16 best day trips from Prague, Czechia by train

So, you’re in Prague. You’ve nailed the Charles Bridge selfie, spent hours trying to figure out that astronomical clock, and probably eaten more guláš than you’d like to admit. Now what?

Don’t get us wrong — Prague is all kinds of amazing, but sometimes you just need to escape the medieval charm and all those cobblestones.

Luckily, the Czech Republic (and beyond!) is packed with places that are just a quick train ride away. We’re talking fairytale castles, quirky small towns, and even a cheeky cross-border adventure or two.

Moreover, these day trips don’t involve herding yourself onto a tour bus or renting a car. Just hop on a train, kick back, and let the Czech countryside roll by.

Sounds good? Then grab your train snacks — here are 16 of the best day trips from Prague.

Church of Saint James and Old Town in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, milangonda

Kutná Hora: the spooky one

The nearest train station: Kutná Hora (from 50m)

This one is for the folks who want their day trips with a side of “creepy but cool”. Kutná Hora is home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary, aka the Bone Church. Yep, it’s literally decorated with the bones of more than 40,000 people. Beyond that, it’s a lovely town with some medieval charm and a good backstory: it used to be the silver mining capital of Bohemia. You’ll leave both spooked and fascinated.

Pilseň: the beer-lover’s dream

The nearest train station: Plzeň (from 1h 17m)

Calling all beer fans: Pilseň is your dream destination. Home to Pilsner Urquell, this is where the world’s most famous style of beer was born. Tour the brewery, learn about the science behind the golden nectar, and maybe sample one or two (or five). It’s also a pretty good place to soak up some Czech culture — when you’re not soaking up beer.

Poděbrady: the chill one

The nearest train station: Poděbrady (about 50m)

Need a spa day? Poděbrady is your go-to for a low-key day of hot springs, healing waters, and pretending you’re a fancy European aristocrat. It’s also got some nice riverside walks, and the pace here is so slow you’ll practically feel your stress melt away. Grab an ice cream, sit by the river, and act like you have no responsibilities for a few hours.

Karlštejn Castle in the Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, Vrabelpeter1

Karlštejn Castle: the fairytale one

The nearest train station: Karlštejn (about 30m on train, then about a 30m walk)

If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re in a Disney movie, Karlštejn Castle is the place to do it. Built by Charles IV in the 14th century, this Gothic beauty looks straight out of a storybook. It is perched on a hill with some dreamy views and comes with all the knight-in-shining-armor vibes you could want. Easy to reach, and you’ll feel like royalty.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park: the Instagram-worthy one

The nearest train station: Děčín Main Train Station (from 1h 30m)

Want to hike through landscapes that’ll make your Instagram explode? Bohemian Switzerland (spoiler: not actually in Switzerland) is where you need to be. Think dramatic sandstone formations, lush forests, and that famous Pravčická brána arch you’ve seen in a thousand pictures. It’s nature at its finest.

Terezín concentration camp: the sobering one

The nearest station: Bohušovice nad Ohří (about 1h) — then continue to Terezín by bus (about 15m) or foot (about 30m)

This one is not exactly lighthearted, but it’s important. Terezín was a Nazi concentration camp, and visiting is a powerful, emotional experience. The memorials and museums give a raw insight into the atrocities that happened here. It’s a tough day, but you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of history.

Aerial view of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, Allright reserved @ Naxerdam

Český Krumlov: the picture-perfect one

The nearest train station: České Budějovice, then to Český Krumlov by RegioJet bus (total journey time: a little over 2h)

Ever wish you could explore a gorgeous town without elbowing your way through tourists? Welcome to Český Krumlov! With its winding streets, pastel houses, and that jaw-dropping castle, you’ll wonder why everyone’s still in Prague. Explore at your own pace and soak up the fairytale vibes.

Dresden, Germany: the German escape

The nearest train station: Dresden (from 2h 9m)

Feeling like a cheeky hop over to Germany? Dresden is just over two hours from Prague and offers a nice change of scenery (and sausages). This city was nearly flattened in World War II, but the reconstruction is jaw-droppingly impressive. It’s also got some world-class art galleries, cool cafés, and a relaxed riverside vibe.

Dětenice medieval castle: the quirky one

The nearest train station: Kopidlno, then to Dětenice, náves by bus (from 2h 19m)

Ready for some time travel? Visiting Dětenice is like stepping into a full-on medieval party. Think knights, tavern wenches, and epic feasts where you eat with your hands. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re looking for a day trip that’s completely out of the ordinary, this quirky medieval experience is worth the trek.

Aerial view of Olomouc, Czech Republic. Image Credit: Getty Images, Velishchuk

Olomouc: the underrated gem

The nearest train station: Olomouc (from 2h 10m)

Olomouc might just be the coolest Czech city you’ve never heard of. It’s got all the charm of Prague — minus the crowds. Baroque architecture, an impressive town square, and a laid-back university vibe make it the perfect place to explore without feeling like a tourist. Plus, it’s a foodie paradise.

Brno: Prague’s cool cousin

The nearest train station: Brno (from 2h 25m)

If Prague is the polished older sibling, Brno is the artsy, alternative younger one. Czechia’s second city has an underground bar scene that could give Berlin a run for its money. Make sure to check out the unique museums, like the Brno Underground or the famously confusing Astronomical Clock — a modern art piece that even the locals can’t quite figure out.

Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise): the outdoor enthusiast’s dream

The nearest train station: Turnov (from 1h 47m)

There’s a reason Český ráj is called paradise. This place is all about towering rock formations, peaceful forests, and stunning views. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, or just want to explore some old castles scattered around, Bohemian Paradise is the spot to get your adventure fix.

Winter in Karlovy Vary. Image Credit: Getty Images, Henryk Sadura

Karlovy Vary: the hot spring haven

The nearest train station: Karlovy Vary (from 3 h 9 m)

Karlovy Vary is all about those steamy hot springs and fancy spa vibes. It’s where you go if you want to pamper yourself or just stroll around a town that feels like it was made for royalty. Try some of the mineral water (fair warning: it’s an acquired taste) and imagine yourself in a completely carefree world.

Linz, Austria: the unexpected one

The nearest train station: Linz (from 3h 45m)

Linz may not be the first city that comes to mind for a day trip, but it’s full of surprises. Art lovers will appreciate the Lentos Art Museum, and there’s a fun, vibrant riverside scene to enjoy. Plus, Austrian pastries. Need we say more?

Graben shopping street in Vienna, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari

Vienna, Austria: the fancy one

The nearest train station: Vienna (from 4 h 5 m)

Okay, four hours might seem like a long ride, but it’s Vienna. Totally worth it. Spend the day pretending to be fancy in palaces like Schönbrunn, or just grab a coffee in one of the city’s famous cafés. This is a day trip that lets you cross another European capital off your list.

Bratislava, Slovakia: the underrated one

The nearest train station: Bratislava (from 4 h 18 m)

Slovakia’s capital is just over four hours away, and it’s perfect if you want to experience a new country without too much travel. Bratislava’s Old Town is cute and compact, and the vibe here is super laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, sip on a beer, and watch the world go by.

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Český Krumlov old town view throw arched window. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Yasonya

16 epic day trips from Prague you’ll actually want to take