Doing a loop from prague to cesky krumlov, to plzen to karlovy vary. Found train from prague to ck and to plzen, but not finding one to kv that doesn't go all the way back to prague first. So thinking of bus, just not finding much info on bus service. Anyone got any input here?
thanks,
kat
Try here. Looks like just one bus a day and only on workdays (which might or might not include Saturdays). The "R" may mean a reservation is required; I don't read Czech. Confirm everything once you're in-country. At least you know about the Student Agency/RegioJet option via Prague and can have that as a back-up plan.
There is a train from Pilsen to Karlovy Vary every 2 hours requiring a 1 hour connection in Cheb. Direct trains from Karlovy Vary to Prague also every 2 hours. Schedules at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhdvse/spojeni/
have a look at this website for info on all transport in the CR.
Plzen train station is going under massive reconstruction at the moment and I mean the rails and platforms so there are a lot of adjustment to routes and timetables . I was in Plzen in August and the train station was a real mess and my train back to Prague was well delayed.
good luck and let us know how you get on
Looking at the Idos website there seems to be regular trains to Mariánské Lázně and the from there to Plzen and of course the reverse .Total time around 3 hours hope this helps, also some connection through Cheb that Sam mentions.