Dec 02 2011
Train system in Czech Republic
Using trains for a day trips from Prague is quite a good option as it is a common means of transportation in the Czech Republic. Trains are quite comfortable and still cheap compared to other Europe countries. And if you wish to explore Czech republic, you will see that traveling by train is convenient as all Czech cities, towns and many villages have their train stations and are interconnected well and you can easily get from one place to another.
All train lines are provided by state-run rail system Czech railways Ceske drahy (CD) in Czech. The price for ticket will depend on which train you take: EuroCity, SuperCity or regular Express. Travelers can purchase tickets for train services inside the Czech Republic on the spot. They can choose plain tickets (jizdenka) or tickets with reservation (mistenka) for a seat, couchette or sleeper. You can have discount if you buy group ticket for the same trip with at least one other person. Or return ticket will cost less and you have to come back within 24 hours when traveling inside the Czech Republic or within two months for international traveling. If you use trains very often, customer crds such as In-karta and prepaid card can be useful for you. Prague hotels receptions usually can provide information about trains for it´s guests.
In Prague there are 2 international train stations and 2 train stations that serve mostly local destinations. Main international Railway Stations are Wilsonovo Nadrazi (Hlavni Nadrazi) at Wilsonova, Prague 2 and Holesovice Station (Nadrazi Holesovice) at Partyzanska, Prague 7. Both of them are connected by metro (red line C) to the rest of Prague and you can find money exchange offices, tourist information offices and a left luggage service. You are also able to find accommodation through some agencies there.
Prague’s main train station Hlavni Nadrazi is just a few minutes from Prague’s city centre right by the old and new towns in the city, a short walk from the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock and Wenceslas Square.
The second largest in Prague is International railway station Nadrazi Holesovice. As a rule the trains from the West and the North of Europe arrive to this train station, most popular directions trains to Vienna, Budapest and Berlin.
Train stations in Prague for traveling withing the Czech Republic are Masarykovo nadrazi (station), Smichovske Nadrazi Train Station, Vysocanske Station.
Masarykovo Nadrazi Train Station is situated in Hybernska, Prague 1 near namesti Republiky in the city center and very close to Hlavni Nadrazi. Masaryrikovo Nadrazi is the oldest railway station in Prague, and it services mostly suburban destinations, it is not so interesting for foreign travelers unless they want to travel in Czech Republic.
Smichovske Nadrazi or Nadrazi Praha-Smichov is one of the more important railway stations in Prague, that connects Prague with cities in the direction of Pisek and Plzen.