Day Trip from Dresden to Görlitz

Görlitz is, for many, the most beautiful town in Germany. The only way to judge for yourself is to go and see it. Its intact old town and stories like "Görliwood" — the nickname earned from its frequent use as a film location — draw a steady stream of visitors.

Getting there by train

The trilex (Die Länderbahn) runs the route from Dresden to Görlitz on lines RE1 and RB60. There is at least one connection per hour. The journey takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes on the RE and about 1 hour 40 minutes on the slower RB.

Trains towards Görlitz are popular and tend to be full. Seats cannot be reserved, so it is worth being on the platform a few minutes before departure. The train empties out gradually along the way as passengers get off at the intermediate stops. On our trip there was a 15-minute stop in Bischofswerda, and many people got off in Bautzen, after which it was noticeably more comfortable. USB charging ports and WiFi were available on board.

Note: In general it is worth checking the trilex app or the DB Navigator before you set off, as the line is prone to disruptions.

Train station Görlitz, Credits: kanpoan.net

Old town and the bridge to Zgorzelec

From the station, leave the building towards the town centre and follow Berliner Straße in the direction of the old town, passing many of the town's sights along the way. The bridge over the Neisse leads directly across to Zgorzelec on the Polish side. Border guards are stationed there, and documents are checked on entry, so bring your passport if you want to cross.

Bridge Oldtown Görlitz to Zgorzelec, Credits: kanpoan.net

Return to Dresden

The last connections reach Dresden Hbf in the evening, roughly between 9 pm and shortly after 11 pm, with occasional later night services at the weekend. On the return trip the train was far less crowded than on the way out.

More day trips from Dresden

Görlitz is one of several towns and sights you can reach from Dresden without a car. For a shorter trip, Meissen — home of the world's first European porcelain manufactory — works well as a half-day outing by S-Bahn.

For the full picture, including castles, hikes and cross-border routes, see the overview: day trips from Dresden by public transport.