Dresden is worth visiting for its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful riverfront. When you visit your trip, highlights will likely include the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Semper Opera House. You should visit Dresden for at least two days, depending on what you want to see.
Is there a ferry or flight option from Prague to Dresden?
There are no ferry options from Prague to Dresden due to the lack of navigable waterways directly connecting the two cities. In addition, there are no direct commercial flights between Prague and Dresden due to the relatively short distance between the two cities. This means you cannot take a boat or fly from Prague's airport to Dresden.
How long is the train journey from Prague to Dresden?
A train trip from Prague to Dresden takes between two to two and a half hours depending on how many stopovers are involved in your trip. Train travel is scenic and comfortable for the most part, but you won't get to stop and sightsee like you would if you drove.
How do I get from Prague to Dresden?
To get from Prague to Dresden, you can take a car, taxi, train, or bus. The transport you choose will depend on your travel needs. Those on a tight budget usually prefer the bus, while those who want privacy, safety, and luxury choose a private car transfer service like Daytrip.
What is the cheapest way to get from Prague to Dresden?
The cheapest way to get from Prague to Dresden is to take the bus. Bus tickets start at around $15 (тВм14), and you'll have access to different amenities depending on the bus line you book with. However, although bus travel is affordable, it is one of the slowest ways to get between these two cities.
What is the best way to get from Prague to Dresden?
The best way to get to Dresden is to take a private car service. Daytrip ensures an affordable, safe, reliable, and exciting trip experience with a trustworthy company that has your travel interests at heart. No matter your trip needs, they will try to meet them.
Historically, Dresden has encountered traumatic events that have brought the city to its knees. Although it was almost written off the map, it has built itself back up to become a popular destination for those who want to drive from Prague to Dresden to see for themselves the city's undisputable beauty. If it's on your travel radar, be prepared for baroque architecture, romantic landscapes, and a magnificent historic center.
However, although it's good to keep your eye on the travel prize, and Dresden is worth your fixation, there are sightseeing stops along the way worth visiting. For those who are interested in learning more about the horrors of the Gestapo prison and concentration camp, Terezin is a stop you'll want to make.
Yet, if you're after beautiful Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, visiting Litomerice is a must. This sleepy medieval village on the Elbe River has many stories to tell that you might want to discover. On the other hand, nature lovers will enjoy a side trip to Bastei. This one million-year-old rock formation is truly a sight to behold.
If you have the time, you should explore other stops like Konigstein, Weesentein, and Pillnitz. If not, tell your English-speaking professional Daytrip driver and let him take you straight to Dresden. With a wealth of art and culture awaiting you, Dresden is a place you won't soon forget.
About Dresden
Dresden is a city in the Elbe River basin between Pirna and Meissen. It is the traditional capital of Saxony and is believed to be the biggest city in eastern Germany after Leipzig and Berlin. Dresden was once one of Germany's greatest treasures, but historic events tarnished the city and led to its near ruin. Fortunately, much change has occurred, and it is once more a travel gem.
This German city originated as a Slav village known as Drezdzany. It sprung up along the Elbes' north bank. It is believed the first mention of Dresden occurred in 1216 in historical texts when it was referred to as the 'new town' even though it was older than the 'old town,' which was a Slav settlement on the south bank. Eventually, over time, these villages merged, and Dresden was born.
For a time, Dresden was known as 'Florence on the Elbe.' It was widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, thanks to its many art treasures and awe-inspiring architecture. That is until the World War II bombings. During World War II, Dresden was almost completely destroyed, with the city seeing much destruction and massive civilian casualties.
With the city's extensive damage, it was even suggested that it be leveled and rebuilt. After much debate, this was fortunately not the case, as a compromise was reached, and many historical sites were rebuilt. Among the rebuilt sites were the Baroque buildings surrounding the Saxon royal palace and the palace itself.
Nowadays, travelers can visit many of the surviving and rebuilt historical and structural sites and see how far the city has come to remain a thriving part of Germanic culture. If you plan to visit Dresden, include its three major landmarks on your itinerary: the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the Church of Our Lady, and the Semperoper Opera House. You also shouldn't forget to enjoy the city markets, international festivals, local cuisine, and open-air parks when visiting.
From Prague to Dresden: travel tips
A Prague to Dresden transfer, whether by train, bus, or car, is an exciting experience, considering what awaits at the end of your trip. However, not every travel experience is smooth going. Luckily, you can take steps to ensure your experience is as good as it can be, and part of these steps is learning a few travel tips.
Don't forget to exchange your currency
Prague uses the Czech Koruna, while Dresden uses the Euro. So, if you want to travel from Prague to Dresden, you must exchange your Czech Korunas for Euros at a reputable exchange center before crossing the border. In addition, it's important to ensure you keep euros in cash, as not all places in the city accept cards.
Book transportation in advance for the best deals
Although booking last-minute transportation to complete a Prague to Dresden transfer is possible, it's not ideal. Not only is booking last minute stressful, but it can also be incredibly expensive. That's why booking in advance is preferable if you want to take a bus, train, or private car with a door-to-door service like Daytrip. Booking in advance will be cheaper, and you can secure better seating.
Consider staying overnight in Dresden
The distance between Prague and Dresden is only 88.9 miles (143 km). This means it takes an average of an hour and a half to three hours to get to the city; depending on how you travel, it is the perfect day trip destination. However, we recommend staying overnight in Dresden if you have the time and budget for it. Staying overnight will allow you to see more of the city, including its museums and historic old town.
How to get from Prague to Dresden
Deciding to travel from Prague to Dresden is the first step; learning a few travel tips is the second, but determining the transportation you will use is the third step. Fortunately, there are numerous transportation options available. They include traveling by bus, train, and private car service. To learn more about these options, have a look below:
From Prague to Dresden by bus
Bus travel is the most economical transportation option for those eager to journey from Prague to Dresden. Typically, bus tickets are cheaper than train tickets, with Eurolines and Flixbus offering trips between the two cities for $15 and $25 (тВм14-тВм23).
The biggest advantage of bus travel is also its largest shortfall тАУ direct trips. Traveling directly ensures you won't encounter frustrating stopovers, but you also won't get to stop and sightsee with direct bus travel. Bus travel from Prague to Dresden is often less scenic than the train and car, and you'll have less legroom to sit back and relax during the trip.
From Prague to Dresden by train
Those eager to travel by train from Prague to Dresden will enjoy beautiful views of the Elbe River, spacious seating, and various onboard amenities. However, train travel does have its downsides. It's not as flexible as car travel, and you might encounter multiple stops along the way at various train stations, which can be frustrating.
On average, train travel between these two cities takes about two and two and a half hours, and tickets cost between $20 and $40 (тВм18.70-тВм37.40), which is quite affordable. You must book online or in person with Deutsche Bahn and Czech Railways to purchase tickets.
From Prague to Dresden by private car transfer service
A Prague to Dresden transfer by private car might be pricier than train and bus travel, but it is worth considering. When you travel by private car service, Daytrip will give you access to a professional driver, comfortable luxury car seating, pet-friendly interiors, and luggage handling.
You won't have access to these perks if you travel by train or bus. Generally, Daytrip pricing for this trip costs about $49 (тВм46), which isn't that much considering everything you can access. Not to mention, Daytrip can also accommodate the sightseeing adventures you want to have in places like Litomerice, Konigstein, and Weesenstein.
You can also chat with your driver to learn travel tips and even book when you travel according to your schedule. Plus, you won't need to deal with traffic or foreign road travel, and you can sit back and relax as you watch the beautiful scenery pass by.
Things to do when you get to Dresden
When you get to Dresden, there are a few things you should consider doing. To save you time and ensure you can focus on your trip from Prague to Dresden while living in the moment, we've shared a few must-visit attractions in the city.
Climb to the top of Frauenkirche
Sometimes, it can feel like churches in European Old Towns are a dime a dozen, but this isn't the case in Dresden. This city's Church of Our Lady тАУ Frauenkirche тАУ stands apart from other European churches because of its symbolism and history.
The 18th-century Frauenkirche was destroyed in the 1945 firebombing during World War Two. For more than four decades, post-war leaders left the church in ruins as a type of memorial for the war until the late 1980s. During the 1980s, plans for reconstruction began, and 8,000 salvaged stones were used to bring this Baroque masterpiece back to life.
The church was only officially completed in 2005; ever since it has been a main attraction for Dresden. When you visit the city, it's a good idea to stop here, admire the church, and climb to the viewing platform. This platform gives you an incredible look at the surrounding Neumark, and it's open all year.
Stroll around the Zwinger
If you want to see Dresden in all its reconstructed glory, you need to stroll around the Zwinger, a prestigious piece of Baroque architecture found in the city center. Before World War II, the Zwinger was a testimony to the glory of Augustus the Strong's reign until it was destroyed.
Unlike the Frauenkirche, which took decades to rebuild, the Zwinger construction began immediately after the war. By 1963, the building was restored to its prewar state, and it's a popular stop for pictures who want to hold onto visual memories of the exquisite architecture found within this complex.
Visit Residenzschloss Dresden Castle
One of the most important Renaissance-style buildings in Dresden is the 15th-century Residenzschloss Dresden Castle, which can be found in the city's Old Town. Like the other attractions in the city, it suffered significant damage during the World War II bombing.
Nowadays, it has been restored to its former glory, and it is a place you will want to visit. The architecture is worth admiring, and the castle houses several intriguing museums. Besides the museums, there is also the Green Vault, which is home to the royal treasures, and the Dresden Armory, which houses a collection of stunning weaponry and armor.
When is the best time to visit Dresden?
An important part of planning a trip from Prague to Dresden is choosing the right time to visit. However, although it might come as a shock, Dresden is suitable for year-round travel thanks to its moderate continental climate.
If you want to travel when it's warm, the summers are best, but it can become stiflingly hot (around 78┬░F/26┬░C), so be sure to pack the essentials like warm weather clothing, sunscreen, and lots of water.
If you would rather wait until the winter when accommodation prices are reduced, you can expect cold weather. Still, snow is incredibly uncommon, so there is no need for excessive bundling up when going outdoors.
With the greater part of the Czech Tourism Industry focused on distant centuries it's important to be aware how profoundly the horrors of the Twentieth Century marked the country.┬аGestapo Prison and Concentration Camp┬а
Litomerice
This sleepy medieval village on the Elbe River has a beautiful town square lined with Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings.┬аA Quiet Elegance┬а
Konigstein
A castle has stood atop Koingstein Hill since 1233 and it has a history just as long, varied and exciting as one would expect!┬аA Hilltop Fortress Like No Other┬а
Weesenstein
Tucked away in the pleasant countryside south of Dresden, Weesenstein is a majestic site perched on its wooded eyrie above the valley.┬аGlorious castle overlooking the M├╝glitz valley┬а
Bastei
The Bastei is a one million-year-old rock formation regarded by many as the highlight of the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany.┬аNature at its finest┬а
Pillnitz
Located on the banks of the River Elbe and only a short distance from central Dresden, Pillnitz Castle is architecturally unique and visually stunning.┬аThe Castle With Three Palaces┬а
тАЬWe booked this last minute and late at night...and we received exceptional communicaiton and service. The day trip from Prague to Dresden with 3 stops along the way was superb. The driver Erik was very polite and professional. The car was spotlessly clean and water was provided. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and would book this again without hesitation.тАЭ
тАЬWe booked 3 seperate journeys with Daytrip to provide us with transport during our European holiday in August 2017. In order they were; Berlin to Dresden followed a few days later by Dresden to Prague & lastly from Prague to Budapest. As it turned out we had the same driver for each journey, - Tomas R who is based in Prague. These comments, therefore, relate to all 3 trips.
For each Journey we had selected a number of sightseeing stop overs from the available selection provided by Daytrip. Each was very worthwhile & was something we would not otherwise have seen if we had not used Daytrip. Our driver Tomas was absolutely amazing & we cannot speak highly enough of him. At all times we felt extremely safe with Tomas behind the wheel & always arrived at our end destination on or about the estimated arrival time. His car was so clean and comfortable- Not only was Tomas a wonderful driver he was also an amazing guide & an endless source of information regarding each of the places we visited & many other things that we asked questions about on each of the routes we travelled. Was always happy to stop when requested.
Being picked up and dropped off from Hotel to Hotel-saved time, money and anxiety! Definitely the very best way to travel.
Over 3 seperate days we got to know Tomas quite well & found him to very friendly & a great communicator who spoke english very well. He was extremely patient in dealing with our numerous questions & went well beyond simply being our driver. I would not hesitate to use Daytrip again when next in Europe & would be more than delighted if Tomas was,again, our driver.
Thanks to both Daytrip & Tomas for making our holiday extra special.
Debra &Mike AustraliaтАЭ
тАЬMy sister and I had booked transfers from Warsaw to Krakow, Krakow to Prague, Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Cesky Krumlov. We thought we would have a variety of drivers, and Jan S who drove us from Warsaw to Krakow was an excellent driver and very pleasant person. We were pleased with our first Daytrip experience. After our Krakow/Prague transfer with Michal I (Mike) we asked if we would be able to have the same driver (he lived in Prague) for our other transfers. Fortunately this request was able to be facilitated. Mike also was a very good driver. Often people who drive a lot themselves are nervous when driven by someone else. We did not feel at all nervous with him as he was a sensible and alert driver who read and pre-empted the traffic well and acted accordingly - i.e. slowed down well ahead of time instead of slamming the brakes at the last minute! So, Mike was our driver from Krakow to Prague, Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Cesky Krumlov.
Apart from the safe driving, our driver, was a friendly, courteous, sensible and punctual person whose company we enjoyed. The fact that he spoke fluent English and fluent Czech (being of Scottish/Czech parents) was a real bonus because we were able to speak normally to him in a relaxed way (rather than having to carefully choose words that a non-natural-English-speaking driver would understand). Mike's ability to speak Czech equally well/naturally was very helpful with menus or other questions we had at road stops, etc. He showed initiative in finding suitable places for lunch at our side-trip stops. We would certainly recommend Michal (Mike) and should we return to Eastern Europe we would have no hesitation in requesting him as our driver in the future. We found communication with Daytrip easy - they were very professional in responding to emails at the original booking stage and provided us with contact details and name/s of the driver. It might be good if the drivers wore the same coloured and type of shirts or polo tops bearing the Daytrip logo so they were recognisable in the foyer of hotels (and this would be good for business as well!). All in all, we would highly recommend Daytrip. (Just be aware, though, that the vehicles are not black Mercedes such as you would find in Italy for similar trips - still they were newish cars, but perhaps not as large). Well done Daytrip! And how good it was not to have to worry about our luggage being taken into and out of the hotel foyers. Thank you!тАЭ
тАЬJana Mitrjukova was friendly, drives safe and flexible to accommodate us taking time to explore and take pictures. The car was clean and Jana provided excellent customer service. Highly recommend Daytrip for traveling between cities.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Helen W рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬTransfer by car was so convenient, with pickup at our hotel in Prague and arrival at our hotel in Dresden. Our driver Marketa was very accommodating, assisted us with our luggage, accompanied us at Bastei and Moritzburg. Seeing the countryside was additional value. She found us a great authentic German restaurant along the way, and also served as our photographer. It was definitely worth the extra money over taking a train.тАЭ
тАЬI booked this trip with Daytrip over the internet even though the train would have been a straight forward and easy method of transport. I liked the flexibility of travelling with Daytrip because it meant we could choose stops along the way and there was door to door service. It was also reasonable value. We were not disappointed. Our driver Thomas was friendly, helpful and full of information. It was a great idea to travel through little towns rather than the train. I highly recommend this service.тАЭ
тАЬWe are so excited to have discovered Daytrip! My husband has a health condition and walking can be difficult for him. Day trip proved to be the perfect solution! We traveled from Prague to Dresden in July with stops at Terezin Concentration Camp, Konigstein, and Bastei. Our guide, Marketa, was outstanding! She arrived promptly (actually she was a bit early which is always nice) at our hotel in Prague and was friendly, kind, interesting and knowledgeable. She was very considerate and accommodating of my husband's condition throughout our travels and tailored her pace to his. She also brought water bottles for each of us which was super thoughtful and appreciated. We learned much about Terezin and found our time there to be very humbling and sober - it was a highlight of our stay in the Czech Republic. Konigstein is a German cliffside fortress. It is a remarkable feat of engineering and the views from the fortress are AMAZING! The Bastei (also known as the Saxon Switzerland) is breathtaking. The rock formations are incredible and the views spectacular. Just FYI, I contacted Daytrip ahead of time to see if we could spend more time in each of the locations than is typically allotted and was told that is possible for an added expense (which we were happy to pay). At the end of our travels Marketa dropped us off at our hotel in Dresden making sure we were settled before she left. We totally enjoyed every minute of our day and it was a pleasure getting to know Marketa - she was fabulous!тАЭ
