The one direct train a day from Prague to Cesky Krumlov isn’t ideal for a day trip. But there are other options…
Europe’s most beautiful town?
Cesky Krumlov in Czechia has a strong claim to being Europe’s most beautiful town. This southern Bohemian town is surrounded by green mountains, its centre is concentrated in a loop of the Vltava River and its buildings are painted to look like fairytale theatre sets.
The nearest city to Cesky Krumlov
Getting to Cesky Krumlov, however, is a royal pain in the backside. It doesn’t have an airport, so you’re going to have to arrive by land. Some come over the border from Austria – Linz is the nearest major city. But most make their way south from Prague.
Direct trains from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
The good news is that there is a direct train from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. The bad news is that there’s only one per day. According to the Ceske Drahy website, the IC533 service leaves Prague Hlavni Nadrazi at 09.20, and arrives in Cesky Krumlov at 11.49.
The return journey leaves Cesky Krumlov at 14.08, arriving in Prague at 16.39. This, of course, makes attempting to visit Cesky Krumlov as a day trip by direct train from Prague essentially pointless.
Five great things to do while you’re in Prague
- Discover Prague’s communist history and nuclear bunkers on a Cold War-themed tour.
- Let a knowledgeable guide explain the highlights on a Prague Castle tour.
- Learn Czechia’s World War II history on a day trip to the Terezin concentration camp.
- Combine Czech beer with some of Prague’s best dining on a food and beer tour.
- Cover more ground in less time on a Prague bike tour.
Trains from Prague to Cesky Krumlov via Ceske Budejovice
The other rail option is to take an indirect train journey, changing in Ceske Budejovice. This does increase your window for a day trip, as there are several trains per day. The quickest indirect rail journeys from Prague to Cesky Krumlov take two hours and 34 minutes. Most take three hours and 21 minutes.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov train ticket prices
Czech train tickets are, thankfully, relatively cheap. One way tickets from Prague to Cesky Krumlov cost as little as CZK239, which is around €9.60.
Buses and day tours to Cesky Krumlov
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. According Busbud, there are regular Regiojet and Flixbus departures on the route. Tickets for a one way journey cost from €10, and the quickest journeys take two hours and 40 minutes.
The final option is to take a full day tour to Cesky Krumlov from Prague. I’d advise against this, as you’ll be in a big group, and there will be a large percentage of the time spent on a bus. You’re better off staying overnight and being able to explore independently once the tour groups have gone home.
More Czechia travel
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