Castle Křivoklát—a truly ancient royal fortress—is well worth a visit. The fastest way to get to Křivoklát from Prague is by car, which takes about 45 minutes. However, taking Czech public transport is a scenic, authentic experience that takes about an hour and a half. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to get to Castle Krivoklat using both trains and buses.
Which Route is Best for You?
Take a quick look at this table to find the best travel style for your trip:
| Travel Style | Starting Point | The Route | Why Choose This? |
| The Classic | Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) | Train to Beroun – Transfer to S75 train | Reliable; trains run every 30 mins to Beroun. |
| The West Shortcut | Zličín (Metro B) | Bus 304 to Rakovnik – Transfer to Os 7706 / Os 7710 | Best if you stay in the West of Prague. |
| Weekend Direct Train | Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) | Direct Train (Rakovnický rychlík) | Best for weekends. No transfers needed. |
| The Local Way | Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro A) | Bus to Kladno – Transfer to Bus 555 | Good if you want to see deep Czech countryside |
If you are planning a day trip, check out what to do in Křivoklát in our article “Křivoklát Castle: You Need to Visit this Place“
Option 1: The Classic Way (Train with 1 Transfer)
This is the most reliable option. Trains run every 30 minutes.
- Start at Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.).
- Take the train to Beroun.
- At Beroun, transfer to the local S75 train (direction Rakovník).
- Get off at the Křivoklát station.
Example: The Classic Way (Train + Train)
| Time | Where You Are | What to Do |
| 07:18 | Praha hl.n. (Main Station) | Board the train R 764 Berounka |
| 07:56 | Beroun Station | Arrive on main platform. Walk to Platform 1A. |
| 08:01 | Beroun Station | Board the local S75 train (direction Rakovník) |
| 08:32 | Křivoklát Station | Arrive! Walk the scenic trail to the castle. |
Going to Křivoklát by train can be surprisingly cheap. The Czech railway company, České dráhy, offers a wide range of discount programs. These include the “weekend group ticket,” standard group discounts (where just two people count as a group, and the discount increases with more passengers), 50% off for students and seniors, and more. To learn about all available train ticket discounts and what you need to qualify for them, read our article:Czech Train Discounts for Tourists: How to Get and Save up to 50%“.
Option 2: The Weekend Express (Direct Train)
Best for Saturdays and Sundays because you do not need to change trains.
- Look for the Rakovnický rychlík train leaving from Prague Main Station.
- This is a comfortable, vintage train. It feels like traveling back in time!
Example: The Direct Weekend Express
| Time | Where You Are | What to Do |
| 09:07 | Praha hl.n. (Main Station) | Board the direct Rakovnický rychlík (T7) |
| 10:33 | Křivoklát Station | Arrive directly! No transfers or changing trains needed. |
💡 Note: This popular vintage train departs a bit later in the morning. It is the most relaxing way to travel on the weekend.
Option 3: The West Prague Shortcut (Bus + Train)
Best if you are staying in the west part of Prague near the Yellow Metro Line B.
- Take the metro to the Zličín station.
- Catch Bus 304 to the final stop – Rakovník, autobusová stanice (bus station)
- At Rakovnik transfer to the S75 train to Křivoklát.
ℹ️ Note: This one-change-route with minimum walking
Example: Starts from Zlicin (Bus + Train)
Great if you live or stay near Metro Line B.
| Time | Where You Are | What to Do |
| 07:12 | Zličín (Metro B Station) | Walk to the bus terminal and board Bus 304 |
| 08:05 – 08:10 | Rakovník, aut.st. (the last stop) | Go to the train stop outside the Beroun bus station. |
| 08:15 – 08:25 | Rakovník, Train Station | Board Os 7706 / Os 7710 (morning rotation depends on weekday) to Křivoklát. |
| 08:32–08:45 | Křivoklát Station | Arrive and enjoy your day! |
Option 4: The Green Metro Line A Alternative (Bus + Bus)
How to get to Castle Krivoklat using only buses. Best if you are staying near the Green Metro Line A and want a slow-travel experience through the Czech countryside.
- Go to the Nádraží Veleslavín station.
- Take a regional Bus 322 to Kladno Central Bus Station.
- Change to other local Bus 555 heading to Křivoklát.
Example: Sightseeing Bus+Bus alternative
This route take more than 2 hours, but Bus 555 will ride you through the small villages deep in Czech country side. You can enjoy the landscapes and see how “real” Czech peoples live.
| Time | Where You Are | What to Do |
| 07:05 | Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro A) | Go to the bus terminal and board Bus 322 heading to Kladno. |
| 08:10 | Kladno, autobusové nádraží | Arrive at the main Kladno Bus Station. This is your transfer point! |
| 08:15 | Kladno, autobusové nádraží, platform 7 | Step onto the regional Bus 555 (direction Křivoklát). |
| 09:16 | Křivoklát | Arrive directly at the village stop right below the castle! |
if you like this idea, but living away from metro Line A, you can reach Zlicin Station (Metro line B), take here any bus to Kladno autobusové nádraží and then hop on Bus 555.
🚉 Getting Back to Prague: What You Need to Know
Heading back to the capital is simple, but you must plan ahead because evening transport options are limited.
Checking the Timetable
- Always use the Můj Vlak or IDOS app to check live return times before you leave the castle.
- The last trains usually leave around the end of the afternoon. Do not get stuck in the forest after dark!
The Return Route
- Walk back down the scenic trail to the Křivoklát railway station.
- Board the local S75 train back to Beroun.
- At Beroun, look at the electronic departure boards to find the next fast train heading to Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.). These trains run very frequently, about every 30 minutes.
🕒 Weekday Evening Returns (Monday – Friday)
On weekdays, you always need to change connections in Beroun or Kladno to get back to Prague.
| Departure Time | Transport Type | The Route | Arrive in Prague |
| 16:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | Change at Beroun to fast train | 18:21 (Main Station) |
| 17:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | Change at Beroun to fast train | 19:21 (Main Station) |
| 18:22 | 🚌 Bus 555 | The Scenic Village Route: Change at Kladno to Bus 322 | 20:50 (Nádraží Veleslavín) |
| 19:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | 🔴 LAST TRAIN: Change at Beroun to fast train | 21:21 (Main Station) |
🕒 Weekend & Holiday Evening Returns (Saturday – Sunday)
Weekends are much easier because you have the direct vintage express train in the late afternoon.
| Departure Time | Transport Type | The Route | Arrive in Prague |
| 16:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | Change at Beroun to fast train | 18:21 (Main Station) |
| 16:51 | 🚆 Direct Train | Rakovnický rychlík: No transfers needed! | 18:17 (Main Station) |
| 18:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | Change at Beroun to fast train | 20:21 (Main Station) |
| 19:40 | 🚆 Train S75 | 🔴 LAST TRAIN: Change at Beroun to fast train | 21:21 (Main Station) |
💡 Crucial “Don’t Get Stuck” Warning for Mobile Readers
⚠️ Important Local Tip: > Public transport schedules in the Czech Republic can change slightly between summer and winter seasons. While the 19:40 train is usually your absolute last connection to Prague, always open your IDOS or Můj Vlak app during lunch at the castle to confirm the exact final departure time for that day!
🏰 What to Do If You Miss the Last Train?
Do not panic if you miss the 19:40 train! You will not have to sleep outside in the dark forest. The village of Křivoklát is very welcoming to tourists, and the castle area itself offers unique places to stay overnight.
- Sleep in a Castle Apartment: Křivoklát Castle actually has historic apartments that you can rent for the night. Sleeping inside a real medieval fortress after all the day-trippers leave is an incredible experience!
- Local Guesthouses: There are several cozy, cheap pensions (penzion) and hotels just a short walk down the hill from the castle gates.
If you decide to stay overnight (or if you just want to plan a longer trip!), make sure to read our complete guide: What to Do at Křivoklát Castle: Best Tours, Viewpoints, and Hidden Spots. There, we cover all the hotel details, restaurant recommendations, and daytime activities to keep you busy tomorrow!
💡 Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Find the Right Platform in Beroun: Beroun is a busy transfer station. The local S75 train often leaves from smaller platforms, like Platform 1A. Give yourself 10–15 minutes to find it so you do not have to run.
- Buy a 7-Zone Ticket: Use the PID Lítačka app to buy a 7-zone ticket (valid for 3 hours). Important: Remember to activate the ticket in the app before you step onto the train or bus!
- Use the Best Apps: Download IDOS or Můj Vlak to check live timetables, platforms, and train delays.
- Don’t Miss the Last Train: Evening trains are rare. Always check the return schedule in your app so you do not get stuck in the forest after dark!
- Take the Scenic Walking Path: When you arrive at Křivoklát station, do not walk on the main car road. Instead, look for the wooden bridge and follow the yellow-marked hiking trail. It gives you a beautiful first view of the castle through the trees.
Ticket Reminder
- If you bought a 24-hour regional transit ticket or a return ticket on the PID Lítačka app in the morning, you are already fully covered!
- If you are buying a new single ticket on the app for the way back, remember that you must activate the ticket in the app before you step onto the train platform.
ℹ️ New to Czech Public Transport?
If you want more basic help, read our complete guides:
