Getting around Dresden is easy!
Dresden is a small city, with most of the historic sites of the Old City within close walking distance of one another.
But what if it’s raining? Or too hot? Or do you want to visit one of the many wonderful spots a little further away from the Old City?
Here’s your guide to getting around Dresden easily and without breaking your budget.
If you just need help understanding the ticketing system for transport in Dresden, skip ahead.
Need even more information to help plan your visit to Dresden? Read my 5 Things you need to know before you visit Dresden here.
Planning your journey
Getting around Dresden is easy, but like anytime you’re new to a city, getting lost is still possible!
Check the Maps
You’ll find bus and tram route maps at all public transport stops.
These include the network maps, which offer you an overview of all transport options for getting around Dresden, but also a route map, that lets you see exactly where the bus or tram from this stop will go.
Google Maps
If you’re not very comfortable reading maps, I recommend putting your trust in Google Maps.
Set your destination, ask for directions and select the public transport option.
Google Maps will then show you which public transport to use, including handy details like the direction of travel.
This will help you avoid heading across the city in the wrong direction!
Ask a local
When all else fails, locals can usually help. Remember that not everyone in Dresden can or will speak English, but generally people will be happy to help with basic directions.
DVB or DB App
The local public transport provider, DVB, and the national train provider Deutsche Bahn (DB) each have an app which offers journey planning and ticketing information, as well as in-app purchases.
However, as they are only available in the German app-stores, they may not be the best options for you if you’re only visiting Dresden for a short time.
You can always check the website of DVB or DB for further journey planning or ticketing information (links are to both English sites).
For more handy tips about visiting Dresden, why not read my post?
Trams
Dresden has a network of trams that crisscross the city from its geographical centre, right out to its hilly edges.
These are the most reliable form of transport in Dresden.
If you’re done with walking, jump on one of the trams around town to save your energy.
The trams here are typically fairly spacious, with reserved spaces for prams if you’re travelling with one.
You’ll see the pram symbol on the door, letting you know where the spaces are.
They’re also not too busy, outside of peak commuting times in the morning and evening, of course. But, if you’re from a larger city, the peak-time commute here will look pretty dreamy.
The latest model tram even has USB ports onboard for passengers to use!
Dresden’s trams run 24 hours a day, with most lines running services at 7 – 10 minute intervals throughout the day.
No matter where you walk, you will spot a handful of tram stops. The hardest part is figuring out which one you need!
Onboard, you will be informed about the upcoming stops including connections to other lines or forms of transport.
Buses
The second best way of getting around Dresden, in my opinion, is with Buses.
Like trams, buses crisscross Dresden. meaning that no matter where you want to go, you can get there easily with minimal, if any changes.
Many stops are shared for buses and trams, so if you do have to change service, it’s normally pretty easy to find your next ride.
Buses can be more squishy than trams, though they also have reserved spaced for prams.
Unfortunately, buses lack the USB connectors.
Overall though, buses beat walking in the wind or rain and can save little legs from becoming too tired.
MOBIbike
Don’t feel like walking but still want to be active? Then MobiBikes might be a good option for you.
Dresden is a very cyclable city. It’s small, relatively flat, and very safe for cyclists.
You will often be riding in dedicated bicycle lanes or on shared footpaths, with many intersections having bike-only traffic lights to ensure everyone’s safety.
I’ve always felt safe riding on the roads here.
Drivers are not aggressive toward cyclists. Cyclists are not competitive. It’s also really flat!
You’ll see many locals choosing bikes as their preferred method of transport, with ample bike parking available throughout the city.
Wearing a safety helmet is not mandatory, though I strongly recommend it.
Despite the cautious driving of Germans, accidents can happen, o borrow or buy a helmet for the duration of your stay.
To access the MOBIbike, you’ll need to download the DVB App. Through this app, you can find the bike locations, book a bike, manage your booking, and return it at the end of your adventure.
Payments occur in-app in Euros.
Interested? Read more here.
E-Scooters
So maybe you want to feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, but without really working for it?
Enter Lime Scooters!
Similar to the MOBIbikes, these Scooters can be located, booked, paid for and returned through the Lime Micromobility App.
The E-scooters can be safely parked at the central locations, including the Altmarkt, Neumarkt, Schlossplatz and the Goldener Reiter. This means that they’re always readily available near the key tourist sites.
Be sure to stick to the allowed return zones to avoid additional charges.
Remember to be mindful of other pedestrians and follow all road rules for your safety and that of others.
For more information and booking, head here or simply download the Lime App.
Trains
Like so many old, European cities, Dresden has an exceptionally well-connected train network.
Trains from Dresden will connect you to most of Germany and even across Europe but are my last option for visitors to conveniently move around the city.
Trains in Dresden run around the outer edge of the city itself, so are perfect for bringing you into Dresden.
They’re also a great option if your next stop is Berlin or Prague, for example, with both cities having a direct train connection with Dresden.
If you’re staying outside of Dresden in one of the neighbouring cities of Pirna, Radebeul or Freiburg for example, then the train network offers a terrific way to come into the historic old city.
Likewise, if you’d like a day trip out of Dresden to visit the Saxony Switzerland National Park or another spot in Saxony, I recommend using the trains.
Important! Different train services operate in and around Dresden. Each offers a different destination, speed and service. Therefore, the price of each service is vastly different.
The ICE that may bring you to Dresden offers a very different service to the S-Bahn Service or Regional Express service that you will use to visit neighbouring cities or other parts of Saxony.
Please note that the national train service provider, Deutsche Bahn (DB), is regularly mocked by locals for its regular delays.
Do not be disheartened or too shocked if your train is delayed.
As an Australian girl, I can say that even when DB are late, they’re still outperforming the services at home!
Ferries
Dresden is built on the banks of the Elbe. While the historic old city in firmly on one side of the river, it’s well worth visiting the other side to experience all that Dresden has to offer.
There are three bridges that allow you to do this easily: Marienbrucke, Carolabrucke and the Blaueswunder.
As the three are reasonably spread out along the Elbe, there may come a time when you want to cross the river somewhere in between the bridges.
And what if you’re too tired to walk or ride or scoot all the way to the next bridge?
Then take a ferry.
These adorable little boats will zip you across the water in only a couple of minutes.
They offer a stunning view up and down the river, into both ends of the city.
Departing every 10 – 15 minutes, the journey across the river lasts no more than 5-6 minutes.
Many ferry locations are directly next to beer gardens and playgrounds, making them the perfect addition to any family’s visit to Dresden.
Tickets can be purchased on board or, if you already have a daily pass, you’re set to sail.
Über
Before you go looking for a a ride with Uber, know that there is no Über here.
None.
There are Taxis if you really do want to be driven somewhere. These will require German language skills and are certainly not the cheapest alternative.
But no Über.
Tickets
In Dresden, you just need one ticket to use trams, buses and local trains (intercity and international trains may require an alternative ticket).
Tickets for transport in and around Dresden can be purchased:
- onboard trams and buses with contactless card payment only,
- at most tram and bus stops from the big yellow machines,
- in the DVB App,
- at either of the DVB Customer Service Centres located at the Central Train Station and at Postplatz (links will open in Google Maps).
What’s important to understand is the different types of tickets available to you.
Tickets for getting around Dresden
The best options for you as a visitor in Dresden are:
Daily Ticket
- Valid on all bus, tram and local train services.
- Can be used from the moment it’s stamped until 4am the following morning.
- One daily ticket will allow travel for you and two children under 15 years of age.
- Currently priced at €8 for travel in Dresden only or €18 for the entire DVB network.
Daily Family Ticket
- Valid on all bus, tram and local train services.
- Can be used from the moment it’s stamped until 4am the following morning.
- Allows travel for two adults and up to four children under 15 years of age.
- Currently priced at €12.20 for travel in Dresden only or €25.70 for the entire DVB network.
Dresden Welcome Card
If you’re interested in visiting a number of museums or attractions, this card might be your best options.
Offering prepaid transport on public services for 1, 2 or 3 days, as well as discounts to a number of attractions, tours and restaurants, the Dresden Welcome Card is definitely value packed.
Check out all details here.
So, get planning!
Have you visited Dresden before? How did you find the public transport here? Let me know in the comments below.
