How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague by public transport (2025)

There are a lot of tourist companies that offer Cesky Krumlov guided tours from Prague, so most people don’t realise that Cesky Krumlov is actually really easy to get to by public transport. I say easy to get to, not quicker (or longer) – no matter whether you go by public transport or with an organised tour, be prepared to spend at least 5-6 hrs in total travelling there and back.

I’ve been to Cesky Krumlov many times (usually when we used to go down the Vltava River on a canoe during summer), but recently I’ve also visited by bus and train from Prague.

Cesky Krumlov is one of the most visited towns after Prague, because it’s so pretty. It’s a medieval town set in a beautiful countryside, with large castle on the top of a hill and Vltava River bellow. The historic centre of Cesky Krumlov is beautifully preserved, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, and it’s also very picturesque as you can see from my photos.

The only drawback is that it has over the years, it has become incredibly touristy and quite crowded at times. Statistics published by the Cesky Krumlov town hall show that last year more than 240,000 people visited the city.

But if you can plan your trip during a week day, slightly off the main season and stay a little longer in the afternoon, when everyone leaves, you should be absolutely fine. Last time I visited in early spring and it was a very enjoyable day out.

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The easiest way to get to Cesky Krumlov on public transport

The easiest way to get to Cesky Krumlov is to use a direct bus. The bus stop in Cesky Krumlov, Spicak, is 5 minutes walk from the old town (the train station is about 20 minute walk)

Bus from the Main Train Station, Na Knizeci (Andel Underground Station on line B) or Florenc Bus Station
Regular buses – RegioJet or FlixBus companies
220 – 430 CZK one way ticket – depends on time of the day & bus company (concessions available)
2 hr 25 minutes – 3.20 hrs journey (depending on the individual bus – average 2 hrs 50 min
Fastest bus is from Main Train Station by FlixBus at 9.15 am and takes 2 hrs and 25 minutes and costs 428 CZK one way
There is only one direct train at 9.21, which leaves from Main Train Station and takes 2 hrs 30 minutes and cost 265 CZK one way

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Is it better to travel by bus or by train?

I visited in early spring and choose to go by bus in the morning (as the bus station was closer to get to in the morning). I booked my bus ticket via RegioJet App. I wasn’t sure what time I wanted to go back, so I didn’t book return ticket. I went back by train early evening and it was easy enough to buy ticket on the train.

Bus

Direct connection – no need to change anywhere
More frequent departures from different parts of Prague
Bus stop is only 5 minutes walk from the historic centre of Cesky Krumlov
Cheaper (RegioJet)
Best to pre-book and buy ticket in advance
Journey time from 2 hrs 25 minutes to 3 hrs 20 min
Last bus from Cesky Krumlov is at 8 pm
There are more buses during the main tourist season and they also depart later in the day. In the winter and early spring the last bus leaves around 5 pm.

Train

Only one direct train in the morning or one change on other connections
Can buy ticket on the day (although it’s best to book in advance and reserve a seat on a busy days)
Offers flexibility during off season when the last bus leaves Cesky Krumlov
Last train from Cesky Krumlov is at 8 pm
Train times don’t change once they are set once a year, which means that in the winter and early spring there are still trains in the evening, when the bus companies stop their service around 5 pm.

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How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague by bus

Na Knizeci Bus Stop (RegioJet Bus Company)

The RegioJet Company leave from Na Knizeci bus station, which is ‘Andel’ underground station on line B. Depending on where you are staying in Prague, it might take you 5-10 minutes to get there using the Prague underground from the centre or use frequent trams to the ‘Na Knizeci’ tram stop or ‘Andel’ stop. The Andel stop is slightly further away, but it’s easy enough to walk there (about 5 minutes)

The RegiJet bus usually starts from platform number 1, but there are only a few bus stops designated for the long distance buses, so it’s not a problem to cross over and walk to the right bus, once you see it. The bus is orange, so you can’t miss it.

The bus times change slightly with seasons, but currently, the departures from ‘Na Knizeci’ are as follows: 6 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am (there are buses every 2 hrs after that time, but it won’t give you much time in Cesky Krumlov). The bus journey takes 2 hrs and 50 minutes from this bus station.

Florenc Bus Station (The FlixBus Company)

The FlixBus company leaves from Florenc Bus Station which is very close to the Main Train Station on the Florenc Underground Station on line B. There are also trams that stop close by (Florenc) but it’s at least 10 minutes walk to the bus terminal.

Buses are leaving at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am or 10 am. Again there are buses after 10 am, but it reduces your time in Cesky Krumlov.

Roztyly Bus Station (FlixBus)

Roztyly bus station is at the Roztyly underground station, but unless you are already staying somewhere close, it’s quite far from the centre of Prague. The bus leaves at 8.30 am and only takes 2 hrs and 40 minutes (cost 338 CZK).

Cerny Most Bus Station (FlixBus)

Cerny Most is at the end of underground line B and there are only very few connections from this bus stop to Cesky Krumlov. One leaves at 6.20 am, takes 3 hrs and 20 minutes and cost 308 CZK, which probably is not the best option unless you are staying that side of Prague and it saves you time in the morning.

Bus ticket cost

The bus ticket from Prague to Cesky Krumlov cost between 220 – 430 CZK one way. The reason why the cost is so different is because it varies from company to company and it also depends on the time of the day. I find that RegioJet is always cheaper than FlixBus if you buy your ticket well in advance.

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How to buy your bus ticket

I would strongly advise you to buy your ticket online in advance, especially if you are travelling in peak tourist season or at the weekends. The bus driver will only sell you a ticket if they have any seats available – standing is not permitted on these buses.

The 8, 9 and 10 am bus times are always going to be the busiest ones because people want to go for a day trip and have enough time in Cesky Krumlov. The 6 or 7 am bus is less likely to be completely sold out as most tourist probably wouldn’t want to get up so early (and miss their breakfast in their hotel).

To buy your ticket, you can either visit the RegioJet or FlixBus ticket office at the Main Train Station or Florenc Bus Station, but I find that it’s easier to download their app and buy the tickets through online.

I’ve never had any problems with the app working, just make sure that you have the ticket QR code available on your phone, so that the driver can scan it. The ticket confirmation comes as an e-mail, so if you don’t have access to wifi or don’t have your mobile data on, you can also copy the screen and keep it that way.

You will notice that popular times will be more expensive than earlier in the morning or late at night.

How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague by train

All trains depart from the Prague Main Train Station and involve a changeover usually at Ceske Budejovice. The fast train is poetically called Jizni Expres (South Express).

The trains depart at 21 minutes past whole hour – every 2 hrs, starting at 6.21 am (change at Ceske Budejovice for a bus to Cesky Krumlov (RegioJet – it’s the one that leaves Na Knizeci at 6 am).

8.21 am (with train connection at Ceske Budejovice at 10.12). The only direct train connection is at 9.21 which takes you directly to Cesky Krumlov. The last reasonably timed train is at 10.21 (again change at Ceske Budejovice for a connection to Cesky Krumlov)

The train, even with the change, takes 2 hrs and 30 minutes and cost from 265 CZK to 314 CZK depending on the connection.

The train station in Cesky Krumlov is about 20 minutes walk from the Budejovicka Gate, which is the entrance to the historic centre from that side of the town.

How to buy a train ticket

To buy your train ticket at the Main Train Station, simply walk down to the ticket office and buy your ticket there. You can buy your ticket on the day (just before you travel), but if you are a bit organised, you can also buy your ticket in advance (just make sure you specify the day you want to travel).

If you know the exact connection you want to travel, the tickets are usually cheaper. Buying return ticket at the same time has no benefit, unless you want to book a seat on the Prague – Ceske Budejovice train section journey.

When you are going back, you can buy your ticket at Cesky Krumlov train station. If the ticket office is closed, you buy your ticket on the train. Since the track from Cesky Krumlov to Ceske Budejovice is operated by a private company, you get the fun experience of buying your ticket from the self-service machine directly on the train. It’s a lovely modern train with a wide windows and the countryside is very pretty there.

The bus stations & Train Station at Cesky Krumlov

The buses leave from the Cesky Krumlov, aut.nadr. (main bus station) and some are leaving from Cesky Krumlov, Spicak (the smaller bus stop on the main street)

The Cesky Krumlov, Spicak – is the closest bus stop to the centre as it’s only 3 minutes walk from the Budejovicka Gate and then you are right in the historic centre.

The main bus station is outside the historic centre and the quickest way to get there is to take the Kaplicka Street from the main square. Allow at least 20 minutes walk and at least 30 minutes if you are starting from the castle.

There is only one main train station at Cesky Krumlov, which is about 20 minutes walk from the Budejovicka Gate to the historic centre.

How to get back to Prague from Cesky Krumlov

There are regular buses and trains from Cesky Krumlov until 8 pm each day, so you should have no problem getting back to Prague.

Once you’ve decided whether you are going by bus or train, I’d strongly recommend that you book your return ticket (if you are going by bus) at the same time as your onward journey. This is because the last buses and train leave at 8 pm and there are no connections until 4 am in the morning. The first train goes back at 4 am and the first bus at 6 am.

The buses are often booked in advance, especially the ones that go beyond the Czech Republic, so you want to make sure that you book your ticket to get back to Prague on the same day.

How much time to allocate for your Cesky Krumlov visit

In all honesty, a trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is always going to be a long day. To maximize your time at Cesky Krumlov I’d recommend to leave as early in the morning as possible, especially if you are planning to take the tour of the castle.

The last connection is at 8 pm, but the castle closes at 5 pm, so you want to make sure that you arrive no later than say 1-2 pm, go straight to the castle and then enjoy the late afternoon and evening in Cesky Krumlov (after most people leave).

Is it worth going to Cesky Krumlov by public transport than going on a guide tour?

If you like to travel independently, then yes, travelling to Cesky Krumlov by public transport is very cost-effective.

Most tour prices are around 2100 CZK (£70) and the price usually includes an entrance ticket to the castle. If you choose the cheaper bus options, you pay about 500 CZK for the travel plus 300 CZK for the castle tour (there are different types of tours, but most people have time just for one).

This is a great saving of at least 1300 CZK per person and some of which you can happily spend on a nice lunch, have a coffee break and buy some souvenirs to take home.

The other reason, why I think travelling by public transport is better is because you get more time in Cesky Krumlov.

I’ve noticed, that most travel agencies allocate 3 hrs for travel in the morning then 4 hrs in Cesky Krumlov and then 3 hrs travel back. Whilst 4 hrs is just enough time to do the tour of the castle and walk through the town, it’s hardly enough time to have a leisurely lunch, sit for a bit in the castle garden, walk around the river and see the town from a different angle.

Also because most tour organisers arrange to arrive around 11-12 and leave around 4 pm, if you stay longer you can carry on enjoying Cesky Krumlov until the late afternoon and early evening.

This blog post was originally written on 24 July 2024 and last updated on 24 July 2024

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