Dresden Hbf (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel from Dresden city center to train station Dresden Hbf (Hauptbahnhof)

Dresden is known for its serious efforts to restore the old grand buildings of the city. It has once again become a fine example of classic European art and architecture. Dresden's city center is dotted with palaces, churches, and buildings in baroque and rococo style. The city's most famous building, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), was reconstructed and reopened in 2005. The baroque palace complex named Zwinger is now home to legendary art museums and the famous painting The Sistine Madonna by Raphael. It's timeless elegance and location along the river Elbe account for Dresden's nickname 'Florence on the Elbe'. Besides the allure of the Altstadt (Old Town), the city offers a lively nightlife scene. The funky Neustadt (New Town) features hip and alternative shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Train station Dresden Hbf is the city's largest railway station. Located just south of the Altstadt, the station is within walking distance of many important sites. Public transport is available too: the city has a comprehensive tram and bus network.

What is the best way to get to the train station from the city center?

From the iconic Frauenkirche and the nearby Brühlsche Terrassen, it's possible to walk to train station Dresden Hbf through the Altstadt or use public transport. Travelers using public transport can take tram line 3 from station Dresden Synagogue or bus line 360 from station Dresden Altmark. From the Zwinger and the Semperoper (Semper Opera House) located right next to it, it's possible to either walk to the station or take a bus or tram.

Bus line 360 and tram line 11 both leave from station Dresden Postplatz. The Neustadt consists of several areas, and the southern part is just a stone throw away from the Altstadt, across the Elbe. But to discover the nightlife the area is famous for, travelers should head to the northern part that's called Äußere Neustadt. This area is further away from train station Dresden Hbf, and using public transport is recommended. Tramlines 3 and 7 are both destined for the central train station, and tramline 13 stops nearby the central station. Dresden Neustadt also has its own train station, which is the city's second-largest train station and is located closer to Äußere Neustadt.

How far is it from the city center to the train station? 

The distance from the Frauenkirche to train station Dresden Hbf is 1.2 miles (two kilometers). On foot, the station can be reached in 25 minutes. The walking route is straightforward and follows the main streets Altmarkt, Seestraße and Pragerstraße. By bus, the journey takes approximately 14 minutes, and by tram 20 minutes. The distance from the Zwinger to the train station is one mile (1.6 kilometers) and can be walked in 21 minutes. The recommended walking route follows the Wallstraße and the Reitbahnstraße. By bus, the travel time is around 13 minutes. By tram, travelers should expect to arrive within 15 minutes. From Äußere Neustadt, the distance to train station Dresden Hbf is 2.5 miles (4.1 kilometer). By public transport the journey takes 23 up to 39 minutes - tramline 7 provides the fastest connection with a travel time of 23 minutes. Alternately, the distance from Äußere Neustadt to train station Dresden-Neustadt is 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers). 

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

Dresden claims to be one of Germany's most accessible cities and promises elaborate facilities for travelers with motoric, visual and hearing impairments. Unfortunately, information on the specific facilities in the rebuilt train station Dresden Hbf is not available now. However, the German railway company Deutsche Bahn offers a range of services to passengers with restricted mobility. There is a dedicated service arranging assistance for boarding and disembarking trains, and stations are generally equipped with ramps, lifts, and hoists. Requesting assistance in advance is recommended.

Local tips: the train station points of interest

Train station Dresden Hbf has a unique layout, as the station building is located on an island between the train tracks, and the terminal building has two different levels. Like the rest of the city center, the train station has undergone major reconstruction at the beginning of the 21st century. The most notable feature of the rehabilitated building is the arched roof, consisting of Teflon-coated glass fiber membranes. The roof design creates a translucent effect and allows for daylight to flow into the station halls. Some elements of the original station building have been recovered and put back in place, including decorative elements on the clock tower, arches on the windows and the Saxonia statue above the main entrance. The inauguration of the renovated station took place in 2006, coinciding with the 800-year anniversary of the city. The renovated station has won several architecture awards.