Prague is surrounded by castles, spa towns and national parks, many of them easy to reach by train or bus. Here’s how they compare.
Day trips from Prague compared
| Day trip | Travel time (one way) | Best for | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kutná Hora | ~1 h | The bone church, a Gothic cathedral | Train |
| Karlštejn Castle | ~40 min | A classic Gothic castle | Train plus a 30-minute walk |
| Terezín | ~1 h | WWII history | Bus or tour |
| Karlovy Vary | ~2–2.5 h | Spa colonnades, hot springs | Bus |
| Český Krumlov | ~3 h | A UNESCO old town, the castle | Bus, tour, or overnight |
| Bohemian Switzerland | ~2 h | Hiking, rock formations | Tour or train plus bus |
Kutná Hora
A medieval silver-mining town and UNESCO site. The Sedlec Ossuary is decorated with the bones of tens of thousands of people, and St Barbara’s Cathedral is a Gothic marvel. Trains run from Praha hlavní nádraží, then take a short local bus or walk between the sites.
Český Krumlov
A perfectly preserved Renaissance town in a loop of the Vltava, crowned by a huge castle with a painted tower. It’s a long day, so many visitors stay overnight to enjoy it once the tour buses leave.
Karlovy Vary
The grand 19th-century spa town where you sip mineral water from the colonnades. Famous for Becherovka liqueur and the film festival in early July.
Terezín
A moving visit to the former Theresienstadt ghetto and the Small Fortress. A guided tour adds essential context.
Karlštejn Castle
A Gothic castle founded by Emperor Charles IV, set in wooded hills. It’s the easiest half-day trip from Prague.
Compare day tours from Prague.
Tips
- Buy train tickets from České dráhy (ČD) and bus tickets from RegioJet or FlixBus in advance in summer.
- Check the castle opening days. Many Czech castles close on Mondays or in winter.
- Fit your day trip into our Prague itinerary.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Prague City Tourism.
More Prague guides
- Prague travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Prague
- Prague itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Prague
- Prague Castle tickets and the main circuit
- Prague Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Prague
FAQ: Day trips from Prague
What is the best day trip from Prague?
Kutná Hora for an easy, unique trip, and Český Krumlov for the most beautiful town, if you don’t mind a long day.
Can you do Český Krumlov as a day trip from Prague?
Yes, with about 6 hours of round-trip travel. A guided tour or an overnight stay makes it more relaxed.
How do you get from Prague to Kutná Hora?
Take a direct or connecting train from Prague’s main station, which takes about an hour.
Plan your trip to Prague
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
