How to Get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague
Cesky Krumlov is a small medieval town in South Bohemia, Czechia, that can be easily visited by bus, train, car, or with a tour. Here's our travel guide on the best ways to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, including tips for every mode of transport so that you will enjoy this trip to the fullest.
If you've just started planning your trip to the Czech Republic, we know how easy it is to be overwhelmed by the insane number of things to do in Prague, so that you might not even notice how many gems lie within its reach.
Yet, when you start digging deeper, you'll soon find out that there are many worthwhile day (or multiday) trips from Prague.
And this will also be the time when the name Cesky Krumlov begins to appear more frequently. Well, a bit more than frequently, to put it mildly.
Cesky Krumlov is often on the top of the list of best places to visit in the Czech Republic, and that's why the question what is the best way to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is often asked.
No worries, not only traveling to Cesky Krumlov is easy no matter if you are an independent traveler or you prefer to be part of a guided tour, but thanks to the fact we are locals, we'll guide you through the whole process.
The medieval UNESCO town sitting perched atop a hill overlooking the winding Vltava River is simply stunning.
And thanks to the compact center where you can find some of the top attractions such as lookouts, Castle, or Cloaked Bridge, the visit does not have to take too long necessarily, so you can incorporate the trip to Cesky Krumlov even if your Czech Republic itinerary is packed.
If you want to know more, make sure to read our comprehensive guide on Cesky Krumlov.
So without any longer ado, here's our travel guide on how to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov.
WAYS TO GET TO CESKY KRUMLOV FROM PRAGUE
The best thing about traveling around the Czech Republic is the fact that our country is fairly small, and the tourist infrastructure is quite good, so there are many alternatives on how to reach your chosen destination.
You can select the way of transport depending on your budget, favorite transport option, but most importantly, depending on your travel style and planned itinerary.
Cesky Krumlov is accessible by car, train, and bus, and you can even join a tour, which is an advantage for travelers who like to have everything sort out on their behalf.
We've put together all options so you can choose the one that suits you the best.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED
Before we finally tell you more about transportation options, one thing that could influence your decision on how to get is how many days you need for visiting Cesky Krumlov.
In our opinion, one full day in Cesky Krumlov is completely enough, and no matter which alternative you choose, there still be enough time to return back to Prague.
If you are more flexible, it is possible to take it more slowly, explore the town after all day-trippers leave, and maybe visit other worthwhile destinations such as another UNESCO gem Holasovice, or Lipno nad Vltavou, a wonderful place that will appreciate all nature lovers.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
CAR
For many, traveling by car is the most convenient way on how to get around any country.
Although public transport in the Czech Republic is on a very high level in terms of comfort and reliability, we are always keen to take a proper road trip.
If you are not worried about driving in a foreign country, then the most comfortable way to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is by car, as you can plan your day without any schedule in mind.
Renting a car in Prague is very easy (every hotel's concierge can help you with that), and thanks to the harsh competition, prices for the rental are quite low.
Always make sure you know the rental company policy when it comes to fuel, and ensure your car comes with an e-vignette as you'll be driving on a highway.
It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov by car (it is a 172-kilometer long ride), and the time depends on the traffic.
The highway is pretty busy, especially on the way from Prague to the south at afternoons when people return from the capital back home.
The situation is the opposite on the weekends, especially on Sundays, when local day-trippers return from their holiday houses or trips back to Prague.
The road to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is pretty straightforward, and the only thing you must do is turn a GPS on. If you prefer to be well-prepared, follow the directions below.
Leave Prague via D1 Brno Exit and stay on the highway for approximately 30 kilometers. In Mirosovice, leave the highway, turn right onto E55, and continue through Benesov and Votice to Tabor.
By the way, you can take a detour and make a quick stop in Tabor, which is also a very pretty Czech town that played an important role in the Hussite movement back in the 14th and 15th centuries.
If you want to leave the sightseeing for Cesky Krumlov, before you reach Tabor (near Mezno), the highway resumes once again and continues to Ceske Budejovice (where it ends).
In Ceske Budejovice (the city also has a very nice historical center, if you have time to spare), follow the Linz/Austria Transit signs, and near Kamenny Ujezd, turn left onto Road 39, which will lead you to Cesky Krumlov.
This is also the place from where is the road to Cesky Krumlov very well signposted.
As you can see, visiting Cesky Krumlov by car has many advantages, especially when it comes to time efficiency.
But the biggest plus we see is that you can include many other places in your itinerary, such as Tabor, Ceske Budejovice, Holasovice, or Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle.
By the way, this route will also give you a nice little insight into the incompetence of the Czech government as it takes forever to complete the highway. But that's another story.
PARKING
The only concern you might have when traveling to Cesky Krumlov is where to park. We won't lie to you; the town can be insanely busy, especially during the summer.
Fortunately, the town's officials came up with a smart parking system, and you should always find a place to park.
Once you are getting nearer the town center, you only need to follow signs that will lead you to designated parking lots.
There are more than 800 parking spots divided into five official parking lots, and we believe you'll always find a place to park, but the rule of thumb is to arrive early in the morning.
Once the P1 is full, it indicates the situation, and the system will lead you to P2 and so on.
Although you can find some free parking spots in the town, for visiting the historical center, we would recommend you to stay in these designated zones, where the fee is 50 CZK per hour.
Even though it is not very cheap, you'll always be only steps away from the main attractions.
Personally, we prefer Parking number 1 as it is really close to Cloaked Bridge, but it does not matter, the main goal is to find a spot, as all parking lots are within walking distance to the historical complex.
TRAIN
All train enthusiasts, now it is time to pay attention. If you prefer to travel by public transport, the good news is that you can take a trip and get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov by train.
The only downside is that there is no direct train, and you have to switch lines in Ceske Budejovice, but it is not complicated at all.
Well, there's one direct train, but it leaves early in the morning from Prague, and it returns back in the early afternoon.
It's an IC train, so the ride takes a similar amount of time as the one with the transfer.
Therefore, we recommend you take the express train from Prague's main train station to Ceske Budejovice. The connecting train to Cesky Krumlov usually leaves from Ceske Budejovice within a few minutes after the train from Prague arrives, which is an advantage.
The train ride takes a bit under 3 hours (so bring a book), and the one-way ticket costs about $8.
It's usually unnecessary to book the train ticket in advance; you can just show up in the morning and buy it straight away at the station.
The train station in Cesky Krumlov is about 20 minutes walk from the historical center, so incorporate the walking time in your travel itinerary as well.
BUS
In our opinion, taking a bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov is by far the most popular option among international travelers.
The direct bus to Cesky Krumlov leaves Prague's station Na Knizeci almost every hour, and the ride takes about three hours.
Na Knizeci bus station is right behind a busy Andel metro station (read our guide on using the metro in Prague), and it is easy to get there, no matter where you stay in the capital.
Unlike train tickets, we highly recommend you reserve your bus tickets in advance at least a few days before your chosen date because both visitors and locals use this line.
You can book your tickets via Regiojet online.
The price is very similar to a train, about $8 per one way, but we would say the standard is much higher.
When it comes to the pros of taking the bus, we have to mention the direct line without the necessity to change buses and also the bus station in Cesky Krumlov is much closer to the city center than the train station.
TOURS
Last but not least option is to take a day tour from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. This alternative is also very popular as travelers do not need to arrange anything (except for reserving the tour); tours usually offer a pick up, transport, and a guide, sometimes even a lunch.
Although we typically prefer traveling independently, it is only up to you to consider whether this option has an appeal for you or not.
Price is usually a bit higher than what you would pay when arranging everything yourself, but the comfort you get in return might be exactly what you are looking for.
Here's a list of the most popular and best-rated Cesky Krumlov day tours.
Cesky Krumlov Day Tour from Prague | This is an example of one of the most popular tours, including transport, a knowledgeable guide, lunch, and you will also have some time to explore the town on your own.
Cesky Krumlov Private Tour from Prague | If you want to get the luxury of a tour but do not want to share your day with a group of strangers, this private tour might be the right fit for you.
Cesky Krumlov and Holasovice from Prague | Southern Bohemia is a great part of Czechia, although we might be a bit biased here, and except for Cesky Krumlov, there is another nearby UNESCO gem, Holasovice. If you are short on time, this tour offers a unique way to combine visiting those two places in only one day.
WHERE TO STAY IN CESKY KRUMLOV
We know that this travel guide is mostly aimed at day-trippers who usually only look for advice on getting from Prague to Cesky Krumlov and return the same day.
But the truth is that more and more travelers look for a way to escape crowded capital and spend a night somewhere else.
Luckily, Cesky Krumlov does not have a shortage of accommodation options; most of the guesthouses and hotels are within the historical center, so you'll always be just a stone's throw away from all the top places and activities.
Here's our selection of the top hotels in Cesky Krumlov for every budget.
Budget | Pension Faber - If you want to stay as close to the castle as possible, then this small Pension might be an excellent choice for you. The rooms are impeccably clean, they are bright and spacious, plus they offer secured parking.
Mid-Range | Pension Kristian - A modern, newly renovated guesthouse in the city center includes everything you need from a hotel room for a night or two. The hosts are welcoming and helpful, and you will feel there as you never left your home.
Luxury | Boutique Hotel Villa Beatika - Located a bit outside the historical part of the town, Villa Beatika offers a bit different experience from the rest of the guesthouses on this list. The location is peaceful and quiet, and this lovely villa has its own beautiful garden. The rooms are spacious, modern, and clean; the staff is nice and helpful. Plus, you can still reach the heart of the town on foot in less than 5-10 minutes, though.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
