One of the most popular day trips from Prague is to head south to the famous city of Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic if you ask us. It is full of history, romance, and great photo opportunities as well as fun outdoor activities.
The city of Cesky Krumlov is famous for its castle tower, museums, and the way the Vltava River snakes around the old town and the city. From up in the castle tower you’ll be able to get an aerial view of the river zig-zagging around the city which is one of our favourite viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov.
One thing we love about the Czech Republic is the fact that it isn’t that big of a country which means that you can get to most cities relatively quickly from Prague.
Cesky Krumlov is one of the most popular day trips from Prague which means there are plenty of different trains and buses you can take each day. The trip can usually be done in 3 hours as long as there’s no road delays.
Let’s dive into how to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov!
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4 best ways to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
Prague to Cesky Krumlov and back can easily be done as a day trip or one of the many weekend trips from Prague. It does take a few hours to get to Cesky Krumlov so if you have the time we’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Cesky Krumlov.
There are so many things to do in Cesky Krumlov that we recommend spending 2 days there. This should give you enough time to see it and even raft down the Vltava River for a few hours!
Let’s get right into all the different options on how to get between Prague and Cesky Krumlov. In this post, you will find the different options, ticket prices, links to sites where you can book from, and reasons why we recommend each option.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov by bus
Average price: $6.5-10/€6-9 one way
Average time: Roughly 3 hours.
Convenience: 4.5/5
Where to book: Omio
The bus is definitely the quickest and cheapest option if you’re looking at taking public transportation from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. The Prague to Cesky Krumlov bus departs from Smichov in Prague which is easily accessible by tram or metro.
Buses from Prague to Cesky Krumlov leave a few times a day but if you’re just going for the day to Cesky Krumlov it’s best to try and take the 8am bus to be there before 11am. If you’re an early bird you can even get the 6am bus and that way you’ll have a full day in Cesky Krumlov.
There are buses that leave every few hours from Prague and also from Cesky Krumlov so don’t worry about only having one option a day. The trip between the two cities is popular, and public transport is always running both ways!
Plus public transport in the Czech Republic is relatively cheap so wherever you go you won’t pay more than €9 to get across the country. And if you’re a student you have to pay only 25% of a regular priced ticket (yes, that is 75% off)!
Check departure times from Prague to Cesky Krumlov here.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov by train
Average price: $10-17/€9-16 roughly, depending on the time of day.
Average time: 3-4 hours
Convenience: 3.5/5
Where to book: Rome2rio
There’s something relaxing and peaceful about taking trains. It’s one thing we absolutely love about the Czech Republic and how easy it is to get around the country by train. If you’re like us and just like to enjoy the ride while reading a book or hanging out on your phone then the train from Prague to Cesky Krumlov isn’t a bad option.
Usually taking the train anywhere is the best option in the Czech Republic but from Prague to Cesky Krumlov by train is actually more expensive and takes longer than by bus. You also have to switch trains in Ceske Budejovice. It’s not a big deal but something to take into consideration.
The train ride is definitely more pleasant and relaxing but you do have to spend more time and money than you would on a bus. On the plus side, there are plenty of options between the two cities so you don’t have to stress about missing a bus or train.
Prague to Pilsen by rental car
Average price: Anywhere from €25-50 a day + gas
Average time: Roughly 2.5 hours.
Convenience: 4/5
Where to book: DiscoverCars
If there’s 2+ of you then renting a car is a good option for your trip to Cesky Krumlov. Especially if you plan to see surrounding places and want to visit other cities and castles. There’s one in particular called Castle Hluboka and if you have a car it’s a lot easier to get to than by public transport.
We recommend renting a car from the Prague Airport since it’s usually the cheapest way. Plus you’re already out of the city and don’t have to drive through all the busy streets of Prague. The further you book the car rental in advance the more likely you are to get a better price.
If it’s just Cesky Krumlov you’re planning on visiting then it’s better to take public transport. Since public transport is so cheap it really isn’t worth it renting a car. If you have a car you also have to find and pay for parking which can be a little tricky, at least during the busier months.
Again, taking public transport is super convenient and easy to get between Prague and Cesky Krumlov. But if you do want to explore other places like Ceske Budejovice, Castle Hluboka, or Sumava National Park then a car is a great option!
We use DiscoverCars to find the best deals and compare prices between the different rental companies and cars. This is usually the cheapest way!
Check rental car prices from Prague Airport here.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov day trip tour
Average price: €80+ person for transport, lunch, and a private tour guide
Average time: 10 hours
Convenience: 4/5
Where to book: GetYourGuide
Last but certainly not least you can also take a guided tour that will pick you up right in Prague wherever you’re staying and take you on a full-day trip to Cesky Krumlov. This way you don’t have to worry about how to get there or anything. The tour company will get you to Cesky Krumlov about an hour faster than by bus or train and then they will show you around the city.
You’ll have a professional guide that will share stories about the Czech Republic and Cesky Krumlov on the drive and then show you some of the best sights there are to see in this beautiful city.
It is more expensive to go on a guided tour of Cesky Krumlov but it includes everything and all you have to do is enjoy the day and your trip to Cesky Krumlov. A guided tour is an easy way without stress to have an awesome time visiting one of Czech Republic’s most beautiful cities.
Recap of how to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
There you have it! All the different ways to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov and back. We hope you enjoy the castle tower and exploring all the beautiful gardens and cool museums there are in the city. There are so many things to do in Cesky Krumlov so if you have the chance maybe consider staying a night to be able to see it all!
Have a great time visiting Cesky Krumlov and feel free to DM us on Instagram or a comment below with any questions about this day trip from Prague.
Have fun!
Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures
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