Train travel Berlin to Prague. Which city gets more time?

Adele, Both cities are fantastic, but my suggestion would be to use the second Itinerary you listed. Keep in mind that when you arrive in Berlin, you're likely going to be jet lagged and it will take a day or two in order to get up to full "touring speed". You probably won't see as much in Berlin at the beginning of your trip as anticipated, so having an extra day or so there would be worthwhile. Also, the trip from Berlin to Prague will not take a full day (it's about six hours as I recall, and a very pleasant journey). Therefore, you'll still have the late afternoon and evening of arrival in Prague to do a bit of light touring. For your trip from your hotel in Prague to the airport, I'd suggest asking your hotel to arrange a Shuttle. That's the method I typically use, and it always works well (it's usually a "shared" Shuttle). Happy travels!

A lot depends on what your interests are. You are basically deciding on one day so I don't think you could go wrong either way. If you're like me you will change your mind numerous times. What daytrips if any are you planning? Prague holds more interest for me personally because of how well the old town is preserved.

Hi Adele, Train tix / pricing will become available 90 days before the travel date. You can go to the Deutsche Bahn website and run a test route on a Tuesday or Wednesday later this month, let's say, to get an idea of the options you'll have. You can get some pretty good fares, as low as 39€ I think, using an Europe Special offer... info on website. For only a few € more, yeah, I always reserve and choose seats. The EC trains make that trip in under five hours, which is nice -- it's not like a full day of travel. As for your choice of extra day, Berlin or Prague? You can't make a wrong decision :) ... I have done / could do a week or more in each and not get bored. Enjoy ~

Give more days to Berlin, bigger city, more to see.

I loved both Berlin and Prague, for different reasons. But there's unquestionably more "sights" in Berlin, and it's a much larger and more spread out city (not only is Prague smaller, but its area of "touristic interest" is much smaller). And Ken's point about jet lag is also correct. So, definitely allot more time to Berlin. Yes, do get seat reservations for that train. I took it from Berlin to Dresden (it then goes on to Prague) and it was quite full, but with a seat reservation, I was fine (others were sitting in the aisle on their luggage). Since you say "we," be sure to book your ticket for all of you at once, as it's even cheaper. For my Berlin to Dresden trip (one way), it was €19 for one person in advance, €29 for two people in advance, and €39 per person full fare (no discount for two, so €78 full fare). The seat reservation was €4 per person.

Hi, If you want to see a capital that came through the war intact, basically very little war damage, choose Prague. Leaving early from Berlin, you'll arrive in Prague direct in 4 plus hours. Is this your first time in either city? If so, it's Berlin, reasons already given above.

Thank you all so much! Such a friendly and knowledgable board. We are very grateful for your advice.