Getting There By Rail
Cesk drhy – CD (tel: 412 503 113; website: www.cd.cz), manages Prague’s railways and stations. Some of the old-fashioned stock is a delight for travellers and the rail system still displays a great deal of the old Austrian pride in the system – a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was famous for the extent of its railway network and the comfort and punctuality of their trains. Even Communist rule could not eradicate the pride the railroad takes in its service and these days the network is being modernised for the 21st century.
Rychlck (also express and span) trains only stop at major towns and cities. Osobnvlak are local trains that stop everywhere and average about 30km (19 miles) an hour. Trains are reliable and usually run on time. In many instances, however, buses are faster, due to routing, though most trains are more comfortable.
The two main international terminals are Hlavn ndra~ (main station), Wilsonova, Prague 2, and Ndra~ Holeaovice, Vrbenskho, Prague 7. Masarykovo ndra~, Hybernsk, Prague 1, is the station for trains to Moravia and Slovakia. Praha-Smchov (Smchovsk ndra~), Prague 5, is the station for trains to the south of Bohemia, and Praha-Vysocany, Prague 5, for eastern Bohemia. All stations have lockers and 24-hour left-luggage facilities, while the international stations also have exchange facilities and tourist information services.
Rail services: Direct rail links connect Prague with more than 20 European cities, including Munich (journey time – 5 hours), Vienna (journey time – 4 hours 30 minutes), Berlin (journey time – 5 hours 30 minutes) and Paris (journey time – 10 hours). Seat reservations are strongly recommended on all services.
Transport to the city: The main station (Hlavn ndra~) is only a short walk from the city centre, however, the surrounding park can be very dangerous as it regularly attracts a variety of low life, especially after dark. It is therefore advisable for visitors to take the metro. Ndra~ Holeaovice (line B) and Smchovsk ndra~ (line C) are on the metro, while tram 3 goes from the main station to Masarykovo ndra~.
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Getting There By Rail