Dresden to Warsaw via Cottbus and Frankfurt (Oder)

Overview

• Route: Dresden Hbf – Cottbus Hbf – Frankfurt (Oder) – Warszawa Centralna
• Trains: RE18, RE10, EC 247
• Travel time: 9:03 h scheduled, 9:45 h actual
• Ticket: Online ticket from bahn.de, €70

Choosing the route

There are two common ways to get from Dresden to Warsaw by train: via Wrocław or via Poznań. I took the northern option through Cottbus and Frankfurt (Oder).

When choosing a connection, I look for generous transfer times, because trains don't always run on time. I aim for at least five minutes to change trains. Connecting trains often wait for late arrivals, but you can never count on that in advance.

Leg 1: Dresden – Cottbus (RE18)

The RE18 left on time at 11:57 and reached Cottbus at 13:38. The train was clean and comfortably air-conditioned, with power sockets above the windows. There was no Wi-Fi.

The train stops for a few minutes at Großenhain Cottbuser Bahnhof. The line is single-track there, so it has to wait for the train coming the other way.

Changing trains in Cottbus

This connection leaves you just under an hour and a half in Cottbus. I used the time for a short walk around the station. The immediate area is fairly quiet, but it's a good chance to stretch your legs after two hours on the train. The change itself was easy. Every platform has a lift, and the stairs are wide.

Leg 2: Cottbus – Frankfurt (Oder) (RE10)

The RE10 left on time at 15:02. It was clean and well air-conditioned, with a power socket under every seat. The Wi-Fi didn't work.

Changing trains in Frankfurt (Oder)

The change was easy, and there are lifts. The station has everything you need on a journey. Free Wi-Fi from the local municipal utility is available on the square in front of the station.

Leg 3: Frankfurt (Oder) – Warsaw (EC 247)

The EC 247 left at 16:50. It is scheduled to arrive at Warszawa Centralna at 21:00, but on my trip it arrived about 40 minutes late. The carriages were showing their age, but they were reasonably clean. The Wi-Fi worked well, and every seat had a power socket. The train had a restaurant car. I didn't notice any border checks.