Traveling across a new country can feel stressful, especially when you do not speak the local language. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful UNESCO town, knowing how to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov smoothly is the first step.
While the journey is straightforward once you know the steps, it does require some planning. You can go by bus, train, car, or private shuttle. Below is an honest breakdown of each option based on real experience so you can choose what works best for your schedule.
1. How to Go to Cesky Krumlov From Prague by Bus (The Easiest Option)
For most travelers, taking the bus is the most practical choice. It takes you closest to the historical center and run frequently throughout the day.
Two main companies operate on this route: RegioJet (distinctive yellow buses) and FlixBus (green buses).
Bus Routes and Departure Points
| Operator | Departure Point in Prague | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| RegioJet | Na Knížecí bus station (Metro B, Anděl stop) | ~2 hours 45 mins | Every hour |
| FlixBus | Florenc main bus station (Metro B/C) | 2 hours 45 mins to 3 hours 10 mins | Approx. every hour |
⚠️ Local Station Warning: Pay close attention to your ticket details. RegioJet buses do not leave from the main Florenc station; they depart from Na Knížecí. If you go to the wrong station, you will miss your bus.
Where to Get Off in Cesky Krumlov
There are two bus stops you can exit:
- Český Krumlov, Autobusové Nádraží (Main Bus Station)
- Český Krumlov, Špičák
If your primary goal is to get the absolute best introduction to the town for sightseeing, Autobusové nádraží Český Krumlov is the clear winner. However exit at Špičák if you want the sorter walk to Latrán.
Option 1: Autobusové Nádraží (Main Bus Station)
Getting off at the main bus station positions you perfectly for a classic, sweeping route through the town’s most iconic landmarks without having to backtrack. When you exit the bus here, you are at a higher elevation than the old town.
- The Immediate View: Right after leaving the station and heading toward the historic core, you will pass the Seminar Garden viewpoint. This offers the most famous, postcard-perfect panoramic shot of the entire town, the river bend, and the castle towering on the opposite side.
- The Descent into Old Town: From there, you stroll down Horní street past beautiful Gothic and Renaissance facades, straight into the main square (Náměstí Svornosti).
- The Cloak Bridge Approach: From the main square, you can loop down to the Vltava river, cross the bridge, and walk right underneath the massive stone arches of the Cloak Bridge. You can then wind your way up into the castle courtyards, walk across the top of the bridge for incredible views over the rooftops, and exit down through the Latrán district toward
If your primary goal is to get the absolute best introduction to the town for sightseeing, Autobusové nádraží Český Krumlov is the best stop. Arriving here turns your walk into the town into an active, scenic part of your sightseeing tour from the very first minute.
Option 2: Špičák (Alternative Stop)
This stop is located north of the castle complex, down at the river/valley level. It is a very flat, short 5 to 8-minute walk to the northern entrance of the Latrán district (the historic neighborhood right below the castle) and the Red Gate (Červená brána), which is the main entrance into the castle’s first courtyard.
While Špičák is highly convenient, it doesn’t offer that “wow factor” entrance. It lands you at the bottom rear of the castle complex next to a main road. You enter the town through a side street, meaning you miss out on that dramatic, elevated reveal of the historic center.
The Verdict:
- Choose Špičák if your accommodation is in the Latrán district or you want immediate, flat access to the main castle gates.
- Choose the Main Bus Station if you want to get a stunning entry view and a downhill walk, though you’ll still face cobblestones once you enter the historic zone.
Recommendation: Book your arrival bus ticket to Autobusové nádraží Český Krumlov so you can experience the best panoramic entry views. If you are leaving the town later the same day, you can easily end your walking tour on the other side of town and catch your return bus from Špičák Click to open side panel for more information to save yourself from walking back up the hill.
Bus Ticket Costs and Booking Logistics
A standard one-way ticket costs between €9 and €17 (from 220 CZK to 430 CZK).
Prices change based on demand. Tickets for Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings can cost twice as much as a regular weekday morning. Because this is a highly popular tourist route, buses completely sell out during high season. You should book your tickets at least a few days in advance.
2. Going From Prague to Cesky Krumlov by Train (The Scenic Alternative)
If you prefer more legroom and being able to move around during the trip, traveling by train is a comfortable alternative. However, it requires a bit more walking on the arrival side.
Option A: The Direct Train
Czech Railways (České dráhy) runs one direct InterCity train daily called the Jižní Expres (South Express).
- Departure: It leaves from Prague Main Train Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) at 9:21 AM.
- Arrival: It arrives directly at the destination at 11:49 AM.
- Return: The direct return train leaves at 2:07 PM, which does not give you much sightseeing time if you only do a day trip.
To travel without transfers, make sure you book this specific direct train.
Ticket Prices and Booking for Direct Trains
Prices fluctuate slightly depending on how early you book, but you can expect the following rates on České dráhy for second-class travel:
| Passenger Category | Price in Czech Koruna (CZK) | Price in Euro (EUR) | Booking Conditions & Proof Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Conditions & Proof Required | |||
| Basic Tariff (Adults 18–64) | 300 – 450 CZK | €12 – €18 | Standard fare (cheapest if purchased online in advance). |
| Seniors (65 years and older) | 150 – 225 CZK | €6 – €9 | 50% discount. Must show a passport or national ID card on board. |
| Children & Juniors (6–17 years) | 150 – 225 CZK | €6 – €9 | 50% discount. ID proving age is required for travelers aged 15–17. |
| Children (under 6 years) | Free | Free | No ticket required. Must travel with an adult. |
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Want to make sure you get these savings without any issues? Read our comprehensive guide on Czech Train Discounts for Tourists: How to Get and Save up to 50% to learn about age proofs, group discounts, and booking tricks.
Option B: Trains with Transfers
If you miss the direct morning train, you do not have to wait until the next day. You can take an hourly connection that requires a transfer at the České Budějovice central station. The station there is modern, highly scannable, and the transfer usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Here is the breakdown of what to expect for routes, times, and pricing on connections with transfers:
| Route | Operators | Total Travel Time | Est. Price Range (Adult) | Transfer Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prague hl. n. ➔ Český Krumlov | České dráhy (ČD) + GW Train Regio | ~2 hours 45 mins to 3 hours | 265 – 350 CZK (€11 – €15) | Transfer at České Budějovice (approx. 8–15 mins) |
Morning Schedule & Connection Breakdown
If you want to head out early in the morning before the direct 9:21 AM train, here are the actual daily morning schedules with transfers you can take:
| Prague Departure | Prague Train Info | Transfer Station (České Budějovice) | Connecting Train Info | Český Krumlov Arrival | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:46 AM | R 705 Vltava (Fast Train) | Arrive 08:49 AM (15-min transfer) | Depart 09:04 AM via regional Os 8123 | 09:54 AM | 3 hours 08 mins |
| 08:46 AM | R 709 Vltava (Fast Train) | Arrive 10:49 AM (13-min transfer) | Depart 11:02 AM via regional Os 8103 | 11:49 AM | 3 hours 03 mins |
💡 Ticket Booking Tip: You can easily buy a single ticket for the entire transfer journey through the official České dráhy (Czech Railways) website or app. It will seamlessly cover both your fast express train to České Budějovice and the regional connector train to Český Krumlov, even if the second segment is operated by the local private company GW Train Regio.
The Biggest Train Disadvantage: The Station Location
The Český Krumlov train station is located high on a hill quite far from the old town. Expect a 25 to 30-minute downhill walk over uneven streets to reach the main square. If you have heavy suitcases or mobility issues, you will need to find a local taxi at the station.
3. Traveling by Car or Private Shuttle
If you value complete flexibility or travel with a group, going by road offers an alternative path.
Driving Yourself (Route & Parking Tips)
Getting to Cesky Krumlov from Prague by car takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic leaving Prague.
- Highway Vignette: To use the major Czech motorways lawfully, you must buy a digital highway vignette (toll pass) online before your trip.
- Parking: The entire historical center of the town is a pedestrian-only zone closed to regular cars. You must park your car in one of the designated, paid parking lots (labeled P1 through P4) outside the old town walls and walk in.
Private Door-to-Door Shuttles
Several reliable local companies offer shared or private shuttle vans directly from your Prague hotel to your destination accommodation. This is an exceptional option if you want to bypass train or bus station hassle entirely.
- Popular Services and Estimated Rates:
- CK Shuttle: The most popular provider in the region.
- Shared Shuttle: Costs around 990 CZK to 1,300 CZK (€40 to €52) per seat.
- Private Transfer: Starts from 5,500 CZK (€220) for a standard car (up to 3 passengers) or 7,500 CZK (€300) for a private van (up to 8 passengers).
- Official Website: CK Shuttle Official Website
- Bean Shuttle: A budget-focused sister company to CK Shuttle that runs fixed-schedule shared vans.
- Shared Shuttle: Costs around 990 CZK (€40) per seat.
- Official Website: Bean Shuttle Official Website
- Daytrip: A highly reliable private car transfer service. What makes them unique is that you can choose to add optional sightseeing stops along the way (such as Karlštejn Castle or Hluboká Castle) with a private driver.
- Private Transfer: Prices typically start around €150 to €220+ depending on car size and stops.
- Official Website: Daytrip Official Website
- CK Shuttle: The most popular provider in the region.
- Pros and Cons: This is the most expensive travel method, but it is highly convenient if you are traveling with large families, small children, or heavy luggage. They offer door-to-door service and can accommodate bulky bags or provide child safety seats upon request.
4. The Return Journey: Getting From Cesky Krumlov Back to Prague
Planning your return journey is just as important as getting there, especially since evening transportation options can become limited.
- Returning by Bus (Highly Recommended): The last direct buses to Prague (both RegioJet and FlixBus) usually depart between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Be sure to check your booking app for the exact seasonal schedule. Always arrive at your boarding platform 10 minutes before departure.
- Returning by Train: The only direct train back to Prague departs at 2:07 PM. If you wish to stay later, you must take a regional train to České Budějovice and transfer to a fast Jižní Expres back to Prague. These transfer connections run roughly until 8:00 PM.
- Luggage Storage Tip: You can store your bags in the lockers at the Český Krumlov Main Bus Station or at the train station’s luggage office while you explore.
How to Buy Your Tickets Safely
The safest and cheapest way to secure your journey is to buy tickets online directly from the official transport providers.
Official Booking Links
- For Train Tickets: České dráhy (Czech Railways) Official Website
- For RegioJet Bus Tickets: RegioJet Official Website
- For FlixBus Tickets: FlixBus Official Website
Buying Tickets in Person (Offline)
If you prefer not to use apps or websites, you can buy tickets at the physical counters before departure:
- For Buses: Go to the ticket offices inside the Florenc terminal building.
- For Trains: Go to the basement ticket halls at Praha hlavní nádraží. The staff usually speak basic English.
Can I Buy Tickets Directly on Board?
- On Buses: You can only buy a ticket from the driver if there are empty seats left. During the tourist season, the chance of this is very low. Do not rely on this method.
- On Trains: You can buy a ticket from the conductor inside the train carriages, but it will carry a surcharge of about 15% compared to buying it beforehand at the station counter or online.
What to Do Next
Once you have arranged your transportation, you need to plan your itinerary. To find out where to go once you arrive, read our companion guide: “Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov: A Practical Local Guide“ to find the best viewpoints, local restaurants, and castle secrets.
