Planning Day Trips From Prague by Train

Most journeys begin at Praha Hlavní nádraží. This is the city's beautiful main railway station. It is located near the city center. You can reach it easily via the metro Line C. Before you head out, check our Prague public transport guide for help. Navigating the station is quite simple for English speakers.

Buying tickets is straightforward in 2026. You can use the ČD mobile app or station kiosks. Buying in advance often saves you money. Most regional trains do not require seat reservations. However, express trains to cities like Brno or Dresden do. Always validate your ticket if required by the specific rail provider.

Czech trains are generally clean and punctual. Many long-distance trains offer free Wi-Fi and charging ports. You can even find dining cars on international routes. If you have a busy schedule, look at our 3 days in Prague itinerary to fit these trips in. Rail travel is the most sustainable way to see the country.

10 Best Day Trips From Prague by Train

Here are the top picks for your next excursion. These spots offer a mix of culture, history, and fun.

• Best Overall: Kutná Hora
• Best for Families: Karlštejn Castle
• Best for Beer Lovers: Plzeň
• Best Free Activity: Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland

1. Name: Kutná Hora Type: UNESCO sight Why go: See the famous Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church). Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Central Bohemia. Time: 5–7 hours. Cost: $15–$25 for transport and entry. Getting there: Direct train from Prague Main Station (1 hour). Tip: Learn how to get from Prague to Kutná Hora before you go.
2. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Experience Why go: Visit a stunning 14th-century royal fortress. Best for: Fairytale views and light hiking. Where: Karlštejn village. Time: 4–5 hours. Cost: $12–$20. Getting there: S7 suburban train from Prague (40 minutes). Tip: The walk from the station to the castle is uphill and takes 20 minutes.
3. Name: Plzeň (Pilsen) Type: Activity Why go: Tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and the Great Synagogue. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: West Bohemia. Time: 6–8 hours. Cost: $25–$40 including brewery tour. Getting there: Fast trains depart every hour (1.5 hours). Tip: Pair your beer with a meal from our traditional Czech food guide.
4. Name: Český Krumlov Type: Sight Why go: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage town with a massive castle. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: South Bohemia. Time: 10–12 hours. Cost: $30–$50. Getting there: Direct express train (2.5 hours). Tip: Use our day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague guide for a smooth visit.
5. Name: Dresden Type: Day trip Why go: Visit the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche in Germany. Best for: Art lovers and shoppers. Where: Saxony, Germany. Time: 10 hours. Cost: $40–$60. Getting there: EuroCity trains from Prague (2 hours 15 minutes). Tip: Bring your passport as you are crossing an international border.
6. Name: Olomouc Type: Sight Why go: See the Holy Trinity Column and astronomical clock. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: Moravia. Time: 8–10 hours. Cost: $25–$35. Getting there: High-speed Pendolino or RegioJet trains (2 hours). Tip: Try the local "tvarůžky" cheese if you are feeling brave.
7. Name: Poděbrady Type: Experience Why go: Relax in a peaceful spa town by the Elbe River. Best for: Relaxation and cycling. Where: Central Bohemia. Time: 5–6 hours. Cost: $10–$20. Getting there: Direct regional train (1 hour). Tip: Walk through the flower-filled colonnade for the best photos.
8. Name: Tábor Type: Sight Why go: Discover the history of the Hussite wars in a medieval labyrinth. Best for: History fans. Where: South Bohemia. Time: 6–7 hours. Cost: $15–$25. Getting there: Direct train from Prague (1.5 hours). Tip: Explore the underground tunnels beneath the main square.
9. Name: Mělník Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the confluence of the Vltava and Labe rivers from a chateau. Best for: Wine tasting. Where: Central Bohemia. Time: 4–6 hours. Cost: $15–$30. Getting there: Train with one quick change (1 hour 15 minutes). Tip: Visit the castle wine cellars for a local tasting session.
10. Name: Bohemian Switzerland Type: Nature Why go: Hike to the Pravčická brána, Europe's largest sandstone arch. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: North Bohemia. Time: 10–12 hours. Cost: $20–$35. Getting there: Train to Děčín, then a local bus (2 hours total). Tip: Wear sturdy boots as the trails can be steep.

Nature Escapes and Scenic Rail Routes

The Czech Republic is famous for its natural beauty. Many day trips from Prague by train lead directly to trailheads. For example, the train to Beroun offers access to the Bohemian Karst. You can hike through limestone canyons near the station. These routes are perfect for a summer day.

The Visit Czechia website lists many scenic rail journeys. One popular route follows the Sázava River. It is often called the "Posázavský Pacifik" by locals. The train winds through deep forests and over old stone bridges. It is a very romantic way to see the countryside.

If you prefer mountains, head north toward the Jizera range. Trains from Prague reach Liberec in about two hours. From there, you can take a tram to the base of Ještěd Mountain. The views from the top are spectacular on clear days. Always check the weather before heading into the mountains.

Before you start your journey, consult a Prague city guide for last-minute tips. You might also want to visit the Prague Castle complex first. This helps you compare the city's scale to the rural towns. Rail travel makes these transitions easy and enjoyable.