4.9
4.6Travel to CzechiaExperience Travel in the Czech Republic: Rail & Bus Guide
By Claire Martin
I travelled around the Czech Republic on my summer trip to Central and Eastern Europe in June 2026. Trains became my main way of getting around, with a few bus journeys mixed in along the way. The main places I visited were Prague, Brno and Český Krumlov, plus several day trips from each city. I’d recommend spending at least a week in the Czech Republic, but a longer trip gives you more time to explore beyond the main stops.
A FlixBus at Brno bus station heading to Prague
Routes Overview
Most people’s trips to the Czech Republic begin in Prague, which makes a good base for exploring other parts of the country. I actually visited Nuremberg in Germany first and took a FlixBus from there to Prague. I then travelled by train to Brno for a few days. After that, I returned to Prague and continued to Český Krumlov by train. I liked this route because it gave me time in three very different places without making the itinerary feel too complicated. Popular connections such as Prague to Brno, Innsbruck to Prague and Prague to Vienna are also easy to book.
Onboard Experience
I usually choose buses or trains in the Czech Republic depending on the route. The trains I took were often quicker, and services in and out of Prague ran on time during my trip. Routes that bypass Prague can take longer or involve more changes. For example, I chose the direct bus from Nuremberg to Prague instead of taking a more complicated rail journey. The train journeys were also very scenic, with small towns and stretches of countryside outside the window.
Brno train station Thomas Ledl, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Station Tips
If you’re taking a train from Prague, check the exact departure station. Service patterns can change during construction or disruption, so it’s a good idea to check the departure station again shortly before travelling. Praha hlavní nádraží is Prague’s main station, but some services also use Praha-Smíchov or Praha-Holešovice, which are in different parts of the city. I always double-check the Czech station name shown on my ticket and allow enough time to reach it. This is especially important when travelling with luggage or connecting from another service.
Best Time to Travel
One of Prague’s busiest seasons is Christmastime, when tourists descend on the festive markets. If you don’t want to see the markets, then I’d visit at a different time of year or head to Brno or another smaller city instead. My preferred time to explore the Czech Republic would be late spring, particularly May. The days are longer with mild temperatures, and the crowds are much more manageable than in the summer. It can also be a good time to head into the mountains for some hiking, although conditions can still vary in April.
Things to Know Before Traveling
Trains to and from Prague are often pretty simple to manage, but journeys across the country can take longer or involve more changes. When I travelled from Brno to Český Krumlov in summer 2026, going directly across the south would have meant relying on slower local trains. For my trip, it was quicker to return to Prague on a mainline service and then take another train south to Český Krumlov. The journey saved time compared with the alternatives I looked at, even though it felt strange to backtrack through Prague. This may differ depending on your travel dates, so I’d recommend checking all current train and bus options.
Scenic Routes
If you’re visiting Prague, then I’d recommend a side trip to Brno. It’s the Czech Republic’s second-largest city and around two and a half hours away by bus or train, depending on the service. I’d check current timetables before travelling, as journey times can change. You could visit for the day, but I’d spend a couple of days there to see Špilberk Castle and the Old Town Hall without rushing. I also visited the Brno Ossuary, which is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Paris Catacombs. It was one of the more unusual places I saw on the trip.
Booking Tips
When booking longer trips in the Czech Republic, compare both the departure time and the operator. More than one rail operator may serve the same route, including České dráhy, RegioJet and Leo Express, and ticket validity and reservations can vary depending on which operator you’re travelling with. If travelling by train, I’d also check how many stops it makes and the total journey time before booking. For Christmas or summer travel, always book ahead where possible. Regional services are usually easier to leave until closer to departure.
Travel Tips
Departure boards use Czech place names, of course, so it helps to recognise a few key words before travelling. Praha means Prague, while hlavní nádraží means main station. Also keep in mind that many historic city centres have cobbled streets. If you’re travelling with a wheeled suitcase, give yourself a little extra time between the station and your accommodation. I’d also choose a backpack where possible, or arrange a transfer if you have heavier luggage.
Conclusion
The Czech Republic has far more to offer than Prague. Many visitors stay in the capital, but there are medieval cities, smaller towns, mountains and valleys to explore elsewhere. Prague is a convenient transport hub, and trains reach many parts of the country, with coaches filling some of the gaps. On my summer trip, I really liked how easy it was to combine Prague, Brno and Český Krumlov without needing a car. I’d happily spend longer exploring more of the country next time.
Traveling to the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is famous for its medieval buildings and beer! A popular European destination for many international travelers, the Czech Republic has lots to offer. Prague is the heart and capital of the country and is one of the most popular cities to visit in all of Europe. Most international flights land into Prague Airport but there aren’t many direct flights from outside of Europe, meaning that travelers often opt to fly into cities such as Berlin or Munich and then travel to Prague by bus or train from there. The Czech Republic is very easy to get around with buses and trains connecting all major cities within the Czech Republic and further afield.
Popular routes in the Czech Republic
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