Transportation within the city of Dresden is quite practical and cheap. The train, trams, and buses make up the three main methods of transportation in the city. This modern public transportation system almost entirely removes the need for taxis and rental car services. Thanks to this well-developed system it is very easy to get to the airport directly from the city center. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the airport from the city center using any method of transportation. There are automated ticket machines throughout the city that are very convenient and easy to use. It only takes a few minutes to get your tickets from these machines. You can use these tickets jointly on the bus and the tram.

Train

There are two train stations in Dresden, the Dresden Mitte Station and Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main station). Trains in Dresden are referred to as the S-Bahn. The S-Bahn line S2 links Dresden Central Station and Dresden Neustadt with Dresden Airport. Line S1 operates between Meissen- Schöna, passing through Pirna, line S2 operates between Dresden Hauptbahnhof (passing through the city center) – Pirna and Dresden Airport, and line S3 operates between Dresden Hauptbahnhof-Tharandt and Freiberg.

Bus

When it comes to urban transportation, buses are the second most popular method after trams. There are many different routes that buses follow throughout the city. Bus number 94 passes the train station in Mitte. If you take this bus to Mitte you can transfer to a tram or train to the airport. If you want to get to Dresden Airport directly by bus then you can take bus number 77 or bus number 80.

Both buses depart from different locations in the city but they both pass through Dresen Airport. Bus number 80 passes through the city center. The name of the company that runs the bus network in the city is called Stadtbus. There are many different bus lines, starting at number 61,62, 63 and continuing up until 100.

There are a total of 29 different bus routes in Dresden. The ticket you purchase can also be used on the tram, which makes transferring between vehicles very convenient.

Tram

The tram network in Dresden dates back to the 19th century. In fact there is a historic museum dedicated to the history of the tram network in the city. The museum has 37 trams on display that date back to 1902-1931. Since then providing public transportation in the city by tram has become an integral part of the culture. Therefore, trams are the most valuable and preferred means of transportation in the city, particularly among the locals. The tram stops are spread throughout the city and they are quite modern and comfortable.

Dresden features a common ticket system for buses and trams and ticket prices are quite cheap. Ticket prices vary slight from region to region. The city is basically divided into 3 zones, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. These three regions are priced separately. For example, the most up-to-date price for a 1-hour ticket in Zone 1 is 2 euros. The price for a 1.5 hour ticket in Zone 2 is 3.80 euros. Finally, the price for a 2-hour ticket in Zone 3 is 5.60 euros. A day ticket costs 8 euros for Zone 1, and 13 euros for Zone 2. Tram lines 1, 2, 6, and 10 pass through the train station in Mitte.

The CarGoTram in Dresden is a freight tram that crosses through the city, suppling Volkswagen’s “Transparent Factor”. The factory is located to the east of the city center, in the Großer Garten. Thanks to the tram network, which is the most commonly used method of public transportation in the city, it is possible to get to almost every part of Dresden very easily. Tram line 1 starts in Prohlis and continues to Gruna, Straßburger Platz, Postplatz, Bahnhof Mitte, Friedrichstadt and Leutewitz.

Tram line 2 starts in Kleinzschachwitz and continues to Grana, Stra, Platz, Bahnhof Mitte, Cotta and Gorbitz. Tram line 3 starts in Coschütz and continues to Plauen, Hauptbahnhof, Pirnaischer Platz, Albertplatz, Bahnhof Neustadt, Trachenberge and Wilder Mann. Tram line 4 starts in Laubegast and continues to Striesen, Straß Platz, Postplatz, Mickten, Radebeul, Coswig and Weinböhla.

Bicycle

Dresden is a small and cozy town that is quite modern at the same time. Those who don’t want to get around via public transportation have the option of biking as a means of urban transportation. There are dozens of different bike rental companies located throughout the city. Cycling as a means of urban transportation is very common in Dresden. Many people visiting the city enjoy biking since it is the most economical transportation alternative and a very plesant way to explore the city. NextBike is one of the most popular and affordable bicycle companies in the city. You can contact the private bicycle company at 030 69205046 and enjoy this unique way of exploring the city. The Elbe Cycle Route is the longest and most famous bicycle path in Dresden.

Taxi

The abundance of public transportation options in the city and the fact that rental car companies offer reasonable prices has almost eliminated the need for taxis. Nevertheless, taxis are readily available in the city. Taxis in Dresden are reasonably priced; the taximeter starts at 2.5 euros and runs 1.5 euro for every kilometer. You can always try to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver to get a cheaper total.

Rental Car

The roads in and around Dresden are very well maintained and directly linked to many other cities in Germany. The most well known car park facilities in the city center are Frauenkirche/Neumarkt and Altmarkt. The fact that the roads in the city as so well maintained and that traffic is extremely light makes renting a car an even more appealing option for visitors. Renting a car is also a great way to explore other cities in Germany.

We recommend renting a vehicle that comes equipped with a GPS device to help navigate your way. If you rent a car from the city center make sure to check whether or not that company also has a an office at the airport. That way you can easily return your vehicle at the airport before your departure.

The drive from Dresden city center to Dresden Airport is very practical and easy via the B97 motorway. The airport is located about 9 km from the city center. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport from the city center by car. The A4 motorway is just outside of Dresden Airport. The airport is also easily accessible from Chemnitz, Leipzig, or Prague via the A4 motorway.

Airport Information

Located 9 km north of the city center, Dresden Airport is a rather small airport. The airport handled a total of almost 2 million passengers in 2015. Despite being small in size the airport offers a variety of services.

The airport parking lot has the capacity to accommodate about 3,000 vehicles. This parking lot offers free parking for up to 2 hours. Dresden Airport offers a delicious selection of eating and drinking venues. Places where you can get a bite to eat or something to drink include Elbezeit, Hangar 219, Bar Limon, Bar Cassis, and Klüh Catering.

The airport offers passengers free internet access throughout the terminal and contains a smoking area, market, and souvenir shops. There are also many travel agencies at the airport. Passengers can go shopping at stores like Gate 14, Heinemann Duty Free, Feinbackerei Heberer, News stands LS travel retail, Handelsgalerie Matthies, and Saturn.

There is an airport information desk at the arrivals terminal that is ready to assist you. For more detailed information about the airport just visit www.dresden-airport.de.