Train service
OBB
ÖBB is Austria’s national rail operator, known for its Railjet trains and Europe’s largest night train network, Nightjet.
České dráhy
České dráhy (ČD) is the Czech national rail operator, offering regional and international train services across Central Europe.
Train tickets
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.
Rail pass validity
Both the Interrail Global Pass and the Eurail Global Pass are valid for travel by train from Prague to Berlin. The Interrail Global Pass is generally available to European residents, while Eurail Global Pass is for non-EU residents. The Interrail One Country Pass for Germany or the Czech Republic wouldn't be applicable for the entire journey as it involves international travel between two countries.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Berlin by train, you'll find the city's public transport system efficient and comprehensive. Berlin's local transport consists of the S-Bahn (rapid transit railway), U-Bahn (subway/metro), trams, and buses. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn are usually the fastest ways to move across the city, with trains running frequently from early morning until late at night, and some lines operating 24 hours on weekends. The S-Bahn covers longer distances and connects to outer areas, while the U-Bahn covers more central urban areas. Trams are mostly found in the eastern parts of Berlin and provide scenic views of the city above ground. Buses complement the tram and rail networks, offering a broad reach across the city with night buses filling in when other services pause. For ticketing, a single Zone AB ticket is typically sufficient for most central locations, and tickets are interchangeable across all transport modes. Taxis are widely available throughout the city, and you can also use ridesharing apps like Uber for more personalized transport needs. Always ensure your ticket is validated before boarding to avoid fines.
Onward connections
Berlin, a key hub in Germany’s rail network, offers a variety of domestic and international train connections. Domestically, travelers can take the high-speed ICE trains to major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. The Berlin-Munich line, for instance, provides a swift journey of about four hours. The route to Frankfurt takes approximately four to four and a half hours, connecting through key cities like Leipzig and Erfurt. The Berlin-Hamburg connection is particularly frequent and efficient, taking around two hours.
Internationally, Berlin has several prominent rail connections. One of the most popular is to Prague, a scenic journey of around four and a half hours via EuroCity trains, passing through Dresden. For those heading west, the ICE connections to Amsterdam take about six and a half hours with a transfer in Hannover. If traveling to Poland, the Berlin-Warsaw Express offers a direct link, taking approximately six hours. To the north, there’s a direct train service to Copenhagen, including a ferry crossing, which takes about seven hours. These rail connections make Berlin an ideal starting point for exploring Europe by train.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Berlin considering weather, prices, activities, and festivals is generally late spring (May and June) and early fall (September). During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks, outdoor attractions, and walking tours. Spring sees the awakening of the city's vibrant cultural life after winter, with events such as Gallery Weekend Berlin in April. Meanwhile, September is marked by the return of Berlin Art Week and Oktoberfest-inspired celebrations, providing rich cultural experiences. In terms of cost, these shoulder months usually offer more reasonable accommodation and travel prices compared to the summer peak. For travelers arriving by train, this period provides an excellent experience as summer crowds have not fully descended, yet the city buzzes with life and activity.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Prague to Berlin?
According to EveryRail, prices on the route from Prague to Berlin are dynamic. Ticket demand influences pricing. Booking time affects costs. Advance purchases are often cheaper. Departure times impact prices. Peak travel hours tend to be more expensive. Weekends and holidays see price increases. Seat availability changes pricing. Promotional offers may lower costs. Rail operator policies play a role.
What trains run from Prague to Berlin?
Deutsche Bahn operates trains from Prague to Berlin.
Leo Express does not operate trains from Prague to Berlin.
Flixbus operates buses from Prague to Berlin.
České dráhy operates trains from Prague to Berlin.
OBB does not operate trains from Prague to Berlin.
How long does the train from Prague to Berlin take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Prague to Berlin takes 4–4.5 hours. This range covers typical travel times.
When is the best time to travel from Prague to Berlin?
Early weekdays are generally less crowded. Avoid weekend travel if possible. Tourist seasons increase crowds and prices. Check for peak holiday times. Midday trains may have more availability. Book in advance for better prices. Consider off-peak hours for quieter trips. Monitor special events in both cities.
What’s the best route or train to take from Prague to Berlin?
Deutsche Bahn runs direct train services from Prague to Berlin. Flixbus offers direct bus services from Prague to Berlin. Leo Express operates direct bus services from Prague to Berlin.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Prague to Berlin?
According to EveryRail, the Interrail Global Pass covers the route from Prague to Berlin for EU residents. The Eurail Global Pass applies for non-EU residents. No One Country Pass covers the route because it spans two countries.