Train service
České dráhy
České dráhy (ČD) is the Czech national rail operator, offering regional and international train services across Central Europe.
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Leo Express
Leo Express is a Czech private transport company offering train and bus services in Central Europe, partly owned by Spain’s Renfe.
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OBB
ÖBB is Austria’s national rail operator, known for its Railjet trains and Europe’s largest night train network, Nightjet.
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
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Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Direct trains reach Prague from Vienna in around 4 hours, Berlin in around 4 hours 20 minutes, Munich in around 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, and Budapest in around 7 hours. Most international trains arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Railway Station), about 1 km from Wenceslas Square and a 15-minute walk from Old Town. The station is on Metro Line C, with direct connections into the centre.
České dráhy (ČD) and Austria’s ÖBB run Railjet trains on the busiest corridor, Vienna to Prague. Deutsche Bahn and ČD jointly cover Berlin. RegioJet and Leo Express offer alternatives on several routes. Advance fares vary by operator and booking window: ÖBB Sparschiene tickets for Vienna to Prague start from around €15 in second class, though the cheapest prices sell out quickly.
Train routes to Prague
Vienna to Prague by train
ÖBB and České dráhy jointly operate Railjet services on this route, with around six to eight direct trains per day. RegioJet also serves Vienna to Prague. It is one of the more frequent international corridors in Central Europe, and finding a morning or afternoon departure is rarely a problem.
The fastest Railjet services take around 4 hours. Some departures with extra stops run closer to 4 hours 30 minutes. Check the timetable before booking if journey time matters, as not all departures follow the same stopping pattern.
ÖBB advance fares (Sparschiene) start from around €15 in second class or around €30 in first class. These are non-refundable and the cheapest prices sell out first. Flexible fares cost more. Book on oebb.at or through a comparison site such as Omio or Trainline. RegioJet prices vary by class and departure, so compare directly on their site.
Berlin to Prague by train
Deutsche Bahn and České dráhy jointly operate EuroCity (EC) trains between Berlin and Prague using ComfortJet trains introduced in 2026. The journey typically takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the fastest departures just under 4 hours.
Most trains depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, calling at Berlin Südkreuz and Dresden Hauptbahnhof before entering the Czech Republic. Berlin trains stop at Praha-Holešovice (in the north of the city) before terminating at Praha hlavní nádraží. For most visitors, Praha hlavní nádraží is the better arrival point. Stay on board for the extra few minutes.
Seat reservations are optional on EC trains. Book on bahn.de, cd.cz, or a comparison site for live prices. Advance tickets are available, but prices vary by date and how far ahead you book.
Note for Monday travel: Engineering works mean most Berlin to Prague EC trains are cancelled on Mondays from March to December 2026. A small number of late-evening departures from Berlin and an early morning departure from Prague remain in service. Check the timetable before travelling on a Monday.
Munich to Prague by train
Direct EuroCity trains from Munich take around 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, run by Deutsche Bahn and České dráhy via Regensburg, Pilsen, and Beroun. Some departures require a change, so check bahn.de or cd.cz for direct services on your date.
From December 2026, Leo Express plans to launch a Munich to Prague service with advance fares from €9.
Budapest to Prague by train
Direct trains from Budapest take around 7 hours. RegioJet runs up to three direct services daily; České dráhy and partner operators run EuroCity trains approximately every two hours. Seat reservations are required on RegioJet services. Most trains arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží.
From London to Prague by train
There is no single through-ticket from London to Prague. From London St Pancras, take Eurostar to Brussels or Paris and connect by EC or night train. The total journey is typically 14 to 17 hours, depending on the connection and whether you travel overnight.
The most practical overnight option via Brussels is the European Sleeper, which runs three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures) between Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, with couchette and sleeper options.
Night trains to Prague
Prague has direct overnight connections in several directions.
ÖBB Nightjet links Berlin, Dresden, Prague, and Vienna overnight. Seats, couchettes, and sleeping compartments are available.
The European Sleeper runs Brussels to Prague via Amsterdam and Berlin three times a week, with overnight travel on the Berlin to Prague leg. Book at europeansleeper.eu.
In May 2026, České dráhy launched a daytime Prague to Copenhagen service using ComfortJet trains via Berlin, Hamburg, and Flensburg. The journey takes around 11 hours. It is not a night train, but it is currently the longest international journey operated by ČD.
Train operators serving Prague
České dráhy (ČD)
České dráhy is the Czech national railway and the main operator for domestic services and several international corridors. Internationally, ČD jointly runs Railjet trains with ÖBB on the Vienna route, EuroCity trains with Deutsche Bahn on the Berlin and Munich routes, and the Prague to Copenhagen service using ComfortJet trains. Within the Czech Republic, ČD operates SuperCity (SC), InterCity (IC), and EuroCity (EC) services.
Seat reservations are compulsory on SuperCity trains. On other long-distance ČD services, reservations are optional and cost around CZK 35 when booked directly through ČD.
ÖBB
Austria’s national railway jointly operates Railjet services on the Vienna to Prague corridor with ČD. The Railjet has first and second class seating, a restaurant car, and good luggage space.
RegioJet
RegioJet runs trains on the Vienna to Prague, Budapest to Prague, and some Slovakia routes. All services require a seat reservation. There are four classes: Business, Relax, Standard, and Low-cost, with complimentary refreshments in Business and Relax.
Deutsche Bahn (DB)
Deutsche Bahn jointly operates EuroCity trains on the Berlin to Prague and Munich to Prague routes with ČD. Book on bahn.de, or through Omio or Trainline.
Leo Express
Leo Express covers routes to Slovakia and Poland, with a Munich service planned from December 2026. Advance reservations are required.
Prague train stations
Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Railway Station)
Praha hlavní nádraží is Prague’s main international and intercity rail hub. Most trains from Vienna, Munich, Budapest, and Berlin terminate here. Around 600 trains use the station each day. It sits directly on Metro Line C, which reaches the city centre in a few stops. Wenceslas Square is a 15-minute walk; Old Town is a little further.
The station’s Art Nouveau building has been well maintained. The CD Lounge, available to first-class and business-class passengers, was refurbished in February 2026 with an expanded business section.
The station closes from 00:30 to 03:30 for cleaning. Toilets cost CZK 10 and showers around CZK 50, though check current rates at the station. Luggage storage is available at staffed counters and self-service lockers around the clock. There is a BILLA supermarket, Fantova Kavárna, a pharmacy, and bookshops.
If you are travelling to or from Berlin, check whether your train calls at Praha-Holešovice before Praha hlavní nádraží.
Praha-Holešovice
Praha-Holešovice is a station on the northern edge of the city, used by trains from Berlin and Dresden. Berlin trains stop here before terminating at Praha hlavní nádraží. For most visitors, the right call is to stay on board for the extra few minutes and arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží, which has direct Metro Line C access to the centre.
Praha-Holešovice is also on Metro Line C, three stops from Praha hlavní nádraží. If your accommodation is in Holešovice or the northern part of the city, getting off here can save time.
Other Prague stations
| Station | Location | Primary use | Key connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praha-Holešovice | North of centre | Berlin and Dresden trains | Metro Line C; Trams 12, 8, 17 |
| Masarykovo nádraží | City centre | Regional trains | Trams 3, 14, 15, 26 |
| Praha-Smíchov | West bank | Southern routes | Metro Line B; Trams 4, 5, 20, 22 |
Praha-Smíchov is about 15 minutes from the city centre by Metro Line B. Masarykovo nádraží is in the centre near náměstí Republiky.
Tickets and booking
Booking windows
ČD domestic tickets can be booked up to 60 days ahead on cd.cz or the Můj Vlak app. ÖBB Sparschiene tickets for Vienna to Prague open up to 6 months ahead on oebb.at, and early bookings usually get the lowest prices. Deutsche Bahn opens advance bookings several months ahead on bahn.de.
For international routes, booking directly with the operator often gives access to the best advance fares. Comparison sites like Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe are useful for checking multiple operators at once.
Interrail and Eurail passes
A pass is not essential for travel within the Czech Republic, where point-to-point tickets are relatively cheap. It can be worth it if you are combining Prague with other countries on the same trip.
Pass holders travelling on ÖBB or ČD Railjet services need a separate seat reservation, typically around €3 to €4. This is optional, but worth booking ahead for busy summer departures. On SuperCity trains, a reservation is compulsory regardless of pass type. On other ČD long-distance services, reservations are optional and cost around CZK 35.
Public transport in Prague
Prague’s metro, trams, and buses run on a single integrated ticket system managed by PID (Prague Integrated Transport). Tickets are available from machines at metro stations, from drivers on trams and buses, or via the PID Lítačka app. The app is slightly cheaper. Always validate your ticket at the start of each journey.
Prague transport fares (updated January 2026)
| Ticket type | Machine price | App price (PID Lítačka) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short trip | CZK 39 | CZK 36 | 30 minutes |
| Standard | CZK 50 | CZK 46 | 90 minutes |
| 24-hour pass | CZK 150 | CZK 140 | 24 hours |
| 72-hour pass | CZK 350 | CZK 340 | 72 hours |
Children under 6 travel free on all PID services. Discounts apply for students and passengers aged 65 and over. The discount structure changed in January 2026, so check pid.cz for current categories.
Oversized luggage (over 25 x 45 x 70 cm) needs a separate CZK 20 ticket. Dogs travel free on trams and buses; on trains a separate fee applies, around CZK 30, though verify the current rate at the station or on pid.cz.
Prague metro
Three metro lines run from around 05:00 to midnight.
| Line | Colour | Key stops | Transfer stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Green | Malostranská (Castle area) | Můstek, Muzeum |
| B | Yellow | Karlovo náměstí, Anděl | Můstek, Florenc |
| C | Red | Praha hlavní nádraží, Vyšehrad | Muzeum, Florenc |
During peak hours, trains run every 2 to 4 minutes. Off-peak, allow 5 to 10 minutes. Night trams and buses run approximately every 30 minutes from 00:30 to 05:00.
Day trips from Prague by train
Karlštejn Castle
Trains from Praha hlavní nádraží take around 40 minutes to Karlštejn. A one-way ticket costs around CZK 78. You can save a little by boarding at Praha-Smíchov instead, where fares are around CZK 54. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes.
Kutná Hora
The journey from Praha hlavní nádraží takes around 49 minutes. There are two stations: Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží and Kutná Hora město. Kutná Hora město is closer to the historic centre and the Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary). Check the timetable to confirm which station your train serves.
Scenic train routes in the Czech Republic
| Route | Highlights | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Prague to Děčín | Bohemian Switzerland landscape | Around 2 hours |
| Sázava Valley Line | Views of the Vltava and Sázava rivers | Around 2 hours |
| Prague Semmering | Historic diesel railcar journey | Around 1.5 hours |
| Beroun to Rakovník | Berounka River and Křivoklát Castle | Around 1.5 hours |
The Pražský motoráček operates the Prague Semmering route at weekends and on public holidays, running until at least 2029.
ČD seasonal and group tickets
Ticket for Summer
The ČD Ticket for Summer costs CZK 790 for 7 days or CZK 1,190 for 14 days, valid for unlimited second-class travel between 1 July and 31 August. On sale from 15 June. Not valid on RegioJet or Leo Express.
Group Weekend ticket
A Group Weekend ticket costs CZK 679 and covers up to two adults and three children under 15 for unlimited ČD second-class travel on one day at weekends.
Travel tips
- Book early for the best advance fares, especially on ÖBB Sparschiene for the Vienna to Prague Railjet.
- Validate your ticket before boarding. Inspectors check regularly.
- The Můj Vlak app and the IDOS journey planner are the best tools for Czech rail timetables and domestic booking.
- Baggage up to 25 x 45 x 70 cm travels free on ČD trains. Larger items need a CZK 20 ticket.
- Children under 6 travel free on ČD trains. Ages 6 to 15 get a 50% discount; check current terms on cd.cz.
- For Vienna to Prague, booking directly on oebb.at or cd.cz usually gives the cheapest advance fares. Comparison sites are useful for an overview but may not carry every operator’s lowest prices.
- Seat reservations are compulsory on SuperCity (SC) trains and all RegioJet services. Optional on most other ČD long-distance trains.
Conclusion
Prague is well connected by rail from several directions, with frequent direct services from Vienna, Berlin, Munich, and Budapest, and overnight options from Vienna and Brussels. The Prague to Copenhagen ComfortJet service, launched in May 2026, adds another long-haul option from Praha hlavní nádraží.
Book early on international routes to get advance fares, check the Monday timetable if you are travelling to or from Berlin before December 2026, and use the PID Lítačka app for the cheapest Prague public transport tickets after you arrive.
Quick reference
- Praha hlavní nádraží: main international arrival station; Metro Line C; 15-minute walk to Old Town
- ČD domestic booking: up to 60 days ahead on cd.cz
- ÖBB Sparschiene Vienna to Prague: from around €15 (2nd class), up to 6 months ahead on oebb.at
- Group Weekend ticket: CZK 679 for up to two adults and three children under 15
- Children under 6 travel free on ČD trains; ages 6 to 15 get 50% off
- Validate tickets before boarding
- SuperCity (SC) trains and RegioJet: seat reservations required
- Interrail/Eurail Railjet reservation: around €3 to €4 (optional but recommended in summer)
- Prague metro: 05:00 to midnight
- Use Můj Vlak or IDOS for ČD timetables
Frequently asked questions
How close is Prague's main train station to the city centre?
Praha hlavní nádraží is about 1 km from Wenceslas Square and a 15-minute walk from Old Town. The station sits directly on Metro Line C, so you can reach the centre in a few stops without going above ground.
What are the main international train routes to Prague?
Direct trains reach Prague from Vienna in around 4 hours, Berlin in around 4 hours 20 minutes, Munich in around 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, and Budapest in around 7 hours. ÖBB and České dráhy jointly operate the Vienna route; Deutsche Bahn and ČD cover Berlin and Munich; RegioJet runs to Budapest and Vienna. From London, there is no single through-ticket: take Eurostar to Brussels or Paris and connect onward.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail pass to travel to Prague?
Yes, but a pass is not essential if you are only travelling within the Czech Republic, where point-to-point tickets are relatively cheap. A pass is more useful if you are combining Prague with other countries on the same trip. Pass holders travelling on ÖBB or ČD Railjet services need a separate seat reservation, typically around €3 to €4. On SuperCity (SC) trains, a reservation is compulsory. On other ČD long-distance services, reservations are optional and cost around CZK 35 if booked through ČD.
What public transport options are available in Prague after arriving by train?
Prague's metro, trams, and buses use a single integrated ticket. Praha hlavní nádraží is directly on Metro Line C (the red line), which connects the centre in a few stops. The metro runs from around 05:00 to midnight. Night trams and buses take over from 00:30 to 05:00, running approximately every 30 minutes. Buy tickets from machines at the station, from drivers, or via the PID Lítačka app, which is slightly cheaper. Validate before boarding.
What do public transport tickets in Prague cost?
As of January 2026, a short-trip ticket (30 minutes) costs CZK 39 from a machine or CZK 36 via the PID Lítačka app. A standard 90-minute ticket costs CZK 50 (CZK 46 on the app). A 24-hour pass costs CZK 150 (CZK 140 on the app) and a 72-hour pass costs CZK 350 (CZK 340 on the app). Children under 6 travel free; discounts apply for students and passengers aged 65 and over. Check pid.cz for current discount categories.
