Prague is the most important rail junction of the Czech Republic. Not only do the railways connect the capital with the rest of the country (and, of course, the whole World), but trains are also part of the urban public transport system. The railway lines operated by ROPID (Regional Organiser of Prague Integrated Transport) and incorporated into the Prague Integrated Transport System are referred to as the “S Lines” (“Vlakové linky S” in Czech”).

All railways starting from Prague are included in the Prague integrated transport system (PIT, “PID” in Czech), which – among other things – means that the PIT tariff conditions apply to them. These train lines are, most of all, used to connect the capital with the suburbs, but can also be used to travel within the city.

History and Facts of Prague’s Train (Railway) Transport

Historically, the “Lány” horse-drawn railway was the first railway in the territory of Prague, in 1830. In the Czech Republic in general, the history of railways started in the twenties of the 19th century. Railroads were first built for the purposes of the transport of goods, and only later did trains become an important means of transport for people.

Nowadays, the Czech rail network belongs among the “thickest” in the World, even though its share of the overall transport of passengers is rather substandard and in Prague it plays only a minor role in the integrated transport system. It is, nevertheless, important in connecting the capital with the villages and small towns around it.

Train Companies in Prague

There are three main train companies operating in Prague and across the Czech Republic. Each offers different levels of comfort, pricing, and routes:

• ‍Czech Railways (CD): The largest and state-owned operator, CD runs most of the local, regional, and long-distance trains. They cover the widest network and have a variety of train types, from local Os trains to high-speed Railjet and EuroCity services.‍
• RegioJet: A private company known for its comfortable yellow trains, RegioJet offers both domestic and international routes, especially to cities like Brno, Ostrava, Vienna, and Bratislava. They’re popular for their friendly service, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary drinks in some classes.‍
• Leo Express: Another private operator, Leo Express runs sleek black trains on select routes, including Prague to Ostrava and international connections to Poland and Slovakia. They focus on comfort, modern amenities, and online booking.
  

For international or longer trips, it’s a good idea to compare prices and schedules on all three companies, as you might find better deals or different comfort levels depending on the operator.

Types of Czech Railway Trains in Czech Republic

• ‍Osobni (Os): Local trains stopping at every station, ideal for short trips around Prague and nearby towns.‍
• Spesny (Sp): Semi-fast trains, stopping at fewer stations than local trains.‍
• Rychlik (R): Fast trains connecting major cities.‍
• Express (Ex) and EuroCity (EC): International and long-distance trains with fewer stops and more comfort.‍
• S Line (S-Bahn): Suburban trains (marked as “S” followed by a number, e.g., S1, S7) that connect Prague with its suburbs and nearby towns. These trains are part of the Prague Integrated Transport system (PID) and are perfect for commuters and visitors heading to destinations just outside the city.

Main Train Stations in Prague

There are four important rail stations in Prague, where the majority of train connections take place. Namely, those are “Masarykovo nádraží” (named after Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, a very important figure of the Czechoslovak independence efforts during World War I, and the founder and first President of Czechoslovakia), “Smíchovské nádraží” (used mostly for regional transport), “Nádraží Holešovice”, and last but not least “Praha hlavní nádraží” (the main train station in Prague).

Main Station (Hlavni Nadrazi)

This is the largest and busiest train station in Prague, located just a short walk from Wenceslas Square. It’s the main hub for domestic and international trains, with modern facilities including shops, cafes, luggage storage, and ticket offices. The station is connected to Metro Line C (red line).

Masarykovo nadrazi

Located closer to the city center, Masarykovo station serves mainly regional and suburban trains, especially towards the north and east of Prague. It’s also connected to Metro Line B (yellow line).

Holesovice Station

This station is in the northern part of Prague and is a stop for some international and long-distance trains, especially those heading towards Germany. It’s connected to Metro Line C.

Smichov Station

Located in the southwest, Smichov station is a hub for regional trains heading west and south. It’s connected to Metro Line B.

Prices of Train Tickets

Trains Inside Prague

When you travel by train within the PIT (i.e. inside Prague), the same rules and tariffs as with trams, buses, and the metro applies.

There are several types of train tickets available in Prague:

• Short-term tickets: These are ideal for tourists. You can purchase tickets that are valid for 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, or 72 hours.
• Long-term passes: For longer stays or frequent commutes, monthly and yearly passes are available.
• Single-journey tickets: These are perfect for one-off travels across the city.

The ticket prices are shown in the table below:

All tickets must be validated at the start of your first journey to avoid fines.

Children under the age of 15 (including) and seniors over 65 years can travel for free and don't need any tickets. However, they may be asked to provide an ID confirming their age.

Trains Outside Prague

For longer journeys outside of Prague, the ticket price depends on the distance, train type, and class. To get a price estimate, use the Czech Railways website.

Honest Tip: Ride for Free with the Prague City Pass

If you get a Prague City Pass, you can use all public transport for free and enjoy free access to over 70 local attractions.

Where to Buy Train Tickets

Train tickets in Prague can be purchased from a variety of locations:

• Online: Tickets can be purchased online via the Czech Railways (CD) website or the RegioJet and Leo Express websites for private train operators. E-tickets can be shown on your phone. You can also use a operator's mobile app.
• At the Station: You can buy tickets at ticket counters or self-service machines at all major stations. Staff usually speak English, and machines have English options.‍
• On the Train: You can sometimes buy tickets from the conductor, but this usually costs extra and is not available on all routes.

At the station and on the train you can use cash or credit card.

6 Honest Tips for Using Train

• Delays Happen (Often): Trains in Prague and the Czech Republic are generally reliable, but delays are not uncommon, especially on busy routes or during bad weather. We recommend always checking the train’s actual arrival and departure times on the station’s electronic timetable boards or using the official railway apps before you travel.
• Public Transport Connections: All main stations are connected to Prague’s metro, tram, and bus networks, making it easy to continue your journey.
• Reserve a Seat: For longer journeys, consider reserving a seat in advance. This guarantees you a spot, especially during busy times, and lets you enjoy a peaceful ride—perfect for reading, working, or just relaxing as you travel.
• Food and Drinks: Some long-distance trains have dining cars or trolley service, but it’s always a good idea to bring snacks.
• Compare Train Companies: For international or longer trips, we recommend checking ticket prices and schedules on all three main train companies: Czech Railways (CD), RegioJet, and Leo Express. Sometimes you’ll find better deals or different comfort levels depending on the operator.
• Get Prague City Pass: If you get a Prague City Pass, you can use all public transport for free and enjoy free access to over 70 local attractions.

Conclusion

Using trains in Prague is straightforward, affordable, and a great way to see more of the Czech Republic and beyond. With modern stations, easy ticketing options, and frequent connections, you’ll find train travel both convenient and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer adventure, Prague’s train system has you covered. Safe travels!