Berlin is the capital of Germany. The route from Berlin to Dresden is one of the most popular, despite the considerable distance between cities. Let's find out how to get from Berlin to Dresden in the most profitable way.
What types of transport can be used
The distance from Dresden to Berlin is about 190 km, and can be covered by train or bus. The quality of the German Autobahns can be fully experienced only when traveling by car. It is also always possible to rent a car, order a taxi or use the travel companion search service. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of all available modes of transportation and make your choice:
| Type of transport | Travel time | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 1 h 50 min | from 20 |
| Bus | 2 h 30 min | 12–20 |
| Personal car | 2 h | 21 (gasoline) |
| Car rent | 2 h | from 45 euro / day + 21 (petrol) + 30 euro fee |
| Transfer - taxi | 2 h | from 116 |
| Fellow travelers | 2 h | 8–11 |
Train ride
Traveling by train is one of the best ways to get to Dresden. There are 4 train stations in Berlin. The Hauptbahnhof Central Station is the most modern in the city and serves an impressive number of flights, so you can find an inexpensive direct route.
From the East (Ostbahnhof) and West (Zoo) stations, you can get to the central station using the metro lines S3, S5, S7.
Direct trains from Berlin to Dresden from the central railway station run from 7:15 to 21:15 every 2 hours.
The trip to Dresden will take about 1 hour 50 minutes and will cost from 20 to 42 euros, depending on the train class and departure time. Travel time will depend on the number of connections and the type of train: ICE-Intercity Express, IC-Intercity Rapid Train or EC-International Train.
You can use connecting flights in Leipzig, but this trip will take 45-70 minutes longer. These flights start at 4:30 a.m. and use regional trains (RE and RB) or S-train to cover some sections of the route.
We book a ticket online
To purchase a ticket online, go to the Deutsche Bahn website.
- We set the route points, select the ticket class and the number of passengers, and also indicate the required date and time. An important point: you need to not only enter the city, but also select the required stations, which will be in the drop-down list (for example, Hbf - the main station).
- Click “Search” and see a new window with available flights and ticket prices. Column "Chg." - this is the number of transfers, and in the “Show details” item you can view detailed information about the route: intermediate stations, platform number, departure and arrival times.
- Click “To offer selection” and choose the offer you like. Registration on the site is not required, however, you cannot take advantage of special offers without it.
- Next, enter your data and choose a payment method. We recommend looking at additional options: booking a seat, changing the ticket class and buying special cards.
Train timetables and ticket reservations are also available in the DB navigator app, which you can download to your smartphone.
Buying a ticket at the terminal
To buy a ticket, find the red Fahrkarten terminal with the DB logo and select the “Start-Ziel” item. In the first line of the new window, the current city is already indicated (you can change it) and all that remains is to press the “Ziel eingeben” button to select the end point of the route. We enter the required city using the on-screen keyboard, and the available stations will be in the list on the left. We indicate the time and date of the trip in the next window.
When choosing an option from the list of flights, do not forget to look at the details - there may be important information about transfers with an indication of the apron number (gleis).
In the next window, you can print the route (Reiseplan drucken) and proceed to paying for the ticket (Fahrkarte kaufen). Having chosen a suitable flight, we pay for the ticket in one of the available ways: coins, bills, bank card. During the trip, the controller may require a ticket and an identity document.
Getting there by bus
Traveling by bus is a fast and comfortable way to get to Dresden from Berlin. From the central station ZOB am Funkturm, located on Masurenallee 4-6, you can leave from 2:30 to 23:55. Also, a large number of flights depart from the following stops:
- Alexanderplatz,
- Südkreuz Bf station,
- Schönefeld Airport,
- Tegel Airport, Terminal E,
- Station Zoo.
The car park consists of comfortable buses with air conditioning, toilets and internet access.
To book a ticket online, go to the flixbus.ru website. Thanks to the interface in Russian, you can easily set the required route.
On the left side of the window that opens, additional filters are available: transfers, departure and arrival stations.
Having made a choice of flight, you need to enter information about passengers and a contact phone number, which is required to notify about possible delays. After payment using one of the available methods, the ticket will be received by e-mail.
The bus schedule is designed in such a way that you can go at any time of the day. The interval between flights is usually less than half an hour, but it should be borne in mind that some of the flights depart from different parts of the city. The ticket price ranges from 12 to 25 euros.
To Dresden by car
The German autobahns allow you to quickly travel by car throughout Germany. For those who like to travel on their own, great opportunities open up. You can not only visit Dresden and its surroundings, but also enjoy the scenery along the way, making stops at the places you like.
The road from Berlin starts on the A100 motorway to the A113 junction, and after Schönefeld Airport, continue on the A13 motorway to Dresden. Such a trip takes on average 2 hours.
We rent a car
Renting a car is worth it if you need mobility within the city, and the trip starts from the airport - usually this is where the rental offices are located. The cost of one day of rental will cost from 45 euros, depending on the class of the car and the driver's experience. Additionally, some rental companies charge a fee of 20-30 euros for returning the car in another city. Also on the account you must have a security deposit of 800-1000 euros, which is blocked at the conclusion of the contract and returned at the end of the lease.
Carefully study the offers when booking a car: fuel is not included in the rental price, and the maximum allowed mileage may be limited.
Car rental in Germany can be arranged directly with representatives. It is also possible to book a car in advance on rentalcars.com. All you need to do is specify the rental time frame and choose a convenient location.
Additionally, you can order car insurance. The driver must have an international driving license with the category corresponding to the car.
We use a taxi transfer
A taxi allows you to start a trip at any time and from anywhere in the city. This type of transport will be especially useful for those who value their time and do not want to understand the nuances of public transport. This is the most expensive way to get to Dresden - the cost of the trip will start from 116 euros and will depend on how many kilometers you travel. A child seat will cost 4 euros per seat.
You can order a taxi on the website kiwitaxi.ru. Having indicated the required route, you can choose the class and capacity of the car. When registering, you will need to select the date, time and place of taxi delivery - the list already contains popular train stations and hotels. You can find a free taxi car directly on the street, but you should definitely check the cost of the trip with the driver.
Search for travel companions
Blablacar service makes it easy to find travel companions in most countries of the world. The main advantage of this method is the low price, which is comparable to the cheapest bus ticket. For the rest, you will have to rely on the decency and experience of an unfamiliar driver.
Conclusion
Berlin and Dresden are significant points on the tourist map of Germany. There are many attractions and excursions are constantly held. By correctly planning your travel itinerary, you will save yourself unnecessary difficulties and are guaranteed to enjoy the trip.
