I'll be in Prague next May for 4 ngts. After that, my traveling companion heads back to Canada. I want to go to Cesky Krumlov, but should I do a day trip or go by public transport, stay overnight & then head back to Prague for the overnight train to BP? I am on an extremely tight budget being a solo traveler.
Scenario 1) the day my friend leaves, take a day tour to CK, leave my bags at the hotel in Prague. Go by a tour & return to Prague & take ovenight train to BP (thus saving a night in a hotel). Can probably be picked up & dropped off at the hotel in Prague. No schlepping bags around.
Scenario 2) The day my friend leaves, take a public bus to CK with my bag. Stay overnight in CK. Hopefully leave my bag @ the hotel in CK while taking a look see. Take 7:00pm bus back to Prague & catch the overnight train to BP @ 11:25pm.
And yes, I know I don't have to go back to Prague to catch the overnighter to BP, BUT, going from CK to wherever to catch the train involves 3 different buses & 1 other train before you hook up with that overnighter from Prague. You end up standing on a train platform @ 1:30am to get it. As a single woman traveler of a certain age, I think it would be safer to return to Prague & not have to deal with a language issue to make sure I'm on the correct bus in Cesky Budjovice, & the other 3 places @ midnight or later.
So, what do you guys think - day trip or overnight? Also, has anyone done it by public bus? Is it a direct bus? Don't mind if it stops, but do I have to transfer to many different buses? Any expertise you guys can pass on is sure appreciated. The bag isn't such a big deal as I only travel with a carry-on. Mind you, this trip, 5 countries, change of seasons, could be a challenge!
Appreciate your time for answering,
Cheers,
Gail
Posted by
pittsburgh
162 posts
I would stay in CK overnight, if at all possible. Ive been there twice from Prague on the Student Agency bus line and while it makes a few stops on the way, there are no transfers and the bus is clean, modern, and comfortable with a friendly staff. Cesky Krumlov isn't all that big, but a day trip doesn't do it justice--you can spend half the day exploring the castle and gardens , half the day exploring the village and town square, grab a nice dinner somewhere, then enjoy some of the nightlife if like. If you stay overnight you can do all this without feeling rushed. Prices there are comparable to Prague too, meaning its easy on the wallet :)
Posted by
OP
Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
126 posts
Thanks for your reply Frank. Initially I was going to overnight in CK. Now that I'm straight about the bus, thanks to you, that's what I'll do. Can you buy tickets on line in advance do you know or should I just wait till in Prague?
Thanks again!
Posted by
pittsburgh
162 posts
Yes, you can buy tickets online, but not this far in advance if your're not going until next May. I do believe its 60 or maybe 90 days, and the price is very reasonable..maybe 8-10 dollars each way.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
I would suggest you stay a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov.
If you'll look at the Cesky Krumlov official travel site, you'll find advertisements for transport companies that use mini vans and automobiles. They'll pick you up at your hotel at a specific time and deliver you to your next hotel.
The same transport companies haul tourists between Prague, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and just about any city within the region for reasonable fares. They're a very pleasurable way to travel.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Stay overnight in Cesky Krumlov. There is a direct bus between C.K. and Prague (yellow bus or officially called Student Agency Bus.) By the way what is BP?
Posted by
San Francisco, California, USA
41 posts
Hi Gail,
I was in Cesky Krumlov three weeks ago, and I stayed four nights. That may seem like too much time for Cesky Krumlov, though for myself I'm so happy and glad I stayed four nights. I was able to take my time visiting the sights and exploring Cesky Krumlov. I would recommend if you could try to stay at least two nights in Cesky Krumlov, then you wouldn't have to rush through the sights. At the very least, I'd recommend planning an overnight stay in Cesky Krumlov.
And going to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, and returning to Prague I used the Student Agency Buses. The Student Agency Buses have few stops, the buses are clean, and the staff are nice and courteous. Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any questions.
Posted by
Tacoma, WA
23 posts
The coolest thing about staying the night in CK is that everybody else gets on a bus and goes home and you have the town to yourself after 5:00 pm. Life starts to get better at about 5:02