Few city’s can rival the Czech Republic's capital for beauty, but there's one picture-perfect town in South Bohemia ready to challenge. Which is best? You can decide after your thrilling road trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov!
With one final bid to win your approval, Prague offers stunning vistas of its majestic castle looming over the Vltava River as you jump in the car and begin your road trip south. A wave of greenery composed of pastoral fields flowing into the distance will mark the end of the bustling capital.
Grand manors decorated with traditional Czech architecture and medieval towns dressed in bright colors signal that the South Bohemia border is fast approaching. The alpine forests ensure you're on track to Cesky Budejovice, the final pitstop on this scenic voyage, where you can refuel with a pint of beer in the home of the original Budweiser.
Terracotta-tiled roofs wedged between the weaving Vltava River are the finish line of your road trip and your first impression of the new city. To continue your quest to uncover which city deserves the fairytale crown, we created this comprehensive Prague to Cesky Krumlov guide with everything you need to embark on this voyage!
About Cesky Krumlov
After your Prague to Cesky Krumlov transfer, you'll arrive in a small city with under 16,000 residents. Although it may only be South Bohemia's sixth-most populous town, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably one of the most beautiful towns on the planet. Its location in the south of the Czech Republic, 18 miles from the Austrian border, formed unique ways of life you wouldn't expect in the rest of the country.
Beginning of Cesky Krumlov
After the construction of the Cesky Krumlov Castle in 1253, housing began to form outside its imposing walls. The same year, Duke Otokar Styrsky first mentioned Cesky Krumlov as a town in a letter. Once the Rozmberk family took control of the land decades later, the city thrived as a trading hub and for its craftsmanship.
The last of the Rozmberk family died in 1611, which meant the Eggenberg and, eventually, the Schwarzenberg family inherited the town. Cesky Krumlov continued its steady growth until Nazi Germany invaded the Czech Republic in March 1939. After its liberation, it became part of Czechoslovakia and fell under Soviet influence until its collapse in 1991 and the demise of Czechoslovakia in 1992.
### Modern Cesky Krumlov
Today, Cesky Krumlov's Disney-like old town has been restored, earning it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It may sound cliche, but its winding cobbled roads, narrow walkways, and terracotta-tiled roofs perched pretty upon the colorful baroque housing make you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.
You'll find countless historical relics scattered throughout the historic quarter and beside the gushing waters of the Vltava River. The dominating castle district, one of Europe's most expansive medieval fortresses, showcases the city's prosperous past. The cozy shops serving anything from ice-cold beers to hearty plates of svíčková help it retain its city charm and close-knit spirit.
Language: Czech
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Climate: Continental
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and E
Fun fact: Cesky Krumlov translates from German as "Czech curve meadow" due to its position along the Vltava River!
## From Cesky Krumlov: travel tips
The extraordinary drive from Prague to Cesky Krumlov deserves a fun and stress-free experience. Luckily, that's what you get by learning our insider's tips and tricks for planning a road trip in the Czech Republic!
Pack wisely
Prague, Cesky Krumlov, and most towns en route are thousands of years old, with cobbled streets made for horses and carts. Therefore, you'll need to pack comfortable clothing and walking shoes if you plan on exploring on foot.
Also, don't forget to pack light. Hurdling suitcases over uneven roads or carrying heavy bags in the summer will spoil the vacation spirit.
### Create your own fairytale adventure
Every story needs a start, middle, and end. With Prague and Cesky Krumlov acting as your tale's intro and conclusion, you only need a few more settings. Luckily, you're in the "Land of Castles and Palaces!"
Karlstejn Castle's exquisite design is worthy enough to make the cover of your travel book, while the sleepy hamlet of Holasovice will inspire the plot of a medieval setting. But if you're searching for somewhere with a slightly darker past, Sazava Monastery will provide eerie entertainment!
### Opt for comfort
Driving from Prague to Cesky Krumlov isn't just a mode of transport from A to B. It's a travel experience. So don't forget to get comfortable, relax, and enjoy the scenic tour.
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most comfortable travel method between the cities. But if you're using public transport, consider spending more on conveniences such as extra legroom, and remember to bring a travel pillow!
How to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
You can drive the 107-mile distance from Prague to Cesky Krumlov in only 2 hours and 10 minutes. There's also a robust public transport network connecting the cities. But which means of transport is best depends on your needs and budget!
Buses from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
Buses are the cheapest way to travel from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. Budget bus companies Flixbus and RegioJet operate daily on this route. Both are similarly priced and offer the same comfort levels.
In general, the most convenient way to travel from Prague to Cesky Krumlov is to book a ticket online from Prague Central Train Station to Autobusove Nadrazi Cesky Krumlov. However, several departure points are in Prague. So find out which is closest to your hotel before booking a seat.
Cheapest bus ticket price: $9 (€8)
Average bus ticket price: $18.50 (€16)
Fastest bus duration: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Longest bus duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
First bus departure: 6:20 AM
Last bus departure: 7:25 PM
### Trains from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
The train is the most scenic transport method from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. It's also a balance between a budget and a comfortable mode of transport. Czech Railways is the train provider on this line. You can buy tickets from their website at the lowest fares.
All trains leave Praha Hlavni Nadrazi and arrive at Cesky Krumlov Station. Although no direct train goes from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, an indirect service requires one straightforward transfer at Cesky Budejovice.
Cheapest train ticket price: $16.50 (€15)
Average train ticket price: $26 (€24)
Quickest train duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Longest train duration: 3 hours and 22 minutes
First train departure: 8:21 AM
Last train departure: 8:46 PM
### Daytrip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. A professional driver will whisk you from your hotel in the capital, then through the Czech countryside, and drop you off at your new one down south in a clean, quiet, and modern vehicle.
Our private door-to-door service has a flexible schedule. So, you decide when you want your driver to meet you and handle your luggage, eliminating the dreaded 6 AM alarms and the stress of organizing taxis.
If that's not enough, Daytrip is also the most adventurous way to travel from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. With our optional sightseeing packages, you can explore the wonders of the heartlands of the Czech Republic that most services speed by.
Tabor is another one of the Czech Republic's fairytale cities. But it doesn't have herds of tourists like other demanding European destinations. If you're a beer fan, you must stop at Cesky Budejovice, the home of the original Budweiser. Here, you can tour its brewery or relax with a pint of Budvar in an authentic tavern!
Seats from: $51 (€47)
Door-to-door Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
English-speaking driver
Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer service
Free cancellation 24 hours before departing!
Things to do when you get to Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a small town. In fact, for every resident, there are around 120 tourists. So why do so many people book a Prague to Cesky Krumlov transfer? It's because of the abundance of things to see and do here!
Step inside the Church of St. Vitus
The Church of St. Vitus is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic and part of Cesky Krumlov’s UNESCO-listed old town. Jan Staněk built this place of worship in 1400, and it sits on the site of a previous church that was centuries older.
Its exterior is impressive, towering over the Vltava River with its black and white facade. However, its centerpieces are the lavish interior and tranquil environment dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
### Get lost in the old town
Quality over quantity is essential, and Cesky Krumlov is a fine example of this. Despite spanning only 8.56 square miles of land, its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most surreal settings nationwide.
The neighborhood's brick-paved lanes and charming baroque buildings feel trapped in a time warp. But if you look carefully, you'll find rows of cafes serving trendy iced coffees on a warm summer day or comforting hot chocolate in the winter hideaway period. You can wander for an entire afternoon, discovering the independent stores dotted along its alleyways.
### Climb up to the Cesky Krumlov Castle
Dominating the town, the Cesky Krumlov Castle is the second largest in the Czech Republic. The complex includes various historic buildings, gardens, and an iconic tower. You can even explore inside the castle, such as the Baroque Theatre, one of Europe's best-preserved Baroque theaters.
The castle's Renaissance and Baroque interiors provide a glimpse into the wealthy lifestyle of its past inhabitants. Also, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape and the Vltava River.
### Visit the Cesky Krumlov Regional Museum
The Cesky Krumlov Regional Museum probably isn't on your travel itinerary. However, you also probably don't know about the rich history and stories in the south of the Czech Republic. Fortunately, this museum gives an in-depth yet exciting view of the area's past life.
Most visitors will agree that the room-sized model of Cesky Krumlov at the beginning of the 19th century is the main event. But don't forget to appreciate other artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.
When is the best time to visit Cesky Krumlov?
Like many parts of Europe, the shoulder months are the best time to travel from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. Most notably, fewer tourist groups are in town compared with the peak summer season. But there are other reasons why visiting from April to May and September to October is perfect.
During April and fall, you get pleasant sunshine and ideal temperatures for walking tours and cultural excursions, unlike in July and August, when the sun can feel overpowering. However, it's still warm enough to eat al fresco style during the day and drink a cocktail under the stars. And the castle gardens in bloom are a sight to behold!
The Cesky Krumlov Castle's stunning interior is closed in winter but reopens at the beginning of April. With fewer tourists in town, you can admire the exhibits and walk through this setting fit enough for royalty with enough space to breathe but without bumping shoulders with other guests.
Daytrip은 전 세계 14,800+ 개 도시를 경험할 수 있는 가장 편리한 방법입니다.
모든 여행자는 자신이 방문하는 국가의 문화에 대한 진정한 통찰을 받을 자격이 있습니다. 그리고 지구상의 모든 놀라운 장소는 방문하고 감상할 가치가 있습니다. 우리는 독특한 현지 지식과 진정한 인간적 연결이 다른 문화를 진정으로 이해하는 데 있어 대체할 수 없다고 믿습니다.
Cesky Krumlov is easily accessible by train within the Czech Republic. You can catch a direct service from Cesky Budejovice or an indirect service from Prague in only 2 hours and 35 minutes. Check the Czech Railways website for live schedules to Cesky Krumlov from your departure station.
The easiest way to get from Prague Airport to Cesky Krumlov is to book an airport transfer with Daytrip. You can travel directly from the terminal to your hotel in under 2.5 hours. Or you can explore the sights en route. If you want a budget-friendly option, you can catch the airport shuttle to downtown Prague before swapping to a direct bus or an indirect train to Cesky Krumlov.
Daytrip is the easiest way to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. Our private door-to-door service will collect you from your hotel in the capital and drop you off anywhere you please in Cesky Krumlov. Our flexible schedule also lets you decide when you want your professional driver to collect you.
Daytrip is the fastest way to get from Prague to Cesky Krumlov. Our private door-to-door service can transfer you between the cities in just over two hours. Traveling outside Prague's rush hour traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM will avoid delays.
The average cost of an adult one-way train ticket from Prague to Cesky Krumlov is $26. However, prices on this line start as low as $16.50. Remember to purchase your tickets online through Czech Railways at least 30 days before departing for the best deals.
Cesky Krumlov is an ideal day trip from Prague. The roundtrip will take under 4.5 hours when driving safely, leaving plenty of time to explore the city. Cesky Krumlov is a small urban center, so you can easily explore the old town and experience its highlights within a day.
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Google “Most Beautiful Castle in the Czech Republic” and this thirteenth-century gem that lies close to the town of České Budějovice is certain to appear Windsor Castle in South Bohemia
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Visitors stopping by this remarkable UNESCO-listed village can catch a glimpse of nineteenth-century rural life in this recently restored and repopulated hamlet. A village from the past
"The driver was on time. The car was clean and comfortable. Francis, the driver, was friendly and shared cultural information with us. Communication using WhatsApp was easy and practical. We enjoyed the trip and would use this service again."
Luciane M.
United States
2025년 12월 17일
"Driver was early for pickup. Friendly service. Efficient and capable driving. Door to door, we had nothing to worry about. "
Fred B.
South Africa
2025년 9월 6일
"Pavel was very professional. Showed up on time for both pickup and the return trip. Very good experience. "
Robert L.
United States
2024년 11월 29일
"Driver Deny was very good. My friend twisted her foot and he was helpful and patient. Took us to the hospital and waited patiently to assist. Excellent and professional service. "
Yoke Kew H.
Singapore
2024년 10월 15일
"It was easy to book the car. I rcd information about the driver and the car 2 days before the trip. The company informed me about the change and the upgraded car one day before the trip. It was clean and spacious. The driver was on time. He drove safely. We reached our destination on time.
"
Kavita G.
United States
2024년 7월 5일
"This was a very pleasant trip.
The driver was good at setting the meeting places and the time.
Everything went very well."
Trond Inge S.
Norway
2024년 6월 30일
"We were very pleased with every aspect of our trip. Stefan was punctual, efficient, an interesting conversationalist, and very helpful. When the inn where we were staying was locked, he assisted us in reaching the receptionist and gaining entry to the inn. He went the extra mile in helping us when we were unsure what to do. We are very grateful. He was equally punctual, efficient and informative on our trip to the airport.
"
CORALIE B.
Canada
2024년 3월 19일
"My trip from prague to cesky krumlov was very good. Ales was an excellent driver and informational tour person. Very personable and easy to talk with. I saw everything I wanted and he was able to use a lot of back roads which was exactly what I wanted. I would definitely ask for him in the future!!!
"
karen c.
United States
2024년 2월 3일
"Ricardo was such a delight. He was very informative and answer all our questions with the trip. Gave a lot of tips and what a gentleman! He also drives very carefully and make sure of our safety all the time!"
micah angela k.
Korea, Republic of
2023년 12월 24일
"Our trip and driver was great. Josef was a good driver, friendly and helped us find our hotel in Cesky Krumlov. We love Daytrip.
"
Rich D.
United States
2023년 12월 11일
"Hello, Lukas was a great driver, very professional, on time and a great story teller. He helped set up tickets for the Budvar Brewery and let us see the Christmas market in town while we waited for the tour. His vehicle was clean roomy and quiet. It was a great experience and we enjoyed his company and the trip. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rich R."
Richard R.
United States
2023년 9월 27일
"Our trip from Prague to Česky Krumlov with Tereza went really well. She was in fact, early (we spotted her from the room before she had a chance to call/message us). We felt she was an excellent driver and was very personable. We thoroughly enjoyed our stop to Hluboka Castle but there really wasn’t much to see at Holasovice. There seemed to be no one there at all! We did a quick walk to stretch our legs and returned to the car. Even though the stop wasn’t much, we didn’t regret it, as the drive through the countryside was lovely."
Alex E.
Canada
2023년 9월 25일
"Lucas W. Was excellent! We thought the service was wonderful and would highly recommend him and your company."
Jeff V.
United States
2023년 9월 24일
"Lukas was fantastic, and so is this service. It’s allowed me to move around quite freely while in Europe.
Lukas was simply exceptional, and very knowledgeable about his home country’s history."
Melissa W.
United States
2023년 8월 20일
"Excellent. The Drivers were punctual, very professional, friendly and accomodating. I will definitely continue to use your service when traveling. Thank you."
Ava L.
United States
2023년 8월 13일
"Exceptional driver! Personable and professional. this was our first ride with DayTrip and we are very impressed. the car was impeccably clean and comfortable. thank you for an awesome ride! "
Lisa S.
United States
2023년 7월 16일
"The driver and car were awesome, very professional and nice. He was very concerned about our comfort."
Tim F.
United States
2023년 6월 21일
"We could not fault our trip from Prague to Cesky Kromlov. The driver Abid looked after us extremely well.
"
Rosie C.
Australia
2023년 5월 9일
"We had a very pleasant trip with Petr.
An excellent driver and felt safe traveling with him.
Many thanks "
RACHAEL M.
Australia
2023년 4월 29일
"Hugo was great. my flight was delayed and that set us back for our trip but he was enthusiastic and we moved on. He is very knowledgeable about the area of Czech Republic that we traveled through. the scenery was gorgeous and the ride on the winding roads to Karlstejn Castle. The recommended stop was excellent. so much history. I was delivered safely to my hotel in Southern Czech Republic having had an excellent driver and enjoyable conversation. "
