Search Flights from Dresden to Zurich

Transportation within the city of Dresden is quite practical and cheap. The train, trams, and buses make up the three main methods of transportation in the city. This modern public transportation system almost entirely removes the need for taxis and rental car services. Thanks to this well-developed system it is very easy to get to the airport directly from the city center. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the airport from the city center using any method of transportation. There are automated ticket machines throughout the city that are very convenient and easy to use. It only takes a few minutes to get your tickets from these machines. You can use these tickets jointly on the bus and the tram.

Train

There are two train stations in Dresden, the Dresden Mitte Station and Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main station). Trains in Dresden are referred to as the S-Bahn. The S-Bahn line S2 links Dresden Central Station and Dresden Neustadt with Dresden Airport. Line S1 operates between Meissen- Schöna, passing through Pirna, line S2 operates between Dresden Hauptbahnhof (passing through the city center) – Pirna and Dresden Airport, and line S3 operates between Dresden Hauptbahnhof-Tharandt and Freiberg.

Bus

When it comes to urban transportation, buses are the second most popular method after trams. There are many different routes that buses follow throughout the city. Bus number 94 passes the train station in Mitte. If you take this bus to Mitte you can transfer to a tram or train to the airport. If you want to get to Dresden Airport directly by bus then you can take bus number 77 or bus number 80.

Both buses depart from different locations in the city but they both pass through Dresen Airport. Bus number 80 passes through the city center. The name of the company that runs the bus network in the city is called Stadtbus. There are many different bus lines, starting at number 61,62, 63 and continuing up until 100.

There are a total of 29 different bus routes in Dresden. The ticket you purchase can also be used on the tram, which makes transferring between vehicles very convenient.

Tram

The tram network in Dresden dates back to the 19th century. In fact there is a historic museum dedicated to the history of the tram network in the city. The museum has 37 trams on display that date back to 1902-1931. Since then providing public transportation in the city by tram has become an integral part of the culture. Therefore, trams are the most valuable and preferred means of transportation in the city, particularly among the locals. The tram stops are spread throughout the city and they are quite modern and comfortable.

Dresden features a common ticket system for buses and trams and ticket prices are quite cheap. Ticket prices vary slight from region to region. The city is basically divided into 3 zones, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. These three regions are priced separately. For example, the most up-to-date price for a 1-hour ticket in Zone 1 is 2 euros. The price for a 1.5 hour ticket in Zone 2 is 3.80 euros. Finally, the price for a 2-hour ticket in Zone 3 is 5.60 euros. A day ticket costs 8 euros for Zone 1, and 13 euros for Zone 2. Tram lines 1, 2, 6, and 10 pass through the train station in Mitte.

The CarGoTram in Dresden is a freight tram that crosses through the city, suppling Volkswagen’s “Transparent Factor”. The factory is located to the east of the city center, in the Großer Garten. Thanks to the tram network, which is the most commonly used method of public transportation in the city, it is possible to get to almost every part of Dresden very easily. Tram line 1 starts in Prohlis and continues to Gruna, Straßburger Platz, Postplatz, Bahnhof Mitte, Friedrichstadt and Leutewitz.

Tram line 2 starts in Kleinzschachwitz and continues to Grana, Stra, Platz, Bahnhof Mitte, Cotta and Gorbitz. Tram line 3 starts in Coschütz and continues to Plauen, Hauptbahnhof, Pirnaischer Platz, Albertplatz, Bahnhof Neustadt, Trachenberge and Wilder Mann. Tram line 4 starts in Laubegast and continues to Striesen, Straß Platz, Postplatz, Mickten, Radebeul, Coswig and Weinböhla.

Bicycle

Dresden is a small and cozy town that is quite modern at the same time. Those who don’t want to get around via public transportation have the option of biking as a means of urban transportation. There are dozens of different bike rental companies located throughout the city. Cycling as a means of urban transportation is very common in Dresden. Many people visiting the city enjoy biking since it is the most economical transportation alternative and a very plesant way to explore the city. NextBike is one of the most popular and affordable bicycle companies in the city. You can contact the private bicycle company at 030 69205046 and enjoy this unique way of exploring the city. The Elbe Cycle Route is the longest and most famous bicycle path in Dresden.

Taxi

The abundance of public transportation options in the city and the fact that rental car companies offer reasonable prices has almost eliminated the need for taxis. Nevertheless, taxis are readily available in the city. Taxis in Dresden are reasonably priced; the taximeter starts at 2.5 euros and runs 1.5 euro for every kilometer. You can always try to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver to get a cheaper total.

Rental Car

The roads in and around Dresden are very well maintained and directly linked to many other cities in Germany. The most well known car park facilities in the city center are Frauenkirche/Neumarkt and Altmarkt. The fact that the roads in the city as so well maintained and that traffic is extremely light makes renting a car an even more appealing option for visitors. Renting a car is also a great way to explore other cities in Germany.

We recommend renting a vehicle that comes equipped with a GPS device to help navigate your way. If you rent a car from the city center make sure to check whether or not that company also has a an office at the airport. That way you can easily return your vehicle at the airport before your departure.

The drive from Dresden city center to Dresden Airport is very practical and easy via the B97 motorway. The airport is located about 9 km from the city center. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport from the city center by car. The A4 motorway is just outside of Dresden Airport. The airport is also easily accessible from Chemnitz, Leipzig, or Prague via the A4 motorway.

Airport Information

Located 9 km north of the city center, Dresden Airport is a rather small airport. The airport handled a total of almost 2 million passengers in 2015. Despite being small in size the airport offers a variety of services.

The airport parking lot has the capacity to accommodate about 3,000 vehicles. This parking lot offers free parking for up to 2 hours. Dresden Airport offers a delicious selection of eating and drinking venues. Places where you can get a bite to eat or something to drink include Elbezeit, Hangar 219, Bar Limon, Bar Cassis, and Klüh Catering.

The airport offers passengers free internet access throughout the terminal and contains a smoking area, market, and souvenir shops. There are also many travel agencies at the airport. Passengers can go shopping at stores like Gate 14, Heinemann Duty Free, Feinbackerei Heberer, News stands LS travel retail, Handelsgalerie Matthies, and Saturn.

There is an airport information desk at the arrivals terminal that is ready to assist you. For more detailed information about the airport just visit www.dresden-airport.de.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is situated at the tip of Lake Zurich. The city is divided in two by the Limmat River, which is a outlet of Lake Zurich. The city’s main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, is the focal point of the public transportation network. Every tram, train, and bus line passes through this area, providing transportation to various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. The public transportation system in Zurich is the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Public transportation vehicles in Zurich are very clean, reliable and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable and every vehicle is extremely punctual. While trains provide transportation within the city, and access to neighboring cities, the most preferred means transportation in the city are buses and trams.

The public transportation network also operates after midnight. This service is called the night supplement. You need to purchase a night supplement ticket, in addition to your regular ZVV network ticket. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, sales offices, or by SMS.   

The ZürichCARD is a fare payment system for all public transit in the city. It is an ideal option for tourists looking to explore the city during their stay. Purchasing a Zurich card to use during your stay ends up being more affordable. You have the option of purchasing a ticket that is valid for 24-hours or 72-hours. These tickets also offer free entry to museums in Zurich, a 10-20% discount in participating stores, and discounts on city tours and various cultural activities.

Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country. The airport is located 13 km from the city center, a 12 minute ride by rail. If you plan on getting to the city center by public transportation you can purchase a ticket after you land, which will be valid for 1 hour. Passengers under the age of 16 receive a discount on tickets. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult and ride for free. Passengers under the age of 25 can purchase a multi-day pass, which is more affordable.

Train

The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is by train. The train station is located at the airport, on Level -2, next to the shopping mall. The train runs every 12 minutes and provides transportation to the main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof. The total trip from the airport to the main station takes 12 minutes. The main railway station is located in the city center. The public transportation system in the city is incredibly punctual, so keep in mind that the train will depart on time.

Zurich Hauptbahnhof is a major station with dense passenger traffic. Trains departing from this station provide transportation within the city as well as transportation to other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries such as France and Germany. The railway station also contains a shopping center, the ShopVille mall, located beneath it. Other areas that regional trains travel to include the Glattbrugg Railway Station, Regensdorf Railway Station, Schlieren Railway Station, Waldburg, Wollishofen and Uetliberg.

Bus

Another way to get to the city center from the airport is by bus. The bus network in the city is very comprehensive and convenient. Buses depart from the Airport Centre and provide transportation to the main railway station. From there you can access every part of the city using different public transportation alternatives. Buses are also very punctual and depart on time under normal circumstance but visitors should expect delays when it snows.

Tram

The tram is the second largest transport network in the city, after buses. There are 10 tram lines that provide transportation within the city. These lines all gather around the city center and operate from the city center to the outskirts of the city. However, since the tram network isn’t as comprehensive as the bus network you can’t access every part of the city by tram. Once you get off the tram you always have the option of transferring to a bus or train.   

Taking the tram to the city center is quite convenient. Tram Line 10 provides transportation from the airport to the main railway station located in the city center. The tram departs from the Airport Centre, which is located on Level -2. The tram runs every 7 ½ to 15 minutes.

Tram Line 2 operates between Farbhof and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 3 operates between Albisrieden and Kluspla, tram Line 4 operates between Werdhölzli and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 5 operates between Enge Railway Station and the zoo, tram Line 7 operates between Wollishofen and Stettbach Railway Station, tram Line 9 operates between Triemli and Hirzenbach, tram Line 10 operates between Seebach and the Main Railway Station, tram Line 11 operates between Oerlikon Railway Station and Rehalp, tram Line 13 operates between Albisgütli and Frankental, and tram Line 14 operates between Tremli and Seebach.

Taxi

Another transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport is by taxi. However, taxis are more expensive than public transportation options and offer the same level of comfort. Public transportation vehicles provide quality service at an affordable price so paying extra for a taxi can be unnecessary.

Rental Car

If you don’t want to use public transportation vehicles, then renting a car is another transportation alternative. You can rent a car from the Airport Center, located on level 1, and return your vehicle to the Rental Car Return area at the end of your trip, if you are flying out of Zurich Airport. You can also book a vehicle in advance by making a reservation online. Rental car companies located at the airport that you can choose from include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt.