Munich to Prague: Train/Bus or Flight if I'm okay with airfare?

In the end it is a matter of personal preference, but once you add the time it takes to travel to and from the airports, check in and security and so on, the flight will not be significantly shorter.

There is not much bus service between Munich and Prague at the moment, it has almost completely fallen victim to the pandemic. But RegioJet will resume service in June 2024 with two buses a day, perhaps just in time for you. The journey time is 4:46 and if you add in travel to and from the airports, there's not much difference except that flying is a lot more stressful. The train runs more frequently (every two hours), but is slower (approx. 5:30). However, tickets booked in advance are very cheap if you buy them from Czech Railways (www.cd.cz).

Flight: 55minutes, around 125 euros

Airplanes go from airport to airport, not from downtown to downtown.

Understand that, by the time you take the S-Bahn from town to the Munich airport (45 minutes, minimum), 2 hours check-in, boarding, etc,, 55 minute flight, and 1 hour from the airport into Prague, you'll have spent almost 5 hours anyway.

The ALX direct trains to Prague take 5 hr 38 min., and cost a lot less than flying.

Is it really worth the cost of flying, and a lot of hassle, for less than 1 hour saved?

I'd estimate the total door-to-door travel time would be around 6 hours for bus/train vs 5-6 hours for flying once you factor in all the airport logistics. For a relatively short trip like this where the train/bus is quite cheap, I'd probably opt for the slightly longer but more scenic and wallet-friendly rail option. But if your time in Prague is very limited, the direct flight could be preferable to minimize travel days. Overall it just depends on your priorities - time or cost. Both ways will get you there comfortably!

Five hours 38 minutes by rail for about 150 miles. Not super fast by European high speed standards, but:

• European trains run often and on time. Frequently on a route like that there may be one train per hour.
• Train fares are a lot cheaper than flights.
• Train travel is a lot less stressful than flying. Basically: show up at the train station about 1/2 an hour before your train, watch the reader board for your train number to get to the correct platform, board train. No security lines, no pre-boarding calls, gate lice, etc. You may have your ticket scanned at a turnstile to get to the platforms. Conductor passes through the cars after departure to check tickets.
• Train seats are a LOT more comfortable than airline seats.
• The railroads have phone apps where you can book trains, load tickets, etc.

Plus by train you can take your own food and drink with you and have a pleasant picnic while watching the scenery go by!

show up at the train station about 1/2 an hour before your train

In the case of the ALX to Prague, 10 minutes is enough.

You may have your ticket scanned at a turnstile to get to the platforms.

No, there is no such thing in Munich. You just go to the train (usually platform 24-26) and get on.

BTW, I think seat reservation is only possible at the web site of Czech Rail: www.cd.cz

1 hour flight + 2 hour check in + 1.5 hrs airport transfer time (less if you taxi) = 4.5 hours

5 hour train + .5 hour early arrival (cause i dont know the station so why risk it) + .75 hour train station transfer time (maybe less, maybe more so much depends on where you are staying and how you choose to get there) = 6.25 hours.

I fly. Easier for my temperament.

About a decade or so ago, between Munich and Prague in the summer (June) the night train route was in existence. That train would depart from Munich Hbf ca. 11:30 PM. Using my Pass I had considered taking that train, arr. in Prague in the morning.

Unfortunately, I don't think that service exists anymore.

Regardless, given your realistic choices, I would choose the daytime train, the possibility of delays notwithstanding , unless you 're under a time constraint to make a connection in Praha hl n.

Hi everyone,

Thank you for all of your different insights. Looks like it's a close call between the two but I'm leaning towards train, all things considered. It's still months away so I've still got some research to do, thanks to your info!