Saxon Switzerland

The VVO area is divided into 21 tariff zones. Whichever form of transport you use, and however often you get on and off, the prices you pay are based on these zones. When you travel, you simply count the number of zones you will pass through.

Vorschau: Zum Vergrößern und für Details bitte auf die Karte klicken (PDF, 1,1 MB)

• Tariff zones plan with network guide and border stops (PDF, 3 MB)

S-Bahn lines

The S 1 S-Bahn is a great way of getting to know the region's towns. It will take you quickly and comfortably from Dresden to Pirna, Rathen, Königstein and Bad Schandau.

•  S 1 S-Bahn timetable

The S 2 S-Bahn connects Dresden Airport with Heidenau and Pirna.

• S 2 S-Bahn timetable

The RB 71 of DB Regio AG travels on the Saxon Switzerland Ring. The Bad Schandau - Sebnitz section is known as the "Saxon-Bohemian Semmering Railway" and is considered one of the most scenic routes in Germany.

• RB 71 RegionalBahn timetable

The RB 72 connects Heidenau with Glashütte and Altenberg and is also known as the "Müglitztalbahn". It runs through the valley of the same name into the Osterzgebirge mountains.

• RB 72 RegionalBahn timetable

(Ski- und) WanderExpress (RE 19) - Winter timetable

The DB Regio AG (Ski- und) WanderExpress (RE 19) takes you from Dresden main station via Geising to the spa town of Altenberg in just 66 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays. The train departs from Dresden at 10.05 a.m. and returns from Altenberg at 3.18 p.m.

• RE 19 RegionalExpress timetable

National Park line (U 28)

With the National Park line through Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland – the connection between Rumburk – Dolní Poustevna – Sebnitz – Bad Schandau – Děčín. This route is also within the VVO tariff area. Should you travel on further, to the Czech Republic, you can use the Elbe-Labe tickets and the Schluckenau-Elbe Regio tariff.

• National Park line (U 28)

Want to explore Saxon Switzerland by bus? Many of the hiking bus routes run by the RVSOE will take you conveniently to the place from which you want to start exploring.

Bastei-Linie 237 / P+R-Bus

So that you can enjoy the Bastei view in a relaxed manner, the buses of Regionalverkehr Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge GmbH (RVSOE) will take you on route 903 from the Rathewalde P+R car park to what is probably the most famous destination in Saxon Switzerland: the Bastei.

In winter, the buses are operated as required between 11 am and 4 pm when the weather is fine for excursions.

In the summer season from 2 April to 31 October 2022, the shuttle buses run daily every 30 minutes (more often if necessary) between the Rathewalde car park and the Bastei.

Tariff: If you already have a valid VVO ticket, you can also use the Bastei line. If you only use the bus, a special fare applies.

• Further information on the Bastei Line

Elbe ferries

There are 13 ferry piers between Dresden and Schöna. In Saxon Switzerland the ferries usually connect the picturesque village centres on the right-hand side of the Elbe with the stations on the left. The VVO tariff can be used on most ferries. So why not cross over for a while?

• Elbe ferries in the VVO

Cruise ship (cross-border)

You will see the rocky world of Saxon Bohemian Switzerland from a very different perspective from the deck of the cruise ship. During the season the motor vessel makes the return trip from Bad Schandau, via Krippen/ Postelwitz and Schmilka, to Hrensko four times each day.

• cruise ship (cross-border)

Day ticket

If you are travelling by bus & train and returning on the same day, we recommend the day ticket. Day tickets are valid for any number of journeys from validation until 4 a.m. the following day.

Reduced day tickets can also be used by people over 60 years of age.

Tip: A maximum of 2 schoolchildren up to their 15th birthday may travel on a day ticket at the normal fare. Bicycles and dogs may not be taken in place of persons.

1 fare zone (outside Dresden): 7,40 Euro (reduced: 6,20 Euro)
fare zone Dresden: 8,60 Euro (reduced: 7,20 Euro)
2 fare zones: 11,80 Euro (reduced: 9,90 Euro)
VVO region: 19,30 Euro (reduced rate 16,10 Euro)

• More information about day tickets
• Overview of prices
• VVO fare zones (VVO region)

Family day ticket

For family travel or travel as a couple, we offer the family day ticket. The ticket is valid for 2 adults and max. 4 pupils up to their 15th birthday from the time of validation until 4 a.m. the following day:

1 fare zone: 13,10 Euro
2 fare zones: 18,00 Euro
VVO region: 27,70 Euro

• More information about day tickets
• Overview of prices
• VVO fare zones (VVO region)

Small group ticket

In a group of up to 5 people, all means of public transport (except special means of transport) are open to you for one day.

We offer the small group ticket for one or two tariff zones as well as for the entire area covered by the association. The small group ticket is valid on the day of validation until 4 a.m. the following day.

1 fare zone: 21,70 Euro
2 fare zones: 29,20 Euro
VVO Area: 40,30 Euro

• More information about day tickets
• Overview of prices
• VVO fare zones (VVO region)

As at: 1 April 2024

Get your ticket

• from ticket machines at stations,
• from the service centres of our transport company partners,
• from the VVO Mobility Centre, Leipziger Straße 120, 00127 Dresden

If travelling by train, please stamp these tickets before you board the train; if travelling by bus or tram, stamp them when you board the vehicle.

You can also get tickets

• from the ticket machines in the tram or
• from the driver on city and regional bus services

These tickets are already validated.

Simple ticket & timetable via app

View current departures in real time and buy tickets quickly and cashlessly via one of the apps in the VVO.

 

Cycling in Saxon Switzerland – healthy and enjoyable. But cycles are only permitted to a limited degree on trains, buses, trams, ferries and the special tourist services.

The best ticket for your bicycle

If you wish to take your bicycle on bus & rail or the bike bus, just buy a cycle day ticket. The price is based on the tariff zones in which you intend to travel:

• To travel in one tariff zone you need the price level 1 cycle day ticket, costing 2 Euro.
• To travel in two or more tariff zones, buy the cycle day ticket for the entire VVO area, costing 3 Euro.

The cycle day ticket is valid up to 4am on the day following the day of stamping.

Using the bike bus

Between 29 March to 3 November 2024 transport companies in the VVO will be using buses with bike trailers on certain bike bus routes. With your bike in the trailer, the bus will take the strain off, getting you up steep hills and over long distances.

• Bike bus

The elevator is a quick and comfortable way to take you from Bad Schandau up to Ostrau. Once on the top, you can enjoy an impressive panorama taking in the Elbe valley. For walkers, the lift is a small shortcut on the way to the Schrammstein rocks.

• Bad Schandau elevator

National Park line (U 28)

With the National Park line through Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland – the connection between Rumburk – Dolní Poustevna – Sebnitz – Bad Schandau – Děčín. This route is also within the VVO tariff area. Should you travel on further, to the Czech Republic, you can use the Elbe-Labe tickets and the Schluckenau-Elbe Regio tariff.

• National Park line (U 28)

The Kirnitzsch Valley Tramway, a historic line, runs right through the national park. At a relaxed pace it takes you to natural attractions such as the wild, romantic Kirnitzsch Valley and the Lichtenhain Falls.

• Kirnitzsch Valley Tramway  

Hiking is perhaps the most beautiful thing you can do in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The ancient natural landscape with its bizarre rock world and fascinating flora and fauna is one of the most enchanting hiking areas in Europe. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are one of the most spectacular hiking areas in Europe.

The Saxon Switzerland Tourist Board has put together the most beautiful tours for you on Outdooractive.

• https://www.outdooractive.com/de/source/tourismusverband-saechsische-schweiz/1479636/