A trip from Prague to Český Krumlov is one of the best day trips you can take in the Czech Republic. This beautiful South Bohemian town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and attracts visitors from all over the world. With its winding medieval streets, colorful houses, and a huge castle above the river, Český Krumlov looks like something from a fairy tale. The good news is that you can easily reach it from Prague using public transport..
Why Visit Český Krumlov
The historic centre of Český Krumlov is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Central Europe. The town sits on a bend of the Vltava River and is surrounded by hills, which creates spectacular views from many places in the town. Visitors love the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Walking through the narrow streets feels like travelling back in time.
The town’s biggest landmark is the impressive Český Krumlov Castle, the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle.
Because of its beauty and relatively short travel time, Český Krumlov is one of the most popular day trips from Prague.
Main Attractions
- Český Krumlov Castle: This castle complex is the second largest in the Czech Republic, after Prague Castle. It has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque parts. The unique castle tower gives you amazing panoramic views of the entire town.
- Castle Gardens (Zámecká zahrada): Don’t miss the beautiful, large Baroque gardens behind the castle. They are free to enter and perfect for a peaceful walk.
- Baroque Theatre: The castle complex also has a historic Baroque theatre. It is incredibly well-preserved and still hosts performances today.
- Medieval Streets: Walking the town’s narrow streets and main squares feels like stepping back in time. They still follow the original medieval plan.
- See the Castle Bears! Look in the castle moat (the deep ditch between the first and second courtyards). You can see live bears there as part of a very old tradition.
Hidden Gems of Český Krumlov
Go beyond the main castle and historic center to find quieter spots that many tourists miss:
- Minorite Monastery Garden: This is a peaceful place to relax. It offers beautiful, quiet views of the castle and the town.
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum: This gallery is dedicated to the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who had a strong connection to Český Krumlov. It’s a great place to see the town’s artistic and cultural side without the big crowds.
If you only have one day in town, these are the places you should definitely visit.
| # | Attraction Name | Location/District | Why You Must See It |
| 1 | Český Krumlov Castle Tower | Latrán | The town’s iconic symbol. Climb the tower for the best 360-degree panoramic view of the entire UNESCO town. |
| 2 | Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) | Castle Complex | A massive, multi-level arched bridge that connects the castle’s living areas to the theater and gardens. It is a stunning piece of engineering and history. |
| 3 | Castle Gardens (Zámecká zahrada) | Castle Complex (beyond Cloak Bridge) | Extensive, beautiful Baroque and Rococo gardens. Perfect for a peaceful walk, and entry is free. |
| 4 | Lazebnický most (Bridge) | Between Latrán & Inner Town | The wooden bridge that offers the classic, iconic photo spot of the castle and the Vltava River meander. |
| 5 | Náměstí Svornosti (Main Square) | Inner Town (Staré Město) | The beautiful central square, lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Features the Marian Plague Column and the historic Town Hall. |
| 6 | Church of St. Vitus | Inner Town (Staré Město) | A huge Gothic church with a tall tower, serving as the main religious building in the town. Very impressive architecture inside and out. |
| 7 | Egon Schiele Art Centrum (ESAC) | Inner Town (Staré Město) | Dedicated to the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who lived and worked here. A key spot for modern art and cultural history. |
| 8 | Kláštery Český Krumlov (Monasteries) | Latrán | A large, peaceful complex of restored Minorite and Poor Clares monasteries with historical workshops, exhibits, and gardens. |
Tips for smoothly trip
Fan Activity: River Rafting
If you visit Český Krumlov in the summer and like to be active, you can rent a raft or canoe. The Vltava River makes a loop (a hook) right around the historical area of Latran. You will have a lot of fun seeing the old city and the castle from the water!
💡 Need help? You can hire a guide (often called a “skipper” or “river guide”) to lead you through the river tunnels and help you keep the correct direction.
Best Time to Visit (Avoiding Crowds)
Český Krumlov is a very popular day trip destination. To enjoy the town when it’s most magical, remember this key advice:
- Avoid the rush: The town gets extremely crowded with tour groups, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM in the main tourist season.
To truly enjoy Český Krumlov, we strongly recommend you stay one night! If you’ve made the two-and-a-half-hour journey from Prague to Český Krumlov and your schedule allows, don’t rush back. The town is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful in the early mornings and evenings after the day-trippers leave. Staying overnight means your time is not critical, and you can enjoy a much more relaxed and joyful experience.
How to Get from Prague to Český Krumlov
You can travel from Prague by bus, train, car, or shuttle.
By Bus: The Easiest Option
Buses are usually the easiest and most flexible choice.
| Operator | Departure Points in Prague | Frequency | Travel Time |
| FlixBus & RegioJet | Florenc (main bus station) | About once every hour | 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes |
| RegioJet | Na Knížecí (Metro Line B stop) | About once every hour | Similar to Florenc route |
Where to Exit in Český Krumlov
- “Český Krumlov, Špičák”: This stop is about a 6–10 minute walk to the entrance of the historical area. This is often the better stop.
- “Český Krumlov, Autobusové Nádraží” (Bus Station): This is about a 20–25 minute walk to the Latran historical area.
Bus Ticket Costs from Prague to Český Krumlov
Cost (One-way):
- On a weekday morning: Tickets can start from about €9.
- On Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings: The cost can be double this price, so book early!
From Prague to Český Krumlov By Train: A Scenic Alternative
Travelling by train is another option. One direct train usually runs daily from Praha hlavní nádraží. Travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes. However, most train routes require one transfer, which can increase travel time and ticket cost.
⚠️ Important Train Station Note: The Český Krumlov train station is quite far from the center. Expect a walk of about 30 minutes to reach the main square, which is the biggest disadvantage of taking the train.
From Prague to Český Krumlov by Car or Private Shuttle
Driving from Prague takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Remember that you must buy a Czech highway vignette to use motorways. The historic centre of Český Krumlov is closed to most cars, so visitors must use parking areas outside the old town.
Several companies offer direct transfers between Prague and Český Krumlov, including:
- CK Shuttle
- Bean Shuttle
This option is more expensive but convenient, especially for groups.
How to Buy Your Ticket From Prague to Chesky Krumlov
The easiest way to buy a ticket for both the bus and the train is online or through an app.
Online/Mobile App
FlixBus, RegioJet, and Czech Railways (České dráhy/ČD) all have apps and official websites where you can book and pay for tickets in advance. Most websites allow you to choose English or another language.
Links for Booking:
- Trains tickets: https://www.cd.cz/en/spojeni-a-jizdenka
- FlixBus tickets: https://global.flixbus.com/
- RegioJet tickets: https://regiojet.com/
Buying Tickets Offline (In Person)
You can also buy tickets at the stations:
- For Buses: Go to the Florenc bus station.
- For Trains: Go to the Main Railway Station (Hlavní Nádraží) and find the ticket office area.
Can I Buy the Ticket From Prague to Český Krumlov on the Bus or Train?
- Buses: You can sometimes buy a ticket directly from the driver, but only if there are free seats left. This is not guaranteed, especially in high season.
- Trains: You can buy a ticket from the conductor, but it will be more expensive (about 15% more) than buying it online or at the counter.
Here, you can find another idea for a castle sightseeing trip from Prague by public transport.
