My wife and I will be in Germany on a tour next September and when the tour ends we would like to travel from Munich (where the tour ends) to Dresden to visit relatives we have there. I was thinking of taking the train but wondered if that is the best or if there is a regional low cost air carrier between the two that would be faster and perhaps even lower in cost. We are just thinking about this at this point but will want to decide something by the summer. Thanks.
Posted by
Los Angeles
259 posts
Hi Jerry,
I did that trip a couple of years ago, and the train while not terribly quick (around 5 hours) was still much more efficient and relaxing that a plane would have been. Munich's train station is in the center of the city so you'll be able to leave from there and arrive at Dresden's, also very central. Munich's airport is about 45 minutes from the city and factoring in that time, plus security and early check-in makes the train an easy choice.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6985 posts
Like Todd said, while the train takes around 4:45 it will be hard to beat that travel time by flying when you add getting to and from the airports, check in and security. And if you buy the train tickets in advance, you can get a single ticket for €18, flying will cost a lot more.
Lufthansa flies between Dresden and Munich though, but I suspect those flights see very few passengers that don't have a connection in Munich.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
By an all regional connection, the trip from Munich to Dresden take 6½ to 7 hours. Since the trip spans two Länder, the least expensive pass would be the Quer durchs Land Ticket, 49€ for two people. That ticket can be purchased on the day of travel for the same price and no commitment.
There is also a long range train connection using an ICE to Nürnberg and regional trains from there with a change in Hof. That connection takes a little less than 6 hours for as low as 48€ for two with advance purchase. There are faster (less than 5 hours), more expensive (120€), advance purchase connections through Leipzig.
Posted by
TX
980 posts
When I lived in Munich I had to travel to Dresden quite often and almost always flew. Yes there is check in time, travel to airport, etc, etc but you honestly don't need to be at the Munich Airport more than an hour before your flight for a domestic flight if you are not checking bags so it was much faster than the train.
If a flight is not an option, my next preference was to drive (but we owned a car so that factored into it). You can get there in 4-5 hours and it's not a bad drive, especially if you are used to long drives at home.
The few times I've done it by train were fine.
This is one of those mid distance journey where all three methods are about the same with no clear winner IMO.
DJ
Posted by
OP
Tyler, TX, USA
169 posts
Thanks for all the suggestions. I appreciate your insight. Train sounds like a good option. Thanks for helping me in my planning.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6985 posts
The train is a great option. But note that the €120 Lee mentions is the full fare price, what you pay if you want a fully flexible ticket or want to buy the ticket at the station just before you leave. But if you are willing to commit to a certain departure you can buy a ticket in advance for the fast ICEs for €18.
@DJ: When did you live in Munich? Before or after the new high speed line opened in 2017?
Posted by
TX
980 posts
@Badger, the last time I took the train from Dresden to Munich was after the ICE line opened in 2017. Much faster than when I lived there! I guess I should add that another reason I liked to drive vs train is I was usually in Dresden for business so a car was easier to just head home if we were done early and I also liked to stop at a brewery in Franconia on the way back to pick up a case of my favorite beer. Or sometimes I was with a colleague who lived near Regensburg so we car pooled there.
For me, if you are used to long drives (and many Americans are) Dresden to Munich by car is a valid option. Just maybe not for everyone. Saver fare flight is my first choice.
DJ