5:53 AM in the morning, and the last departure from Dresden is at 8:33 PM which arrives into Essen at 5:14 AM. All services require a transfer, and take on average 6h 9m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.

5h 45m • 1 change

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5h 44m • 1 change

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5h 42m • 1 change

5h 56m • 1 change

6h • 1 change

5h 45m • 1 change

5h 42m • 1 change

5h 45m • 1 change

6h • 1 change

5h 45m • 1 change

5h 42m • 1 change

5h 45m • 1 change

6h • 1 change

5h 45m • 1 change
Want to know about travelling from Dresden to Essen? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Dresden to Essen. However, there are services departing from Dresden station and arriving at Essen station via Berlin Hbf. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 9m.
Dresden to Essen train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), depart from Dresden Hauptbahnhof station.
Dresden to Essen train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), arrive at Essen Hbf station.
Book your Dresden to Essen train tickets online with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and Österreichische Bundesbahnen.
The distance between Dresden and Essen is 470.1 km. The road distance is 676 km.
You can take a train from Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Essen Hbf via Berlin Hbf in around 5h 53m.