Getting Around the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is small, central and superbly connected, so for most trips the train and the intercity coach are all you need — and both are cheap if you book ahead.

Trains

The national operator Ceske drahy (CD) runs the broadest network, but on the busy main lines it competes with two slick private operators, RegioJet and Leo Express, whose modern trains offer assigned seats, free refreshments and very cheap advance fares. The fastest, most useful corridor links Prague with Brno (about 2.5 hours) and continues to Olomouc and Ostrava. Book online or in each operator's app early for the lowest prices.

Buses & coaches

For destinations the fast trains miss, intercity coaches are often quicker, cheaper and more frequent. RegioJet, Leo Express and FlixBus run comfortable services from Prague's Florenc and Na Knizeci terminals across the country. They are usually the smart choice for the spa towns and the deep south.

Reaching Cesky Krumlov & Karlovy Vary

Two of the country's star attractions are easiest by bus. Cesky Krumlov has no fast direct train, so the simplest route is a direct coach from Prague (about 3 hours) or a change at Ceske Budejovice. Karlovy Vary is also faster by bus — roughly 2 hours 15 from Prague by RegioJet or FlixBus, versus a slow, winding train. Reserve a seat in summer, when these routes fill up.

Prague public transport

Inside the capital, the integrated network run by DPP is excellent: three metro lines (A, B and C), a dense web of trams including all-night services, and buses, all on a single time-based PID ticket that covers every mode. Validate paper tickets on boarding, or buy and activate them in the PID Litacka app. It's fast, frequent and far cheaper than taxis.

Driving & the vignette

A rental car isn't needed for the cities but pays off for touring castles, chateaux and the South Moravian wine country. If you use the motorways you must buy a digital vignette (dalnicni znamka) online at edalnice.cz before driving — there's no physical sticker any more, and police check by camera. Park on the edge of historic centres, which are largely pedestrianised.

Quick recommendation

Build your trip around trains for the main cities and coaches for Cesky Krumlov and the spa towns, booking advance fares with CD, RegioJet or Leo Express. Add a car only for castle-and-wine touring, and lean on Prague's metro and trams once you're in the capital.