A Step-by-Step Guide to Public Transport

The public transport system in Karlovy Vary is reliable and covers the entire city. Most routes converge at the Tržnice station, which serves as the main city hub. In 2026, the system remains the most cost-effective way to travel outside the pedestrian zone. Follow these steps to use the bus like a local.

1. Buy your ticket: Purchase tickets at newsstands, yellow vending machines, or via the DPKV mobile app. A single trip costs roughly 25 to 40 CZK. A common mistake is trying to pay the driver with large bills; use small coins or the app instead.
2. Locate your stop: Head to the Tržnice hub for most city lines. Digital displays show real-time arrivals. This takes about 5 minutes to navigate.
3. Validate on board: If using a paper ticket, insert it into the orange machine immediately upon entering. Failure to validate can result in a heavy fine during random inspections.
4. Navigate to the Spa Zone: Take bus number 2 or 13 to reach the heart of the historic district. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes during the day.

• Checklist: Download the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary app. Carry small CZK coins for machines. Wear a mask if local health rules require it. Keep your ticket until you exit.

Walking the Historic Spa Zone

The center of Karlovy Vary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is designed for pedestrians, making getting around Karlovy Vary without a car a pleasant experience. Most of the famous colonnades are within a 15-minute walk of each other. This area is mostly flat, following the Teplá River.

Walking allows you to stop and taste the thermal waters at your own pace. You can easily find the best things to do in Karlovy Vary by simply following the river path. Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours wandering through the main streets. The architecture is stunning and best viewed from the sidewalk.

Be aware that some paths leading to forest viewpoints are quite steep. If you plan to visit the hilltop cafes, ensure you have sturdy walking shoes. For those staying in luxury hotels, many spa treatments are located directly within the walking zone. This eliminates the need for any motorized transport during your stay.

Riding the Diana Funicular and Local Trains

For a different perspective, use the Diana Funicular to reach the Diana Observation Tower. The lower station is hidden in an alleyway near the Grandhotel Pupp. It runs every 15 minutes and saves you a very steep 30-minute hike. The ride itself is a highlight of any trip to the city.

If you are arriving from Prague or Germany, you will likely use the Karlovy Vary railway station. The station is located about 2 kilometers from the spa center. You can walk this distance in 20 minutes, or take a quick bus ride to the Tržnice hub. Trains are also great for small day trips to nearby castles.

The funicular costs around 100-150 CZK for a return trip. It is a great way to see the valley without breaking a sweat. Always check the seasonal operating hours on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site. In winter, the funicular may close for maintenance or during extreme weather.

Essential Tips for Car-Free Travelers

Planning ahead makes getting around Karlovy Vary without a car much easier. The city is very safe, and most drivers are used to tourists. However, the cobblestone streets can be hard on your feet. Use this decision guide to choose your transport method each day.

• If you are in a hurry: Use a local taxi or the Bolt app for direct door-to-door service.
• If you are on a budget: Stick to the local buses and buy a 24-hour pass.
• If you want the best views: Take the funicular up and walk the forest trails back down.

Consult our Karlovy Vary city guide for more layout details. Remember that the city center has many stairs connecting different levels. If you have mobility issues, look for the public elevators located near some of the larger hotels. These can save you a lot of energy when moving between the river and the upper streets.

Troubleshooting Your Karlovy Vary Trip

Even the best-planned trips can face minor hurdles. Here are common problems when traveling without a vehicle in the city. Most issues are easily solved with a little patience and local knowledge.

• Missed the last bus: Night buses are limited. If you are out late, use a reputable taxi company or a ride-sharing app.
• Hills with luggage: Do not try to drag heavy suitcases up the steep hills. Most hotels offer a shuttle or can call a taxi.
• Ticket machine broken: Move to the next stop or use the mobile app. Drivers rarely sell tickets on the bus.
• Language barrier: Most transport staff speak basic English. Have your destination written down or shown on a map.
• Zone confusion: The city is small, so you will likely stay in Zone 1. Check the maps at bus stops to be sure.
• Cobblestone pain: Avoid thin-soled shoes. The historic streets are uneven and can cause foot pain after a few hours.
• Funicular queues: During peak summer, wait times can exceed 30 minutes. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.