Czech Republic

Getting around by public transport

Public transport in the Czech republic is almost entirely run by the state, and is fairly well integrated. The best place to get information about times and fares for all modes of transport is IDOS - which runs an integrated public transport planning website for the country.

Trains.

The Czech republic's rail network is much the same as rail networks throughout Eastern Europe. They are cheap, especially for groups of 2 or more people travelling together. They are not quick however - the route from Prague to Breclav is the only really fast line in the whole country, and they generally lack facilities such as buffet cars. They can also be pretty uncomfortable in second class, and the quality of small local trains is extremely bad. Here are some tips on how to get the best out of the train service:

• Some routes, such as Prague to Cesky Krumlov are better done by bus because the route by train is quite indirect, meaning that it takes longer, and because prices are calculated by the distance travelled, may actually be more expensive.
• Lists of departures and arrivals are posted at every station. You are likely to need to refer to these as few staff apart from those at international counters speak english. Departures are listed in yellow.
• Ask for your tickets together - a single ticket will be issued for a group. A group of 4 will pay about the same as 2 people travelling separately

Coaches.

The Czech Republic is a fairly small country, so journeys tend to be quite short. Because of this, and because the train service leaves rather a lot to be desired, buses are an important mode of travel in the Czech republic. They are generally fairly basic coaches, so they are not particularly comfortable in themselves. Apart from at major bus stations such as Prague you pay the driver when you board the bus. You must pay extra if you are carrying luggage. Buses generally leave from Florenc (pronounced Florents) bus station in Prague, but buses returning to the cty will stop at one of three different bus stations at the ends of the various Metro lines. You will then need to catch the metro into the centre. See the section on public transport in Prague for details of this.