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Planning to take the train from Berlin to Prague? You’ve come to the right place!
With a journey time of just over four hours, this train route is comparable to air travel when you take airport transfer times into account. In fact, the train may even be quicker (it’s certainly less stressful!) – just bring your bags and go. No hassle, no check-in lines! For more information, check out our guide on how to get from Berlin to Prague by train.
Conveniently, you’ll be going from city center to city center, meaning you can step off the train and step into Prague’s magic little world of history. From the famous 14th-century Charles Bridge to the stunning Astronomical Clock, architecture lovers won’t go wanting.These are just some of the reasons why Prague is on our list of top European destinations for March. During your trip to Prague, make sure to check out some of the epic filming locations for Casino Royale. Maybe you'll even fall in love with the Czech city and consider staying in Prague on a digital nomad visa: the world's your oyster!
Taking the train between these two cities is a popular journey with locals and tourists alike, so why not join them and book your ticket above? If you’re still not convinced, check out:
It takes an average of 4h 31m to travel from Berlin to Prague by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 12 trains per day traveling from Berlin to Prague and tickets for this journey start from $15.90 when you book in advance.
First train | 2:56 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 7:28 pm | |
Departure station | Berlin | |
Arrival station | Prague | |
Journey time | From 3h 51m | |
Distance | 175 miles (281 km) | |
Frequency | 12 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $15.90 | |
Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Flixbus |
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Enjoy comfortable seats with power outlets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
Traveling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power outlets and a bar car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and an in-seat meal service.
The Economy Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and an in-seat meal service.
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the onboard restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.
When traveling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When traveling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and a reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second-class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re traveling on an EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
The Mobility Service can help you with boarding, disembarking and changing trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take your baggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re traveling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
A restaurant car is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re traveling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Kids aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for kids in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if it can be folded and is not larger than 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike so it's clearly visible to the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of car, several wheelchair bays, including one seat for an accompanying person, can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the in-seat meal service on offer there.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Berlin to Prague by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
If you’re starting your European trip in Germany’s capital, you’ll be flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You’ll need to travel from the airport to the city center – find out more about your travel options below.
Berlin Central station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof in German) is Berlin’s main train station. This is where your journey from Berlin to Munich will start. Need to know how to get here? We’ve got you!
If you’re looking to use public transport to get to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, there are several options available:
As you wait for your train to Prague, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
At Berlin’s central station, you’ll find a range of amenities in case you need to pick something up before you travel, including:
There’s free WiFi available at the station. There’s also a left baggage locker service, so if your train is later in the day and you want to see a little more of Berlin before you catch your train, you can leave your bags locked away at the station.
If you’re taking the train from Berlin to Prague, your train will arrive at Prague train station.
Once you’ve arrived at Praha Hlavní Nádraží, more commonly known as Prague station, you’ll probably want to start exploring the city straight away. Fortunately, you can get from Prague station to different parts of the city by:
If you want to navigate Prague quickly and conveniently, use the city's public transport system.
If you’d like to explore more of the Czech Republic and Europe but you’re unsure where to begin, here’s some inspiration for the best places to visit and how to get there by train:
Enjoyed your time in Prague and want to explore more of Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Prague:
After visiting Prague, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days. Check out our guide to Eurail in Spain for more info.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
If you’re flying home from Prague, you will probably depart from Václav Havel Airport Prague, more commonly known as Prague Airport.
Public transport to Prague Airport
The cheapest way to get to Prague Airport from the city center is to use the city’s public transport system. In total, the journey takes around 40 minutes.
To get to the airport, you can hop on subway line A (green) from several stations in central Prague, including Staroměstská, Mustek or Muzeum. Then, get off at Nadrazi Veleslavin and transfer to bus 199. The bus will drop you off at the bus station directly outside Terminal 2 (Exit D).
A one-way ticket is valid for 90 minutes, can be used for the bus, tram and subway and costs 32 CZK (around $1.38) as of May 2024.
Taxis to Prague Airport
If you want to reach Prague Airport quickly, you can take a taxi from the city center. The price of your taxi journey depends on the taxi company and where you’re heading but should be approximately 650 CZK ($28.10) and no more than 800 CZK ($34.58) as of May 2024.
The average journey time by train between Berlin and Prague is 4 hours and 31 minutes, with around 12 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Berlin to Prague is 3 hours and 51 minutes.
Train tickets from Berlin to Prague can start from as little as $15.90 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Berlin to Prague without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Berlin to Prague each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Berlin to Prague leaves at 02:56. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Berlin to Prague leaves at 19:28. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Berlin to Prague cover a distance of around 175 miles (281 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Prague to Berlin.