Private car transfer from Prague to Venice

Before you arrive, you take one last look at Prague's fairytale Old Town, studded with gothic towers dominating the city. You'll loop through the snow-capped peaks of the iconic Austrian Alps that look like a picture book. Finally, you'll cross into Italy, where vineyards flow as willingly as the Aperol Spritz in Italy's third-most visited city.

A clean and comfortable service is the only way to soak up this epic road trip's scenery, culture, and historical significance. To enjoy this trip to the fullest, keep reading our insider's guide to traveling from Prague to Venice!

The Foundation and Rise of Venice

Venice's refined and extraordinary architecture has an equally impressive past. In the 5th century AD, locals from surrounding towns and villages fled from incoming barbarian tribes from the north and east. Their selected spot happened to be Venice, a swampy island just 2.5 miles from the mainland.

The area started as a refugee center, but it wasn't long before it started to grow in power. The Roman Empire had fallen, and the now-ruling Byzantine Empire noticed the strategic trading positions between the Western and the booming Islamic worlds. Its central position linking the two regions allowed the city to grow into a substantial maritime port.

The Venetian Empire and the Republic

By 679 AD, Venice grew from a hiding base into its very own republic. With the island as its headquarters, the Republic of Venice prospered for well over 1000 years. It continued to spread east as far as the Mediterranean island of Cyprus until it collapsed just before the 19th century.

The Renaissance period was arguably the city's most influential during its lifespan. Music, architecture, and art were mixed to create a European cultural hub. European aristocrats came from afar to be included in this ever-growing melting pot of culture. Because of its ever-growing popularity, brothers Giovanni and Gentile Bellini established the Venice School of Painting.

Although the local’s way of life changed, the city's streets and waterways also got a facelift. Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Rialto Bridge were built, showcasing the city's advanced thinking for the time.

Recent and Modern Venice

The famed Venetian Empire halted after Napoleon's crusade through Europe reached the area at the end of the 18th century. It quickly swapped hands between France and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire until it returned to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, where it remains today.

In 2024, the picturesque canals remain the same as they were hundreds of years ago. In fact, the streets have gotten taller. And streets have gotten narrower, creating a concrete jungle maze. Yet, the romantic waterways and postcard streets allow you to enjoy every minute of being lost in the floating city. And if you ever need a break from exploring, you can recharge at one of the cafes at St. Mark Square to mingle with the locals over a well-deserved glass of prosecco!

Book in Advance

Traveling from Prague to Venice isn't a cheap voyage. However, if you book early, you can save up to 50% on transportation tickets.

The two cities are also sought after year-round. So, seats may sell out if you wait until the last minute. The last thing you want on a vacation is to feel stranded in a foreign city!

Pack for the Occasion

Before setting off, check the weather forecast. Exploring the outdoors and ancient ruins along the way won't be as pleasant if it's raining and you don't have any waterproof clothes or umbrellas. If traveling in the summer, you need plenty of water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

No matter what season you travel, always pack for comfort. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind sitting in for hours. You can also consider a travel blanket and pillow.

Research Venice

Venice and Prague are both busy and captivating spaces. However, they couldn't be more different. On the long drive, you have the time to research the differences, learn phrases, and know what to expect once you arrive.

For instance, certain public transport queues are open only to residents of Venice. As a tourist, you must wait in a separate line.

Also, The Floating City has a unique cuisine, even for Italy. Read up on local blogs or ask your Daytrip driver for tips and the best spots to eat through Venice with the locals.

Flights from Prague to Venice

A direct flight is the fastest way to travel from Prague to Venice. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes, to 1 hour and 30 minutes (but remember to add 2 hours for check-in and security, plus getting to and from the airport to the total travel time). Budget airline Ryanair operates on this route, so flights in the off-season start at as low as €29.99 one way.

The most vital thing to note when traveling from Prague to Venice by flight is your arrival destination. Venice has two airports: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Venice Treviso Airport (TSF). Treviso is 40 minutes north of the city and is the preferred terminal for cheaper airlines.

Once you fly to Marco Polo Airport, you can hop on a quick 25-minute shuttle bus to downtown Venice. If you land at Treviso Airport, you can opt for an indirect train or a tourist airport bus, which takes over an hour and costs €12.

Train from Prague to Venice

The train is the most popular way local and foreign tourists go from Prague to Venice. It's also a slow travel option at over 12 hours. Since it sits along an in-demand interrail route, it can get crowded in the summer.

If you travel outside the peak tourist season, you can look forward to an enjoyable venture. Czech Railways CD, OBB, and Deutsche Bahn operate on this trail, and all have modern conveniences such as free wifi, charging outlets, and an onboard cafe.

Important features to note about the train from Prague to Venice are:

• Earliest train: 4:12 a.m.
• Last train: 00:01 a.m.
• Number of trains per day: 52
• Fastest journey: 12 hours, 25 minutes
• Tickets from: €44

Bus from Prague to Venice

The bus is a cheap way to travel from Prague to Venice. Flixbus is the primary carrier on this voyage, with seats between €35 and €70. However, its low prices come at a cost.

This mode of transportation is the most time-consuming way to travel. It takes between 15 and 20 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Since there are no direct routes, you'll likely transfer to Graz, Munich, or Verona.

Daytrip Private Car from Prague to Venice

Daytrip is the easiest way to travel from Prague to Venice. You don't have to worry about changing carriages, flight delays, or missing your mode of transportation. With Daytrip's private door-to-door service, you select where and when you want to be collected, and your English-speaking driver will manage your bags and drop you off directly at your new address in Venice (or at the ferry dock if you're staying on the island).

But Daytrip is also the most enriching way to get from Prague to Venice. Instead of just admiring medieval villages dominated by scenic hilly terrain, you can walk right into the postcard views. Udine is one of Europe's most underrated cities, with views of the surrounding mountains and an abundance of interesting regional museums.

Admire St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

It doesn't matter how much you see pictures of St. Mark's Basilica and Square. You cannot prepare for its sheer beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship.

For generations, this was Europe's hotbed of culture. As of 2024, you can still feel the energy passing through its grand open space. The best place to soak up the views and atmosphere is with an espresso in one of the surrounding cafes.

Cross the Rialto Bridge to Reach the Rialto Market

In the 15th century, Renaissance architects designed and built the Rialto Bridge, Venice's only bridge along the Grand Canal. It's the oldest bridge on the canal and is still only one of two today.

After snapping gorgeous photos of the Venetian glimmering waters, it's time to venture into the San Polo district. Here, you'll discover the locals' favorite Rialto Market. Pick up some fresh fruit and take a quick break along the canal while taking in the scenery.

Get Lost Off the Beaten Path

Turn off Google Maps and get lost in the labyrinth of city alleyways! You'll stumble upon quaint squares, hidden churches, and charming trattorias.

Begin at the atmospheric vicinities of Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, where locals go about their daily lives away from the tourist hubs. On the journey through its canopy of towering buildings, you'll uncover artisan workshops, boutique shops, and hidden cafes. You'll gain a true insight into the authentic Venetian way of life.

Relax in Giardini della Biennale

Venice is blessed with genius engineering, an exquisite city, and canals from a rom-com blockbuster. However, its compact size means you won't find much green space. Luckily, there was enough room for the Giardini della Biennale to be built.

The gardens lie at the island's southeast tip, packed with leafy walkways and shaded fields, perfect for walking or a picnic. You can witness the Venice Biennale Art Festival here if you're lucky enough to visit between April 20th and November 27th.

Spring has half the number of tourists as summer but twice the amount of fun. The average high temperature of 71° Fahrenheit is not too overwhelming. So you can continue getting lost in the walkways for hours!

The outstanding discounts are another reason spring is the best time to visit Venice. Accommodation on the island can be expensive, but hotels slash fees to fill rooms as they would from the end of June to the beginning of September.