Train to Prague 2026: From Berlin, Munich and Vienna
Popular
By train, Prague is about four hours from Berlin and Vienna, just over two hours from Dresden and around five and a half hours from Munich. Two things to know in autumn 2026: between Munich and Prague, replacement buses run on part of the route until 20 November, and from 13 December 2026 Leo Express takes over the line. Around Prague checked these details on 29 October 2026. Timetables and fares change, so check your connection with the operator shortly before you travel.
Overview: trains to Prague
| From | Journey time | How often | Operator | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | about 4 h | roughly every 2 h | ČD, DB | via Dresden; trains start in Hamburg |
| Dresden | just over 2 h | roughly every 2 h | ČD, DB | scenic ride through the Elbe valley |
| Frankfurt, Erfurt, Leipzig, Dresden | overnight | daily | Leo Express | since 25 June 2026, seats and couchettes |
| Munich | about 5.5 h | roughly every 2 h | alex (Die Länderbahn), ČD | replacement bus Schwandorf–Plzeň until 20 Nov 2026; Leo Express from 13 Dec 2026 |
| Vienna | about 4 h | up to 9 a day | ČD, ÖBB, RegioJet | via Brno; some trains from Graz |
| Brussels, Amsterdam | overnight | 3 times a week | European Sleeper | night train via Berlin and Dresden |
From Berlin, Hamburg and Dresden
The main line runs from Hamburg via Berlin and Dresden through the Elbe valley to Prague. Trains run by Czech Railways (ČD) and Deutsche Bahn leave roughly every two hours during the day. From Berlin Hauptbahnhof the journey takes about four hours depending on the train, from Dresden just over two. Between Bad Schandau and Děčín the line follows the Elbe past the sandstone cliffs of Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland. In Prague the trains first stop at Praha-Holešovice and then terminate at the main station, Praha hlavní nádraží. Since 2026 some trains from Prague continue via Berlin and Hamburg to Copenhagen.
There is also a late-evening option. Since 25 June 2026 Leo Express has run a daily train from Frankfurt Airport via Erfurt, Leipzig and Dresden to Prague, continuing towards Ostrava and Kraków. According to the timetable it leaves Dresden around 22:30 and reaches Prague after 1 a.m. It has economy and business seats and couchettes. Engineering works can shift the times on some days.
From Munich and Regensburg
Direct trains between Munich and Prague run roughly every two hours via Freising, Landshut, Regensburg, Schwandorf, Cham, Furth im Wald, Domažlice and Plzeň (Pilsen). The journey takes about five and a half hours. On the German side the line runs as alex (RE 25) operated by Die Länderbahn, on the Czech side with ČD.
Engineering works: from 15 October to 20 November 2026 the sections Schwandorf–Cham and Furth im Wald–Domažlice are closed. For the Munich–Prague service, express buses run between Schwandorf and Plzeň, and train tickets are valid on them. The journey takes longer, and bikes are only partly allowed on the buses.
From 13 December 2026 Leo Express will run the Prague–Plzeň–Regensburg–Munich line under contract to the Czech Ministry of Transport. It plans eight connections a day at two-hour intervals, with modernised Intercity coaches for up to 200 km/h.
From Vienna, Graz and Brno
Railjet and ComfortJet trains run by ČD and ÖBB link Vienna and Prague via Brno; according to ČD there have been up to nine connections a day since December 2025. The journey takes about four hours. Three trains a day come from Villach and Graz over the new Koralm line. RegioJet runs a cheaper alternative on the same route; our RegioJet guide explains how to buy tickets.
From Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland
The European Sleeper night train links Brussels and Amsterdam with Prague via Berlin and Dresden three times a week. According to the operator it leaves Brussels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and returns from Prague on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. There is no direct daytime train from Switzerland to Prague; most travellers change in Munich.
Tickets and fares
- Where to book: Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de), ČD (cd.cz), ÖBB (oebb.at), RegioJet and Leo Express. Cross-border tickets through to Prague are sold as a single ticket.
- Book early: fares rise as trains fill up. Depending on the route, saver fares start at around €10–15; close to departure they cost much more.
- Deutschlandticket: it is not valid to Prague, nor on the EuroCity trains between Dresden and Prague. In Czechia it is accepted only on a few short cross-border sections.
- Advent: trains to the Prague Christmas markets fill up, so reserve a seat.
- Engineering works: all routes have regular closures with replacement buses. Check your connection a few days before you travel.
Arriving in Prague
Most long-distance trains terminate at Praha hlavní nádraží, the main station. From there it is about a ten-minute walk to Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), and metro line C stops right in the station. Trains from Berlin and Dresden also stop earlier at Praha-Holešovice, which is on metro line C too. For the metro, trams and buses you need a PID ticket, most easily bought in the PID Lítačka app. Our guides to Prague public transport and the Prague metro explain the details, and our 1-, 2- and 3-day itinerary helps you plan your stay.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long is the train from Berlin to Prague?
About four hours. Trains run via Dresden roughly every two hours.
Is there a direct train from Munich to Prague?
Yes, roughly every two hours, taking about five and a half hours. Until 20 November 2026 replacement buses run between Schwandorf and Plzeň; from 13 December 2026 Leo Express operates the line.
How long is the train from Vienna to Prague?
About four hours via Brno, with up to nine connections a day run by ČD, ÖBB and RegioJet.
Which station do trains arrive at in Prague?
Praha hlavní nádraží, the main station. Trains from Berlin and Dresden also stop at Praha-Holešovice. Both are on metro line C.
Is there a night train to Prague?
Yes: Leo Express runs daily from Frankfurt, Erfurt, Leipzig and Dresden, and European Sleeper runs three times a week from Brussels and Amsterdam via Berlin.
Sources: Die Länderbahn: RE 25 engineering works, Leo Express: Prague–Munich line from 13 Dec 2026, timetables of DB, ČD, ÖBB, RegioJet, Leo Express and European Sleeper. Checked on 29 October 2026.
See also: From Prague Airport to the city centre, 17 day trips from Prague, Prague Christmas markets 2026.
Comments (0)
Please be polite. Spam and insults will be removed.