The Czech Republic is beautiful in winter. You can see snowy mountains, frozen ponds, and magical Christmas markets. However, winter weather can also bring snowstorms, ice, and very short days. If you are planning winter travel in the Czech Republic between November and March, there are quite specific rules you should know before you go.
Taking the Train: Your Best Friend in the Snow
In the Czech Republic, trains are often the best way to travel when it snows. The rail network is very dense, and trains usually run even when road conditions are difficult. For winter travel in the Czech Republic, it is more reliable to use trains.
- Book with Apps: Use the Můj vlak (My Train) app or idos.cz. You can buy tickets easily and see if your train has a delay.
- Stay Warm: Most trains are well-heated. For long trips, try to book a seat on a RegioJet or SC Pendolino—they are very comfortable and offer hot coffee.
- Watch the Platforms: Be careful at train stations! The platforms can be very slippery when it freezes.
How use a Czech trains read here.
Winter Travel in the Czech Republic – Cases for Taking Bus
During the warmer seasons, when you travel outside Prague, you usually choose a bus because it is cheaper and often faster. However, during winter travel in the Czech Republic, traveling by train is often a better option, as trains are more reliable in bad weather. At the same time, trains cannot reach small villages or many skiing destinations, so in these situations a bus is still necessary. When planning winter travel thrue the Czech Republic by bus, it is better to keep more time in your schedule in case of delays caused by snow or icy roads.
- Press the Button: Many rural stops are “na znamení” (on request). This means you must press the “Stop” button before your station, or the driver will not stop.
- Be Patient: In heavy snow, buses in the mountains might be a few minutes late. It is better to wait at the stop a little earlier and wear a warm jacket.
Driving in Czechia in Winter: Laws and Important Rules
Driving in the Czech winter requires extra attention. There are a few things you must do by law:
- Winter Tires: From November 1 to March 31, your car must have winter tires if there is snow or ice. Look for the snowflake symbol on the tire.
- The Power of Snow Chains: In the mountains, you will see a blue round sign with a “tire and chain” symbol. This means snow chains are mandatory for all cars. Even if there is no sign, it is a very good idea to keep a set in your trunk. They provide the grip you need to climb steep, icy hills where tires alone might fail.
- Clean Your Car: You must remove all snow from the roof and ice from the windows before you drive. If you drive with a snowy roof, the police can fine you.
- Winter Fluid: This is very important! Use a special winter washer fluid (zimní směs) that does not freeze at -20 celcium degrees.
- The roads are often covered in salt, which makes your windshield white and dirty. You will need to spray your windows very often to see clearly.
Winter Travel in the Czech Republic: Practical Tips
If you are renting a car in winter and plan to go to the mountains, always ask the rental company to include a set of snow chains. It is also smart to practice putting them on once while it is dry—trying to learn for the first time in a blizzard is very difficult!
Digital Helpers and Safety
Technology can make your winter trip in the Czech Republic much safer. Before you go, download these apps:
- Záchranka: This is the most important app for your safety. If you have an emergency, you just press one big red button. The app sends your exact GPS location to the rescuers. This is perfect if you are stuck on a snowy road and don’t know where you are.
- Aladin: This app is made by Czech meteorologists. It gives a very accurate weather forecast for every small town in the country.
- Windy: This app shows you beautiful maps of wind and snow. It helps you see if a big storm is coming.
Winter Travel Czech Republic: Quick Survival Tips
- Short Days: Remember that it gets dark around 4:00 PM in December. If you are driving or hiking, plan to finish your journey early.
- Save Your Battery: Cold weather kills phone batteries. Keep your phone in an inside pocket of your jacket to keep it warm.
- Check the Ground: If the sidewalk looks wet but it is very cold, it might be “náledí” (black ice). Walk and drive slowly!
Useful Czech Winter Vocabulary
If you are traveling in the Czech Republic during winter, you will see these words on signs or hear them on the news. Here are the most important ones to know:
On the Road & At the Station
- Náledí / Ledovka: Ice or Black Ice. (Very important for drivers and walkers!)
- Sníh: Snow.
- Zpoždění: Delay. (You will see this on the train station screens).
- Nástupiště: Platform (at the train station).
- Zimní výbava: Winter equipment (usually means winter tires or chains are mandatory).
- Sůl: Salt (often used on roads to melt ice).
Useful Phrases
- Máte zimní směs?: Do you have winter (washer) fluid? (Useful at a gas station).
- Cesta je kluzká.: The road/path is slippery.
- Kdy jede další vlak?: When does the next train go?
- Potřebuji pomoc.: I need help.
- Kde je nejbližší nemocnice?: Where is the nearest hospital?
Signs In the Mountains
- Horská služba: Mountain Rescue.
- Lanovka: Cable car / Ski lift.
- Sjezdovka: Ski slope.
Pro-Tip: If you see a sign that says “Pozor!”, it means “Attention!” or “Watch out!”. In winter, this usually means there is falling ice from a roof or a very slippery sidewalk ahead.
