Prague to Cesky Krumlov Train: The Complete Guide

Taking the Prague to Cesky Krumlov train is the easiest way to reach one of the Czech Republic's most beautiful towns without the hassle of driving or hunting down a bus station.

A direct Intercity train covers the roughly 142 kilometers between the two cities in about two and a half hours, rolling past Bohemian farmland and forest the whole way.

Whether you're planning a day trip or an overnight stay, the Prague to Cesky Krumlov train is comfortable, easy to book, and honestly part of the fun. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

START IN PRAGUE WITH A NIGHT OF GHOSTS AND LEGENDS

Before you catch the morning train, spend an evening uncovering the darker side of Prague.

Take our Prague's Ghosts and Dark Secrets Self-Guided Walking Tour, a self-guided walk through the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, past cursed lovers, haunted churches, and a secret alchemy lab, ending on Charles Bridge where the spirit of Saint John of Nepomuk is said to linger over the Vltava River.

It's the perfect way to spend your first night before boarding the train to Cesky Krumlov the next morning.

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF CESKY KRUMLOV

Once you step off the train, let the stories start playing right where they happened.

Take our Cesky Krumlov's Fairytale in Stone Walking Tour. It's a self-guided, location-aware audio tour that starts at the Regional Museum on Horní Street and winds through the Old Town up to the castle.

Along the way you'll discover

• The unmarked grave locals call the "vampire princess"

• Why the town once ran off its most famous painter

• A 400-year-old sundial that still works today

Stories play automatically as you walk, so there's no group and no schedule to worry about, right through to the Stone Bridge near the Budějovice Gate.

Check out our Cesky Krumlov's Fairytale in Stone Walking Tour here.

THE TRAIN SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

• Departs Prague Hlavní Nádraží around 9:20 AM daily

• Arrives in Cesky Krumlov around 11:49 AM, a direct Intercity service

• Journey time runs about two and a half hours, covering 142 kilometers

• Return trains typically depart Cesky Krumlov around 1 PM, then roughly every two hours through the evening

• Tickets generally run $16 to $29, cheaper the earlier you book

GETTING FROM THE STATION TO THE OLD TOWN

Cesky Krumlov's train station sits above the town, and from there it's about a 10 to 20 minute downhill walk into the historic center.

If you'd rather not walk it, especially with luggage, a local bus runs roughly every half hour from the station for a few Czech crowns.

Get off near Špičák for the Budweiser Gate and castle, or continue to the bus station stop for the main square.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE RIDE

The direct Intercity train is modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned first and second class cars, power outlets at every seat, free WiFi, and a bistro car for snacks and drinks along the way.

There's no need to book weeks in advance either, since the train rarely sells out, though booking ahead does save you money.

TRAIN VS. BUS: WHICH SHOULD YOU TAKE

Both the train and the bus cover the route in a similar amount of time, so it mostly comes down to preference.

The train tends to be a smoother, more scenic ride with more room to stretch out, while the bus sometimes runs slightly more frequently throughout the day.

If comfort and a bit of legroom matter to you, the train is worth the small trade-off in flexibility.

TIPS FOR THE RIDE

• Book your ticket online in advance for the best price, especially in summer

• The 9:20 AM direct train is the one to catch if you want to maximize your day in Cesky Krumlov

• Pack snacks or grab something from the bistro car, since options are limited once you arrive

• Save the return schedule to your phone, since departures thin out later in the day

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ready to plan the rest of your visit? Check out our Cesky Krumlov travel guide for tips on where to eat, where to stay, and how to spend a perfect day (or two) in town.