Discover the Czech Republic and Europe by rail – Inspiration for adventure!

Modern trains, new routes and improved services make rail travel one of the most comfortable ways to travel around the Czech Republic and abroad. Anyone who has ever spent a Friday afternoon stuck in a traffic jam knows just how frustrating and tiring travelling by car can be. Trains, on the other hand, offer something precious – time. What’s more, modern trains feature Wi-Fi, power sockets and air conditioning, and many long-distance services even have dining cars. Instead of concentrating on driving, you can use the time to work, read or simply enjoy the journey.

From Prague, you can comfortably reach historic towns, mountainous regions and European capitals in just a few hours. Sometimes the train journey itself is part of the experience: instead of driving, you can treat yourself to a coffee, open a book or simply watch the passing scenery. You can find inspiration for train trips in other articles on Kudy z nudy: you can set off on trips along the most beautiful railway routes, discover historic railway gems, take a ride on nostalgic trains, or check out the best books and films where railways play a key role.

Five reasons to go on a train trip

Travelling by train is much more popular today than it used to be. And that’s entirely understandable – it offers a host of advantages that car drivers often don’t have. Trains aren’t just a means of transport – they often become part of the travel experience itself. They offer comfort, time to relax and an ever-increasing range of ways to set off on your journey.

Comfort without driving

Whilst behind the wheel you have to keep an eye on the traffic, on a train you can read, workon your laptop or simply enjoy the scenery outside the window.

No traffic jams or parking

Trains usually take you right into the city centre. You don’t have to worry about traffic jams or finding a parking space.

A great choice for weekend trips

Many popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic have stations close to natural attractions, monuments or hiking trails.

Surprisingly affordable prices

If you buy your ticket in advance or are travelling in a group, the train can prove to be very good value. Czech Railways has also reintroduced a group discount for two to five people.

A more environmentally friendly mode of transport

Rail transport is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport and produces significantly fewer emissions compared to private car travel.

Where in the Czech Republic can you get there faster by train than by car

At first glance, it may seem that a car is the fastest mode of transport on Czech roads. However, when you take into account traffic jams, diversions and the search for parking spaces in city centres, the train often travels at least as fast – and sometimes even faster.

Prague–Pardubice: One of the fastest railway lines in the Czech Republic has express trains that cover the route in about an hour. From Prague Main Station, you can travel directly to the heart of Pardubice. Although the journey by car may take just as long, even a short delay on the motorway gives the train a clear advantage.

Prague–Olomouc: Express trains now cover the distance between Prague and Olomouc in about two and a half hours. What’s more, the train drops you right at the historic centre. Drivers, however, usually face parking on the outskirts of the city or a long search for a space on the streets.

Prague–Ostrava: The legendary railway route between Prague and Ostrava is one of the fastest in the country. Modern trains cover the distance in around three hours, and the Pendolinoeven in under three hours. You simply can’t manage this by car, especially if the D1 motorway encounters a ‘traffic jam’. Which, unfortunately, happens far more often than drivers would like.

Brno–Vienna, or a bonus trip just across the border: You can get from Brno to Vienna by train in about an hour and a half and get off right in the city centre. Although the journey by car may be of comparable length, parking in Vienna can turn into a bit of a logistical challenge.

New connection to Slovakia: from Prague to Bratislava via Olomouc

The latest changes to the timetable include direct trains from Prague to Bratislava, which now also stop in Olomouc. These services are particularly useful for students from Slovakia who study in Czech cities and regularly commute between their universities and their homes.

And a little tip for lovers of railway gastronomy: the legendary WRmz815 dining cars, nicknamed the “Knödel Express” in German-speaking countries, are also appearing on the route.

Europe by rail: new train connections from the Czech Republic to other countries

The rail network in Europe is changing rapidly, and the Czech Republic is benefiting greatly from this. The new timetable has introduced several interesting routes that expand travel options.

Among the major new developments is the extension of certain trains from Prague via Austria to Villach in Carinthia. Thanks to the new 33-kilometre-long Koralm Tunnel, the journey between Graz and Klagenfurt has been significantly speeded up. The journey from Brno to Villach takes approximately five to six hours.

Are you planning a trip to Denmark? From May 2026, direct trains will run from Prague to Copenhagen three times a day. The journey takes approximately eleven hours and guarantees both a comfortable connection to the Danish capital and a treat for railway enthusiasts: you’ll travel over the listed gondola bridge in Rendsburg, which is one of Germany’s most famous engineering monuments.

You can also travel to Germany with Leo Express. These trains run from Przemyśl in Poland via Kraków, Ostrava, Prague and Dresden to Frankfurt am Main. The night train from Prague to Frankfurt can be a good alternative to driving to Frankfurt Airport when travelling further abroad.

Poland is getting closer: new routes from northern Moravia

Major changes are also taking place on the northern routes to Poland. Connections from Ostrava to Kraków, Wrocław and Poznań are improving significantly, with more direct trains being added. For example, you can reach Wrocław from Ostrava in around two hours, whilst trains to Poznań cover the journey in about three and a half hours.

The popular Baltic Express offers a straightforward route from Prague to the Polish Tri-City of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia, as well as to the sandy spit of Hel; from 2026, it will feature a Czech dining car throughout the entire journey.

The future on the rails: from Prague to Brno in 50 minutes?

Even greater changes could be brought about by the planned construction of high-speed rail lines. European plans envisage two main rail routes running through the Czech Republic. According to experts, these should significantly speed up travel times. The journey from the centre of Prague to Brno could take approximately 50 minutes, and to Hradec Králové just about half an hour. What’s more, the new lines will free up capacity on existing tracks, meaning regional and commuter trains could run more frequently.

Just hop on, settle in comfortably and let the train take you on your next adventure!