Train travel in the Czech Republic

From Prague, travelling to secondary cities and visiting the Czech Republic is quite easy.

And even though travelling by bus is one of the most popular means of transport, train travel remains the most comfortable option and is quite often cheap.

Train operating companies in the Czech Republic

If you’re planning on catching a train, you will travel with one of the 3 companies currently operated in the coutry : České dráhy (on a regular train or Pendolino, the local fast train), Leo Express or RegioJet. This last one is a subsidiary of Student Agency that offers bus and train connections in the Czech Republic but also offers travel agency services.

České dráhy

The national railway operator offers the best connections and has the most developed network in the country. It is still today the first operator in terms of passengers, as the market was liberalized only recently. Though, even if the comfort aboard trains and the prices of tickets are reasonably good, České dráhy offers a lower quality of service and more expensive tickets than its competitors. Thus, you would probably only consider this option if you’re going to small cities that are not serviced by the other two train operators.

Leo Express

With its first commercial journey at the end of 2012, this train operator has only recently entered the market. Leo Express offers great comfort and is probably the operaor that offers the best seat in “Premium” class, which is the equivalent of their 1st class. Its network remains very limited as they only offer train travel to slightly more than 10 destinations in the country.

Three travelling classes are offered:
– Economy, their lowest class, where you still get a wi-fi internet connection!
– Business (half way between 1st and 2nd class): you will benefit from a number of services such as a free wi-fi connection, free snacks and beverages.
– Premium, equivalent to a premium first class, where you will benefit from all Business class services, larger space with a comfortable seat allowing you to be in a sleeping position. Moreover, you will be offered a free meal as well as free drinks.

RegioJet

Founded in 2009, Regiojet stands out thanks to its prices and the value for money it offers to its clients. Even though launched only 4 years ago, they already offer a relatively dense network that covers most of Czech Republic’s main cities.

On board, you will enjoy great comfort but also free drinks. Regiojet offers 3 travelling classes:
– Standard, equivalent to a regular second or economy class. You travel in a 6-seat compartment and benefit from free wi-fi as well as free beverages.
– Relax, that can be compared to a first class
There, you travel in a regular “open space” car. Even though the seat design is not as advanced as in other countries in Europe such as France and their fast trains (TGV), you will enjoy the same quality of comfort. As in Standard class, you will be offered free hot and cold beverages, and the prices for meals and snacks are extremely cheap.
– Business, where you get more space than in Relax class, and share you compartment with 3 other people. The seat and services provided are comparable to those in Relax class, the only difference being the space between seats. Furthermore, you have more privacy as you travel in a 4-seat compartment.

Your next travel in the Czech Republic

The two new companies that recently entered the market have innovated a lot and have improved train travel standards. Travellers have definitely benefited from their entry on the market, both financially and in terms of comfort! Thus, if you’re planning on catching a train in the Czech Republic soon, we would definitely advise you to go for one of these two companies, RegioJet probably being slightly better than Leo Express.

Prague historical tram (line 91)

If you’d like to travel in time and discover the old part of Prague, you may hop on Prague’s historical tram (line n°91) that goes from Výstaviště Holešovice to Vozovna Střešovice in 38 minutes.

You don’t have to go all the way from the first stop to the last, and will be able to hop on at your nearest stop, and hop off at any time. Still, you’ll note that these trams only run on week-ends and bank holidays, from 1pm to 5pm, with one departure per hour. You can check the timetable and stops on DPP’s official website.

During your tram ride, you’ll have the opportunity to pass by Republic’s square (Náměstí Republiky), Wenceslas square (Václavské náměstí), the National theatre (Národní divadlo), Národni avenue and Prague castle (Pražský hrad). Tickets, that you can buy on the tram, cost 35 CZK per adult (approx. 1.4 €) and 20 CZK (approx. 0.8 €) for children up to 15 years of age, handicapped people and seniors (older than 70).

If you’re planning a special event, a birthday, a trip with friends or a corporate event, you may also privatize the whole tram, and rent it on an hourly basis. Prices start at 3,800 CZK an hour (for a 24 people group) and you can also book a jazz band to entertain your guests. For more information, have a look at Prague historical tram rental page.

Prague public transports

Getting around Prague is very easy thanks to Prague’s excellent transport system. There are many trams, bus and metros that take you all around the city.

Prague public transport, an easy way to get around the city

The network is very dense, and it’s very quick to get from one point to another. When you’re in Prague for a few days, it’s always nice to catch the tram. First they’ve been in Prague for long and it’s a great way to get around the city and enjoy sightseeing.

You can already use the public transport network when you arrive at the airport. It’ll take you all the way to the centre in a bit more than 30 minutes. First you catch the 119 bus that takes you to Dejvicka metro & tram stop. And from there you pick the tram or metro that will take you to your accommodation. It is convenient and easy to get around.

To have a look at schedules, tickets prices, have a look at DPP, the official website of Prague’s public transports >> http://www.dpp.cz/en/