Quick Overview of Parking in Český Krumlov

Before diving into the details, here are the top recommendations for your trip. Most lots use a numbered system from P1 to P7. These are managed by the city and offer consistent pricing. For a general visit, check out our Český Krumlov city guide to plan your route.

• Best for Castle Access: Parking P1 (Jelení zahrada).
• Best for Long Stays: Parking P7 (Chvalšinská).
• Best for Old Town: Parking P2 (Pod poštou).
• Best for Budget: Train Station (Nádraží) parking.

Always look for the electronic signs at the city entrance. These show how many spaces remain in each lot. If you are coming from the capital, read our guide on Prague to Český Krumlov travel for more transport ideas.

9 Best Spots for Parking in Český Krumlov

The city operates a smart parking system. Most lots are within a 10-minute walk of the main square. Here are the top nine locations for parking in Český Krumlov during your stay.

1. Name: Parking P1 (Jelení zahrada) Type: sight Why go: This is the most convenient lot for visiting the castle. It is located in the former royal gardens. Best for: Castle tours and the northern Old Town. Where: North of the castle, near the Polečnice stream. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Approx. 50-60 CZK per hour. Getting there: Follow signs for P1 from the main road. Tip: This lot fills up first, so arrive before 10:00 AM.
2. Name: Parking P2 (Pod poštou) Type: experience Why go: It sits right next to the historic Latrán district. You are steps away from the best cafes. Best for: Exploring the Latrán area and central dining. Where: Near the main post office. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Standard city rates apply. Getting there: Accessible via the bridge near the post office. Tip: Great for those who want a short walk to the Egon Schiele Art Centrum.
3. Name: Parking P3 (Městský park) Type: sight Why go: Located near the city park, it offers a scenic walk into town. It is usually less crowded than P1. Best for: Families and those visiting the southern part of the center. Where: South side of the historic core. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate hourly rates. Getting there: Follow the signs for P3 from the southern entrance. Tip: Perfect if you are staying in accommodations near the park.
4. Name: Parking P4 (Zámecká zahrada) Type: sight Why go: This lot serves the upper part of the castle gardens. It is a bit further from the town center. Best for: Visiting the Revolving Auditorium or the gardens. Where: Near the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov gardens. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Often cheaper for short stays. Getting there: Located on the hill above the castle. Tip: Avoid this if you have mobility issues, as the walk down is steep.
5. Name: Parking P5 (Bus Stop) Type: activity Why go: While primarily for buses, it has a section for cars. It is very close to the regional museum. Best for: Quick stops and museum visits. Where: Near the main bus entrance to the city. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Standard hourly rates. Getting there: Follow signs for the bus terminal. Tip: Use this if you are heading to the museums in Český Krumlov.
6. Name: Parking P7 (Chvalšinská) Type: experience Why go: This is a large, open lot designed for long-term stays. It is the best choice for oversized vehicles. Best for: Campers, vans, and overnight visitors. Where: On the western edge of the city. Time: Full day or overnight. Cost: Best daily rates available. Getting there: Located on road 39 heading toward Lake Lipno. Tip: It is a 15-minute walk to the center, but very easy to access.
7. Name: Eggenberg Brewery Lot Type: experience Why go: This is a private lot owned by the local brewery. It is often a good backup when city lots are full. Best for: Brewery visitors and those entering from the east. Where: Latrán 27, at the brewery entrance. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Paid per hour, prices vary. Getting there: Navigate to the Eggenberg Brewery. Tip: Grab a local beer after parking to justify the walk.
8. Name: Train Station (Nádraží) Parking Type: experience Why go: This is the cheapest option for those on a tight budget. It is quite far from the center. Best for: Budget travelers and hikers. Where: At the main Český Krumlov train station. Time: Full day. Cost: Very low or sometimes free. Getting there: Located on the hill north of the city. Tip: Take a local taxi or bus down to the center to save your legs.
9. Name: Hotel Bellevue Garage Type: activity Why go: Some high-end hotels offer private, secure garages. This is the safest way to store a luxury vehicle. Best for: Guests staying overnight in the pedestrian zone. Where: Latrán district. Time: Overnight. Cost: Usually 600-900 CZK per night. Getting there: You must have a hotel reservation to enter this zone. Tip: Check your booking to see if parking is included.

Navigating the Pedestrian Zone and Permits

The historic center of Český Krumlov is a protected pedestrian zone. Driving here is strictly regulated to preserve the UNESCO World Heritage atmosphere. You cannot simply drive to your hotel door without a permit. Most hotels will provide a temporary entry permit for luggage drop-off. Always contact your host before you arrive to ask about access rules.

Entry is usually allowed only during specific morning and evening hours. If you enter outside these times, you may face heavy fines. Police use cameras to track license plates at the entry points. For a stress-free trip, plan to use the Český Krumlov Card for local transport. This helps you avoid moving your car once it is parked.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Most parking machines in the city accept both cash and credit cards. Look for the "P" signs with a card symbol to be sure. It is helpful to have some Czech Koruna (CZK) just in case. The machines usually provide instructions in multiple languages, including English and German. If you are visiting in the colder months, check our Český Krumlov in winter guide for road safety tips.

During peak summer months, the city gets very crowded. Parking lots can fill up by midday. Try to arrive before 9:00 AM to secure a spot in P1 or P2. If you are staying overnight, ask if your hotel has a deal with a specific lot. Many hotels offer discounted vouchers for P1, P2, or P3. This can save you a significant amount over a multi-day stay.