|
|
| Home > City Guide - Prague - Getting There By Rail | ||
|
||
|
Getting There By Rail Ceské dráhy – CD (tel: (02) 2422 4200, for timetable information or 2461 5249, for ticket prices; website: www.cdrail.cz), manages Prague’s railways and stations. The antiquated stock is a pleasure to travel in and the rail system still displays a great deal of the old Austrian pride in the system – a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was famous for its coverage of the empire, the comfort of its trains and their running on time. Even communist rule could not eradicate the pride the railroad takes in its service. Rychlick (also express and spesny) trains only stop at major towns and cities. Osobnyvlak are local trains that stop everywhere and average about 30km (19 miles) an hour. Trains are reliable and usually run on time. In many instances, however, buses will be faster, due to routing. The two main international terminals – Hlavní nádrazí (main station), Wilsonova, Prague 2, and Holesovice nádrazí, Vrbenského, Prague 7 – have exchange facilities and tourist information services. Lockers and 24-hour left luggage facilities are available at all stations. Rail services: Direct rail links connect Prague with more than 20 European cities, including Munich (journey time – 5 hours), Vienna (journey time – 5 hours 30 minutes), Berlin (journey time – 5 hours 30 minutes) and Paris (journey time – 10 hours). International trains arrive at Hlavní nádrazí (main station) and Holesovice nárdazí (see above). Masarykovo nádrazí, Hybernská, Prague 1, is the main station for trains to Moravia and Slovakia, Praha-Smíchov (Smíchovské nádrazí), Prague 5, for trains to the south of Bohemia, and Praha-Vysocany, Prague 5, for eastern Bohemia (tram 3 connects to Masarykovo nádrazí). Seat reservations are strongly recommended on all services. Transport to the city: The main station is only a short walk from the city centre, however, the surrounding park can be very dangerous, especially after dark. It is therefore advisable for visitors to take the metro. |
||
