The Czech Republic has excellent intercity public transport, making it one of the most practical European countries to travel around without a private car. The train network connects all major cities and many smaller towns; the bus network (both public and private operators) fills the gaps. Understanding which operator to use and how to book produces a significantly cheaper and more comfortable experience than the default of booking at the station on the day.

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The Train Operators

ČD (České dráhy, Czech Railways): The national rail company, operating most of the Czech rail network. Reliable, with a well-functioning booking system at cd.cz or the ČD app. Prices are reasonable but the higher-quality private operators are often more comfortable at comparable prices.

RegioJet (yellow trains): A private rail operator that competes with ČD on the major routes (Prague to Brno, Prague to Ostrava, Prague to Bratislava). RegioJet trains are notably more comfortable than most ČD equivalents: newer rolling stock, seat-back screens, free coffee and tea included, attentive service. Price is usually comparable to ČD or slightly higher; worth the difference. Book at regiojet.cz or the RegioJet app.

Flixbus and FlixTrain: The German low-cost bus and train operator serves several Czech routes, particularly Prague to Plzeň, Prague to Brno, and international routes. Good for budget travellers and for the routes where the train is relatively slow.

Key Intercity Routes

Prague to Brno: IC or EC train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Brno hlavní nádraží; 2 hours 20 minutes on the fastest services. CZK 180 to 320 single depending on service and timing. RegioJet is the recommended operator for this route.

Prague to Plzeň: Fast trains take 1 hour 20 minutes. CZK 180 to 230 single. Useful for the Pilsner Urquell brewery day trip.

Prague to Ostrava: Train; approximately 3.5 hours by fast service. RegioJet is particularly good on this long route.

Prague to Liberec: Train through the Bohemian Switzerland National Park area; 1.5 hours.

The Bus Network

Regional buses (autobuses) in the Czech Republic connect the smaller towns and villages that the rail network does not reach. The state company (ČSAD and its regional variants) and numerous private operators run regular services.

For day trips specifically:

Prague to Český Krumlov: Bus from Prague Florenc is the standard option; FlixBus and RegioJet both serve this route. Journey approximately 3 hours.

Prague to Karlovy Vary: RegioJet and FlixBus from Florenc; journey approximately 2.5 hours.

Prague to Terezín: Bus from Holešovice bus station; approximately 1 hour.

The IDOS Journey Planner

IDOS (idos.cz) is the Czech integrated timetable system covering all public transport including trains, buses, and local transport. Enter origin and destination; IDOS shows all available connections with times, operators, and prices. Available in English; the most comprehensive planning tool for Czech public transport.

Driving in Czech Republic

Driving in the Czech Republic requires a Czech highway vignette (dálniční známka) to use the motorway network: CZK 310 for 10 days, CZK 460 for 30 days, CZK 1,500 for a year. Vignettes are sold at petrol stations and post offices; the fine for driving on a Czech motorway without a vignette is substantial.

The Czech Republic drives on the right, speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on standard roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Alcohol limit is 0.00 percent: absolutely no alcohol before driving.

Renting a Car

Car rental is available at Prague airport and at several city-centre locations from the usual international chains alongside Czech operators, which are often cheaper for the same vehicle class. A one-way rental (picking up in Prague and dropping off elsewhere in the country) is possible but carries a significant additional fee with most companies; if the itinerary allows it, a round trip back to Prague avoids this. The highway vignette mentioned above is not included in most rental agreements and needs to be checked separately, though a growing number of Czech rental companies now include it by default for rentals over a few days.