Czech Republic by train

Pilsner Urquell brewery, Plzen (Pilsen)

Beer paradise: Plzeň

With nearly 500 different kinds of beer, it’s no surprise that it’s the Czech national drink. But you may be surprised to learn that Plzeň is the birthplace of Pilsener beer. While in the Czech Republic, be sure to sample some of the world’s finest light and dark ales, and tour the breweries of Plzeň to see where it all began. Plzeň was built at the convergence of four rivers, so there’s plenty to do outdoors too.

Little church in Holasovice

Charming Bohemian villages

Don’t miss Holašovice, a 13th century South Bohemian village, where two dozen farmhouses feature lovely gardens and beautiful Baroque architecture. If you like seafood, this is also the place to be. The pretty town of Český Krumlov, also located in the South of Bohemia, features 300 historical buildings and is home to many festivals, including the International Music Festival and the Festival of the Five-Petalled Rose.

Vineyard in Frankovka

Intoxicating Central and Southern Moravia

The town of Kroměříž in Central Moravia is nestled at the foot of the Chřiby hills. Be sure to see the well-preserved Baroque chateau and its lovely gardens. The wines of the Czech Republic are well worth exploring. And Southern Moravia, with its extensive vineyards and lovely hillsides, is also great for cycling, hiking and sightseeing. Don’t miss White Carpathians Biosphere Reserve (Bílé Karpaty).

Old Town Square of Prague

Multi-faceted Prague

The Czech capital of Prague (Praha) is one of the most stunning cities in the world. In fact, the city’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Wenceslas Square, the heart of modern Prague, to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, the city is teeming with attractions to entice any traveler. Cruise the Vlatva River – especially at night – to see the sights at their best.

Spa Bristol in Karlovy Vary

Tantalizing spa towns

The Czech Republic has three world-famous spa towns: Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary), Marienbad (Mariánské Lázně) and Franzensbad (Františkovy Lázně). Relax and unwind, and when you’re done, be sure to visit the areas’ historical sites, including the stunning castles and chateaus. Hundreds of years of history are alive and well in these charming towns.

Rail Network

Czech Railways or České dráhy or (CD or ČD) is the main railway operator of the Czech Republic.

The train is a common means of transportation in the Czech Republic. Most Czech cities, towns and many villages have train stations. They are interconnected well enough to make train travel a convenient way of getting from one place to another. International train services to the Czech Republic run from most points in Europe, with direct connections from Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary.

Categories of Czech trains from slow to fast:

• Osobní (Os) – local train that stops everywhere (short: Os)

• Spěšný (Sp) – local train, usually skips little villages (Sp)

• Rychlík (R) – regional train, stops in major towns, commonly used for longer distances (R)

• Expres (Ex) – faster regional train (Ex)

• Intercity, Eurocity (IC, EC) – pretty modern longer distance train, stops in major cities only

• Supercity (Pendolino) – fastest new trains, operates between biggest cities (compulsory reservation)

Prague is the main railway center. The most important train stations are:

• Hlavní nádrazí (Main Station). The biggest station. It has ticket offices, a train information centre and a Prague information service.

• Nádrazí Holesovice (Holesovice Station). This is usually the terminus for trains from Berlin and other destinations to the north.

Both are serviced by line C of the city metro system.

Railway service

International, long-distance domestic, regional and suburban and related services – sleepers and couchette coaches, dining cars, carriage of handicapped passengers, carriage of baggage, bicycles, and boats, trailer train.

Travel times

Average train travel times in hours between some popular domestic destinations:

• Prague – Brno: 3 hours

• Prague – Ostrava: 4 hours

• Prague – Olomouc: 3 hours

Some international connections:

• Prague – Berlin: 5 hours

• Prague – Vienna: 4 hours

• Prague – Warsaw: 8 hours 30 min

• Prague – Budapest: 7 hours 30 min

Reservations

Most domestic trains in the Czech Republic do not require seat reservations. Exceptions:

• Intercity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) trains

• SC SuperCity high-speed line

See the reservation fees for domestic trains. Reservations can be made at a train station or through the Czech railways eShop.

There are also some international trains to and from the Czech Republic that require a reservation fee, like the EuroCity to Vienna. See the reservation fees for international trains.

Extra info

Airport - station link

From Prague airport there are bus connections to Prague's public transport system or the Airport Express Bus to Prague's main station. Eurail Passes are not valid on the bus.

Eurail aid office in Czech Republic

For questions about Eurail, visit the international ticket office at Prague Liben station (Praha Liben). It is open daily from 06.00 – 20.50. See the page for more aid offices in Europe.

Spelling of cities of the Czech Republic

On Czech train timetables and at train stations in the Czech Republic, you'll usually find the local spelling of Czech cities and stations.

Here is the local spelling of some popular Czech cities:

• Praha = Prague