THE BEST WAY TO GET TO PRAGUE
For those who had not booked any flights yet or the prices of the flights are just too expensive, should consider taking either train or bus as cheaper option to get to Prague. I see this as very good option, especially if you heading there straight from neighborhood countries (e.g. Germany - Berlin). This type of transport is most of the time cheaper than flights so you safe quite a bit on transport money. When special promotions on tickets from bus or train companies are on, tickets can be really cheap. Both bus and train take just about same time so don’t really matter which one you decide to go for. They both take around 4 hours 30 minutes in average time.
Trains tend to run more times a day than buses and you have restaurant wagon there too serving drinks and food. Train would make a few short stops on the way and than will stop direct in the centre of Prague, if that's where you wanting to get off, being it right in the centre of the town. The main train station in Prague is called Hlavni nadrazi (Hl.n.) so look from the window for the station names for where to get off or/and also listen to the announcements before reaching each stop. Hlavni nadrazi (Hl.n.) one stop after station called Nadrazi Holesovice (still considering of coming from Berlin), which is also a first stop in Prague itself and where you could also get off for the further Metro (Red C line), tram or bus connections. Either of the stations have than direct access to the local Metro (Underground) system.
Train, for example, from Berlin takes 4 hours 50minutes and its quite nice journey. Your journey would run faster when you spend some time in the Restaurant waggon, where you can actually meet another travelers too.
Buying a train ticket via Internet is usually cheaper from Czech train website directly, which have English option as well.
Go to Czech Railways website and than select Germany on the left (or any country you buying the ticket from). You would need to register but it´s still worth it as occasionally you could find very good deals on the one way journey. You can just compare the prices to a German train company (Deutsche Bahn) and see what’s best for you on: Deutsche Bahn website.
Remember to book 2nd class as the cheapest option. Once you book the ticket online, print it and keep it with you while on the train for the train controllers to see. You will be given the waggon number and the seat number printed on the ticket. From my experience, I never sat on the same number as given, unless the train was completely full, which happen very very rare. If any of the lodge coupe is free (not the one in 1st class of course), than sit there if you want. It only can happen that you may be send to sit elsewhere if controller decides so but in general it´s OK and they don´t really care too much. Try to pay attention to your bags or at least keeping it close to you at all the time, as you never know, who may take them even by mistake (take it with you even to the restaurant waggon if necessary).
Bus connection to Prague is not as regular as trains but also very comfortable. Buses are direct and you can choose to take several companies. If you for example take a night bus it often takes just over 4 hours (from Berlin). I always prefer Student Agency for the their good service and value.Again there are few companies you can choose from:
Student Agency: Very comfortable buses and good service. On the coach TV, Radio, Tea or coffee free, Magazines and Newspapers, WiFi, Movie showing on the way so you can choose which connection to take depending which movie you wish to watch :) Prices are around 29 euros one way or 49 euros return.
Click here for Student Agency website
Berlin Linien Bus: Easy to orientate website. Choose English and fill your travel dates. Here is good to know the the total price could be reduced by almost a half (Aktion-Preis), when you book and ticket is issued minimum one week before your departure. Like this you could get your ticket for as cheap as 44 euros return. Normal tariff is around 77 euros for return. Their website is: Click here for Berlin Linien Bus
Eurolines: Choose English and than from the selection To/From choose Tschechien, which stands for Czech Republic. Than choose Prague as city you going to/from. They have reduce prices for students but also have a booking fee of 3 euros. Return ticket is around 70 euros. They may be one of the most expensive one but if nothing else is available than this may be an extra tip. Check their website on: Eurolines website
Megabus: Choose English and than fill your travel dates.Ticket cost around 500kc (20 euros) each way so 40 euros return. Their website is:
Megabus website
Buses will drop you off in Prague´s main bus station called Florenc Autobusove Nadrazi. It has direct access to Metro (Underground) station called Florenc (yellow line). See the link bellow for your Google location on Florence Bus station (Florenc Autobusove nadrazi):
Map of Florence bus station
or see the picture bellow where the bus station (Autobusove nadrazi) is on the bottom right corner. Red or yellow arrows than indicates entrances to Metro station (Yellow for B line and Red for C line).
Whatever you decide for it would always be cheaper than to fly and you never know... you may meet the great people on the way!
