Private car transfer
from Hallstatt to Prague

However, your car trip begins in the lakeside town of Hallstatt. After breathing in one last gasp of fresh air and taking in the jaw-dropping surroundings, you'll gently pull away from the quiet streets and onto the narrow roads gently flowing alongside nature. The soaring peaks of the Austrian Alps seem impassible until you spot a route in the distance, twisting and turning along the foothills of each dramatic cliff.

The jagged terrain of Austria ends as you cross the Czech frontier. The landscape gradually transforms into rolling hills and pastoral fields. As you speed through the nation's flat plains, Ceske Budejovice's colorful buildings peak above the lush greenery surrounding the setting. A stop here can fuel the final leg of your journey when the open fields slowly close into busy streets and Prague's iconic Gothic spires signal the finish line of your epic road trip.

The drive from Hallstatt to Prague isn't about the destinations on both ends of the road. It's about the adventure, scenery, landmarks, and memories you make on the way. So, keep reading our in-depth travel guide to uncover everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

Early Prague

A Celtic tribe named Boii first inhabited the land in 550 BC. Over time, Germanic tribes came to settle along the river until the Roman Empire invaded in the 1st century AD.

Prague thrived financially and culturally until the fall of the Romans in 476 AD. But its most notable period was in the 9th century when Prince Borivoj constructed Prague Castle. By the 14th century, it became the Holy Roman Empire's capital, and as a result, many significant buildings, such as Charles University and the Charles Bridge, were built.

The city's growing popularity attracted growing empires from across Europe. The Hussite Wars, the Habsburg Rule, and the Thirty Years War fueled a turbulent few centuries.

Recent and modern Prague

Until World War I, Prague was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But after its demise, the city became the political headquarters for the newly formed Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.

Unfortunately, Prague was once again invaded in 1939, this time by Nazi Germany, and after World War II, it fell under Soviet influence up until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Only four years later, the Velvet Divorce led to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia when Prague and Bratislava became the capitals of their respective states.

Today, Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Its Old Town is a labyrinth of Disney-like streets where cobbled lanes flow through colorful buildings housing anything from cozy stores to traditional taverns. The fairytale feeling continues when you stumble upon one of the countless gothic towers dotted along its medieval lanes. The Old Town Bridge Tower is the most eye-catching, with the dominating Castle District sitting in the background, looming over the bright orange-tiled roofs of the houses below.

The patches of greenery littering the cityscape make you feel like you're never far from nature. The traditional bars and restaurants lining each brick-paved path add upbeat energy oozing through the youthful yet historical city!

• Language: Czech
• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: temperate oceanic
• Plug types: C and E

Sample the beer

The Czech Republic is a beer-lover’s paradise, and if you're not one yet, the chance is you just haven't found one that you enjoy in this nation. There are many reasons why Czech beers are so awesome, and you can find out why in Ceske Budejovice, the home of the original Budweiser.

A tour of the Budvar Visitor Center explains the fascinating work that goes into creating this liquid gold. Or you can head to one of the endless traditional bars around town and sample different products.

Do your homework

Nobody likes homework, especially on vacation! However, you'll uncover intriguing facts and stories after researching the Czech Republic.

You can also make your life easier. Locals will appreciate it if you learn a few basic phrases, and you won't have to sweat trying to figure out how much of a tip to leave at a bar or eatery. And don't forget, you'll change from Euro (EUR) to Czech koruna (CZK) after traveling from Hallstatt to Prague.

Trains from Hallstatt to Prague

Trains are the most popular and the cheapest way to travel from Hallstatt to Prague. OBB is the primary train company on this route, offering punctual and reliable services with modern conveniences such as restrooms and an onboard cafe.

To travel by train, you first must get to Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen Bahnhof, on the other side of Hallstatt Lake. From here, you'll buy a ticket to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi. But as no direct trains are available, you'll change carriages at Linz HBF en route.

• Cheapest/average ticket: $27-$37 (614-841 CZK)
• Fastest/average duration: 5 hours, 23 minutes; 6 hours, 45 minutes
• First/last departure: 12:58 AM-10:41 PM

Buses from Hallstatt to Prague

Unfortunately, no direct bus runs from Hallstatt to Prague. In fact, part of the voyage requires a shuttle service to Cesky Krumlov. You can opt for a shared carriage for almost $50 (1100 CZK) or a private vehicle costing $255 (5,800 CZK) that carries up to three people.

Once you arrive in Cesky Krumlov, you'll board a Flixbus service to Prague. Although most buses arrive at Prague Central Bus Station Florenc, the city has ten stations. So note which is more convenient for you before purchasing a ticket.

• Cheapest/average overall cost: $61-$95 (1386-2159 CZK)
• Fastest/average duration: 5 hours, 35 minutes; 5 hours, 55 minutes
• First/last departure from Hallstatt: 8:35 AM- 5:00 PM

Daytrip from Hallstatt to Prague

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the only direct travel method from Hallstatt to Prague. Therefore, it's the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to transfer between destinations. In only 4 hours and 40 minutes, your professional driver can pick you up directly at your hotel in Hallstatt, speed through Europe's natural wonders, and drop you off at your new accommodation in Prague.

However, Daytrip is also the most adventurous way to travel from Hallstatt to Prague. Our optional sightseeing packages allow you to immerse yourself in unique experiences like beer tastings in Cesky Budejovice and lounging in a thermal spa in Bad Ischl. You can also admire the breathtaking architecture at Cervena Lhota or one of the Czech Republic's most incredible fortresses, Konopiste Castle. Since your driver will be a proud local with a passion for travel, they can give you an insight into what to expect before you arrive!

• Seats from: $82 (1863 CZK)
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• Equipped for children and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Cross the Charles Bridge

Constructed in 1357, Charles Bridge is an iconic medieval stone arch bridge connecting Old Town and Lesser Town. Around 30 Baroque statues of saints line the bridge, creating a pedestrian avenue and an open-air gallery.

The structure offers spectacular views of the Vltava River and the Prague skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset. Street artists, musicians, and vendors add to its upbeat atmosphere, making it a lively spot day and night.

Ascend Prague Castle

After crossing the Charles Bridge, it's just a picturesque stroll up to Prague Castle. Each time you stop and turn on this mini trek, you witness more of the Old Town and the Church of Our Lady rising above the river.

Since the 9th century, the palace has been the home of Holy Roman emperors, Czechoslovakian presidents, and kings of Bohemia. But you're free to explore much more than the palace. The Furstenberg Garden, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the fairytale Golden Lane are also here. Although Golden Lane costs money to visit, it's free to enter after 6 PM.

Swap city life for nature at Petrin Hill

Petril Hill is one of the city's largest green spaces, towering 420 feet (128 m) above the banks of the Vltava River. Despite being a stone's throw from the Old Town, the smell of woody aromas, the sounds of grasshoppers, and the dense woodlands around the trails to the summit transport you away from the hustle and bustle.

From above, you can relax in the Rose Garden, enjoy a picnic, or wander the shaded paths. If you're traveling as a family or want a more action-packed day out, you can ascend the Petrin Tower, which is sure to put shivers down your spine!

Visit the Old Town Square

You can't visit Prague without admiring the Old Town Square. Exquisite baroque-style buildings encircle this postcard setting, and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn stands proudly above its surroundings. But there's another landmark standing out: The Astronomical Clock. This is the world's oldest working one of its kind and even offers you a show on the hour every hour until 11 PM.

Although plenty of stylish dining outlets are around this area, it's best to avoid them if you want to indulge in the flavor of Czech cuisine. Many of these are aimed at tourists. But if you stroll down any of the side alleys, you can find an authentic spot to refuel on your day of sightseeing!

From the end of March until June, you'll experience the best of both worlds. The average daily temperature ranges from 57°F to 68°F (14°C to 20°C), which is pleasant for taking walking tours, visiting museums, and even climbing Petrin Hill, which overlooks the cityscape.

You'll also be free to explore top tourist attractions and wander the narrow Old Town lanes. In the summer, you'll encounter bottlenecks from tourist groups and locals trying to pass by. Google one image of crowds on the Charles Bridge in summer, and you'll see why traveling in the busy season can be overwhelming!