DRESDEN - GETTING AROUND
In the center, especially in the historic part of the Old Town (Altstadt), everything is easily accessible on foot. (The city center is not the geographical center of the city). If you want to go to the outer districts you will probably have to take a bike or public transport (most tram lines go well into the suburbs).
By Public Transportation
There is a combined system of trams (Straßenbahn), buses and even trains, but no underground trains. It works very well and connects all points of interest, but can be a little busy at peak times. Most lines run at night but at reduced capacity.
Fares within town cost around €2.30, and a 24-hour pass around €6, a Family Day Ticket costs about €9. Day tickets are recommended as it allows for flexible travel in and around the city. Tickets allow you to ride on all trams, buses, most ferries and trains (except InterCitys and ICEs). Buy tickets from vending machines at stops or aboard trams, and remember to validate them in the machines provided.
Two tram lines are of particular interest to visitors:
-Line 4, referred to as Kultourlinie, that takes you on a tour of cultural and other highlights.
-Line 9, is referred to as the Einkaufslinie (`shopping line`), connecting the main shopping centers and areas in various areas of Dresden.
As with most of Germany, public transport operates on the proof-of-payment system: you can enter any bus or tram you like, but are expected to be able to show a valid ticket if asked. (If inspectors catch you without a valid ticket, you can be fined.) The exception is on the buses after 8:00pm, when passengers are expected to show their tickets to the driver on boarding.
Dresden has a lot of pedicabs (bike taxis), mostly operating around the Old Town. They offer the typical (short distance) taxi service as well as guided city tours. Since 2007 there are also horse carriages that offer tourist sightseeing.
By TaxiIt`s not usual to hail a taxi from the side of the road, but rather to go to a taxi rank or stand, which are found all over the city. You can also call for a taxi using the hotline +49 (0351) 21 12 11 or order one online at Taxi Dresden. Taxi rates are comprised of a basic rate (around 2.50 EUR) plus the rate per kilometer (1.50 EUR per kilometer).
By CarThe street network is very good and many roads have been refurbished recently, especially in the city center. As in all bigger towns it can be a bit crowded during rush hours. There are many parking lots in downtown Dresden and it should not be a problem to find a place to park, except on Saturday shopping days. A number of automatic signs will alert drivers to the number of available parking spaces within the parking lots. Car drivers might seem to be a little more aggressive than in other countries, but are usually more friendly if you don`t have a local registration number.
By Bicycle
Dresden is flat and spacious making it perfect for cycling. There are many designated cycle paths (marked red on pavement, or with a white bike symbol on a blue background) and it is most times very easy to find a place to park your bike. But as anywhere else, always use a good lock!
Many of the older streets of Dresden (particularly in the northern, Neustadt area) still have a cobblestone surface, not great for riding a bike. Also, cobblestone is relatively slippery, compared to asphalt or concrete, use caution when riding in wet conditions.
Roll On in the Neustadt rents bikes, or ask your hotel or the visitors information center for bike rental options.
A Bike and Ride ticket allows you to use all public transport and all sz-bike bicycles for one day. It costs about €10, €5 less than the price of buying both tickets separately. However you can only buy Bike and Ride tickets at one of the five DVB ticket offices located around the city center, where you will be required to register personal data.
Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB) operates three ferries on the Elbe:
-Between Johannstadt and Neustadt
-Between Niederpoyritz and Laubegast
-Between Kleinzschachwitz and Pillnitz
There are
two separate cable car systems that go up the Loschwitz hill from the environs
of Körnerplatz:
-a regular funicular goes towards the district of Weißer
Hirsch
-a suspension railway (Schwebebahn) will take you to Oberloschwitz
Both systems were built at
the turn from the 19th to the 20th century as a means of the inhabitants of the
(then) expensive communities up the hill to get downtown and they still serve
the residents of the area as such. However, they are marketed as a tourist
attraction as well and a ride on them is not included on a normal day ticket
for public transport (you, get a discount, though). Holders of weekly tickets
can ride for free. As the system is quite old it is shut down for maintenance
and inspection once a year, usually in early spring, so look at the website if
you want to avoid going there just to see them not going.