Dresden International Airport

Dresden International Airport (DRS) is the modern and stylish air gateway to Saxony, located just a few kilometres from the cultural heart of one of Germany's most beautiful cities. Originally built upon the framework of an aviation hangar, this airport today impresses with its unique architecture and thoughtfully organised space. Thanks to its compact size and excellent transport accessibility, it has become a favourite starting point for tourists wishing to explore the rich heritage of Dresden and its picturesque surroundings.

One of the main features of the airport is its exceptional transport accessibility. An underground S-Bahn city train station (line S2) is located directly within the terminal building, taking you to Dresden Central Station in just 20-25 minutes. This makes the journey from the aircraft to your hotel as fast and comfortable as possible. Additionally, passengers have access to convenient bus routes, taxis, and close proximity to the A4 motorway, linking the city with Berlin and Prague.

Dresden Airport is distinguished by its compactness and convenient navigation. It features just one modern terminal, opened in 2001, which allows for easy orientation and quick location of check-in counters, boarding gates, and service areas. Play zones are equipped for travellers with children, while business people can utilise the conference centre. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, allowing you to stay connected while waiting for your flight.

The airport is located at: Flughafenstrasse, 01109, Dresden, Germany. It is a key transport hub for the region, serving numerous domestic and international flights.

For current information on flights, services, and regulations, please visit the airport's official website: www.mdf-ag.com/flughafen-dresden. You can contact the information desk by phone at +49 351 881 3360. General enquiries should be sent via email to: information@dresden-airport.de.

If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the Lost and Found office (Fundbüro) at +49 351 881 3031 or via email: fundbuero.drs@dresden-airport.de. For issues related to luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline's representative directly.

Follow airport news and updates on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram. For consultations and passenger assistance, it is recommended to use the main airport information phone line, where you will be provided with all necessary support.

Dresden International Airport (DRS) is conveniently located just 9 kilometres north of the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple. There are several ways to reach the terminal, suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport: The most popular and efficient method is the S-Bahn line S2 city train. The train departs directly from the terminal's underground station and travels to key city stations, including Dresden-Neustadt and the Central Station (Dresden Hauptbahnhof). The journey takes only about 20-25 minutes and is the most budget-friendly option. Additionally, buses run to the airport: Route No. 77 connects it to tram line No. 7, and Route No. 80 connects to other districts of the city.

Taxi and Transfer: For those who value comfort, are travelling with large luggage, or arriving at night, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is an excellent choice. The taxi rank is located right outside the terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Dresden will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The cost will be significantly higher than public transport, but this is compensated by convenience and "door-to-door" service.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to travel around Saxony and other regions of Germany, offices of all major rental companies are present at the airport. For those arriving in their own vehicle, various parking options are provided: from short-term parking right by the terminal to more affordable multi-level and long-term car parks. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to secure a more favourable rate.

Dresden Airport (DRS) is distinguished by a modern and thoughtful structure, making it very convenient for passengers. The main feature of the airport is that it consists of a single unified terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This completely eliminates confusion with transfers between different buildings and makes navigation intuitively clear.

The terminal is a reconstructed industrial hangar, giving it a unique architectural appearance. The entire infrastructure is logically divided by levels:

• Level 0 (Ankunftsebene): Arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, and exits to the city. Car rental counters and information points are also located on this level.
• Level 1 (Galerieebene): Departures area. Here you will find flight check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the entrance to pre-flight security screening. After security control, passengers enter the airside zone with shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

One of the key features of the airport is the covered glass walkway, the Skywalk. It connects the main terminal building with the multi-level car park and the suburban S-Bahn train station located on the basement level. Thanks to this, you can get from the train to the check-in counters in just a few minutes without going outside.

Completing all formalities at Dresden Airport usually takes less time than in major hubs. On average, check-in and security screening take about 30-45 minutes. Nevertheless, during peak hours or the holiday season, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone and 3 hours for other international destinations. Signs in the airport are in German and English, which facilitates orientation for international tourists.

The history of Dresden International Airport (DRS), located in the Klotzsche district, began in 1935. It was originally created for both civil and military needs, quickly becoming an important transport hub in central Germany. In its early years of operation, the airport served regular flights to major cities in the country, contributing to the development of the region.

After the Second World War, the airport came under the control of Soviet armed forces. Civil aviation was resumed in 1957, and for decades it was one of the key airports of East Germany (GDR), serving flights of the national airline Interflug. This period was marked by a gradual increase in passenger traffic within the socialist bloc.

The true transformation of the airport began after the reunification of Germany in 1990. To meet modern international standards, a large-scale modernisation programme was launched. The culmination of this process was the opening in March 2001 of the new terminal, which is one of the most interesting architectural solutions in the airport world. The terminal was created by rebuilding a former aircraft assembly hangar, giving it a unique industrial charm and vast internal space.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is precisely its main terminal. Instead of demolishing the old industrial building, it was masterfully adapted for passenger needs. Today, the glass Skywalk bridge connects the terminal to the multi-level car park, and a viewing platform on the roof offers a wonderful view of the runways. This has turned the airport into not just a transport hub, but a kind of architectural landmark.

Dresden International Airport (DRS) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. Within the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, stores are open, including Duty Free, featuring a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, as well as numerous charging stations for electronic devices. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of business lounges, offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and refreshments. Additionally, Dresden Airport has modern conference rooms and business centres, ideal for holding business meetings.

ATMs and currency exchange points operate in the terminal, allowing financial matters to be resolved easily. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical point is available to provide first aid. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped, as well as play areas where young passengers can have a fun time before departure.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, an assistance service can be booked in advance. If you have an early flight or a long layover, you can stay at a hotel located directly on the airport grounds or within a few minutes' walk from the terminal, making the journey even more convenient.

At Dresden International Airport (DRS), travellers will find diverse dining options to suit every taste and budget. Establishments are located both in the public area before security and in the departure lounge, allowing for a comfortable snack at any time.

In the public area (Landside), accessible to all visitors, there is a restaurant with a panoramic view of the runway. This is an ideal place for a full lunch or dinner, where you can try dishes of European and traditional Saxon cuisine. For those in a hurry, cafes and bakeries operate here, offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. This is an excellent choice for those seeing someone off or passengers arriving at the airport well in advance.

After passing security control, in the departure area (Airside), several cafes and bistros are at passengers' disposal. Here you can grab a quick bite before your flight by ordering a sandwich, salad, or dessert, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee or a local beverage. The assortment is oriented towards quick service so you can refresh yourself without unnecessary rush.

The menus at the airport establishments feature both popular international dishes and local specialities. We recommend paying attention to traditional German snacks, for example, pretzels (Brezel). Most cafes offer vegetarian options. To check for the availability of vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes, please contact the staff of the specific establishment.

The price range at Dresden Airport corresponds to the average level for airports in Germany. Opening hours are flexibly adjusted to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the departure of the last evening flights.

Thus, if you have time to spare, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the restaurant overlooking the airfield. If you need a quick and filling snack immediately before departure, your choice is the cafes and bistros in the secure area of the airport.

To ensure your journey through Dresden International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help save time, stress, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before flights within Germany and the Schengen zone, and 2.5-3 hours before international flights. Dresden Airport is compact and efficient, but extra time is never wasted, especially during peak seasons.

Check-in and security control. To avoid queues, complete online check-in for your flight. In the screening area, prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets — they must be placed in a separate tray. This is a standard procedure that will speed up the process for you and other passengers.

Seat selection on the plane. When choosing a seat, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) are ideal for those who love to admire views during take-off and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) provide more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin. If you want to disembark first, book seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand luggage rules. It is prohibited to take any sharp or cutting objects, weapons, or flammable substances in hand luggage. The volume of liquids is limited to 100 ml per container, and all must be packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Always check the exact weight and dimension allowances for hand luggage on your airline's website.

For passengers with transfers. Dresden Airport has one terminal, making transfers very convenient. When checking in for your first flight, clarify whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Ensure you have enough time between flights and check visa requirements if your next flight is heading outside the Schengen zone.

Customs control. When arriving from non-EU countries, use the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you do. Please keep in mind the existing restrictions on the import of restricted goods, tobacco products, and cash.

Saving time and money. The fastest and most affordable way to get to the city centre is the suburban S-Bahn train (line S2). If you are driving to the airport, book a parking space online in advance; this is often cheaper. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal building.

Flight delays. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation in accordance with EU passenger rights (Regulation 261/2004). While waiting for departure, you can visit the airport observation deck, relax in a cafe, or browse the shops.