No flight needed! Prague's historic old town square is just 15 minutes walk from Prague Hlavni station where you arrive by train from London.
	Holidays to Prague by train

UK to Prague by train...

It's easy to travel from London to Prague by train, and affordable too.  Take an evening Eurostar from London to Brussels from £78 return, then travel Brussels to Prague next day from €46.90 each way.  Or take a mid-day Eurostar from London to Paris & a high-speed TGV to Karlsruhe, then an excellent Czech sleeping-car overnight to Prague, arriving next morning just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town.  Or take daytime high-speed trains from London to Berlin on day 1, stay overnight in the German capital, then take a daytime train along the scenic Elbe valley from Berlin to Prague on day 2.  The choice is yours...

Train times, fares & tickets

This is a step-by-step guide to train travel from the UK to Prague, with times, fares & how to buy tickets:

	London to Prague by day trains via Brussels - usually the cheapest option
	London to Prague via the Karlsruhe-Prague sleeper - the most time-effective option
	London to Prague via the Zurich-Prague sleeper - another time-effective option
	London to Prague via the Brussels-Berlin European Sleeper - time-effective & scenic
	London to Prague by day trains with overnight stop in Cologne or Berlin - easy & scenic
	London to Prague by day trains with overnight stop in Paris or Munich - also great options
	London & Cambridge to Prague via the Harwich-Hoek ferry - the ferry alternative
	London to Prague via the Harwich-Hoek daytime ferry - another ferry alternative
	London to other Czech destinations:  Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, Plzen...
	London to Krakow & Prague in one trip
	Scotland & the North to Prague by ferry from Hull or Newcastle
	Buying UK train tickets to connect with Eurostar

International trains to & from Prague

  Trains to Prague from other European cities

  Trains from Prague to other European cities

  Prague to Budapest by train from €21

  Prague to Vienna by train from €14

  Prague to Salzburg by train from €14

  Prague to Krakow by train from €19

  Prague to Munich by train from €15

Other useful information

  Useful country information: currency, dial code...

  Prague city map, metro & tourist information

  Prague Hlavni station information  

  Suggested hotels in Prague

  Travel insurance, mobile data, VPN & other tips

  Holidays  & tours to Prague by train

  Luggage on trains   Left luggage at stations    

  Taking your bike     Taking your dog

  General European train travel information

Interactive map:  Click a route

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Useful country information

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Option 1, London to Prague via Brussels

This is usually the cheapest option, although not as time-effective as option 2.  Eastbound, you can leave London in the evening after the close of the business day, stay overnight in Brussels arrive in Prague the following evening.  Westbound, you can leave Prague on the early train and travel all the way to London in a single day if you like.  Other routes may break up the trip better or have even better scenery, this involves a day-long ride across Germany with 3 changes, but the ICE trains from Brussels to Frankfurt & Nuremberg are top-notch.  Take a good book and treat it as a chill-out trip!

London ► Prague with overnight stop in Brussels

• Day 1, travel from London to Brussels on any evening Eurostar you like.

  The last Eurostar usually leaves London St Pancras at 19:34 arriving Brussels Midi at 22:38, but by all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Brussels.  Check times at www.eurostar.com.

• Stay overnight in Brussels.  I recommend the excellent Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station itself, or the inexpensive Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road.

• Day 2, travel from Brussels to Prague in a day on comfortable trains.

  Simply use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to book from Brussels to Prague.  You'll see two or three daily departures as below arriving in Prague in the evening.   You can just as easily book to smaller places in the Czech Republic such as Brussels to Karlovy Vary or Plzen.

  Leave Brussels Midi 06:23 every day, change Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, Nuremberg & Cheb, arrive Prague Hlavni at 17:17.

  Leave Brussels Midi 08:23 every day, change Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, Nuremberg & Cheb, arrive Prague Hlavni at 19:17.

  Leave Brussels Midi 10:25 every day, change Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, Nuremberg & Cheb, arrive Prague Hlavni at 21:17.

  You travel on superb German ICE trains from Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Nuremberg with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then a comfortable German air-conditioned tilting regional train to Cheb and an excellent air-conditioned Czech express train from Cheb to Prague with refreshment trolley, power sockets & free WiFi, all on one through ticket for one inclusive price.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  See photos, information & tips on the Brussels to Prague journey via Cheb.

  Sit back with a good book and a weissbier and enjoy the ride across Germany into the Czech Republic.  Don't worry about any tight connections, this is a through ticket so you're covered if there's a delay, and would be entitled to onward travel on later trains at no charge.

  Tip:  When boarding the train from Nuremberg to Cheb, make sure you join the portion for Cheb, as another portion goes to Hof.

Prague ► London in a single day

• Step 1, travel from Prague to Brussels by train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 06:43, changing at Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt Airport arriving Brussels Midi at 17:35.  This runs every day, although there's only a connection to London Mondays-Fridays & Sundays.

  Simply use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to book from Prague to Brussels.  You'll see this departure every day.

  You take an excellent air-conditioned Czech express train from Prague to Cheb with a refreshment trolley, power sockets at seats & free WiFi, a comfortable German air-conditioned tilting regional train from Cheb to Nuremberg, then superb German ICE trains from Nuremberg to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Brussels with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone in the CD app.  You've time for an early dinner in Brussels.  See more photos, info & tips on the Prague to Brussels journey via Cheb.

• Step 2, travel from Brussels to London by Eurostar, leaving Brussels Midi at 20:56 daily except Saturdays, arriving London St Pancras 22:00.

  On Saturdays, leave Brussels Midi at 20:20 arriving London St Pancras 21:27, this train runs from 11 February 2023 onwards.

  Tip:  Don't worry about any tight connections between Prague and Brussels, you'll have a through ticket for this part of the journey so if any connection is missed you are legally entitled to take later onward trains at no charge.  However, the Brussels to London Eurostar is ticketed separately so it's wise to allow time in Brussels for dinner.  Then if any connection is missed and you reach Brussels on the later ICE arriving 19:35 instead of the planned one arriving 17:35, there's no problem.  That is why I'm recommending the 20:20 or 20:56 Eurostar not an earlier one!

Prague ► London with overnight stop in Brussels, every day

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Brussels by comfortable train.

  Simply use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to book from Prague to Brussels.  You'll see several departures every day.

  Prague Hlavni depart 06:43, change Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt arriving Brussels Midi at 17:35.

  Prague Hlavni depart 10:43, change Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt arriving Brussels Midi at 21:35.

  The journey involves a excellent air-conditioned Czech express train from Prague to Cheb with a refreshment trolley, power sockets at seats & free WiFi, a comfortable German air-conditioned tilting regional train from Cheb to Nuremberg, then superb German ICE trains from Nuremberg to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Brussels with bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  See more photos, info & tips on the Prague to Brussels journey via Cheb.

• Stay overnight in Brussels.  I recommend the excellent Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station itself, or the inexpensive Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road.

• Day 2, travel Brussels to London on any morning Eurostar you like, taking 2h.

  The first train currently leaves Brussels Midi at 08:52, arriving London St Pancras 09:57, check times at www.eurostar.com.

How much does it cost?

• London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Brussels to Prague starts at €46.90 each way 2nd class or €61.90 in 1st class.

• Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book from London to Brussels at www.eurostar.com.  You print your own ticket or can show it in the Eurostar app on your phone.

• Step 2, book from Brussels to Prague at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.

  You'll see journeys via various routes, to specify this route click Stopovers and enter Cheb as a stopover leaving length of stay as 00:00.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

  You can also book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz, in this case booking only opens up to 90 days ahead.  If you are booking well in advance, I find int.bahn.de is often cheaper.  Booked close to departure date, www.cd.cz is often cheaper.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

Have your trip arranged as a package

• Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a UK-Norway trip for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  You'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays on their website which can be varied or customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  One of their most popular trips is Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest with train travel from the UK - it can be customised to include train travel both ways, just ask.  Another top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague with travel to & from London by train.

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com

    Canada call 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com

    Australia call 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au

    New Zealand call 0800 000 554 or see website

• Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Prague train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  When you book, please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

• Escorted tours:  If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, the operators to check are Great Rail Journeys (www.greatrail.com, in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727.  Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Prague by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Nuremberg by ICE

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  The Brussels to Frankfurt train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf, where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  More information about ICE3.  Brussels Midi station guide.  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide.

3. Nuremberg to Cheb by regional train

Although only a regional train, it is air-conditioned with 1st & 2nd class.  It's a tilting train, it tilts into the curves.  You'll find tips and more scenery & train photos on the Brussels to Prague via Cheb page.

The easy & relaxed interchange at Cheb station.  The red train on the right is the German regional train arrived from Nuremberg.  You cross to the blue Czech train on the left about to leave for Prague - although always check the departure boards as sometimes a faster train to Prague goes from an adjacent platform.  More information on the Brussels to Prague via Cheb page.

4. Cheb to Prague by Interjet train

Czech Railways' latest Interjet carriages operate on the Cheb to Prague route from 2022, with refreshment trolley, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Watch the video guide

This video shows what the trains & scenery are like.  It's a westbound journey from Prague to London, but trains & scenery are the same in either direction!

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Option 2, London to Prague using the Karlsruhe - Prague sleeper

This is the most time-effective way from the UK to Prague.  From the timetable change on 11 December 2022, a new overnight service with sleeping-car & couchettes links Zurich with Prague, routed via Basel, Karlsruhe & Dresden - in addition to the existing through sleeping-car from Zurich to Prague via Linz & Ceske Budejovice listed in option 3.  From London or Paris it's fastest to pick this new sleeper up in Karlsruhe.  It's a comfortable option, some sleepers have an en suite toilet & shower, breakfast included...

London ► Prague

• Step 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 12:24 every day arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 15:47.

  In Paris, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est.  No need to cross Paris!

• Step 2, travel from Paris to Karlsruhe by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:55 & arriving Karlsruhe Hbf 20:25.

  This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. 

  Have dinner in Karlsruhe:  The Erste Fracht Braugasthaus (www.erste-fracht.de) is just across the road from the station's main exit and serves German food & beer, open until late 7 days a week.  The Wirtshaus Wolfbräu (www.wolfbräu.de) is an 18-minute 1.4 km walk away but has been suggested as better by one seat61 correspondent, see walking map.  There is also a decent Indian restaurant, the Maharaja (www.restaurantmaharaja-ka.de) across the road and to the right.  There is a MacDonald's inside the station, open until late.

• Step 3, travel from Karlsruhe to Prague by sleeper train, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf at 23:07 and arriving Prague Hlavni 09:38.

  The sleeper train has a Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers.  There are also 4 & 6-berth couchettes.  A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.

  A Czech restaurant car is attached to the train between Leipzig (around 06:00) and Prague, if you'd prefer a cooked breakfast.

  The train arrives at Prague Hlavni, just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town.  See Prague Hlavni station information.

Prague ► London

• Step 1, travel from Prague to Karlsruhe by sleeper train, leaving Prague Hlavni 18:26 & arriving Karlsruhe Hbf at 05:09.

  The sleeper train has a Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers.  There are also 4 & 6-berth couchettes.  A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.

  A Czech restaurant car is attached to the train between Prague and Leipzig (reached around 22:00), treat yourself to dinner with wine.

  Tip:  At Karlsruhe Hbf there are various bakeries and cafes open from 6am.  The Schwarzwaldstube restaurant in the Schlosshotel Karlsruhe (www.schlosshotelkarlsruhe.de) serves breakfast from 06:00, it's open to non-residents, just across the road from the station & to the right.

• Step 2, travel from Karlsruhe to Paris by TGV Duplex, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf daily at 07:32, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:06.

  This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

  In Paris, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare de l'Est to the Gare du Nord.

• Step 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 13:03 arriving London St Pancras 14:39.

  On Sundays there's also an earlier Eurostar leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 12:13 arriving London St Pancras 13:30.

• Alternatively, if you don't fancy the 5am arrival at Karlsruhe and don't mind a later arrival in London...

  You can book the sleeper from Prague to Basel instead, it arrives at Basel SBB at the much more agreeable hour of 07:20.  The 10:34 TGV-Lyria from Basel SBB reaches Paris Gare de Lyon at 13:40, cross Paris by metro and take the 17:03 Eurostar from Paris Nord to London.

How to much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Karlsruhe by TGV starts at €39.90 each way in 2nd class, €69.90 each way in 1st class.

• Karlsruhe to Prague starts at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Berths in deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet cost a bit more.

• All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book London to Karlsruhe at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com, both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Using one of these sites means you can book everything easily in one place.  About Raileurope.  About Thetrainline.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for each of these trains, see more information about when bookings open.  I recommend waiting until all trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

  Tip:  You can book from London to Karlsruhe all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Karlsruhe and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains.  That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

  Tip:  If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return.  All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time.

  Tip:  After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar.

  Tip:  If you're travelling from a town or city north of London, see advice about buying domestic tickets to London to connect with Eurostar.

  Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com, then book the Paris-Karlsruhe TGV at int.bahn.de.  This is more work and prices should be the same, but there's no booking fee.

• Step 2, book the Karlsruhe-Prague sleeper at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (as it's a Nightjet partner route). 

  Booking opens several months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  You can also try booking at the Czech Railways site www.cd.cz as it's a Czech sleeper train.  Here, the train will appear in the search results twice, both marked No transfers.  The first appearance is the seats carriages marked EC (EuroCity), ignore this.  Click the buy button against the second appearance of this train, with a sleeper & couchette symbol marked EN for EuroNight, and continue.  Use the modify & edit features to adjust the type of couchette & sleeper.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  However, on recent tests the CD website won't offer online prices or tickets for Karlsruhe-Prague journeys, but you can try.

How to buy tickets by phone

• It's better to book online to avoid additional phone booking fees and so you can see for yourself which departures are cheapest for each stage of the journey.  Most ticketing agencies only work office hours on weekdays, but online booking is possible 24/7.  However, if you want to book by phone, see my list of UK ticketing agencies with phone numbers & opening hours.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

Have your trip arranged as a package

• Railbookers are a train tour & holiday specialist who can put a trip together as a package, with rail travel, hotels & transfers to your specifications.  As you're booking a package, they'll also take care of you if anything happens such as a strike or delay.  One of their most popular trips is Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest with train travel from the UK - it can be customised to include train travel back to the UK as well, just ask them.  Also a top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague with travel to & from London by train.

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk. 

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com.

    Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com.

    Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au. 

    New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

• Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Prague train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  When you book, please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

• Escorted tours:  If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, the operators to check are Great Rail Journeys (www.greatrail.com, in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727.  Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Prague by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Karlsruhe by TGV Duplex   See the video

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide.

3. Karlsruhe to Prague by Czech sleeper train

This has a modern Czech sleeping-car with 9 standard compartments with washbasin and 3 deluxe compartments with a compact en suite toilet & shower.  Each compartment can be sold with 1, 2 or all 3 beds in use, as single, double and T3.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor, and each compartment converts from beds to a private sitting room for the evening & morning parts of the journey.  There is a power socket for laptops & mobiles.  Bedding and towels are provided.  The doors have card-key locks like hotels.  A very safe, civilised and comfortable way to travel!  More information about this train.

This train also has couchettes, basic bunks with rug & pillow, you can book a bunk in either a 6-berth or less crowded 4-berth compartment.  Clean sheets and a pillow are provided, the doors have a normal lock and security lock or chain, there are several European-type 2-pin 240v power outlets in each compartment.  Toilets and washrooms at the end of the corridor.  Couchette compartments are not segregated by gender, as you do not normally get fully undressed, but women can book a berth in a women-only compartment.  More information about this train.

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Option 3, London to Prague using the Zurich - Prague sleeper

This is very similar to option 2, it takes only a little longer but it's just as comfortable.  As this sleeper also serves Ceske Budejovice, it's useful if you're heading to Cesky Krumlov, which is just 45 minutes down a branch line from Ceske Budejovice.

London ► Prague

• Step 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 10:22 every day arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 13:57.

  By all means book an earlier Eurostar and have a lunch in Paris at the famous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon.

  Transfer from Paris Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon by taxi or metro, 2 stops on RER line D.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:22 & arriving Zurich HB at 20:26.

  This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  You've time for dinner in one of the many restaurants at Zurich HB, I can recommend a beer and steak-frites at the Brasserie Federal on the main station concourse.

• Step 3, travel from Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car, leaving Zurich HB at 21:40 & arriving Ceske Budejovice 08:52 & Prague Hlavni 10:39.

  For Cesky Krumlov, get off at Ceske Budejovice and take the 10:07 GWTR local train to Cesky Krumlov arriving 10:48.

  The Zurich-Prague sleeper train consists of a single Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers.  There are no couchettes and no restaurant car, so take you own picnic & bottle of wine with you, although a light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the fare.  See more photos, tips & information about this Prague to Zurich sleeper.

  The train arrives at Prague Hlavni station, just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town.  See Prague Hlavni station information.

  Tip:  The sleeping-car to Prague leaves Zurich attached to the Nightjet to Vienna & Budapest, so look for Budapest on the departure screens.

  Tip:  There are occasional nights when this sleeper doesn't run due to engineering work, check online.  If you find this direct Zurich-Prague sleeper is fully-booked or not running for any reason on your date, simply book the Nightjet sleeper from Zurich to Linz or Vienna instead (it's the same train, leaving Zurich at 21:40) using Austrian Railways www.oebb.at then add a Linz-Prague or Vienna-Prague ticket from €14 at www.cd.cz.  I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Linz or Vienna.  There are various possible combinations depending on whether you want early arrival or longer sleep.

Prague ► London

• Step 1, travel from Prague to Zurich by sleeper train, leaving Prague Hlavni 18:21 or Ceske Budejovice 20:06, arriving Zurich HB at 08:20.

  A connecting train leaves Ceske Krumlov at 19:00, personally I'd play safe and take the earlier 17:00 & have dinner in Ceske Budejovice.

  The Prague-Zurich sleeper consists of a single Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers.  There are no couchettes and no restaurant car, so take you own picnic & bottle of wine with you, although a light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the fare.  See more photos, tips & information about this Prague to Zurich sleeper.

  Tip:  The sleeping-car to Zurich leaves Prague attached to the front of an express to Linz, so look for the train with destination Linz.

• Step 2, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria high-speed train, leaving Zurich HB daily at 09:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 13:38.

  This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

  In Paris, transfer from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord by taxi or metro, 2 stops on RER line D.

• Step 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 16:13 on Saturdays & Sundays arriving London St Pancras 17:30 or leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 17:03 on Mondays-Fridays arriving London St Pancras 18:32.

How to much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria starts at €29 each way in 2nd class, €79 each way in 1st class.

• Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car starts at €45 each way with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €59 each way with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper, €112 with a bed in a single-bed sleeper.  Berths in deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet cost a bit more.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book London to Zurich at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com, both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  About Raileurope.  About Thetrainline.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar, up to 4 months ahead for Paris-Zurich, and usually just 60 days ahead for the Zurich-Prague sleeper, see more information about when bookings open.  I recommend waiting until onward trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket, unless you're prepared to take a calculated risk.

  Tip:  You can book from London to Zurich all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Zurich and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains.  That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

  Tip:  If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return.  All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time.

  Tip:  After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar.

  Tip:  If you're travelling from a town or city north of London, see advice about buying domestic tickets to London to connect with Eurostar.

  Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com, then book the Paris-Zurich TGV-Lyria at www.sncf-connect.com.  This is more work and prices should be the same, but there's no booking fee.

• Step 2, book the Zurich-Prague sleeper online at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.  Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.

  Go to www.cd.cz, change the Czech flag to the UK flag top right for English and run an enquiry from Zurich to Prague.

  Tip:  Leave 2nd class selected, as all sleeper accommodation is technically 2nd class, even deluxe sleepers!

  Find the direct EN (EuroNight) train in the search results shown as No transfers and click on Price in the next step.

  Hopefully you'll now see a cheap 2nd class First Minute fare, if so click Continue.

  Now change Sleeper - automatically to Sleeper deluxe - automatically if you want a deluxe sleeper (deluxe = with toilet & shower).  Then click the edit pencil symbol to change the type of sleeper from 3-berth to double or single.  You are booking individual berths, not compartments, one person = one ticket = one bed, so if you book 2 people in a 2-berth you get the whole compartment, if you book 2 people in a 3-berth the third bed may be sold to another passenger of the same gender.

  If you book this way you get a ticket with reservation included, which you print out and which is all you need to board the train.  Incidentally, the system only needs one name to support one ticket, even if that ticket is for 2 or more people.  Got that?  Good!

  Tip: If you have no joy with www.cd.cz, you can also book this sleeper at www.oebb.at, although the prices may be higher.

  Tip:  There are occasional dates when this sleeper doesn't run due to engineering work.  If you find this direct Zurich-Prague sleeper is fully-booked or not running for any reason on your date, book the Nightjet sleeper from Zurich to Linz or Vienna instead (it's the same train, leaving Zurich at 21:40) using Austrian Railways www.oebb.at then add a Linz-Prague or Vienna-Prague ticket at www.cd.cz.  I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Linz or Vienna.  There are various possible combinations depending on whether you want early arrival or longer sleep.

  If you're going to Cesky Krumlov, book from Zurich to Ceske Budejovice by sleeper then buy the €1.55 local ticket from Ceske Budejovice  to Cesky Krumlov at the station in Ceske Budejovice from the distinctive green & orange GWTR ticket kiosk in the ticket hall or on board the train from the self-service machines which take contactless bank cards.

How to buy tickets by phone

• It's better to book online to avoid additional phone booking fees and so you can see for yourself which departures are cheapest for each stage of the journey.  Most ticketing agencies only work office hours on weekdays, but online booking is possible 24/7.  However, if you want to book by phone, see my list of UK ticketing agencies with phone numbers & opening hours.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

Have your trip arranged as a package

• Railbookers are a train tour & holiday specialist who can put a trip together as a package, with rail travel, hotels & transfers to your specifications.  As you're booking a package, they'll also take care of you if anything happens such as a strike or delay.  One of their most popular trips is Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest with train travel from the UK - it can be customised to include train travel back to the UK as well, just ask them.  Also a top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague with travel to & from London by train.

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk. 

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com.

    Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com.

    Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au. 

    New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

• Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Prague train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  When you book, please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

• Escorted tours:  If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, the operators to check are Great Rail Journeys (www.greatrail.com, in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727.  Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Prague by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria

All TGV-Lyria trains are now 320km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex like the one shown below.  TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes:  Standard class (2nd), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with hot meal & drinks included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks.  There are power points for mobiles & laptops at all seats in all classes.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways.  More information about TGV-Lyria.

3. Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car.  More information about the Zurich to Prague sleeper.

This modern Czech sleeping-car has 9 standard compartments with washbasin and 3 deluxe compartments with a compact en suite toilet & shower.  Each compartment can be sold with 1, 2 or all 3 beds in use, as single, double and T3.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor, and each compartment converts from beds to a private sitting room for the daytime parts of the journey.  There is a power socket for laptops and mobiles.  All necessary bedding and towels are provided.  The doors have card-key locks like hotels.  A very safe, civilised and comfortable way to travel!  Do not obsess about getting a deluxe - In the standard compartments the beds and the decor are exactly the same as the deluxe ones, the only difference is that the compartment floor space is a fraction smaller (though not so you'd notice) and there's a washbasin instead of an en suite toilet & shower.  You can of course use the shower at the end of the corridor - you access it using the same card key that opens your compartment door.  See more photos, tips & information about the Zurich to Prague sleeper.

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Option 4, London to Prague using the European Sleeper

This is a time-effective journey with a scenic trip along the Elbe river valley at the end, using the thrice-weekly Brussels-Berlin European Sleeper which launched on 26 May 2023.  London to Prague in well under 24h, centre to centre, with a comfy bed for the night!

London ► Prague on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

• Day 1, travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 15:04, arriving Brussels Midi at 18:05.

  By all means book an earlier Eurostar if you'd like more time in Brussels.  Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

• Day 1, travel from Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper, leaving Brussels Midi 19:32 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday arriving Berlin Hbf 06:48.

  The European Sleeper has a comfortable sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed rooms with washbasin, economical couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats.  Check times at www.europeansleeper.eu as they can vary.  More information about the European Sleeper.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:01 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 13:35.

  This comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two as the train speeds along the scenic Elbe valley south of Dresden, it's a lovely run.  This particular departure is the EuroCity train Hungaria with modern Hungarian carriages, its final destination is Budapest.  More information about this EuroCity train.

Prague ► London on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 16:25 and arriving Berlin Hbf 21:01.

  This comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to dinner with wine as the train rolls along the scenic Elbe valley towards Dresden.  More information about this EuroCity train.

  Tip:  Check European Sleeper times first before booking this train, if the sleeper is retimed to leave Berlin earlier (as it sometimes is) you should book the earlier EuroCity train leaving Prague Hlavni at 14:25 and arriving Berlin Hbf 19:02.  I'd allow at least 1½ hours between trains in Berlin.

  Tip:  Why not book the earlier 14:25 train anyway and have dinner in Berlin?  There are plenty of eateries at Berlin Hbf and you'll have time for an evening stroll to the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from the station.

  Tip:  In Berlin, the bar of the Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station makes an excellent VIP waiting room, it offers both drinks and food.

• Day 1, travel from Berlin to Brussels by European Sleeper, leaving Berlin Hbf 22:56 on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday arriving Brussels Midi 09:22.

  The European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed rooms with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments and seats cars.  Check times at www.europeansleeper.eu as they can vary.  More information about the European Sleeper.

• Day 2, travel from Brussels to London by Eurostar, leaving Brussels Midi at 12:56, arriving London St Pancras at 13:57.  Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

How much does it cost?

• London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper starts at €49 in a seat, €79 with a couchette in 6-berth, €99 with a bed in 4-berth, €109 with a bed in 3-bed sleeper, €129 with a bed in 2-bed sleeper, €159 with a bed in single-bed sleeper.

  All per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.  Children under 4 travel free, without their own berth.  Children under 12 travel at a child rate.

• Berlin to Prague starts at €18.90 each way in 2nd class, €27.40 each way in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

• *** 25% autumn discount, exclusive to Seat61.com ***

  I'm delighted to offer seat61 visitors an exclusive  25% discount on the European Sleeper:  If you click the links to www.europeansleeper.eu on this page and book tickets between 14 September & 15 October for travel between 21 September & 21 December, 25% will be knocked off the fare at the checkout stage before you pay.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, first book the Brussels-Berlin sleeper at www.europeansleeper.eu.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  Check the arrival & departure times as they can vary and it may affect the connections you need to book.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

• Step 2, now book the London-Brussels Eurostar at www.eurostar.com.

  Booking opens up to 11 months ahead, but I'd wait until the sleeper can be booked.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

• Step 3, finally, book the Berlin-Prague train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper

Launched by two sleeper-loving entrepreneurs in May 2023, the European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 and 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in the fare in sleepers & couchettes. Light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the attendant, but there's no restaurant car so bring a picnic and maybe a bottle of wine!  More information about European Sleeper.  Berlin Hbf station guide.

Berlin to Brussels by European Sleeper.  This is the inaugural train about to leave Brussels Midi on 26 May 2023. Click the interior photos for larger images.

3. Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train

This comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two as the train speeds along the scenic Elbe valley south of Dresden.  Southbound, you'll usually take the Hungaria which uses Hungarian carriages.  Northbound, you'll normally use a Czech train as shown in the photos below.  More information about these Berlin to Prague EuroCity trains.

Video guide: Berlin to Prague by train

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Option 5, London to Prague with overnight stop in Cologne or Berlin

Like option 1, this uses daytime trains rather than sleepers, with an overnight hotel stop in either Cologne or Berlin.  This breaks up the journey more evenly than stopping overnight in Brussels as in option 1, and it involves fewer changes so is simpler than option 1.  It offers the chance to stop off in Cologne or Berlin, there's lovely scenery along the Elbe river between Berlin & Prague (see the video below!), and it uses high-quality mainline trains throughout with cafe-bar or restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  On the down side it usually costs a bit more than option 1, but not always that much more.

London ► Prague with overnight stop in Cologne

• Day 1, travel from London to Cologne by Eurostar & ICE3, see the London to Cologne timetable on the Germany page.

  For example, you can leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 15:04, change at Brussels Midi onto a superb ICE3 with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, arriving Cologne Hbf at 20:15.

  By all means travel earlier for a pleasant evening in Cologne.  For dinner, I recommend the Brauhaus Sion, 5 minutes walk from the station.

• Stay overnight in Cologne.  The good & inexpensive Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's part of Cologne Hbf itself, with an entrance to the left of the main station entrance - many of its rooms have a cathedral view.  Other hotels near the station with good reviews are the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.

• Day 2, travel from Cologne to Prague by ICE2 & EuroCity train, check times at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  For example:

  Leave Cologne Hbf at 07:48 by ICE2, change at Berlin Hbf onto a EuroCity train to Prague Hlavni, arriving 17:35.

  Leave Cologne Hbf at 09:48 by ICE2, change at Berlin Hbf onto a EuroCity train to Prague Hlavni, arriving 19:35.

  It's a comfortable journey across Germany on a superb ICE2 train to Berlin Hbf with restaurant car, bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car & free WiFi to Prague Hlavni.

  Treat yourself to lunch in the restaurant car, or take your own food and a bottle of wine.  The train from Berlin to Prague makes a lovely scenic meander along the river Elbe south of Dresden - have your camera ready!  See the Berlin to Prague page with timetable, photos & tips.

London ► Prague with overnight stop in Berlin

• Day 1, travel from London to Berlin by Eurostar & ICE, see the London to Berlin timetable on the Germany page.

  For example, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 11:04, change at Brussels Midi onto a superb ICE3 to Cologne Hbf, then take an ICE2 to Berlin Hbf arriving 21:15.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train, see the timetable here.

  For example, the 07:01 from Berlin Hbf arrives Prague Hlavni 11:35, but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and book a later train, see the timetable here.

  Treat yourself to lunch in the restaurant car, or feel free to take your own food and a bottle of wine.  Trains link Berlin and Prague every two hours with a lovely scenic meander along the river Elbe south of Dresden - have your camera ready!  See timetable, photos & tips for the Berlin to Prague train ride.

Prague ► London with overnight stop in Cologne

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train with restaurant car in around 4h20, then Berlin to Cologne by superb ICE2 taking another 4h23.  For example:

  Leave Prague Hlavni at 10:25, change at Berlin Hbf & arrive Cologne Hbf at 20:09.

  Leave Prague Hlavni at 12:25, change at Berlin Hbf & arrive Cologne Hbf at 23:13.

  You can check times at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, by all means travel earlier for more of an evening in Cologne.  For dinner, I recommend the Brauhaus Sion, 5 minutes walk from the station.  See information, photos & tips for the Prague to Berlin train.

• Stay overnight in Cologne.  The good & inexpensive Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's part of Cologne Hbf itself, with an entrance to the left of the main station entrance - many of its rooms have a cathedral view.  Other hotels near the station with good reviews are the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.

• Day 2, travel from Cologne to Brussels by ICE3 with bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then Brussels to London by Eurostar, see the Cologne to London timetable on the Germany page.

  For example, you can leave Cologne Hbf at 09:42, change at Brussels Midi and arrive London St Pancras at 14:05.

Prague ► London with overnight stop in Berlin

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Berlin in around 4h20 with a train every 2 hours, see timetable, photos & tips for the Prague to Berlin train.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Cologne by superb ICE2, on to Brussels by ICE3, then to London by Eurostar, see the Berlin to London timetable on the Germany page.  For example:

  Leave Berlin Hbf at 06:46 every day, change at Cologne Hbf & Brussels Midi, arriving London St Pancras at 16:57.

  Leave Berlin Hbf at 10:46 Mondays-Fridays, change at Cologne Hbf & Brussels Midi, arriving London St Pancras at 19:43.

  Leave Berlin Hbf at 12:46 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, change at Cologne Hbf & Brussels Midi, arriving London St Pancras at 21:57.

How much does it cost?

• London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• If overnighting in Berlin...

  Brussels to Berlin starts at €27.90 each way in 2nd class, €69.90 each way in 1st class.

  Berlin to Prague starts at €18.90 each way in 2nd class, €27.40 each way in 1st class.

• If overnighting in Cologne...

  Brussels to Cologne starts at €18.90 each way in 2nd class, €49.90 each way in 1st class.

  Cologne to Prague starts at €27.90 each way in 2nd class, €69.90 each way in 1st class.

• Booked as a through ticket with overnight stop, only possible using bahn.de as explained below...

  Brussels to Prague starts at €46.90 each way in 2nd class, €79.90 each way in 1st class.

• Fares are dynamic like air fares, so for the cheapest prices book early and avoid busy times such as Fridays or Sunday afternoons.

How to buy tickets

• Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com.  This way, you can book all your tickets together in one place.

  Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com, in plain English, overseas credit cards accepted and fares shown in multiple currencies. There's a small booking fee.  Who are Raileurope.com?

• If you're overnighting in Cologne, book like this:

  First book your ticket from London to Cologne.  If you're returning, book London to Cologne as a round trip because Eurostar return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways.  Add this to your basket.  Then book from Cologne to Prague one-way for the following day, add to basket, and (if returning) book from Prague to Cologne one way for the day prior to your Cologne-London journey, add this to your basket and check out.

• If you're overnighting in Berlin, book like this:

  First book your ticket from London to Berlin.  If you're returning, book London to Berlin as a round trip because Eurostar return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways.  Add this to your basket.  Then book from Berlin to Prague one-way for the following day, add to basket, and (if returning) book from Prague to Berlin one way for the day prior to your Berlin-London journey, add this to your basket and check out.

• If you're overnighting in Cologne on the way out, Berlin on the way back (or vice versa), book like this:

  First use www.raileurope.com to run some dummy enquiries to find the combination of trains you want from London to Cologne and from Berlin to London.  Then book London to Brussels & back and add to basket, to benefit from Eurostar's round trip discount.  Then book one-way tickets from Brussels to Cologne, Cologne to Prague, Prague to Berlin and Berlin to Brussels on the trains you want, adding each ticket to your basket, then check out.

• You print your own ticket, or after booking you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app, and show the DB ticket on your laptop or phone.

• When does booking open?

  Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes more.  Onward trains from Brussels to Germany open for booking up to 6 months ahead, but significantly less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open for booking before committing to a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when booking opens.

• Booking tips...

  Fares are dynamic like air fares, so book early for the cheapest prices and avoid busy days such as Fridays or Sunday afternoons.

  After booking you can use the Eurostar Manage Booking system to select an exact seat on Eurostar.

• Is it a through ticket?

  No, as there are no through tickets from London to Germany any more, DB's Sparpreis London fares were discontinued in March 2020.  But www.raileurope.com will seamlessly sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward German Railways ticket from Brussels to Cologne or Berlin, then it'll sell you a separate German Railways ticket from Berlin to Prague for the following day.

• Seat reservations...

  A seat reservation is automatically included with every ticket on Eurostar.  However, seat reservations are optional on the Brussels-Cologne-Berlin ICE trains and Berlin-Prague EuroCity trains, if you want a reserved seat it can be added during the booking process for fee of around €4.50 each way.  A strongly recommend reserving a seat, especially on the busy Berlin-Prague route and on any route at busy periods.

• About the 20-minute connections (sometimes less) between Eurostar & ICEs at Brussels Midi...

  The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an onward ICE, sometimes less than this, is usually a recognised connection which lots of people make.  It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms.

  Even though the system sells you separate tickets either side of Brussels, you are protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT so if there's a delay and you miss the connection you will be allowed to travel on later onwards trains at no extra charge.

  Tip:  Nothing stops you booking an earlier Eurostar than the one which directly connects with your chosen onward ICE, if it has cheaper fares or if you want a more robust connection.  To do this using www.raileurope.com, click More options, then enter Brussels (any station) as a via station with a stopover duration of (say) 1 or 2 hours.  There are plenty of places for a meal, coffee or beer between trains in Brussels!

• How to buy a connecting ticket from other UK towns & cities:  See the advice on special add-on tickets here.

A cheaper way to buy tickets

• This is a bit more work as it involves two websites, but it can be slightly cheaper for two reasons:  First, you don't pay any booking fee.  Second, you can use the Stopover feature at int.bahn.de to book a Brussels to Prague through ticket with an overnight stop in Cologne or Berlin which is cheaper than buying separate Brussels to Cologne/Berlin & Cologne/Berlin to Prague tickets.

• Step 0, do a dry run on both sites to check availability & prices and to find a combination of trains that works for you.  I'd also check that your outward Eurostar and ICE are indeed a recognised connection by checking that they appear together when you run a London to Cologne enquiry at int.bahn.de - read the paragraph in the previous section about the 20-minute connection in Brussels .

• Step 1, book the Eurostar from London to Brussels (and back, if returning) at www.eurostar.com and print your own ticket, or load it into the Eurostar app to show on your phone.  Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways, so if you're coming back, make sure you book this as a round trip.  After booking you can use the Eurostar Manage Booking system to select an exact seat on Eurostar.

• Step 2, book from Brussels to Prague at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

  To get the overnight stop, before running the enquiry, click Stopovers and enter Berlin Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 12 hours.  Adjust the departure time & length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Berlin.  If you prefer to overnight in Cologne, specify Cologne Hbf instead.

  This will get you a Brussels to Prague through ticket with an overnight stop in Berlin (or Cologne) included, which is what you want.  With German Railways a return is simply two one-ways, so you may find it gives you more control to book Brussels to Prague one-way first, then Prague to Brussels one-way as a separate booking.

  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.  An advantage of booking direct with int.bahn.de is that you can select an exact seat on ICE trains from a seating plan.

How to buy tickets by phone

• It's better to book online to avoid additional phone booking fees and so you can see for yourself which departures are cheapest for each stage of the journey.  Most ticketing agencies only work office hours on weekdays, but online booking is possible 24/7.  However, if you want to book by phone, see my list of UK ticketing agencies with phone numbers & opening hours.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

Have your trip arranged as a package

• Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a UK-Norway trip for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  You'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays on their website which can be varied or customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  One of their most popular trips is Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest with train travel from the UK - it can be customised to include train travel both ways, just ask.  Another top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague with travel to & from London by train.

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com

    Canada call 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com

    Australia call 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au

    New Zealand call 0800 000 554 or see website

• Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Prague train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  When you book, please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

• Escorted tours:  If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, the operators to check are Great Rail Journeys (www.greatrail.com, in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727.  Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Prague by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More information about ICE3.  Brussels Midi station guide.  Cologne Hbf station guide.

3. Cologne to Berlin by ICE2

ICE2 trains have a restaurant car, bar car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf, the train crosses the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine.  It passes through the industrial Ruhr via Wuppertal & Hamm.  After leaving Hannover, the train passes non-stop through Wolfsburg - look out for the original Volkswagen factory on the left, built in 1938.  The train then travels at up to 280 km/h (174 mph) on the high-speed line to Berlin Hbf, where it arrives at the low-level platforms.  More information about ICE2.  Cologne Hbf station guide.  Berlin Hbf station guide.

4. Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train

This comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two as the train speeds along the scenic Elbe valley south of Dresden.  More information about these Berlin to Prague EuroCity trains.

Video guide: Berlin to Prague by train

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Option 6, London to Prague with overnight stop in Paris or Munich

This is potentially the second cheapest option, London to Prague from as little as €74.  Like option 1 it involves daytime trains rather than sleepers with an overnight hotel stop, this time in Paris or Munich.

London ► Prague with overnight stop in Paris

• Day 1, travel from London to Paris on any evening Eurostar.  Check times at www.eurostar.com, the last one normally leaves London St Pancras at 20:01, arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 23:27, but by all means book an earlier one and spend a pleasant evening in Paris.

• Stay overnight in Paris.  I recommend the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord, directly across the road from the Gare du Nord with great reviews & great feedback from Seat61 users, see other suggested hotels near Paris Nord or Paris Est stations.

  Next morning, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est.

• Day 2 morning, travel from Paris to Munich.  You'll usually find a departure from Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:06 by TGV Duplex to Mannheim then luxurious German ICE train with restaurant car & free WiFi to Munich Hbf arriving 15:13.

• Day 2 evening, travel from Munich to Prague by smart modern express train, leaving Munich Hbf at 16:43 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 22:17.  A minibar is available serving drinks & snacks.  See more information about these Munich-Prague trains here.

London ► Prague with overnight stop in Munich

• Day 1, travel from London to Munich using any of the morning departures shown on the London to Germany page, via Paris or via Brussels.

• Stay overnight in Munich.  The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection München are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews.  Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center.  For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.

• Day 2 morning, travel from Munich to Prague by train.  There's a 04:44 train from Munich Hbf arriving Prague Hlavni at 10:17, but you may well prefer to take the later 06:44 train from Munich Hbf arriving Prague Hlavni at 12:17 or have breakfast and take the 08:43 train arriving Prague Hlavni at 14:17.  See more information about these Munich-Prague trains here.

Prague ► London with overnight stop in Paris

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Munich by train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 07:43 arriving Munich Hbf 13:18, or at 09:43 arriving Munich Hbf 15:18.

  The train is air-conditioned with power sockets, free WiFi & a minibar serving drinks & snacks.  More about these Prague-Munich trains here.

• Day 1, travel from Munich to Paris by high-speed train...

  If you left Prague at 07:43, there's usually a 13:47 from Munich Hbf with a change at Mannheim, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 20:41.

  If you left Prague at 09:43, there's usually a 15:47 from Munich Hbf with a change in Stuttgart, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 22:05.

  Times vary, so check times and buy tickets for your date of travel at int.bahn.de.  Tip:  Change Transfer time from Normal to minimum 30 minutes to get the trains I suggest here, otherwise you get a later departure with a very tight connection.

  In Paris, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare de l'Est to the Gare du Nord.

• Stay overnight in Paris.  I recommend the excellent 25 Hours Terminus Nord, directly across the road from the Gare du Nord with great reviews & great feedback from Seat61 users, see other suggested hotels near Paris Nord or Paris Est stations.

• Day 2, travel from Paris to London on any morning Eurostar you like.  The first one leaves Paris Gare du Nord at 07:03 on Mondays-Saturdays arriving London St Pancras at 08:30, or at 08:13 on Sundays arriving 09:30, but by all means book a later one.  You can be in London for the start of the working day!  Check times at www.eurostar.com.

Prague ► London with overnight stop in Munich

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Munich by express train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 13:43 arriving Munich Hbf at 19:18, or at 15:43 arriving Munich Hbf at 21:18, or at 17:43 arriving Munich Hbf at 23:21.  More about these Prague-Munich trains.

• Stay overnight in Munich.  The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection München are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews.  Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center.  For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.

  Tip:  For dinner, I recommend the Bavarian food & beer at the Augustiner Keller (www.augustinerkeller.de) at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf, see walking map.

• Day 2, travel from Munich to London, either via Paris or via Brussels, as shown on the London to Germany page.

  If you don't mind an early start, you can leave Munich Hbf at 06:42 (06:51 some dates) on a direct TGV to Paris, change there for a Eurostar which will get you to London at 16:39, see the Munich-Paris TGV video.  Later departures are possible if you'd prefer to linger over your cornflakes.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Munich starts at €39.90 each way in 2nd class or €69.90 each way in 1st class.

• Munich to Prague starts at €15 each way in 2nd class or €35 each way in 1st class.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book the London-Paris Eurostar at www.eurostar.com.  You print your own ticket or can use the Eurostar app on your phone.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar (sometimes longer), 4 months ahead for Paris-Munich and 90 days ahead for Munich-Prague.  I'd wait until booking is open for all trains so times can be confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket, unless you're prepared to take a calculated risk.  All these fares are dynamic like air fares, cheaper in advance and on less popular days or dates, more expensive on the day.  More about when booking opens.

  If you're travelling from a town or city north of London, see advice about buying domestic tickets to London to connect with Eurostar.

  Tip:  If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book the Eurostar as a return.  All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time.

• Step 2, book the Paris-Munich journey at German Railways int.bahn.de.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

• Step 3, book the Munich-Prague train at Czech Railways site www.cd.cz, as this is the only site that sells these cheap fares.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Using an Interrail pass

• Alternatively, you can travel from anywhere in the UK to Prague or anywhere in Czechia using an Interrail pass.  It usually costs more than advance-purchase tickets booked a few months in advance, but if fares are expensive or you need flexibility, see how to use an Interrail from the UK to the Czech Republic.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex   See video guide

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart & Munich.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide.  Munich Hbf station guide.

3. Munich to Prague by express train.  More information about trains from Munich to Prague

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Option 7, London to Prague via the Harwich-Hoek night boat

The ferry alternative!  If Eurostar is expensive, especially at short notice, the ferry can be cheaper.  If you live in East Anglia, the ferry can be more convenient - there's even a direct train from Cambridge to Harwich which connects with the night boat.  If you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if there are strikes in France, this is also the route for you.  Or you may simply prefer a leisurely overnight cruise across the North Sea in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV, an onward train to Berlin next day, overnight stop, then a scenic ride to Prague along the Elbe river valley.  A great way to reach Prague, four capital cities in one trip!

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Prague

• Day 1, travel from London to Amsterdam overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail.

  You leave London Liverpool Street at 18:45 Mondays-Fridays, 19:36 Saturdays or 20:00 Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

  You leave Cambridge at 19:47 Mondays-Saturdays or 19:45 on Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

  At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal and you walk off the train into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk straight onto the Stena Line ferry to Hoek van Holland. 

  The ferry sails at 23:00 and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 Dutch time next morning.  All passengers travel in cosy private cabins with en suite toilet, shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, and there's free WiFi in the lounges, bars & restaurants on 9 deck.  You can get on board the ferry before 9pm, have a late dinner in the restaurant and settle into your cabin.

  On arrival at Hoek van Holland, the metro station is right next to the ferry terminal.  You walk down the gangway, through passport control and out of the ferry terminal straight onto the station.  Take the frequent metro train to Schiedam Centrum and change onto for an InterCity train to Amsterdam Centraal, arriving 10:25.

  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details.  Rail & Sail tickets are valid not just from London but from any Abellio Greater Anglia railway station, for example, Cambridge, Norwich or Chelmsford.

  Spend some time in Amsterdam, left luggage lockers are available at Amsterdam Centraal.

• Day 2, travel from Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train, leaving Amsterdam Centraal at 13:00 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 19:25.

  The Intercity train has a bistro car.  More information about these Intercity trains.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

  Tip:  Take an evening stroll past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from the station.

• Day 3, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train in 4h20 or so, see the timetable here.

  For example, the 07:01 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Prague Hlavni at 11:35, there's great scenery along the Elbe river valley south of Dresden and it arrives just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town.  Or there are later trains at 09:01, 11:01 and so on.  More photos, tips & info for the Berlin to Prague train ride.  Map of Prague showing stations.

Prague ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train, for example leaving Prague Hlavni 16:25 arriving Berlin Hbf 21:01.

  Take any train you like, they leave every 2 hours, see the timetable here.  The EuroCity train has a restaurant can and there's great scenery along the Elbe river, see the photos here.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Amsterdam by Intercity train.  One leaves Berlin Hbf at 08:34 arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 15:00, or there's a 10:34 arriving 17:00, see the timetable here.

• Day 2, evening, travel from Amsterdam to London overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail.

  You leave Amsterdam Centraal on the 18:35 Dutch intercity train to Schiedam Centrum where you change onto the frequent metro train to Hoek van Holland Haven.  At Hoek van Holland, the metro station is right next to the ferry terminal.  You check in for the ferry then walk up the gangway onto the ship.

  The ferry sails at 22:00 and arrives at Harwich International at 06:30 next morning, UK time.  All passengers travel in a snug private cabin with shower, toilet & satellite TV.   At Harwich, you walk off the ship and onto the station to take a train on to London arriving 08:48-08:59 (day 3 from Prague) or to Cambridge arriving 09:41 (10:39 on Sundays).  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details.

How much does it cost?

• London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland starts at £62 per person each way, plus cabin.

  Cabins start at £34 for a single berth cabin or £45 per cabin for a 2-berth, and are compulsory on the night sailing.  For full details of fares and cabin types and costs, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page.

  Hoek to Schiedam by metro costs around €4.  Schiedam to Amsterdam by train costs €17.20.

• Amsterdam to Prague starts at €37.90 each way in 2nd class or €69.90 each way in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book from London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland at www.stenaline.co.uk/rail-and-sail/to-holland.

  This is a special Stena Line Rail & Sail ticket, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for more tips & information on how to buy one.

  You buy the metro ticket from Hoek van Holland to Schiedam or Rotterdam at the metro station using the ticket machines or simply by touching in & out with any contactless bank card.

• Step 2, now book from Schiedam Centrum to Prague using the German Railways website int.bahn.de like this:

  To get Schiedam Centrum to Prague with a robust connection in Amsterdam and an overnight stop in Berlin, enter Schiedam Centrum to Prague, then click Stopovers.  Enter Amsterdam Centraal as the first stopover with length of stay 1 hour, enter Berlin Hbf as the second stopover with length of stay as (say) 14 hours.  Set departure time from Schiedam as 10:00.  Run the enquiry.

  Adjust the length of stay as necessary to get the trains you want between Amsterdam & Berlin and (the following morning) Berlin & Prague.

  Incidentally, even train-specific Sparpreis or Supersparpreis tickets are good for any train on the Schiedam-Amsterdam part of this journey, so when you get to Schiedam you can take the next available train to Amsterdam, you don't have to wait for the one specified on your ticket.

  If can't get your head around this, just use int.bahn.de to book Amsterdam-Berlin as one ticket and then Berlin-Prague as another ticket next day, although that usually costs a little more.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

What's the journey like?

Step 1, London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station or from Cambridge directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  Have a late dinner in the restaurant, retire to bed in a private cabin with en suite toilet & shower and satellite TV.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Change at Schiedam Centrum for a Dutch Railways (NS) train to Amsterdam Centraal.  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page.  See the video...

Step 2, Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train:  You then take a comfortable Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf.  See the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity page for photos, tips, and what to see along the way.

Step 3, Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train: See photos, tips & information on the Berlin to Prague EuroCity trains.

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Option 8, London to Prague via the Harwich-Hoek day boat

It's an early start from London, but Stena Line's Harwich to Hoek van Holland daytime crossing connects nicely with the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin, for an onward train to Prague.  Like option 7 above, it can be cheaper than using Eurostar especially at short notice.  And what's not to like about a leisurely cruise across the North sea on the rock-steady 63,000 ton Stena Line superferry, an overnight sleeper train to Berlin then a onward ride to Prague along the scenic Elbe river valley?

London & Harwich ► Prague

• Step 1, travel from London to Harwich by train.

  You leave London Liverpool Street at 06:00 Mondays-Fridays, 06:36 Saturdays or 06:44 Sundays, check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

  At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal.  You walk off the train and into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk onto Stena Line's luxurious superferry to Hoek van Holland.

  This is an integrated train & ferry service, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips.  The special fare from London to Hoek van Holland is valid from any Greater Anglia station, for example Romford, Ilford or Ipswich.

• Step 2, cruise from Harwich to Hoek van Holland with Stena Line.

  On Mondays-Saturdays the ferry sails at 09:00 arriving 17:15.  On Sundays she sails at 09:00 arriving at 18:00.

  The superferry Stena Hollandica has bars, self-service and à la carte restaurants, lounges, a premium Stena Plus Lounge, cinema & children's play area.  There's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck.  A private cabin is optional (but half price) on the day crossing, all cabins come with toilet & shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, also half price.

• Step 3, hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam.

  On arrival at Hoek van Holland, walk off the ferry into the terminal and go through passport control.  Walk out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station and hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland Haven to Eendrachtsplein in downtown Rotterdam, the metro leaves every 20-30 minutes, journey time around 30 minutes, see metro network map.  Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card.  From Eendrachtsplein it's an 850m 11-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal, see walking map.

  You've time for dinner in Rotterdam, try Kaapse Maria (www.kaapsebrouwers.nl) for craft beer and good pub food, half way between Eendrachtsplein & Rotterdam Centraal, see location map.  Check opening hours, it's open Monday & Friday but closed Wednesdays.  Alternatively, Le Nord (lenord.nl), La Cazuela & Dunya are all good bistros 5 minutes walk north of the station, see walking map.

• Step 4, travel from Rotterdam to Berlin overnight by European Sleeper.

  The sleeper leaves Rotterdam Centraal at 21:21 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Berlin Hbf at 06:48 next morning.

  The train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes & a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes.  More information about the European Sleeper.

• Step 5, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:01 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 13:35.

  The train has a Hungarian restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch.  More photos, tips & info for the Berlin to Prague train ride.

Prague ► Harwich & London

• Step 1, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 16:25 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 21:01.

  The train has a Czech restaurant car, treat yourself to an early lunch.  More photos, tips & info for the Berlin to Prague train ride. 

  Tip:  Check times for the sleeper before booking this train, if the sleeper leaves earlier than usual on your date of travel you may need the previous departure leaving Prague at 14:25.  If you'd like an evening in Berlin, by all means book an earlier train, see the timetable here.

• Step 2, travel from Berlin to Rotterdam overnight by European Sleeper.

  The sleeper leaves Berlin Hbf at 22:56 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Rotterdam Centraal  at 07:32 next morning.

  The train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes & a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes.  More information about the European Sleeper.

• Step 3, hop on the metro from Rotterdam to Hoek van Holland.

  Walk from Rotterdam Centraal to Eendrachtsplein metro station, 850m, 11 minutes, see walking map.  Take the metro to Hoek van Holland Haven, it runs every 20-30 minutes, journey time around 30 minutes, see metro network map.  Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card.  The ferry terminal is right next to Hoek van Holland Haven metro station.  Walk into the terminal and check in at the Stena Line desk.  You'll need to leave downtown Rotterdam around 12:00 Monday-Friday or 11:30 Sundays, allowing for travel time and ferry check-in.

• Step 4, cruise from Hoek van Holland to Harwich with Stena Line.

  The ferry sails at 14:15 Monday-Saturday or 13:45 on Sundays, arriving Harwich at 19:45.

  The ferry has bars, self-service and à la carte restaurants, lounges, a premium Stena Plus Lounge, cinema & children's play area.  There's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck.  A private cabin is optional (but half price) on the day crossing, all cabins come with toilet & shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, also half price.

  At Harwich, the ferry terminal is right next to the station.  Walk off the ferry, into the terminal, through passport control and onto the train.

• Step 5, travel from Harwich to London by train.

  On Mondays-Saturdays a train leaves Harwich International at 20:45 arriving London Liverpool Street station at 22:14.  On Sundays, leave Harwich at 20:30, arriving London Liverpool Street at 21:44.  Check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

How much does it cost?

• London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland starts at £62 per person each way with a Rail & Sail ticket.

  For full details of fares & cabin costs, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page.

• Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam by metro costs around €4.

• Rotterdam to Berlin by European Sleeper starts at €79 with a couchette, see the European Sleeper page for more details.

• Berlin to Prague starts at €18.90 each way in 2nd class or €29.90 each way in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

How to buy tickets

• Step 1, book from London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland at www.stenaline.co.uk/rail-and-sail/to-holland.

  This is a special Stena Line Rail & Sail ticket, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for more tips & information on how to buy one.

• Step 2, book the sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin at www.europeansleeper.eu.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

• Step 3, book the train from Berlin to Prague at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

• You can buy the Rotterdam metro ticket at the metro station using the ticket machines or simply touch in & out with a contactless bank card.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Rotterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich International.  You walk off the train and into the terminal, get your boarding card at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Hollandica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  There's a self-service and à la carte restaurant, two bars, lounges, a premium Stena Plus Lounge, cinema & children's play area.  There's free WiFi in the public areas on 9 deck.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station for the frequent metro train to Rotterdam.  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips.

2. Rotterdam to Berlin by European Sleeper

Launched by two sleeper-loving entrepreneurs in May 2023, the European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 and 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in the fare in sleepers & couchettes. Light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the attendant, but there's no restaurant car so bring a picnic and maybe a bottle of wine!  More information about European Sleeper.  Berlin Hbf station guide.

Above, the westbound European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam Centraal.

3. Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train: See photos, tips & information on the Berlin to Prague EuroCity trains.

In the eastbound direction, the European Sleeper connects with the daily Hungarian EuroCity train Hungaria, en route to Budapest.  It has a Hungarian restaurant car selling affordable meals, snacks, beer and wine.  In the eastbound direction you'll usually travel in one of the EuroCity departures operated by a Czech train.

The EuroCity train Hungaria about to leave Berlin Hbf for Prague & Budapest.

1st class:  You can choose to sit in a 1st class open plan (saloon) car like this...  Larger photo.		...or in a car with side corridor & classic 6-seat compartments like this.  Larger photo.

2nd class:  You can choose to sit in a 2nd class open plan (saloon) car like this.  Larger photo.		...or in a car with side corridor & classic 6-seat compartments like this.   Larger photo.

Lunch on the Hungaria.  There are no table reservations, just go along & sit down.  Courtesy of @_DiningCar.		Restaurant car on the Hungaria.  Larger photo.  Photo courtesy of Siddhartha Verma.

Between Dresden & Prague the train runs along the pretty river Elbe, or Labe in Czech.  One of Europe's major rivers, the Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg.  Watch for river boats, even the occasional paddle steamer.  See the photos & video of this part of the journey here.

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Option 9, Scotland & the North to Prague

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, the fastest option is to take a train up to London and travel from London to Prague using Eurostar & onward trains as described above.  If you choose this all-train option, see this advice on buying cheap connecting train tickets to London.  But there are some useful ferry alternatives which by-pass London.  DFDS Seaways run an excellent daily overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and P&O Ferries run a daily overnight cruise ferry from Hull to Rotterdam.  You can take the overnight ferry to Holland, hop on an Intercity train to Berlin and spend a pleasant evening there, then take a scenic train ride along the Elbe river valley next morning to downtown Prague.  A wonderful combination!

Scotland & the North ► Prague

• Day 1, take a train to either Hull or Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.

  In Hull, transfer to P&O ferry terminal and sail overnight from Hull to Rotterdam by P&O cruise ferry, with bus/train connection to Amsterdam Centraal.  The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.  For details of schedule, fares & tickets, see the Hull-Rotterdam page.

  In Newcastle, transfer to the DFDS ferry terminal at North Shields and sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam by DFDS Seaways cruise ferry.  The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.  For details of schedule, fares & tickets see the Newcastle-Amsterdam page.

• Day 2, travel from Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train, leaving Amsterdam Centraal at 15:00 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 21:25.

  By all means take an earlier train and enjoy an evening in Berlin, the 13:00 arrives 19:25, see the timetable here.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

  Tip:  Take an evening stroll past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from the station.

• Day 3, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train in around 4h20, see the timetable here.

  For example, the 07:01 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Prague Hlavni at 11:35, with great scenery along the Elbe river valley south of Dresden and an arrival just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town.  But by all means take a later train, they leave at 09:01, 11:01, 13:01 and so on.  More photos, tips & info for the Berlin to Prague train ride.  Map of Prague showing stations.

Prague ► Scotland & the North

• Day 1, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train in 4h18 with great scenery along the Elbe river valley, see the timetable here.  Take any train you like, they run every 2 hours, for example leaving Prague Hlavni at 16:25 arriving Berlin Hbf at 21:01, with restaurant car.

• Stay overnight in Berlin.  Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com.  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

• Day 2, travel from Berlin to Amsterdam by Intercity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 08:33 and arriving Amsterdam Centraal 14:49, see the timetable here.  Allow plenty of time for the transfer from Amsterdam to the ferry, don't risk any tight connections.

• Day 2, travel overnight by cruise ferry either with P&O Ferries from Rotterdam to Hull or with DFDS Seaways from IJmuiden (near Amsterdam) to Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.  Next morning (day 4) transfer to the station and take a train home.

  For details of timetables, fares & how to buy tickets from Amsterdam to the UK via these ferry routes, see the Hull-Rotterdam page or the Newcastle-Amsterdam page.

Fares & how to buy tickets

• Step 1, check ferry times & buy the ferry ticket at www.dfds.co.uk (Newcastle-Amsterdam) or www.poferries.com (Hull-Rotterdam). 

• Step 2, check train times and buy a train ticket from your local station to Hull or Newcastle as shown on the UK page or using www.nationalrail.co.uk

• Step 3, Amsterdam to Prague by train starts at  €37.90 each way in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Book this at int.bahn.de as follows:

  To get Amsterdam to Prague with an overnight stop in Berlin, enter Amsterdam Centraal to Prague, click Stopovers, enter Berlin Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 12 hours.  Adjust the length of stay and departure time as necessary to get the trains you want between Amsterdam & Berlin and (the following morning) between Berlin & Prague.

  If can't get your head around this, just use int.bahn.de to book Amsterdam-Berlin as one ticket and then Berlin-Prague as another ticket next day, although that usually costs a little more.

  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

What's the journey like?

Step 1, sail overnight by cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O), with private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel.  If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal next morning.  If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal, from where frequent Dutch trains run to Amsterdam Centraal.

Step 2, Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train:  You then take a comfortable Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf.  See the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity page for photos, tips, and what to see along the way.

Step 3, Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train: See photos, tips & information on the Berlin to Prague EuroCity trains.

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Train travel in the Czech Republic

• You can easily reach anywhere in the Czech Republic by train, travelling from London to Prague as shown above, then using domestic Czech trains onwards from Prague.

  Plzen is on the route from London to Prague via Brussels & Cheb, so simply use option 1 above and book Brussels to Plzen instead of Prague.

  Brno is closer to Vienna than Prague, so consider travelling from London to Vienna using any of the options shown here, then catching a train to Brno.

• int.bahn.de will give you train times within the Czech Republic, and www.cd.cz (change the Czech flag to the UK flag top right for English) will also give you fares and sell you tickets.

• There is one main station in Prague, Praha Hlavni, near the city centre, see the Prague Hlavni station guide.

• Trains run regularly, at least every hour or two, from Prague to all the places shown in the Key Destinations section below.  You don't have to buy a ticket in advance, just book as far as Prague then buy an onwards ticket at the station when you get to Prague, this is easy - you can pay on board the train if you find the conductor immediately, and don't mind paying an extra CZK 40 (about €1.50).  Or you can buy online at www.cd.cz. 

• Seat reservation is compulsory for the front-rank SuperCity Pendolino trains between Prague and Ostrava, but reservation is unnecessary on almost all other Czech Railways trains, so they cannot 'sell out', just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.

Key destinations

• Ostrava: Prague to Ostrava by train takes about 3 hours 10 minutes, the fare is about 489 Kc (£16).  The best services are the tilting pendolino SuperCity trains, which are air-conditioned with bar car, see the photos below.  In addition to the regular Czech Railways (CD) trains, two private operators now link Prague and Ostrava, RegioJet (www.regiojet.cz) and Leo Express (www.le.cz).  Unlike CD's tickets, tickets for both Regiojet & Leo Express automatically include a reservation but are only valid on the specific train you book.

• Plzen: Prague to Plzen by train takes about 1 hour 35 minutes, fare about 130 Kc (£4).

• Brno: Prague to Brno by train takes about 2 hours 40 minutes, fare about 250 Kc (£7).

• Cesky Krumlov:  Coming from the UK, you can get off the Zurich-Prague sleeper at Ceske Budejovice and catch the branch line train to Ceske Krumlov run by GWTR, see the London-Prague by sleeper section above.  Otherwise, travel to Prague.  Prague to Cesky Krumlov takes about 3 hours 40 minutes by train with one change of train at Ceske Budejovice, although there's now a direct train leaving Prague at 08:01.  The fare is about 250 Kc (£7).  Alternatively, you can travel from London to Linz in Austria (see the London to Austria page) then travel by local trains from Linz to Ceský Krumlov with one easy change at Ceske Budejovice.  Use www.cd.cz to find train times & tickets from Linz to Ceske Budejovice, pay for the GWTR local train either at the station in Ceske Budejovice from the green-and-orange GWTR ticket kiosk or on board the train from the self-service machines which take cash or contactless MasterCard & Visa. 

• Karlovy Vary: Prague to Karlovy Vary takes about 3 hours 20 minutes by train, the  fare is about 250 Kc (£7).  However, if you're travelling from London, Paris or Amsterdam, change trains at Usti nad Labem, an hour before arriving in Prague, for a local train to Karlovy vary.  This will save time over going into Prague and out again.  Use http://bahn.hafas.de to find train times.  You'll find it easier to book to Usti nad Labem, then buy a local ticket to Karlovy Vary when you get to Usti.  Similarly, on your return journey, travel from Karlovy Vary to Usti nad Labem and pick up the sleeper to Cologne & Amsterdam, or the EuroCity to Berlin, there.

Buying tickets for trains within the Czech Republic:  www.cd.cz

You can buy tickets for train journeys within the Czech Republic online at www.cd.cz, complete with seat reservation, at cheap Czech prices with no booking fees.  You pay online and print your own ticket or (for domestic journeys) you can show it on your phone screen.  www.cd.cz will also book international trains from Prague to neighbouring countries, including Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Dresden, Berlin, Munich, Krakow & Warsaw also at cheap prices.  It can also book inward international tickets to Prague, except for journeys from Poland and Ukraine.  Tickets to or from Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary can safely be booked at www.cd.cz in either direction.

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Visiting Prague

It's an easy walk from Prague's main Hlavni station to the old town and the famous Charles Bridge, as you can see from the map.  For Prague bus & metro information see www.dpp.cz or see this link.  For Prague tourist information see www.praguewelcome.cz.  Map of Prague.  Prague Hlavni station info.

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Holidays & tours to Prague by train

If you want a holiday to Prague by train not plane, but would like someone else to organise all the train tickets and hotels for you, several specialist companies do just that, for a holiday with no airport hassles or whole days in cramped coach seats on motorways.  Railbookers offer tailor-made individual holidays with departure on any date you like, Rail Discoveries & Great Rail Journeys both offer escorted tours with specific departure dates.

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or short break as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  Their website has a range of suggested tours & holidays by rail which can be varied or customised to your requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens such as a strike or delay.  For example, they offer a 6-night holiday to Prague, Vienna & Budapest with daytime train travel by Eurostar & TGV.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk. 

  US call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com.

  Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com.

  Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au. 

  New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

Rail Discoveries, raildiscoveries.com

Rail Discoveries offers a 10-day escorted tour to Vienna, Prague and Berlin with 3* hotels and overland travel by Eurostar, sleeper train and EuroCity trains.  Check prices at www.raildiscoveries.com, then book online or call 01904 730 727.

Great Rail Journeys, greatrail.com

GRJ offers a 13-day escorted tour to Vienna, Budapest & Prague or a 12-day escorted tour to Berlin, Dresden & Prague, with 1st class train travel and 5* or 4* hotels.  Great Rail Journeys also offer holidays by train to other European countries.  Check the tour details & prices online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form.

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European Rail Timetable & maps

The European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable) has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  It is essential for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.  You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).  More information on what the European Rail Timetable contains.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map.  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

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Guidebooks

Paying for a guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but it's probably only a tiny fraction of what you're spending on your whole trip.  You will see so much more, and know so much more about what you're looking at, if you have a decent guidebook.  The Lonely Planets and Rough Guides are about the best out there for independent travellers.  Both have everything you need - lots of background historical and cultural information, lots of practical information.  You won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

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Hotels in Prague

Apart from review score and price, I think the three key factors in choosing a hotel are location, location, and, erm, location.  For a longish stay, I'd book a hotel right in the heart of the old town on or near the Old Town Square where the action is.  For a shorter stay, especially if you are leaving on an early train, I'd go for a hotel near the station, so there's no time wasted in taxis, you can walk across the road and leave your bags, and it's an easy stroll across the road to the station when it's time to leave - but that's still easy walking distance to the old town and all the sights.

Hotels near Prague's old town square

Ventana Hotel or Old Town Square Hotel (both 5-star), Grand Hotel Prague, Hotel Rott (both 4-star), Zlatý kůň Golden Horse (3-star).

Hotels near Prague Hlavni station

MeetMe23 (3-star, a funky designer hotel with holographic receptionist!, Exe City Park Hotel (3-star), Chopin Hotel (3-star), Falkensteiner Hotel Maria (4-star), Esplanade Hotel (5-star, a top choice which I've used myself, this photo of Prague Hlavni station was taken from my room on an upper floor).

Personal recommendation:  Hotel Carlo IV

The Hotel Carlo IV is a grand 5 star hotel in the classic tradition, in an impressive 19th century building that was originally a bank.  It's an easy 3 minute stroll across the park from the station, an easy walk from all the sights, and being in Prague it isn't as expensive as you'd expect a hotel of this top calibre to be.  Great location, great staff, nice rooms, excellent breakfast, and it even has a spa and swimming pool.

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection and gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list.  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained.  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com.

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

 

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