Planning a trip to central Germany? With 36 international airports spread across the country, you are spoiled for choice. Located in a triangle with Leipzig 50km to the west and Germany’s capital Berlin to the north, Dresden Airport is a great option. Dresden is also close to the border with Poland and the Czech Republic, making this the ideal base to explore this region of Europe.

The sister airport of Leipzig Airport in the Central German Airports Group, Dresden is fast growing with rising passenger numbers and new destinations being added each year.

What’s more, Dresden is also the beautiful capital of Saxony, one of the most popular holiday regions in Germany. Being so well located, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, our friendly Avis team at Dresden Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter in the arrivals area within the terminal building at Dresden International Airport. The Avis rental car park in the multi-storey car park accessed by the walkway in front of the terminal building.

From the Avis car park at Dresden Airport, Dresden city centre is a 23min, 12.7km drive south. As you pull out of the the airport, head right on Hermann-Reichelt-Straße joining the A4 towards Dresden. Leave the A4 at exit 81A for Dresden Hellerau Zentrum (Centre) and join the B170 continuing another 5.3km into the city centre.

On the banks of the River Elbe, Dresden is renowned for its grand Baroque architecture and as a cultural treasure trove it’s been described as ‘Florence on the Elbe’.

Not surprisingly there is plenty to do in the city whether you’re there for a long weekend or several days. Must-see highlights include the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper opera house, the domed Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and the world-class Dresden State Art Collections. There are walking trails around the city and it’s worth heading to Brühl´s Terrace, the walkway along the River Elbe and stopping off to explore Dresden’s Fortress, the oldest Renaissance structure in the city.

For music lovers, there’s a year-round calendar of performances and open air festivals in Dresden attracting international orchestras and audiences from around the globe.

If you are lucky enough to be in Dresden in November or December, the city is a romantic backdrop to some magical Christmas markets. Also known as the Stollen capital, the rich spiced fruited bread was first created here, Dresden’s bakers and pastry makers go all out to impress and you can sample their wares in cafes, restaurants and art galleries throughout the city.

For scenic day trips from Dresden you are spoiled for choice. Touring Saxony by car is the perfect way to see this beautiful region of Germany. You can create your own driving route over mountains and river valleys, meandering past romantic hilltop and moated castles – Saxony has over 1000 of them – touring the vineyards, or stopping off to watch world-renowned porcelain being made.

Meissen

Meissen, famous home of porcelain manufacture since the 18th century, is a 40-min 26km drive northwest of Dresden. There are several route options but we’d recommend taking the B6 road along the Elbe River valley. Visit the Meissen workshop and museum and don’t miss the dramatic Albrechtsburg castle or the Gothic cathedral.

Leipzig

Lively Leipzig, with its rich cultural mix of art, music and theatre is a 1hr30min, 120km drive from Dresden Airport via the A14. Leipzig Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world is a popular attraction and there are museums to two major classical music composers Bach and Mendelssohn. There is a thriving modern art and new media scene here too – the city’s former cotton mill Spinnerei Leipzig is home to more than 100 artists' studios.

Explore the narrow streets of Drallewatsch in the centre with historic buildings teeming with cafes, bars and restaurants.

Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Fans of nature and outdoor sports should head to the dramatic Elbe Sandstone Mountain range with its hiking trails, cycling and rock climbing in a fairytale setting. Also known as Swiss Saxony, this mountainous region also lies in the Czech Republic and it’s worth crossing the border to see attractions including Bohemia Geopark.  Leave the car behind to hike a section of the Painter’s Way where films including the Chronicles of Narnia, Grand Budapest Hotel and Cloud Atlas were set. Don’t miss the stunning Bastei Bridge a stone bridge that spans the Elbe valley, a 50km drive of around 1hr from Dresden Airport.

Pirna

Experience historic Saxony with a day trip to Pirna to wander its cobbled streets with picture perfect gabled houses. Pirna is an easy 32min, 28km drive from Dresden. Hike up to the dramatic Sonnenstein Castle high above the town for the magnificent views and take a paddle steamer on the Elbe.

While public transport in Dresden is good and the train ride from the airport to Dresden Station in the centre of the city takes just 20min, if you want to explore the wider region, a hire car gives you the freedom and flexiblity to travel further afield.

The Avis team at Dresden International Airport are experts on the Saxony region and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down. If you are feeling inspired check out our guide to great German road trips.

Hiring a car is an easy way to explore central and eastern Germany. The road network is superb and navigation is straightforward. As in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Germany before you set off.