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How to get from Bratislava to Cesky Krumlov
There is no direct public transport from Bratislava to Český Krumlov. Driving takes about 3 h 30–4 h for roughly 300 km. By train it is about 6–7 h with several changes, usually via Vienna and Linz or via Brno and České Budějovice.
Best option: Car. Driving takes about half as long as the train and avoids three or four changes.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Via Vienna and northern Austria, or via Brno and the Czech side | about 3 h 30–4 h | fuel plus motorway vignettes for Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic (as applicable) | All three countries use vignettes; buy them online before you cross. Český Krumlov centre is closed to most traffic; use the paid car parks. | |
| train Trains via Vienna and Linz (then the Summerau line to České Budějovice) or via Brno, then a regional train or bus to Český Krumlov | about 6–7 h | a few workable connections a day | about €30–60 | Several changes; Český Krumlov station is a 15–20 min walk above the old town. Check current timetables. |
| bus Shared shuttle vans offered by private transfer companies | about 4 h | on demand or a few a day | about €50–80 per person | Door-to-door; check availability, as many shuttles run from Vienna or Prague rather than Bratislava. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy Slovak, Austrian and Czech e-vignettes online before driving.
- From České Budějovice, buses to Český Krumlov stop closer to the old town than the trains.
- Consider combining the trip with a stop in Vienna or Linz.
- Český Krumlov is busiest at midday with tour groups; stay overnight to see it quiet.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Bratislava to Český Krumlov?
No. The journey takes about 6–7 hours with several changes, usually via Vienna and Linz and then over the border to České Budějovice, or via Brno. From České Budějovice a regional train or bus covers the last 25 km. Through tickets are not always available, so check current timetables and buy each leg if needed.
How long does it take to drive from Bratislava to Český Krumlov?
About 3 h 30 to 4 hours for roughly 300 km, depending on whether you go through Austria or through Brno. You need vignettes for the motorways you use in Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic; buy them online. Park in the signed car parks outside the old town, which is largely closed to traffic.
Is there a shuttle from Bratislava to Český Krumlov?
Private transfer companies offer shared or private shuttles to Český Krumlov, but most scheduled ones start in Vienna, Prague or Salzburg. From Bratislava you may need a private transfer, which is pricier for a single traveller but reasonable for a group. Compare with taking a train or bus to Vienna and joining a shuttle there.
What is the best way without a car?
A train with changes is the main option, about 6–7 hours. A practical alternative is to go to Vienna and take a shuttle van from there, which can be quicker overall. Either way, start early so you reach Český Krumlov in daylight; the walk from the station into the old town is downhill and on cobbles.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.