Private day trip from Prague to Dresden
The baroque capital of Saxony on the Elbe, rebuilt after the war. The Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the old town, about two hours from Prague.
- Distance from Prague
- about 150 km
- Drive each way
- 2 h
- Typical day
- 9 to 10 hours
- Country
- Germany
Highlights
- The Frauenkirche, destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt stone by stone
- The Zwinger palace and its museums
- The Semperoper and the Residence Palace with the Green Vault
- The Procession of Princes, painted on Meissen porcelain tiles
- Brühl's Terrace above the Elbe
Ways to do it
Car and driver
A full day in Dresden at your own pace, with our walking route and lunch reservation.
Car, driver and licensed guide
A guide for the old town and its history, from the Saxon kings to the post-war rebuilding.
Via Bohemian Switzerland
Stop at the sandstone landscapes on the way for a longer, nature-and-city day.
Sample day
8:00
Pick-up at your hotel
About two hours north through the Czech Central Uplands.
10:00
Old town walk
The Frauenkirche, Neumarkt, the Procession of Princes and Brühl's Terrace.
12:30
Lunch
A reserved table in the old town.
14:00
Zwinger or Green Vault
A museum visit of your choice, with tickets booked in advance.
16:00
Return to Prague
Back at your hotel around 18:00.
About Dresden
Dresden was the glittering capital of the Saxon electors and kings, famous for its baroque skyline on the Elbe. Much of the old town was destroyed in February 1945 and rebuilt over the following decades; the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche, completed in 2005, became a symbol of reconciliation.
A compact old town
The main sights are close together: the Frauenkirche and Neumarkt, the Residence Palace with the treasures of the Green Vault, the Semperoper, the Zwinger and the Procession of Princes, a mural more than a hundred metres long made of Meissen porcelain tiles. Brühl's Terrace, once called the balcony of Europe, looks over the river.
Why a private car
The train is an option, but a private car lets you leave from your hotel, stop in the Czech countryside or in Bohemian Switzerland, and return whenever you are ready. The border crossing is simple, and your driver takes care of parking in Dresden.
Best time to go
Dresden is lovely all year. In December the Christmas markets add a special atmosphere, and in summer the river banks are full of life.
Combine it with
Frequently asked questions
How far is Dresden from Prague?
About 150 km, around two hours by car each way.
Do we need a passport for Dresden?
Both countries are in the Schengen area, but you must carry a valid passport (EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may use a national ID card), and checks at the border are possible. Visitors who need a Schengen visa must hold one valid for Germany as well.
Can we combine Dresden and Bohemian Switzerland?
Yes. The national park lies on the way, so a stop at the sandstone formations fits into a long day.
Ask about a day trip to Dresden
Tell us your date and group size. We send timings, the vehicle and a written quote.
We reply by email the same business day (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 Prague time).