Saxony, Germany
This is the main airport serving Dresden and Saxony. It is conveniently located approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) north of the city center. DRS is a compact and efficient airport, making arrivals and departures straightforward.
Major European airlines operate flights to DRS, including Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Ryanair, and KLM. Most international travelers connect through larger German or European hubs. Domestic German Hubs: Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) are main connection points within Germany. European Hubs: Regular connections exist from cities like Zurich (ZRH), Amsterdam (AMS), and Vienna (VIE).
Dresden Airport is a modern, compact airport with arrival/departure halls, check-in, car rental, shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.
S-Bahn line S2 connects Dresden Airport directly to Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Dresden Mitte (city center) in about 12-20 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes. This is the most cost-effective option. Taxis are readily available outside terminal (approx. €25-€35).
Find flight deals through Dollar Flight Club and compare prices on Skyscanner. Flight frequency and routes increase during summer and Christmas season. Prices highest during peak times and public holidays. Booking in advance advised.
Finding and paying for parking can be challenging and expensive in city centers. Utilize multi-story car parks (Parkhäuser), often marked with electronic signs showing available spaces. On-street parking often calls for parking discs (Parkscheibe) or payment at meters.
German drivers generally disciplined and follow traffic laws. Be aware of high speeds on Autobahns. Always observe all traffic laws and posted speed limits. In case of a breakdown on the Autobahn, use the emergency phones located every few kilometers or call 112 for assistance.
Germany shares land borders with nine Schengen countries. No routine passport checks at internal Schengen borders. You will only encounter passport checks when entering or exiting the Schengen Area itself. Crossings are typically seamless for EU/Schengen citizens.
Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's national railway, operates comprehensive services. Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main station) is a major hub. Direct and frequent ICE (Intercity-Express) and IC (Intercity) trains connect Dresden to major German cities. International connections are available to Prague (Czech Republic) and other European cities. Book online via the Deutsche Bahn website, at train stations, or using the DB Navigator app. Booking in advance (especially for ICE/IC trains) can result in significant savings. Look for "Sparpreis" (saver fare) options.
FlixBus is the dominant long-distance bus operator in Germany and Europe. It offers numerous connections to and from Dresden, often at lower prices than trains, especially when booked in advance. FlixBus connects Dresden to many German cities (e.g., Berlin, Leipzig, Munich) and international destinations (e.g., Prague, Vienna, Krakow). Dresden's main long-distance bus station (Dresden Fernbusbahnhof) conveniently located next to Hauptbahnhof. Book online via the FlixBus website or their app.
A valid driver's license for operation. If domestic license not from an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national license. The minimum driving age in Germany is 18. Car rental agencies are available at Dresden Airport and in the city center. Book in advance for better selection and rates, especially during peak season.
Germany shares land borders with nine countries, all part of the Schengen Area: Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, and Denmark. No routine passport checks at internal Schengen borders. You will only encounter passport checks when entering or exiting the Schengen Area itself. From Czech Republic/Poland: Dresden is well-connected by road and rail to Prague (Czech Republic) and cities like Wrocław and Krakow (Poland). Border crossings are typically seamless for EU/Schengen citizens. Non-Schengen citizens will have their passports checked upon entry to the Schengen Area at the first point of entry.
Dresden sits on the Elbe River, which is navigable but does not connect to the sea for ferry services or traditional ocean cruise ports.
Dresden is an inland city, not a seaport. Traditional ocean cruise ports and associated immigration procedures do not apply. River cruise landings typically near the city center (e.g., Brühl's Terrace), offering access to public transport for further travel into the city.
No specific exit fees or taxes for departing from Germany for tourists. Airport taxes typically included in airfare. For air travel, arrive at DRS 1.5-2 hours before domestic/Schengen flights; 2-3 hours before international flights. For train/bus, 15-30 minutes before departure.
Dresden Airport: Offers check-in desks, security checks, duty-free shops, cafes and restaurants, and lounges for comfortable waiting.
Dresden Hauptbahnhof: A large and modern train station with numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, luggage lockers, restrooms, ticket offices, and information desks. You find snacks or last-minute souvenirs here.
Dresden sits on the Elbe River, which is navigable but does not connect to the sea for ferry services or traditional ocean cruise ports.
River cruise landings are typically near the city center (e.g., Brühl's Terrace), offering easy access to public transport (trams and buses) for further travel into the city.
No specific exit fees or taxes for departing from Germany for tourists. Airport taxes typically included in airfare price.
For air travel: Arrive at Dresden Airport (DRS) at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic or Schengen flight. For an international (non-Schengen) flight, plan to arrive 2-3 hours before departure. Always check with your specific airline for their recommended arrival times.
For train or bus departures from Dresden Hauptbahnhof, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure is usually sufficient. Platforms are generally well-signed and accessible.
Allow ample time for airport or station procedures.
