The journey from Prague to Dresden is one of the most enjoyable in Central Europe. The trip between two of the most beautiful cities in Europe passes through the gorgeous Elbe Valley and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Prague and Dresden are two of the best stops on any Central Europe itinerary. And if you’re visiting either city for a few days it’s well worth considering visiting the other, at least on a day trip.
In this guide I show you the five ways to travel from Prague to Dresden. I’ve done the trip three ways out of the five described.
It can take less than two hours – or you could do it far more slowly on a bargain cross-border regional train ticket. There’s even the option of cycling between Prague and Dresden, which could take anything from five days to a week.
I hope you find my guide helpful.
Prague To Dresden By Rail – The Fast Train (And Most Scenic Route)
The Euro City train from Prague to Dresden is my recommended best way to get between the two cities. It takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and you get the bonus of a beautiful scenic run along the River Elbe and Saxon Switzerland National Park along the way.
Train prices vary by time of day and demand – the cheapest deal I found was around €45 for an adult day return, booked a day in advance. This involved an early morning train to Dresden and a return after 7 pm. My son’s fare worked out at around €18 return.
The last direct train of the day back from Dresden to Prague is normally at 7.10 pm. After that you’re looking at a much longer journey with one or more changes along the way.
The direct trains to Dresden from Prague are designated EuroCity trains, hence the higher prices. They run from Prague main train station – my guide to the station shows you how to navigate your way around it easily and quickly.
You can buy tickets online through the Czech Railways website – bear in mind that the name for the main station in Prague on the drop-down lists in Czech is Praha hl n.
Dresden’s main station usually comes up with its German name, Dresden Hbf. But it’s also worth knowing that the Czech name for Dresden is Drážďany, but the site usually reverts to Dresden.
Some of the trains are long-distance services, beginning as far away as Budapest and Vienna, and continuing as far as Berlin and even Hamburg.
I recommend reserving seats for this journey in both directions.
Prague – Dresden By Train – The Slow Way
If you’re not constrained by time and love to take things slowly, the regional Labe-Elbe Ticket is well worth considering.
It’s valid in the Ustí nad Labem region and across the border in Germany, within the VVO transport network area which includes Dresden. It includes all regional trains and local buses, but not the EC fast trains.
We used the ticket to travel from Litoměřice to Dresden, a journey which took us on four trains and took around three hours travel time.
The ticket doesn’t cover Prague. So you can catch the 413 bus from Prague Letňany bus station (at the end of Metro line C) to its terminus at Litoměřice bus station (Litoměřice aut nadr on timetables). The bus takes an hour, passing through some pleasant Bohemian countryside and garrison-turned-Ghetto town of Terezin on the way.
From the bus station it’s a two-minute walk to the adjacent Litoměřice Město train station, where you need to buy your ticket.
We spent just 510 CZK (£17 or US $23) on a ticket which allowed two adults and up to four children unlimited travel for the whole day on local and regional services.
There is also the option of one adult plus two under-15s travelling for 370 CZK, or 5 adults travelling for 760 CZK.
We changed trains at Ustí nad Labem, Děčín and across the border in Bad Schandau, where we caught the S1 S-Bahn train to Dresden.
The beauty of travelling on this ticket is that you can stop off somewhere en route for an hour or two. I strongly recommend a couple of hours or so in Litoměřice, a wondrous hidden gem of a town that you would otherwise never see.
Prague To Dresden Bus – The Fastest Way
The Prague to Dresden bus is around 40 minutes quicker than the same journey by train. It usually takes 1 hour 50 minutes as opposed to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The Flixbus from Prague to Dresden also tends to be a little less expensive than the train. Tickets booked the day before travel tend to be around €18-20 each way.
Buses depart from Florenc bus station Prague. It’s often called UAN Florenc or UAN Praha-Florenc on timetables. Click on the link above for more information on this bus station.
It’s very easy to reach, as it’s a couple of minutes’ walk from the Florenc Metro station, where Metro lines B and C connect. It’s also very close to the Florenc tram stop, served by trams 3, 8 and 24.
Some services also run from Prague main train station (Praha hlavní nádraži, or Praha hl n on timetables). They stop outside the upper level of the station, outside the historic Art Nouveau entrance hall. They all call at Florenc bus station, a few minutes’ drive away. Travelling from Florenc is simpler – take it from someone who has lived in Prague for four years!
In Dresden, the buses stop at Bayrische Strasse, on the south side of the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), and then around the corner at the bus park on Ammonstrasse, near the Meininger Hotel.
Driving From Prague To Dresden
We’ve never driven to Dresden to Prague, and with the excellent public transport options available, have never seen the need. If you’re just planning on a day trip to Dresden from Prague, I’d advise going by train or bus – I wouldn’t bother hiring a car for this journey.
However, if you’re on a road trip across Central Europe, you’ll be driving.
The drive to Dresden is quick – around 1 hour 45 minutes to two hours, and a substantial part of that is getting out of Prague and into Dresden.
Your main objective is finding the E55 road, which becomes the D8 after a few miles. Head for Argentinska, in the Holesovice district (Prague 7) and follow the signs from there.
The D8 bypasses much of the Elbe Valley, taking a more direct route to the west. It passes the famous Řip hill on the right then climbs into the evocative volcanic hills of the Central Bohemian Uplands (České Středohoři).
As you cross the border, the road becomes the A17, which you follow until the turn-off for the B170. This takes you the last few miles down into Dresden.
Tours To Dresden From Prague
There is a good range of tours from Prague to Dresden, ideal if you just want to stick to one base or you have limited time available.
Two types of tour package are on offer from Prague – day tours to Dresden only, or day tours with a stop on the way, usually in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park or at the Bastei Bridge just across the border in Saxon Switzerland. There are also seasonal tours visiting the Dresden Christmas Markets in late November through until a few days before Christmas each year.
My son and I visited Dresden for the first time on a day trip from Prague, and it’s a great introduction to the city. You may find, like us that one day in Dresden just leaves you wanting more. But at least you get that all-important taster.
This small group tour to Bastei and Dresden gives you two hours in Bastei and three hours in Dresden. This would be enough time to see the main Dresden landmarks and explore the Frauenkirche, the stunning rebuilt Baroque church in the heart of the Altstadt (old town).
This small group tout to Bastei and the Dresden Christmas Market runs to a similar timetable. You get three hours in Dresden, enough time to see the famous old Striezelmarkt in the Altmarkt square.
Just make sure you make time to see the even more picturesque Market five minutes’ walk away in the Neumarkt, below the Frauenkirche, and the superb Dresden Medieval Christmas Market in a courtyard of the Castle – the best Christmas Market we’ve ever visited.
While in Dresden, it’s well worth considering a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for an overview of the city.
I also recommend this guided walking tour of the historic old city which includes the Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle and Frauenkirche.
Cycling Holiday From Prague To Dresden
A Prague to Dresden bike tour is a wonderful way to savour the journey between these great European cities.
It takes you through two of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, Mělník and Litoměřice, following the River Elbe through the dramatic Central Bohemian Uplands and Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
You then continue through the Saxon Switzerland National Park, below the Bastei Bridge, stopping at lovely Pirna before the final run into Dresden.
These self-guided tours take between five and seven days, depending on the tour operator. As part of the package, your luggage is usually transported to your next hotel each day. The tours are popular during the summer months when the vineyards along the Elbe are in full bloom, and a wonderful sight.
This bike tour from Prague to Dresden takes 5 days, with overnight stops in Mělník, Litoměřice, Děčín and Bad Schandau. We’ve stayed at one of the hotels used for these itineraries, the Hotel Apollon in Litoměřice, and it (and others along the route) are well set-up for cyclists.
Getting Around Dresden
Dresden’s public transport (DVB) is excellent, of a similar standard to Prague’s. If you’re just spending a day in Dresden, you’ll probably only need to use the trams, and are unlikely to need either the S-Bahn (local) train) or local buses.
There are two tram stops close to Dresden main station (Dresden Hbf). One is outside the main entrance to the station – the most useful tram for you here is the number 3 service. You’ll need the tram heading in the direction of Wilder Mann.
The other stop is around the corner on Wiener Platz (to your left as you walk towards the city centre). The number 7 departs from here. You want the tram running in the direction of Weixdorf.
Trams 3 and 7 are by far the most useful trams for day trippers to Dresden. They run to two of the best jumping-off points for the city. Alight at Pirnaischer Platz if you’re heading for the Frauenkirche, Altmarkt or Royal and Zwinger Palaces.
Both the 3 and 7 trams then continue to Synagoge, which is the stop for the riverfront, Brühlsche Terrasse, Albertinum art gallery and the Frauenkirche.
Trams 1,2 and 4 run to Postplatz, where you can alight for these and many other Dresden attractions. Tram 4 continues to Theaterplatz, which is next to both Palaces and the Semper Opera House. Take the tram in the direction of Laubegast.
Where To Stay In Dresden
If you have the time available, I’d aim to spend two or three nights in Dresden as there’s so much to see.
There is a great choice of hotels in Dresden, especially in the top and mid-range brackets, and here are a few of the best:
Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe – 5-star luxury hotel on the Neumarkt, some rooms with views across the square to the Frauenkirche;
Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz – 4-star luxury a short walk from the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and Dresden Castle;
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt – great central location, a two-minute walk from the Altmarkt, setting for the Striezelmarkt Dresden Christmas Market;
Meininger Hotel Dresden Zentrum – ideal for families, also great for couples and solo travellers, with some excellent last-minute deals;
IntercityHotel Dresden – very convenient 4-star across the tram tracks from the main station, within a 10-minute walk of the Altstadt (Old Town).
Getting To Dresden From Prague – FAQs
What is the distance from Prague to Dresden?
It’s 153 km, or 91 miles.
Do I need my passport to travel to Dresden from Prague?
Yes, you do.
We’ve had our passports checked before boarding the bus from Dresden to Prague.
And we have also seen the border police board the train after it has crossed into Germany – although they didn’t check everyone’s passports and ID.
Do I need to book any Dresden attractions in advance?
Yes.
The one you absolutely must book ahead is the Historic Green Vault (Historisches Grünes Gewolbe). With this ticket you’re tie to a specific entry time. This is a separate ticket to the rest of the Royal Palace (confusingly also known as the Residenzschloss or Dresden Castle) which is valid for the whole day.
You also need to book your ticket for the Zwinger Palace – it’s valid for the whole day, and includes all three exhibitions.
Getting From Prague To Dresden – Final Thoughts
Prague is a fantastic base for exploring Central Europe, and Dresden makes one of the most rewarding day trips from Prague. It’s the nearest major city to Prague, and it’s small enough to get a good overview of it if you just have one day in Dresden available.
Before visiting Dresden, check out some of my guides to the city. My article on the main Dresden landmarks is a good introduction to the sights you’ll encounter.
The Frauenkirche is one of the finest churches in Europe, a Baroque masterpiece resurrected from the rubble after its destruction in 1945. There are more churches in Dresden to visit, including the great Baroque Catholic Cathedral on the riverfront.
Dresden also has several outstanding museums and galleries. I cannot recommend visiting Dresden Old Masters Gallery enough. It is home to some of the greatest European art from the 15th to 18th centuries, and small enough to be able to see in two to three hours.
For a look back into recent German history, the Stasi Museum Dresden is fascinating. It includes the grim former prison of the much-feared East German secret police. It’s not far from there to Loschwitz, a step back in time to the turn of the 20th century with its Art Nouveau villas and beautiful old funicular railways.
If you’re travelling onwards from Dresden, I recommend taking a look at my day trips from Dresden article, and my feature on the best places to visit in Eastern Germany for even more inspiration.
And if you’re pondering other trips from Prague, check out my guide to getting from Prague to Nuremberg.
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