Quick Picks: Top Rail Getaways

Are you in a hurry to book your tickets? Here are our top recommendations based on your interests. These spots are all easily accessible from Prague's main station. You can find more details on the Visit Czechia website for seasonal events. Check the list below for a fast overview of the best options.

• Best Overall: Kutná Hora
• Best for Families: Karlštejn Castle
• Best for Beer Lovers: Pilsen
• Best for Nature: Bohemian Paradise
• Best for Relaxation: Karlovy Vary

10 Best Day Trips from Prague by Train

The Czech rail system is one of the densest in Europe. Most trains depart from Prague Main Station (Hlavní nádraží). You can often buy tickets directly at the station or online. For the best experience, try to travel during the early morning. This allows you to beat the crowds at popular landmarks. Here are the 10 best day trips from Prague by train for your next adventure.

1. Name: Kutná Hora Type: Sight Why go: See the famous Bone Church and the stunning St. Barbara's Cathedral. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: History buffs Where: Central Bohemia Time: 1 hour Cost: $10-$15 Getting there: Direct train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Visit Kutná Hora and the Bone Church early to avoid large tour groups.
2. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Sight Why go: A majestic 14th-century fortress built by Emperor Charles IV. It sits on a hill surrounded by lush forests. Best for: Photography Where: Karlštejn village Time: 40 minutes Cost: $5-$10 Getting there: S7 suburban train line. Tip: Read our Karlštejn Castle day trip guide for hiking path suggestions.
3. Name: Pilsen (Plzeň) Type: Experience Why go: Visit the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer. The brewery tour is world-class and includes fresh samples. Best for: Beer lovers Where: West Bohemia Time: 1.5 hours Cost: $15-$25 Getting there: Fast Western Express trains. Tip: Book a Pilsen brewery tour from Prague in advance for weekend slots.
4. Name: Karlovy Vary Type: Experience Why go: A world-famous spa town with colorful colonnades and thermal springs. It is famous for its international film festival. Best for: Relaxation Where: West Bohemia Time: 3 hours Cost: $20-$30 Getting there: Regional fast trains. Tip: Our Karlovy Vary spa day trip guide recommends trying the local Becherovka liqueur.
5. Name: Dresden Type: Day trip Why go: Cross the border into Germany to see the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche. The city was beautifully rebuilt after World War II. Best for: Art and architecture Where: Saxony, Germany Time: 2.2 hours Cost: $30-$50 Getting there: EuroCity (EC) trains. Tip: Check the Dresden day trip from Prague guide for cross-border ticket deals.
6. Name: Konopiště Castle Type: Sight Why go: The former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It houses an incredible collection of hunting trophies and armor. Best for: Royal history Where: Benešov Time: 1 hour Cost: $10-$20 Getting there: Train to Benešov u Prahy, then a short walk. Tip: Follow our Konopiště Castle day trip advice to see the castle bears.
7. Name: Olomouc Type: Sight Why go: A hidden gem with a Holy Trinity Column and an astronomical clock. It is much quieter than Prague but just as beautiful. Best for: Avoiding crowds Where: Moravia Time: 2.5 hours Cost: $20-$40 Getting there: High-speed Pendolino or RegioJet trains. Tip: Try the local Olomoucké tvarůžky, a very pungent traditional cheese.
8. Name: Bohemian Paradise (Turnov) Type: Nature Why go: Incredible sandstone rock formations and ancient castle ruins. It is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Best for: Hiking Where: Turnov area Time: 2 hours Cost: $10-$15 Getting there: Regional trains toward Turnov. Tip: Use our Bohemian Paradise day trip guide to find the best rock city trails.
9. Name: Tábor Type: Sight Why go: A medieval town founded by the Hussites. It features a labyrinth of tunnels under the old square. Best for: Medieval history Where: South Bohemia Time: 1.5 hours Cost: $10-$15 Getting there: Direct trains toward České Budějovice. Tip: Visit the Hussite Museum to learn about the town's unique religious past.
10. Name: Poděbrady Type: Experience Why go: A peaceful spa town on the Labe River. It is perfect for a flat, easy bike ride or a riverside walk. Best for: A lazy afternoon Where: Central Bohemia Time: 1 hour Cost: $5-$10 Getting there: Frequent regional trains. Tip: Drink from the public mineral springs for a healthy local experience.

Practical Tips for Czech Train Travel

Navigating the best day trips from Prague by train is very simple. Most locals use the Můj vlak app for schedules. You can also visit the Prague.eu portal for transport updates. Always check which station your train departs from before leaving your hotel.

Tickets are usually cheaper when bought in advance. However, regional trains have fixed prices that do not change. You can find more info in our cheap train tickets in Czech Republic guide. Don't forget to validate your ticket if using the local PID system.

Prague Main Station (Hlavní nádraží) has many shops and cafes. It is well-connected to the metro line C. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure. This gives you time to find the correct platform on the big boards.