Transfers Countries Austria ViennaVienna to Prague

Private car transfer from Vienna to Prague

Door-to-door
in 3 h 30 min

From €62
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Vienna.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 30 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Prague.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

334 km3 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Vienna to Prague

Prague and Vienna stand as timeless gems in the heart of Europe. Millions visit each year to witness their rich history and cultural allure. Both cities are steeped in the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian and Holy Roman empires. These battlegrounds of philosophy and religion have witnessed centuries of political and architectural changes that span Vienna to Prague, and radiate into the rest of Central Europe.

Whether it's strolling through Prague's Old Town Square or marveling at the imperial palaces of Vienna, each city offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and historical mosaic of Central Europe. Visiting them one after the other helps highlight their distinct personalities and similarities.

Traveling from capital to capital is typical, but you know better than that. The southern Czech countryside has hidden gems that would be missed on a direct train or bus. The best way to customize your trip is to break up the highway driving with pit stops to the unique little towns of the Czech Republic. With practical insights, a little bit of planning, and a private driver your trip can go off without a hitch.

About Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Nestled along the Vltava River, the city has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural, political, and architectural landscape of Central Europe far beyond its current borders.

The area of Prague has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the earliest records of the city as we know it are from the 9th century. During the 14th century, Prague reached new heights under the rule of Emperor Charles IV, a member of the Luxembourg dynasty. Charles IV transformed Prague into a thriving imperial capital, earning it the moniker "Praga mater urbium" (Prague, the Mother of Cities). The Charles Bridge, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and Charles University, the first university in Central Europe, are enduring legacies of his reign.

Prague’s religious impact

Although most Czechs are atheist or agnostic today, Prague played a central role in the Protestant Reformation. The Hussite Wars of the 15th century were sparked by religious reformer Jan Hus's teachings. This period of conflict left its mark on Prague, as it became a focal point for religious upheaval.

Over a century later, Martin Luther became the most well known thought leader of the Protestant Reformation, however he took a lot of inspiration from the Hussites and Jan Hus’ ideology.

Occupation, occupation, occupation

Prague’s central location between large ruling powers means it has been under some form of occupation for centuries. First the Austro-Hungarians, then the Nazis, and lastly as a satellite state of the USSR.

The 19th century witnessed a resurgence of Czech nationalism and cultural identity in response to Austro-Hungarian rule following the 30 Years’ War. The Czech National Revival, fueled by intellectuals and writers, aimed at preserving and promoting the Czech language and culture.

Famous Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha, played a major role in this movement. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak state after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.

It did not take long for Nazi occupation to reach Czech borders, starting with the Sudetenland on the border of Germany in 1938. Prague played a pivotal role in the 20th century's turbulent events, from the Nazi occupation during World War II to the Communist era following the war.

The Velvet Revolution of 1989, led by dissident and later President Václav Havel, peacefully overthrew the Communist regime, ushering in a new era of democracy and freedom.

Modern Prague

In 1993, with the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, Prague became the capital of the newly-formed Czech Republic. The city has since become a thriving European metropolis, blending its historical charm with a modern economy and strong ties to its neighbors.

Despite the chaos of the 20th century, Prague did not experience bombing damage from WWII, like Berlin and Budapest. Most buildings remain entirely frozen in time.

The Czech Republic is a member of the EU and Schengen zone. Prague’s excellent public transportation and wide open green spaces make it a very livable city all year round. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Prague Castle, and astronomical clock continue to attract millions of visitors, making Prague a living testament to the enduring spirit of Central European history.

From Vienna to Prague: travel tips

Planning ahead is the key to making the most of your trip from Amsterdam to Bruges. Incorporate these easy-to-follow travel tips so you don’t get caught at a border without a vignette or the right driver’s license.

Explore beyond the capitals

Both cities are magnificent, but consider exploring beyond the capitals. The journey from Vienna to Prague itself is an adventure, and stopping in smaller towns along the way provides a more authentic glimpse into Central European life.

Kutna Hora is home to the Sedlec Ossuary, which is made of artistically-placed human bones and a truly unique work of art. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and too close to Prague to miss.

Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, is between Vienna and Prague. You’ll recognize the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which is engraved on the 10 crown coin.

Border crossings from Vienna to Prague

Austria and the Czech Republic are both in the EU, so you may not even notice you’ve crossed the border until you realize everything is in Czech, not German. Odds are no one will ask to see identification at the border, but just in case, keep your ID accessible while driving.

If taking a train or bus, the attendant may ask to see your ID along with your ticket.

Vignettes from Vienna to Prague

In Austria, drivers must purchase a vignette to use the country's motorways and expressways. The vignette should be put on your windshield before entering an Austrian highway. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in hefty fines. Austria uses an electronic tolling system on certain routes, where cameras record the vehicle's license plate, and the toll is billed accordingly.

As you cross the border into the Czech Republic, a similar system awaits. The Czech vignette is also mandatory for highway use. It can be purchased for 10 days, 1 month, or a year. Unlike the Austrian system, Czech vignettes are available in both physical sticker form and electronic versions, allowing for more flexibility in choice.

It's worth noting that some sections of the Czech highway network are toll-free, but others require a valid vignette.

Vignettes can be purchased in gas stations, post offices, or online. The 10 day Austrian vignette costs about 10 euros, and the Czech one costs about 15 euros.

Driver’s licenses in Austria and Czech Republic

EU drivers can drive in the Czech Republic and Austria with no issues. If you are from outside of the EU, make sure to have both your original driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is an internationally recognized translation of your local license.

Pack for any weather

Central Europe's weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared. Layers are your best friend, and a sturdy umbrella can save the day if it rains. Expect cool evenings even in the summer, and some unusually warm days in winter. Sturdy shoes will make going over the cobblestones much easier, and leave the super high heels at home.

Parking in Prague

Does your accommodation have free or paid parking? Is the parking in a different location? If you are driving your own car, call or email your hotel or apartment ahead of time to get your questions answered and ensure a smooth arrival.

How to get from Vienna to Prague

Explore the historic paths that connect Vienna to Prague, where countless ancient routes have unfolded over time. Today, modern conveniences such as highways and trains provide an efficient array of options for a seamless and memorable experience.

Driving from Vienna to Prague

The 205 mile (330 km) trip from Vienna to Prague is very popular and fast. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and your chosen route. Several major highways connect Vienna and Prague, and there are plenty of detour options in case of a road accident, traffic, or construction.

In Austria and Czech Republic, drivers use the right side of the road and follow standardized EU road signage. The roads are wide, well-labeled and there is always a gas station or town within a reasonable distance in case you need to fill up or have a flat tire. Have small bills in cash ready just in case the stores along the highway do not take cards.

Depending on what kind of adventure you’d like to have, there are a few route options. The fastest and most popular route is through Brno. When leaving Vienna, take the S1 to the A5. At the border, this road gets a new name: 57. Follow the signs along the 57 to Brno. Once in Brno, transfer to the E50, which is a straight shot to Prague.

Vienna to Prague with Daytrip’s private car service

Hiring a private driver through Daytrip adds convenience to your journey and removes the stress of picking up a rental car, purchasing vignettes ahead of time and worrying about parking. English-speaking drivers who know the local laws and routes can provide door-to-door service. No need to worry about packing light or rolling luggage over Prague’s cobblestone streets.

Although it’s a short distance, consider giving yourself a full day to travel in your itinerary. A private car is the perfect opportunity to take the road less traveled. Small wineries and charming little villages may catch your eye and give you a reason to take a detour. Sonberk Winery and the town of Trebic are popular stops along the way. The Jewish Quarter of Trebic is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is almost frozen in time.

Trains from Vienna to Prague

Trains are incredibly frequent between Vienna and Prague. You may even get away with not booking your seat ahead of time (but don’t risk it!) The train ride typically takes around 4 hours, offering a direct connection between Vienna's Hauptbahnhof and Prague's main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží.

Buses from Vienna to Prague

Buses are also very frequent and at all hours of the day. The bus ride can take approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the chosen route and any potential stops along the way. With both trains and buses, it may be worth it to switch in Brno and have a few hours layover to explore.

Flights from Vienna to Prague

The direct flight time is remarkably short, only one hour, between Vienna International Airport and Prague Václav Havel Airport. However, the time savings is minuscule after you factor in traveling out to the airport and going through all the security lines. Skip the airport for this trip!

Things to do when you get to Prague

Prague has events, activities, and sites for any budget and interest. After your journey from Vienna, have a cold beer and warm svíčková as soon as you get to Prague, and then follow our guide of things to do!

Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Prague Castle, a sprawling complex that boasts stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city. Explore the intricacies of St. Vitus Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic design. Sprawling vineyards complement the stone structures, and from the top you will see why Prague is consistently ranked as one of the greenest cities.

This complex is atop a hill, so if you enjoy walking upstairs, take the tram to the Malostranská stop for plenty of stairs. If you prefer the tram to do the climbing for you, go to the Pražský Hrad stop for easier access.

Old Town Square

Lose yourself in the magical allure of Old Town Square, the center of historic Prague. The Astronomical Clock chimes once an hour and you will know it’s almost time because crowds will begin to form to watch the little statues in the clock perform “The Walk of the Apostles.”

On many days, you’ll see dance events, festivals, and school concerts set up in the square. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the square is filled with stalls selling gifts, candy, meats, and mulled wine.

Panoramic views From Petřín Hill

Ascend Petřín Hill from the Ujezd tram stop for a great view of Prague. You can walk up, or take the funicular. If you have a valid public transportation ticket, it also works on the funicular! Enjoy a leisurely walk through Petřín Park, explore the miniature Eiffel Tower (Petřín Tower), and revel in panoramic views of Prague from its summit.

Modern vibes: Holešovice and Karlín

Experience Prague's modern side by exploring the districts of Holešovice and Karlín. These trendy neighborhoods are home to contemporary art spaces, hip cafes, and innovative restaurants that remind you Prague is not just historic, but living.

Divoká Šárka National Park

A trip to a national park right on the tram line? Escape to nature at Divoká Šárka Park, a vast expanse of greenery just outside the city center. Enjoy hiking trails, serene ponds, and the refreshing beauty of this natural oasis that’s closer to the city than you think.

The Jewish Quarter

Delve into the rich history of Prague's Jewish Quarter, Josefov. The Jewish Museum ticket is the easiest way to see all the main sites. The Jubilee Synagogue is outside of the Jewish Quarter, close to the main train station, but definitely worth the trip.

Czech cuisine

It takes hearty meals to survive long winters in Central Europe. Czech cuisine tends to be heavy, with lots of meat, bread, and potatoes. Sample traditional dishes like goulash, svíčková (marinated sirloin), and trdelník (a sweet pastry). Explore local eateries such as Lokál and U Fleků for an authentic gastronomic experience.

Cheers to beer

The Czech Republic has a long tradition in producing high quality beers. Czech beers have a thick beer head (foam). Visit traditional pubs and breweries like U Fleků, Strahov Monastery Brewery, and Lokál for an authentic taste of Czech beer. Brands like Staropramen, Kozel, and Pilsner will be recognized by beer lovers from far and near.

Enjoy a beer on Naplavka

In the evening, unwind along the Vltava River at Naplavka, a popular riverside promenade for college students and young adults. Floating bars and restaurants provide a casual atmosphere if you’d like a sit-down meal or a table. On the other hand, it is very popular for groups of students to find a nice spot, bring a blanket, and sit on the ground to enjoy the riverside.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Vienna to Prague

Is Prague safe at night?

Prague is incredibly safe at all hours of the day and night. Violent crime is virtually unheard of, and there are no neighborhoods to avoid entirely. Pickpocketing is the only real threat, so have your items tucked away safely and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Prague vegan and vegetarian friendly?

Prague's traditional meals rely heavily on meat and dairy, however the culinary scene has embraced vegetarian and vegan options with surprising speed. Most restaurants will offer a few vegetarian options. Vegans may have a more difficult time in restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine, however Dhaba Beas, Bombay Express, and Loving Hut have mostly vegan menus. The Czech Republic has a large Vietnamese minority thanks to a strong relationship with Vietnam during the Communist times. They’ve made their mark on the food scene, and Vietnamese restaurants are very popular among locals. They will have more vegan-friendly options, while still being part of the local Czech experience.

Is it easy to find English speakers in Prague?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Prague, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Locals in the service industry often not only speak English, but also German, Russian, and Spanish.

Can I use Euros in Prague? Do I need cash?

Make sure to rearrange your wallet on your way from Vienna to Prague, as the Czech Republic uses Czech Crowns (“koruna” or CZK). It doesn’t have cents, so all of your coins will be korunas. A few places will take euros if it is all you have, but the exchange rate is not very good. We highly recommend taking out some cash from a reputable ATM (“bankomat”) at a major bank. Freestanding street ATMs at corner stores often have sneaky fees and bad exchange rates. If exchanging cash, only use a reputable money exchange center that offers receipts. Counterfeit money scams are very common, like giving Hungarian Forints instead of CZK. Although card payments are common in major businesses and tourism hotspots, cash is still king in Prague. When making a card payment, the terminal may ask if you want to pay in your home currency or CZK. Select CZK to avoid extra exchange fees.

Visit these sights on the way

Lednice Chateau and Park

This UNESCO-listed chateau and sprawling park was the Lichtenstein's holiday home - exactly the kind of extravagance you'd expect from a dynasty with their own country. Vacation like a King

Mikulov

A town with a history as deep and flavourful as its wine, Mikulov provides a perfect combination of relaxation and exploration. The Heart of Czech Wine Country

Sonberk Winery

For centuries, Sonberk has produced some of the best dry wines in Central Europe, becoming a favourite of European nobility. The Drink of Kings

Trebic

The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this quiet town are a beautiful testament to the co-existence of Jewish and Christian cultures. Big History in a Little Town

Kutna Hora

Marvel at some of the most beautiful and unique architecture in the Czech Republic at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mint Condition

Sazava monastery

Founded in 1032, Sázava Monastery is a former Benedictine abbey that has endured much struggle and strife throughout its long history. An Abbey Fit for a Saint

Why travelers love this route

5,100+ reviews

162 reviews for this route
18,044 travelers took this route with us

Dec 28, 2022

Perfect ride from Prague to Vienna

“What a great experience. Our driver (Petr) was excellent. Picked us up right on time, got us where we needed to go right on time, gave us lots of interesting information on things we saw, and was an excellent driver. Our trip from Prague to Vienna (with a stop in Cescky Krumlov) was a great way to see the countryside. So easy and comfortable. 6 people with all our bags and we still had lots of room in the comfortable mini-van. Strongly recommend over taking the train or a flight!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler davidhK7148SN

Dec 14, 2021

Prague to Vienna transport

“Day trip proved the perfect way to travel from Prague to Vienna. We stopped at sites along the way to break up the travel. Our driver was courteous and helpful and picked us up directly in front of our AirBandB in Prague and dropped us off directly in front of our hotel in Vienna. The van was comfortable and there was plenty of room for luggage. Water and snacks were provided. I would definitely recommend Daytrip.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lynettes465

Nov 18, 2021

Perfect door to door service!

“Perfect transportation and service to travel from Prague to Vienna with my parents! When I planned this trip I was a little uneasy of the idea of taking my parents catching trains and carrying luggage through stations, and then I found DayTrip and it was the perfect solution! Our trip on November 17, 2021 was everything we were hoping for! Our driver Erik was very professional and friendly, he communicated with me when he was heading to our hotel, arrived 20 minutes early and made sure my parents and I were comfortable and taken care of throughout the entire trip. We booked 2 additional stops along the way and Erik even printed out information about the places we were visiting and called in to make reservations for us for lunch along the way. We were so pleased with the service and experience! Will definitely book with DayTrip again!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Imelda O

Oct 31, 2021

Prague to Budapest

“We had a beautiful trip from Prague to Vienna. Clean comfortable van spacious. Our driver provided water and stopped when we needed a washroom. Door to door hotel to hotel. Our own schedule was very relaxing.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Voyage315879

Jan 19, 2020

Fantastic Service

“We used Daytrip twice on a recent European trip for transfer from Prague to Vienna with a stop in Kutna Hora and then from Vienna to Budapest with a stop in Bratislava. Both transfers were great. The cars were in good condition and both of our drivers were excellent. They both helped with our luggage and provided some history of the places we were staying and/or visiting. The communication with the company was also very good. I would definitely use this service again and have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler thekelly3

Jan 10, 2020

Transfer Vienna to Prague.

“Booked a transfer from Vienna to Prague, with one stop at Kutna Hora. Great service, punctual, very comfortable car, friendly driver, spoke English fluently and knew the town very well and took us to the type of site we wanted to know.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler ArturoClaudio

Jan 5, 2020

Fantastic experience

“There were 5 of us travelling from Vienna to Prague and then back again over the Christmas holidays. The vans were clean, comfortable and had lots of room for luggage. Both Jan and Petr were excellent drivers, and pick up and drop off times were right on schedule. Being able to stop along the way was a great idea, and we especially enjoyed Kutna Hora. This is such a great way to get from place to place, so convenient and relaxing with someone else doing the driving. We would definitely do it again!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler mommajopat

Oct 20, 2019

Very professional and excellent service

“I took private transfer from Vienna to Prague on 12th October. It went absolutely fine. Also they are very professional in their approach, always quick to respond for any query. But my wait. I saved my best words for driver David. He is gem of a guy. I'd been to so many road trips around the world but David has been the best by far. Not just he was enthusiastic in providing the information, he was funny and have good sense of humour. Just astounding to have a person like u. I'll definitely recommend Daytrip and will myself use their services again may be with David again. Thanks”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Vaibhav_Jgrnt

Oct 15, 2019

Great trip from Prague to Vienna

“We had a really good trip with Vladislav from our apartment in Prague to an apartment in Vienna. He was most considerate and drove well. He was most helpful with the luggage and the bottles of water were a nice touch. We found the company online and the booking went smoothly. It was good to hear from them by email a few days prior as we booked before we left Australia 5 weeks earlier. The whole process worked really well. Many thanks DayTrip and in particular Vladislav. l highly recommend using this company.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Pamela S

Sep 24, 2019

2 OUTSTANDING transfers with David and Stanislav!! Highly Recommend!!!

“We booked in advance (husband/myself) 2 seperate transfers (different days) from Prague to Vienna (no stops per our request) and Vienna to Salzburg. This company is AMAZING and will only use them in the future! Correspondence and payment system is great! We booked suv both ways due to having 5 pieces of luggage. Both transfers on time and great clean cars, esp the MERCEDES upgrade we received with Stanislav - thank you Daytrip!! David was our driver Prague to Vienna, great driver-guide - experienced, charming, easy to talk to, great transfer! Stanislav was our driver-guide from Vienna to Salzburg and he is one of the BEST drivers we've had in 20 years of travel!! He went above and beyond without even asking!! We had time to spare, as did he, so he offered us short stop at Melk Abbey (amazing) and Hallstadt lake/Mondsee church-village (equally amazing) which really made our vacation!! His wife even packed goodies for us - how is that for service!!! I cannot HIGHLY RECOMMEND Stanislav enough, what a terrific guy - great fun to spend time with, amazing driver and vehicle!! Transfer prices are slightly on higher expense side but sooooooo worth it for convienence of door to door vs train/plane (the only way to travel now in my opinion for shorter drives). Thank you again Daytrip, David, and Stanislav!!!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler travelinspiration

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.