Getting Around the Czech Republic: Transport Guide

Trains across the country

Czech Railways (Ceske drahy) connects almost every town, and the network is dense and affordable. The Prague-to-Brno line is the busiest, but private operators RegioJet and Leo Express run modern trains with reserved seats, Wi-Fi and free drinks on routes like Prague-Ostrava. Book early on idos.cz or the operators' apps for the cheapest fares. A flexible Prague-Brno ticket costs roughly 200-300 CZK.

Prague metro, trams and buses

Prague has three metro lines (A green, B yellow, C red) running until around midnight, plus an extensive tram network and night trams. Buy a single integrated ticket that covers metro, tram and bus: 30 CZK for 30 minutes or 40 CZK for 90 minutes. A 24-hour pass is 120 CZK. Tap a contactless card directly on validators, or use the PID Litacka app. Always validate before boarding.

Intercity buses

For towns off the rail line, buses are reliable and cheap. RegioJet and FlixBus run frequent coaches between Prague, Brno, Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov, often for under 200 CZK if booked ahead. Prague's main hub is Florenc bus station, linked to metro lines B and C.

Car rental and driving

A car helps for the countryside, castles and the Moravian wine region. You need a motorway vignette (dalnicni znamka), bought digitally at edalnice.cz - around 440 CZK for 10 days. Headlights must stay on day and night, and the blood-alcohol limit is zero. Parking in Prague's centre is restricted by colored zones, so park-and-ride lots near metro stations are easier.

Ride apps and taxis

Bolt and Uber both operate widely in Prague, Brno and Ostrava, and are cheaper and more transparent than hailing a street taxi. Liftago is a trusted local app. If you must take a street cab, agree on the meter first to avoid overcharging.

Tips for smooth travel

• Buy long-distance train and bus tickets a few days early for the lowest prices.
• Keep some coins for older ticket machines.
• Validate every public-transport ticket - inspectors fine on the spot.
• Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary are easy day trips by bus.

Stay connected in the Czech Republic

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, real-time train times, translation and bookings the moment you land - no roaming fees and no hunting for Wi-Fi.