Just starting to plan next year's trip to Prague and Budapest, each for around a week. We've pretty much ruled out a rental car and intend to rely on public transportation (although I'm not averse to driving in Europe). Originally I thought we could work Český Krumlov in as an intermediate stop, but it looks like the trains take a long time to get from there to Budapest. So - options: (1) Just do those two cities (with day trips, of course) with possibly the night train to save time on the relocation; (2) go from Prague to Český Krumlov via train, stay for two nights, then continue on to Budapest; or (3) use some other intermediate stop. Since I know these two cities are often linked in itineraries, was wondering if the travel veterans could offer some ideas. Oh, my wife and I visited Vienna for 10 nights three years ago and while we loved it, don't feel the need to go back just now. So your thoughts, please, including the use of the night train to maximize our vacation time. Many thanks for your help!!!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7166 posts
We used CK Shuttle from Salzburg to Cesky Krumlov for 2 nights then to Prague. It was an awesome way to travel and we absolutely loved Cesky Krumlov. 3 hours each leg.
They do have shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Budpaest as well.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
If you are not opposed to renting a car, consider driving from Prague to Cesky Krumlov to Brno, return the car there and train on to Budapest. (Returning the car in Brno means avoiding a big one-way drop fee for dropping the car in another country.) That will give you a few days to see more than just the two big cities. There are some other really nice towns between Cesky Krumlov and Brno - e.g. Telc and Jindrichuv Hradec, and driving in rural Czech Republic is pretty easy - I did this drive a few years ago, in the opposite direction.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7166 posts
Never done a night train and likely never will.
Wouldn’t consider it a restful night or count on a solid block of sleep time but I can’t sleep on trains, planes or automobiles.
Posted by
San Francisco
14979 posts
Hi,
Good that you are considering the night train option. I take one or two every trip, last couple it has been two night train rides. . There is a night train connecting Budapest and Prague. Budapest is a night train hub. You're in luck in that regard as to having more options. Budapest to Munich, Budapest to Berlin, Budapest to Krakow...all are night train routes. How much do want to expand your trip geographically?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
I'll second the shuttle from Prague to Cesky Krumlov for 1 or 2 nights (1 night was fine for me) and then shuttle or train from there to Budapest. Shuttle is a bit more convenient than train because they pick you up and drop you at your accommodations.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Brno could be a nice stop-over. A not too early train from Prague gives you a whole afternoon and evening in Brno. The next day you can be in Budapest around noon.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20188 posts
Unless you are in love with the idea of Cesky Krumlov, I would fly. Czech Air is about $100 and a bit longer than one hour. Door to door, nothing is faster.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20188 posts
Or, if you really want to get out of your comfort zone. Nonstop Prague to Kyiv is about $125 and 2.5 hours. Nonstop Kyiv to Budapest is about $75 and 1.5 hours.
For me 2 weeks is 16 days less 2.5 travel days for the Atlantic crossing nets 13.5 days of holiday; so including travel days in Europe, Prague 4.5, Kyiv 4, Budapest 5.
I love picking one off the wall destination like that. Pays off as it's how I discovered I like Ukraine. But if you go to Google Flights and enter Prague to Europe, Nonstop you can see the options. Do the same for Budapest and then find the comm9n destinations. So much out there under $125.
Posted by
San Francisco
14979 posts
"...use the night train to maximize the vacation time." That's exactly what I do, no problems for me doing that. I would reconsider going to CK, mainly I'm not interested in the place. Historically, CK was part of the Sudetenland, the town was known as Krumau. Instead for a worth while day trip, if you intend to take one, I suggest Brno
Posted by
Oakland, CA
124 posts
My husband and I will be making this same trip next Fall -- Berlin-Dresden-Prague-Budapest, so I'm grateful for all of the suggestions here. I too looked at CK and Brno for stops. Roy-- let us know what you decide!
DD