Berlin and Leipzig are just 118 miles apart, making them great overnight travel destinations. Most people settle in the capital and use Germany’s fabulous transport system to see more typical German cities like Leipzig or Dresden. Beautiful in summer and particularly at Christmas, this smallest city in East Germany is not to be missed.
These are the best ways to get from Berlin to Leipzig (and vice versa) by plane, train, car or bus.
Berlin to Leipzig by train
Going by train is a great way to get around Germany, and especially from Berlin to Leipzig and vice versa. Trains run every hour from Berlin and if you opt for the fastest option, the Intercity Express (ICE) train, you will be in Leipzig in approximately 70 minutes traveling at speeds of up to 300 km / h.
Tickets generally cost around $ 50, but if you book well in advance and visit the German Railway website, Deutsche Bahn (site available in English), you can find special offers.
Berlin to Leipzig by car
Another good option to get from Berlin to Leipzig is by car. This is often the best option for families so that they can comfortably travel together and can be more cost-effective. Or it’s a great excuse to drive on the world famous Autobahn . Let’s step on the gas!
To get to Leipzig from Berlin, follow the A 10 motorway, then continue on the A 9 / E 51 following the signs for München / Leipzig. You will be in Leipzig in about 2 hours, depending on Stau (traffic).
Rent a car in Germany
Basic rental rates vary greatly depending on the time of year, length of rental, age of driver, destination, and rental location. If you are staying in Germany for more than a month, a lease might be a cheaper option. In any case, shop around to find the best price.
Note that the charges generally do not include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), the registration fee, or any airport fees, but do include the required liability insurance. These additional fees can be up to 25% of the daily rent.
As for the time, try to reserve your car in advance (14 days in advance, ideally) to get the best deals. You should also subscribe to the newsletter of major companies (such as Hertz, Sixt, etc.) or follow on social media for offers.
The legal driving age in Germany is 18, but drivers may have to be over 21 to rent a car. In addition to that and depending on the company, drivers may have to pay a premium up to 25 years.
German cars generally come with a manual transmission (gearshift). If you prefer an automatic transmission, ask the rental company and most can accommodate you. This can, like so many things, result in an additional charge.
Berlin to Leipzig by bus
The cheapest option to get from Berlin to Dresden is by bus. Tickets can be as low as € 8 each way and the journey takes just over an hour. Bus tickets are definitely a bargain.
And while this is the discounted option, bus services increase comfort levels like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilets, electrical outlets, free newspaper, sleeping seats, air conditioning, and of course, toilets. Coaches are generally clean and on time, once again avoiding problems with traffic.
Berlin Linien Bus is one of the companies that offers daily trips from Berlin to Leipzig Airport, but not to the city center. Other options include Flixbus and GoEuro.
Berlin to Leipzig by plane
Traveling from Berlin to Leipzig by plane is not recommended. There are no direct flights between Berlin and Leipzig. Travelers should stop in a city in central Germany (such as Düsseldorf) that makes the journey long (3-5 hours). Also, tickets are quite expensive at $ 250-300 round trip.
A cheaper and faster option is to travel by train or go by car. But if you must, compare the prices of flights from Berlin to Leipzig.
