Hi all, we plan to travel in middle of Jun 2014 -- leave Vienna earliest possible, spend a night in Cesky, and travel to Prague the next day.
1) What's the most economical way for five of us, shortest way and the least amount of time from Vienna to Cesky?
2) And Cesky to Prague?
Thank you. I searched the same topic however it was a 2010 post and there might be new information from all.
Try one of the shuttle companies like Bean. http://www.beanshuttle.com/ I just checked and they will cost you $175 euro total for the five of you Vienna to Cesky Krumlov and another 175 euro for the Cesky Krumlov to Prague trip. In Cesky look at the Hotel Dvorak. Best location and if you can get the room with the balcony the view is outstanding, especially at night.
We are traveling this June and booked Sebastian Tours & Transport from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov. We opted for a private shuttle as there are 8 adults traveling (212 Euro). They do have scheduled times at 38 Euro per person.
For the Cesky Krumlov to Prague leg we booked a bus ride, Student Agency Bus, http://www.studentagency.eu/, for 7.3 Euro per person. Each trip is approx. 3 hours.
Hello,
With five of you traveling a shuttle could be a good option for connecting Vienna and Cesky Krumlov. Rick does recommend a company in his Prague and the Czech Republic guidebook Sebastian Tours that will do the trip from Vienna but it doesn't look like they leave until 1PM. You could contact them to see if they have an earlier option. Taking the train will have two connections in most cases and takes about four and a half hours. You can look up schedules using Bahn.
I agree with the recommendations of Student Agency for the trip between Cesky Krumlov and Prague. I've done that trip and they have nice buses and a great price.
Kevin - thanks for your tips, related to train.
1) The train is operated by Austria Rail?
2) I see two connections via Bahn but do not think I can make any booking from there, right?
3) Is there a way for me to make the booking from the US? I do not mind 4.5 hour as we can travel early.
4) Is there any group fare for a family of five?
Thank you.
The first leg from Vienna to Ceske Velenice is operated by Austrian Rail (OBB). The second and third leg are operated by Czech Rail (CD): Ceske Velenice to Ceske Budejovice and Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov. This connection leaves Vienna Franz Josef Bahnhof at 6:22 am. Some later connections go different way and take little longer. You would be changing trains in Linz and Ceske Budejovice. Those go from Vienna Westbahnhof. You can buy the tickets from Vienna all the way. It would probably be cheaper if you buy from Vienna to Ceske Velenice and then in Ceske Velenice to Cesky Krumlov. If I remember correctly you will have 18 minutes time in Ceske Velenice. I don't know about Austrian Rail but Czech Rail is giving substantial discount for a group of 5 people (there is already some discount for a group of two). I think it is not possible to book these tickets from the US and it is certainly not necessary.
We did this trip last summer - three of us including a college age kid and a 10 year old. We took the train to Linz and then hired a shuttle bus to take us to Cesky Krumlov. (we just used who the Hostel recommended and they were great - CK Shuttle). We stayed at Krumlov Hostel and they have a private apt. you may rent for your family. Very economical and friendly. We stayed inside the hostel in the upper room. We did a quick float trip down the river and toured the beautiful town. When we departed, it was a quick walk to catch the inexpensive Student Agency bus (free wifi, airconditioned and snacks available) back to Prague.
We used CK Shuttle for another trip and were very pleased. Professional, courteous, punctual.
Use one of the shuttle services out of Cesky Krumlov. They service cities throughout the region, including Vienna, Linz, Prague, Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov--and all points within. Some will even take you as far as Budapest.
They pick you up at your hotel and take you directly to your final destination without hassles. And the prices are reasonable.
