Getting around Czech Republic: Transportation Tips

Czech public transport is affordable and reliable. For train and bus times go to www.idos.cz.

By Train

The Czech Republic has one of the most comprehensive rail networks in Europe. Czech Railways (České dráhy (ČD); www.cd.cz) runs two types of train: rychlík (R) or spěšný (Sp) trains are faster, only stopping at major towns, while osobní trains stop at every small station, averaging 30km per hour. Fast trains are further divided into SuperCity (SC), which are first-class only, EuroCity (EC) or InterCity (IC), which charge a supplement, and Expres (Ex), which don’t. Tickets (jízdenky) for domestic journeys can be bought at the station (nádraží) before or on the day of departure. ČD runs reasonably priced sleepers to a number of neighbouring countries, which you should book in advance. InterRail and Eurail passes are valid in the Czech Republic.

By Bus

Regional buses – mostly run by the state bus company, Česká státní automobilová doprava (ČSAD; www.csadbus.cz), go to most places, with private companies like ČEBUS providing an alternative on popular inter-city routes. Bus stations are usually alongside train stations; some have ticket offices but you can usually buy tickets from the driver. For long-distance journeys it’s a good idea to book your ticket at least a day in advance.

The Student Agency (t800 100 300, www.studentagency.cz, www.studentagencybus.com) runs an excellent, reasonably priced bus service, with direct routes between popular destinations. Tourbus also has good domestic bus connections (wwww.tourbus.cz).

By Bicycle

Cycling is popular in the Czech Republic, and the varied countryside provides good terrain whatever your level. Regional cycling maps (wwww.shocart.cz) are sold in bookshops. There’s bike rental in all major cities and some smaller towns.