Getting Around Czechia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trams and metro in Prague. Rural: Rent a car for Bohemian countryside exploration. Regions: Trains for intercity travel. For convenience, book airport transfers from Prague to your destination.
Train Travel
České dráhy (ČD) National Rail
Efficient and affordable train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Prague to Brno 200-400 CZK, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via ČD app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
In Karta offers unlimited travel for 1 month at 1,500 CZK (under 26) or 3,000 CZK (all ages).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, ČD website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
RegioJet and Leo Express provide premium services connecting Prague to Vienna, Bratislava, and Krakow.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Prague Stations: Main station is Praha Hlavní nádraží, with connections to Praha-Výstaviště.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Bohemian Paradise and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 800-1,500 CZK/day at Prague Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Highways require electronic toll system (e-vignette 310 CZK/10 days for cars).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, trams always have priority.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking 30-60 CZK/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 35-40 CZK/liter for petrol, 32-36 CZK for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Prague during rush hours and around Brno.
Urban Transport
Prague Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket 32 CZK, day pass 110 CZK, 72-hour card 310 CZK.
Validation: Validate tickets in yellow machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: PID Lítačka app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Rekola and Nextbike sharing in Prague and other cities, 100-200 CZK/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Czechia, especially in South Moravia region.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
DPP (Prague), IDS BK (Brno), and regional operators provide comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: 30-40 CZK per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Funicular: Famous funicular to Petřín Hill in Prague, included in transport passes.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near tram stops in cities for easy access, central Prague or Český Krumlov Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Prague Spring.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Czechia including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 100 CZK for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile offer prepaid SIMs from 200-400 CZK with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 300 CZK, 10GB for 500 CZK, unlimited for 600 CZK/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Prague Airport 17km from city center, bus/metro 40 CZK (30 min), taxi 600 CZK, or book private transfer for 800-1,200 CZK.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (100-200 CZK/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to medieval architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 50 CZK), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 100 CZK, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Czechia
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Prague Václav Havel (PRG): Primary international gateway, 17km west of city center with bus/metro connections.
Brno-Tuřany (BRQ): Regional hub 12km from city, bus to center 50 CZK (30 min).
Ostrava (OSR): Serves eastern Czechia with European flights, convenient for Moravia.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Vienna or Warsaw and taking train to Czechia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air serve Prague with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 50-100 CZK, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 1,000-2,000 CZK in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.