How to travel from Berlin to Dresden by train

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Berlin to Dresden by train

There's no getting away from the fact that taking the train from Berlin to Dresden is something of an anomaly.
Once you're on board its a very easy trip, it's the timetable that's odd, as it tends to alternate between two departures in one hour and then nothing in the next, so there can be big gaps between trains.
Scenically it's a dull journey, but what can make this trip an interesting experience is that Dresden is on an international rail route from Berlin, so some of the departures are by Austrian, Czech and Hungarian trains.

Routes you can take to go from Berlin to Dresden

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?

Route Information

Travel Time (approx)

1hr 52min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

12 x trains per day


Is the journey from Berlin to Dresden direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is this journey scenic?
It very much isn't so it's a good idea to have something to watch or read during the journey


What other tourist locations are along this route from Berlin to Dresden?**
These express trains are typically non-stop to Dresden


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival in Dresden?


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Dresden?
Both stations in Dresden are served [by multiple tram lines / routes]https://www.dvb.de/en-gb/).


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Berlin Hbf to Dresden on this journey option


How easy is it to get to the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by

  • frequent local (S-Bahn) trains
  • trams
  • the metro line, U5
    See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.

Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Berlin to Dresden trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Germany, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Berlin to Dresden trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.


What are the child ticket terms for these Berlin to Dresden trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.


Does the ticket for these Berlin to Dresden trains include assigned seats?
Only when booking the most expensive types of ticket = Flexpreise tickets for travel in 1st class.
So they are not included when booking tickets for travel in 2nd class, or any other type of ticket valid for travel in 1st class
They are available, so they can be added for an additional cost, when booking those types of ticket.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Berlin to Dresden trains?
No they are available, but are not mandatory.
See the rail pass guide for details of the booking options.


Is catering available on the Berlin to Amsterdam trains on this journey option?
There is a bar/bistro service in the EC trains and Railljet train.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany

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