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How to get from Berlin to Prague
Direct EuroCity trains link Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Prague main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) in about 4 h 15 to 4 h 30 via Dresden, along the Elbe valley. Coaches take about 4 h 30 to 5 h and are often cheaper. Driving takes about 4 h.
Best option: Train. The direct EuroCity runs from city centre to city centre roughly every two hours, with no transfers and a scenic stretch along the Elbe.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Direct EuroCity trains (Deutsche Bahn and České dráhy) from Berlin Hbf to Praha hlavní nádraží via Dresden | about 4 h 15 to 4 h 30 | roughly every two hours | about €20–60, cheaper when booked early | Sit on the left side (heading to Prague) for views of the Elbe between Dresden and Děčín. |
| bus Coaches from Berlin (central bus station ZOB and other stops) to Prague, run by companies such as FlixBus | about 4 h 30 to 5 h | many a day | about €15–40 | Check which Prague stop you arrive at; not all coaches use the central Florenc station. |
| car A13 to Dresden, A17 and the Czech D8 motorway to Prague (about 350 km) | about 4 h | fuel plus a Czech motorway e-vignette | Buy the Czech e-vignette online before you reach the border; parking in central Prague is limited and costly. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book the train early on the Deutsche Bahn or České dráhy websites for the lowest saver fares.
- Dresden makes a good stop to break the trip, as the train calls there.
- Prague's main station is a short walk or one metro stop from Wenceslas Square.
- The Czech Republic uses the koruna (CZK); cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for small shops.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Berlin to Prague?
Yes. EuroCity trains run directly from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Praha hlavní nádraží roughly every two hours, taking about 4 h 15 to 4 h 30. Some continue beyond Prague. The line follows the Elbe valley between Dresden and the Czech border, one of the most attractive rail stretches in central Europe. Check current timetables, as engineering works can add time.
What is the cheapest way from Berlin to Prague?
Coaches are usually the cheapest, from about €15 when booked ahead. Early train saver fares can be almost as cheap, often around €20–30, and the train is more comfortable and arrives in the city centre. Driving costs fuel plus the Czech motorway e-vignette and parking, so it only pays off for a group.
Do I need a vignette to drive to Prague?
Yes. Czech motorways, including the D8 from the German border to Prague, require an electronic vignette, which you buy online from the official Czech site before you drive. German motorways are free for cars. Short-term vignettes are available for a few days. Driving without one risks a fine at a roadside check.
Can I visit Prague as a day trip from Berlin?
It is possible but not recommended. With more than 4 h each way by train, you would have only a few hours in Prague. The city has enough to fill two or three days, from the Old Town and Charles Bridge to the castle district, so plan to stay at least one night.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.