Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Plane -- The Dresden-Klotsche airport lies 10km (6 miles) north of the city center. The airport is served by Lufthansa and most international carriers, with regularly scheduled flights from 11 German cities and other major European cities. For flight information, call tel. 0351/8813360 or visit www.dresden-airport.de. A rail line that's linked to Dresden's S-Bahn network stretches from the airport to the city's main station, requiring 20 minutes' transit each way, and a one-way fare of 1.90€. A taxi from the airport to the center of Dresden costs about 25€.

By Train -- Dresden has two main rail stations, the Hauptbahnhof, on Wiener Platz, and the Dresden-Neustadt, at Schlesischer Park. Tram no. 3 connects the two. The city is served by the Deutsche Bundesbahn rail line, with frequent connections to major and regional cities. From Berlin, 15 trains arrive daily (trip time: 2-2 1/2 hr.); 12 trains pull in from Frankfurt (trip time: 5 hr.). For rail information and schedules, call tel. 01805/996633 or visit www.bahn.de.

By Car -- Access is via the E50 Autobahn from the west or the E4 Autobahn from the north (Rostock, Berlin) or south.

Visitor Information

The Dresden Tourist Information Office is in the Kulturpalast on Wilsdrufferstrasse (tel. 0351/50160160; www.dresden.de). Open April to December Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Off-season hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm.

Getting Around

By Public Transportation -- If you plan to see more than the historic core of Dresden, you can use the bus and tram lines. A ride of four stops or fewer costs 1.90€, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for 5€. Maps and tickets are sold at automated dispensers outside the main rail station. Most major lines operate every hour, though service is curtailed between midnight and 5am. Dresden's S-Bahn reaches the suburbs.

By Funicular -- Dresden has two funiculars. The busier and more accessible of the two is the Standseilbahn, which links the suburb of Loschwitz to a hillside residential area, Weisser Hirsch. More remote, with less frequent runs, is the Schwebebahn, which links Loschwitz with Oberloschwitz on Saturday and Sunday only, carrying passengers to the viewing site at Loschwitzhöhe, which gives you an excellent view of the city. This funicular was the first of its kind in the world, built from 1898 to 1900. Fares on either funicular cost 3.70€ each way. For operating hours and more details, contact the transportation office at tel. 0351/8571011.

By Ferry -- Five ferries service Dresden, each operated by the same authorities that maintain the city's network of trams and buses. One is a vehicular ferry across the River Elbe between Dresden-Kleinzschachwitz and the Pillnitz Castle. To reach its departure point, take tram no. 1 from Postplatz. For more information, call tel. 0351/8571011.

Dresden for Less

The Dresden City-Card, which costs 21€ and is good for 48 hours, is a great deal for short-term visitors. The card gives you unlimited access to all public trams, buses, and ferries, plus free access to 12 of the city's best museums. There are also reductions on charges for certain sightseeing tours and some cultural events. The tourist office sells the card, and it's also available at the front desks of most hotels.