Cesky Krumlov is a historical city in the Southern Bohemia famous for its historical center. Due to its medieval charm, it is listed as one of the 12 UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic. It is also extremely popular among tourists… around 2 million tourists are coming to Cesky Krumlov every year. That’s also why we recommend doing Cesky Krumlov only as a one-day trip.

Cesky Krumlov from above
Cesky Krumlov from above

The city itself is quite small (it has only 13.000 citizens) which makes it ideal for a 1-day trip from Prague. Unfortunately, it is quite far away. It takes roughly 2.5 hours and 180 kilometers to get there by car, bus or train. There are several options and we have listed the best ones for you.

We don’t recommend going there straight from Prague Airport, because first, you need to get to the city center anyway.

1. Guided Tour (€90)

If you prefer guided tours with local guides, we recommend using GetYourGuide services. For a reasonable amount starting at €90 per person, you will get a two-way transfer by coach, pick up at your hotel in Prague, local guide, lunch, and tickets to Krumlov Castle. So you really don’t need to take care of anything. The disadvantage is group tours are not for everyone. A smart option may be arranging a transport yourself via bus or train (see below), and then get a local guide in Krumlov (€60 per group).

Guided Tours Are Great Solution If You Want to Visit Cesky Krumlov in "Auto-pilot" Mode
Guided Tours Are Great Solution If You Want to Visit Cesky Krumlov in “Auto-pilot” Mode
ProsCons
✅ Includes two-way transfer by coach❌ Group tours may not fit everyone
✅ Pick up at your place of stay in Prague
✅ Includes local guide, lunch, entrance fees
✅ All handled by the company, so you don't need to think about anything

BOOK TICKETS
You will be redirected to our partner GetYourGuide

2. Bus (€5)

One of the cheapest and most popular options is taking a bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. There are several companies heading there a few times a day. We recommend taking an early morning ride at 6 AM from Prague to arrive by 9 AM in Cesky Krumlov which will cost you from €5 (one-way ticket). You can either go with FlixBus, RegioJet, or Leo Express buses. All of them are well equipped with free onboard Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilets, and seat tables. You will even get a free refreshment like water. The ride takes around 3 hours which is almost the same time as if you would go by car.

HONEST TIP To get the most out of your visit in Krumlov, we recommend taking a local private guide and enjoy the 2-hour walking tour (€60 per group).

Bus is the Cheapest Way How to Get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague
A bus is the Cheapest Way How to Get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague

 

ProsCons
✅ Low price (5€ / person)❌ You need to travel to Prague Florenc bus station
✅ Comfortable bus with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi❌ Takes about 3 hours or more in case of traffic jam
✅ Stops in the center of Cesky Krumlov
✅ Several companies to choose from

BOOK TICKETS
You will be redirected to our partner Busbud

3. Train (€8)

If you prefer trains over bus you can go with Ceske Drahy railways. The biggest advantage is more space during your travels and going through the beautiful nature and amazing landscapes on the way from Prague to Southern Bohemia. Unfortunately, the earliest train leaves at 8 AM, so you will be at 11 AM in Cesky Krumlov. Same as the bus, the ride takes around 3 hours. The one-way ticket costs €8. Since the last train is leaving 2 PM from Krumlov, we recommend either staying overnight or going back by bus.

HONEST TIP To get the most out of your visit in Krumlov, we recommend taking a local private guide and enjoy the 2-hour walking tour (€60 per group).

A train is More Spacious than Bus and Goes Through a Beautiful Surroundings
A train is More Spacious than Bus and Goes Through a Beautiful Surroundings
ProsCons
✅ Low price (€8 / person)❌ You need to travel to Prague Main Station
✅ Comfortable and spacious wagons❌ Stops outside of Cesky Krumlov city center (~2 km)
✅ Beautiful surroundings and nature during the ride❌ Leaves only at 8 AM

BOOK TICKETS
You will be redirected to our Czech Railways

4. Car Rental (€80)

If you have an EU driving license you are allowed to drive in the Czech Republic. Why not get a car and going there yourself? There are several car rental companies operating in Prague. The estimated cost of €80 per day includes renting an intermediate car (e.g. Toyota Corolla or similar), full insurance and petrol. Getting to Cesky Krumlov by car is really easy and the distance of 180 kilometers will take you around 2.5 hours. You are your own master, you can leave any time you want, stop anywhere you want.

HONEST TIP To get the most out of your visit in Krumlov, we recommend taking a local private guide and enjoy the 2-hour walking tour (€60 per group).

However, during the tourist season, it may be quite difficult to find a parking spot at a reasonable distance. We recommend using some of the big parking areas which cost around €2 per hour.

Renting Car and Going on Your Own Journey to Cesky Krumlov is Super Fun
Renting Car and Going on Your Own Journey to Cesky Krumlov is Super Fun
ProsCons
✅ You are on your own and you go/stop whenever you want❌ Quite expensive (~€80 per car)
✅ You can share costs if you go in group of 4❌ Finding a parking spot in Cesky Krumlov may be difficult
✅ Ride takes about 30 minutes less compared to bus/train

RENT A CAR
You will be redirected to our partner KAYAK

5. Private Driver & Guide (€290)

Welcome Pickups are focusing on private airport pickups and all their drivers are hand-picked and well trained. For the similar price of a taxi or Uber, you will get a private driver with excellent English and knowledge of Prague and Cesky Krumlov who will be also your guide there. So two-in-one!

The driver can take up to 4 passengers, so you can share the costs (around €72.5 when you are a group of four). The driver will be also waiting for you in front of your hotel, the airport or any other location in Prague. The service has excellent ratings on TripAdvisor (5 stars out of 2.500+ reviews) and even received the Certificate of Excellence.

Private Pickup is the Most Comfortable Way to get to Cesky Krumlov
Private Pickup is the Most Comfortable Way to get to Cesky Krumlov
ProsCons
✅ Private driver with excellent English❌ Higher price (€145 per car)
✅ Pick up at any address in Prague❌ You need to think of how to get back
✅ Can be combined with the local guide in Cesky Krumlov
✅ Ride takes about 30 minutes less compared to bus/train

BOOK TICKETS
You will be redirected to our partner Welcome Pickups

Get picked up from central Prague and travel in your private air-conditioned car with free WiFi and travel through the scenic bohemian countryside to arrive in the UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov. Stroll through the historic town center and see the magnificent Church of St. Vitus, a significant local landmark. Then visit the mighty Cesky Krumlov Castle that stands on a rock, overlooking the Vltava River and the town. Explore its gardens, furnishings, and halls and learn about its history. 

No matter which option you will choose, we hope you will have a great time in Cesky Krumlov. Feel free to share your tips and recommendation in the comments below.

Recommended Things to do in Cesky Krumlov

Our Verdict

76%
76%
Choose Wisely

There are many options how you can get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov and none of them is wrong. It really depends on your preferences and budget. If you like auto-pilot mode go with the guided tour which includes also transport for €90. If you are an adventurer and short on budget, go with the train or bus, and explore the city yourself. If you care mainly about comfort hire a private driver and enjoy the day as a VIP.

  • Guided Tour
    9
  • Bus
    8
  • Train
    8
  • Car Rental
    7
  • Private Driver & Guide
    6
  • User Ratings (3 Votes)
    9.3

Michal has been born in Prague and living there for more than 30 years. His favorite neighborhoods are Brevnov and Hradcany. Even though he knows Prague a lot, he loves just getting lost there and imagine he's a tourist. Michal's super secret tip and hidden gem is a small bistro behind the Charles Bridge called ROESEL - beer & cake.

5 Comments

  1. Dear MICHAL good day,
    Thank you for your post. I have some doubts. Does the busses from Prague to Cesky Krumlov leaving from Florenc station or from other? And also I wish to go back from Cesky Krumlov to Karlovy Vary. From what I seen I need anyway to go back to Prague first (and bus coming back not to florenc but other station and I need to take city bus for florenc first and then I can take a bus to Karlovy vary).No director or faster connection? And if I am taking train then I need to change 3 different trains? Could you please clarify?
    Thank you very much!
    Masha

  2. flix bus official website stated max weight for checked in luggage is 20kg per person. But in this website it stated as 30kg . our luggage is more than 20kg . your confirmation is much appreciated before we proceed to book.

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