ČD network — main routes
České Dráhy (ČD) runs the national network:
- - Prague → Brno: 2h30 (EC train), trains every hour
- - Prague → Plzeň: 1h25
- - Prague → Olomouc: 2h (via Pardubice)
- - Prague → Ostrava: 3h20
- - Prague → Berlin: 4h (EuroCity EC train)
- - Prague → Vienna: 4h
- - Prague → Budapest: 7h
- - Brno → Vienna: 2h30
All Eurail/Interrail passes cover ČD trains. EuroCity trains require a mandatory reservation (€3–7).
City highlights
Prague — One of Europe's most beautiful cities, miraculously intact from WWII. The castle district, Charles Bridge at dawn (before the crowds), the Old Town Square, and Josefov (the former Jewish quarter). 3 nights minimum — the city reveals itself slowly.
Brno — Czech Republic's second city, with less than a tenth of Prague's tourists. A student city with great bars, the Villa Tugendhat (Mies van der Rohe, UNESCO), and the Špilberk fortress. 1–2 nights.
Český Krumlov — A UNESCO-listed medieval town that seems to have stopped in the 17th century. Day trip from Prague (3h via Český Budějovice) or an overnight.
Kutná Hora — 1h from Prague, home to the Sedlec Ossuary (a church decorated with human bones) and the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara. Half-day trip.
Practical tips
Prague's rail position: Prague sits between Berlin (4h north) and Vienna (4h south) — it's a natural overnight stop on both the Berlin–Vienna and Berlin–Budapest rail corridors.
Booking: ČD tickets are cheap and available on cd.cz. The EuroCity trains to Berlin and Vienna book up — reserve ahead in summer.
Currency: Czech Republic uses the koruna (CZK). Cash is useful in smaller towns and regional restaurants.
Scenic regional lines: The Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) regional network runs north from Trutnov. The Šumava (Bohemian Forest) lines are peaceful and uncrowded.
Plan your Czech rail trip
EuroTrekker builds your Czech Republic itinerary with real ČD connections from Prague to Brno, Český Krumlov and beyond.