Day Trip from Dresden to Lübbenau (Spreewald) by Train

Last update: July 2026

Lübbenau is one of the best starting points for visiting the Spreewald. You can easily get there from Dresden by regional train without a car.

There are hourly connections from Dresden. Depending on the time of day, you either change trains once in Senftenberg or twice in Ruhland and Senftenberg. During my trip, I used the connection with two changes.

Which Ticket Should You Buy?

The whole journey runs on regional trains (RE15, RB49, RE7), so a single Deutschlandticket covers the entire trip in both directions. Since January 2026 it costs €63 per month — worth it if you use regional transport more than about twice a month.

If you only travel occasionally, watch out for a catch that trips up many day-trippers: no single regional day ticket covers this route. Dresden is in Saxony (VVO), Lübbenau in Brandenburg (VBB). The Sachsen-Ticket is not valid in Brandenburg, and the Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket is not valid in Saxony — so neither one gets you the whole way. That leaves either a standard single fare (around €38.40 each way, roughly €77 return) or the Deutschlandticket.

For a one-off day trip the single fare is simplest; if you are visiting the Spreewald more than once this season, the Deutschlandticket pays for itself almost immediately.

Spreewald Luebbenau Kahnhafen, Credits: kanpoan.net

Dresden → Ruhland (RE15)

My journey started on the RE15 towards Ruhland.

The train was comfortably air-conditioned. Power outlets were available above the windows. There was no Wi-Fi on this train.

Changing Trains in Ruhland

The transfer in Ruhland is quite short but was easy.

My train from Dresden arrived about 3 minutes late, but the connecting train waited for passengers.

The RE15 arrived on platform 3. The connecting train towards Cottbus left from platform 4, directly opposite. The transfer only took a few seconds.

The RB49 offered free Wi-Fi and wireless charging.

Changing Trains in Senftenberg

The RB49 arrives on platform 1 in Senftenberg.

To reach the next train, use the pedestrian underpass to platform 4. The underpass has stairs, so changing trains can be more difficult if you have heavy luggage, a stroller or a bicycle.

My connection was also quite tight here. The train waited until all transferring passengers had boarded.

The RE7 had free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Arriving in Lübbenau

From the railway station, simply walk towards the town centre.

A relaxed walk through the old town to the Großer Hafen (Great Harbour) takes about 18 minutes.

One thing I noticed at Lübbenau station: the steps in the pedestrian underpass are unusually deep. Be a little careful, especially if you are carrying luggage.

Lübbenau Poststrasse Altstadt, Credits: kanpoan.net

Last Trains Back to Dresden

From around 8:00 pm, only the last three connections back to Dresden remain.

I recommend not taking the very last train. If one of your connections is delayed and you miss a transfer, you will still have another option to get back to Dresden the same evening.

Good to Know

Lübbenau is one of the main gateways to the Spreewald. From the railway station, you can easily walk to the old town and the boat harbours.

The Großer Hafen is one of the most popular starting points for traditional boat tours through the Spreewald and is within walking distance of the station.

Before you travel, it is always a good idea to check the latest timetable, as departure times and transfer connections may change.

Planning more car-free days out from Dresden? Our day trips from Dresden guide collects the best of them — palaces, sandstone cliffs, porcelain towns, and cross-border hikes.

Lübbenau grosser Hafen, Credits: kanpoan.net