Flightless adventures have seen a renaissance in recent years thanks to sleeper train start-ups like Nightjet and European Sleeper, which are launching routes all over Europe. Plus, flying emits 14 times more CO2 than taking the train.
Flying is the fastest option with flights from Paris to Prague arriving in about 1h 42m. KAYAK’s flight search will help you find the cheapest prices on both one-way and round trip flights.
1. Paris to Budapest
On an average day, 4 train trips are available to get from Paris to Prague. Of these, 4 travel direct so you’ll have plenty of choice to pick a journey that suits you. On busier days, up to 5 journeys a day could be running.
Bagging a flight ticket from Paris to Prague may mean extra bucks to spend on one-of-a-kind souvenirs once you arrive, but it’s far from the only option. You can also opt for a bus or a train, depending on your preferences and budget.
If you choose to fly, check if the airport has WiFi so you can get online and catch up on emails. It’s also worth getting there early to allow time for security checks and grabbing a seat.
A trip by train gives you the chance to observe the landscapes change as you make your way through France and Germany and into the Czech Republic. Plus, it’s much cheaper than a plane ticket!
Trains from Paris to Prague take on average 11 h 30 min, but schedules can vary on holidays or weekends. To find the best option for you, compare and book train tickets with Omio’s travel partners Deutsche Bahn, Alex or TGV INOUI.
The main train station for this route is Paris Gare du Nord, while the arrival point in Prague is Prague hlavni nadrazi. The busiest times for this route are when it leaves Paris in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
If you opt for a bus, look out for higher-class buses that feature amenities like WiFi, soft reclining seats and bathrooms. You can often purchase food and drinks onboard, too. Long-distance buses will usually stop for bathroom and lunch breaks along the way, so it’s a good idea to pack snacks and water.
For those who want to enjoy a bit of luxury, you can even book a cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express! This is a truly unforgettable experience, from Paris to Prague and beyond. With meals included, gorgeous scenery and 5* service, you’ll love every moment of your journey.
2. Budapest to Cracow
A direct express train connects the two cities. The journey takes less than eight hours. You can choose seats or a sleeper car, which offer 2-person or 3-person standard compartments with wash basins and plenty of space for luggage.
Budapest is a sprawling Queen of the Danube, an ancient regal city split into two UNESCO-listed halves that are connected by numerous picturesque bridges. The imposing Buda Castle is a major landmark, and you can tour its regal court rooms. The riverside Andrassy Avenue is lined with grand buildings and cafés.
A walking tour of the city center takes you across the Royal Route, originally used for the king’s coronation procession, to see the city’s top sights. Then, cross the Charles Bridge to explore the Old Town and Lesser Town. You can also visit the opulent Gellert Baths, take in a show at the opera house, or admire the city’s magnificent architecture from the riverside vantage point of the Fisherman’s Bastion and Citadella.
The city is home to several fine hotels, including the centrally located Hotel Regina. You can also stay at the historic Palace Hotel in Buda, or opt for one of the modern high-rises in the Inner City district.
Alternatively, you can fly from Budapest to Krakow with EasyJet or LOT Polish Airlines. The flight takes about three and a half hours, depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
If you’re planning to travel independently without a pass, consider booking your tickets as far in advance as possible. Most routes begin accepting reservations about three months ahead of departure. You can also sign up for alerts from Rail Europe or check out the online rail guide, The Man in Seat 61, to get updates on when ticket sales open. And be sure to purchase travel insurance, like Genki Explorer, which includes medical coverage and trip interruption benefits. You can sign up for a policy in less than a minute. It’s quick, affordable, and covers up to 80% of your trip cost. Click here to learn more and get a free quote.
3. Cracow to Berlin
Taking a train from Prague to Berlin is one of the easiest ways to get between two European capitals. The route is served by several train operators, including PKP, Deutsche Bahn and RegioJet. The journey takes around 10 hours and you’ll travel in either a sleeping or seat compartment, depending on the type of ticket you book. The best way to book is in advance, as prices can go up significantly if you leave it late.
The night train departs from Krakow and arrives in Berlin at about 8 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city. Once you’ve arrived, take the opportunity to visit the stunning Brandenburg Gate and stroll around the opulent Tiergarten park. There are also a number of interesting museums to choose from, as well as countless shopping and dining options.
If you’d prefer to fly, there are direct flights between Krakow and Berlin. However, they’re only available a couple times a week and can be quite expensive. The good news is that there are lots of other ways to travel between the cities, including FlixBus, which operates one of Europe’s largest bus networks.
On average, there are 12 journeys each day between Berlin and Krakow. Some of these are direct, while others offer connections or changes along the way. You’ll need to check out the schedules of each operator to see what suits you.
Once you’ve found the perfect itinerary for your trip, it’s easy to book your tickets online. Most train companies have websites where you can do this, and there are also apps that can make the process even easier. You can use these to book your tickets, manage your bookings and keep track of your itinerary.
If you’re planning to do a lot of traveling in Europe, consider purchasing an Interrail pass. These pass can help you save money and hassle by letting you reserve seats in advance and travel to multiple destinations in a single country or region. You’ll find a range of options to suit your budget and needs, so you can pick the ideal pass for your next adventure.
4. Berlin to Prague
Whether you’re looking to chat with fellow passengers or just relax and read a book, the train journey from Berlin to Prague is a delightful way to travel. The train travels along the picturesque River Elbe, passing the area known as Saxon Switzerland (between Decin and Bad Schandau). The scenery is stunning and will take your breath away!
Direct trains run from Berlin to Prague several times a day. The trip takes just under four hours and is a relaxing and beautiful experience. Unlike many other European trains, which use older cars, the trains that operate between these two cities are new and modern. Depending on when you book your tickets, you can expect to pay between 25-50 EUR per person. Generally, the earlier in advance you buy, the cheaper the price will be.
There are also a number of bus companies that offer multiple routes between these two cities. One of the more popular is FlixBus, which offers a few daily direct options. Tickets can be booked online via the website or app, in person at a FlixBus shop, or even with Google Assistant.
While buses are a great option for those who don’t mind sitting in a coach for an extended period of time, they are often less comfortable and can be quite crowded. Additionally, the buses often have limited leg room, making it difficult to stretch out and sleep. Lastly, the bus stations in Berlin tend to be outside of the city center, which can add a few extra hours to your trip.
Flying between these two cities is another option, and the flight usually takes about five to 6.5 hours. The prices of flights vary widely depending on the date and time that you are traveling, but can be quite reasonable when purchased in advance. KAYAK’s flight search tool allows you to see the cheapest times to fly between these two cities and helps you find the best deal on your airfare.
