richnindy

We will be arriving in Prague from the US for three night in May, then going from Prague to Dresden for two nights, then from Dresden to Berlin for four nights, then departing for home from Berlin.

We had thought about taking the train from city to city, because that was a smooth and moderately priced mode of transportation during a trip to Italy.

Train fares show about 90 euros from Prague to Dresden, which seems high to us.

Any advice on the best ways to get from one city to the next? We would prefer something comfortable and that does not take a torturously long time between cities, which to me says train. My travelling companions think the train fares look expensive and are looking at buses, which doesn't thrill me.

Any advice would be appreciated. (We have ruled out renting a car.)

Michael

From Dresden to Berlin I would definitely take the train.

J62

Where are you seeing the 90 euro fares?

On the German railway website www.bahn.de I see that the standard fare from Prague to Dresden is 31.50 euro for a direct train, no discounts. There is a reduced fare of 19.00 euro available. You can buy your ticket online at that website.

The price in Cz crowns would be similar and you can purchase it once you reach Prague if you prefer.

PalenQ

Go to www.bahn.de and see if there are online discounts for Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Prague - should be a lot less than 90 euros for this few hour ride. Not sure bahn.de will issue tickets for starts in Prague but believe they do - this will be the absolute cheapest way by rail - the online but limited in number discounts. Trains go hourly or so so be flexible on your departures. For lots of great info on trains in these countries also consult these IMO Wunderbar web sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. Are these your only Germany rail trips - if more then I would advise looking at the German Twin Railpass - say if going onto Frankfurt, etc.

Dukey1

Why does this "seem high?" Compared to what? Flying? renting a car?

IMO you will not do any better convenience and seeing the scnerey-wise than taking the train between these two cities. The train leaves from and gets into a central area as opposed to "out at the airport." Trains are fast, efficient, and you don't have any luggage weight/restrictions to worry about. There is more than one timing per day.

Frankly, I think you need to re-think this in terms of the cost..I'd say it is one of the best values you are going to see whilein that part of Europe and if you are a savvy traveler you'll take advantage of it.

danon

I paid 19+ euros last year ..www.bahn.de for Prague- Dresden ,as suggested, and about the same Dresden -Berlin.

Prague - Dresden ticket was mailed to me ( 3 or so euros) and D-B I printed. Very easy .
I checked ...same fare is still available!

PalenQ

Keep your eyes peeled after the train putzes north from the Czech border towards Dresden because the tracks hug the banks of the Elbe River as it slices in a gorge thru fabled Saxon Switzerland - featuring reddish sandstone cliffs topped at places by ancient fortress and castles (the Bastei and I think an old castle called Koningsburg or something) - anyway read up on it so you don't miss at least seeing from below these really famous places to locals.

Christina

I've taken the train from Prague to Dresden and it cost more around 30 euro, as I recall (or equivalent in koruna). I didn't buy the ticket until a couple days before the trip, and I bought it at Cedok travel agency in Prague (they used to be the state one). They are easier to deal with than the main train station and only charge a euro or two service fee, and have plenty of English speakers. There is one office not too far from Powder Gate on Na Prikope. You can get specifics on www.cedok.com for office locations.

I would have paid 90 euro rather than take the bus, though, that still isn't outrageous to me for a trip like that. Maybe you are getting quotes from Raileurope, they mark up a lot of tickets quite a bit, although even they seem to have second class fares for only around US$48, second class (I just checked), which isn't that bad compared to 30 euro. If you want a holiday date, that might affect things.

richnindy

Thanks very much for the information! I did want to take the train, and your kind advice just confirms that.

PalenQ

Some of these trains at least I believe are double-deckers - sit up top for the best views in Saxon Switzerland and try to sit on the east side for best views when going north.

richnindy

That sounds really great, PalenQ. Thanks again.

J62

Better yet, if you can spare a few hours on a nice day, I recommend you make a stop at Bad Schandau and enjoy the area.

The Saxony-Switzerland is my favorite good-weather day trip from Dresden. What I'm not sure of is if there is luggage storage at the Bad Schandau train station. I've never looked.

Ingo

Nope, there's no luggage storage at the train station in Bad Schandau. Really a shame. But there's a manned counter and I bet you could leave the luggage there for a while.