One of the few downsides to Berlin is that it is packed in the northeast corner. While people in Munich and Frankfurt are only an hour from many of Europe’s major cities, it takes a little longer in Berlin.
Fortunately, there are fantastic day trips within Germany and a little further afield is another world-class city, Prague. Although a bit too far for a day trip, people take the 4.5-hour train ride from Berlin to Prague every day.
Train travel in Europe
The German national railway is called Deutsche Bahn , or DB for short, and it connects many places across Europe. Their website is available in English and allows easy trip planning with clearly posted rates.
German train travel is also one of the best ways to travel around the country. It is comfortable, easy and beautiful. Take in the beautiful scenery as you recline in relaxing accommodations.
Train from Berlin to Prague
This route often starts as far west as Amsterdam (although some start in the north, like Hamburg). This successful list of cultural (and party) capitols means that the train is often quite busy and full of tourists. On my last trip on this train, I heard English coming from every compartment.
The first train from Berlin to Prague leaves bright and early at 6:46 a.m. and runs all day until late at night (usually around 6:00 p.m.). Many are direct trains that make the trip in approximately 4.5 hours, although some require a transfer and can take 6 hours.
Late trains are usually night trains, although there are fewer of these than before. Since the journey is quite short for a sleeper, it is smart to use this option only if you are starting from further afield, such as in Amsterdam. However, this would mean missing out on Berlin.
Please note that travel time may be longer on weekends and holidays. Use the DB trip planner for exact transfer times, routes, rates and points.
Berlin train station
Trains can stop at other stations in Berlin, but the main station is the Hauptbahnhof (main train station). This is the largest train station in Europe and it is state of the art (despite the problems with its construction).
There is a DB tourist office (open 24/7) that can help answer questions on the first floor, plus a pharmacy, fast food, and restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs, and shops on-site.
Address : Invalidenstrasse 10557 Berlin
Connections : S Bahn S5, S7, S75, S9; Bus 120, 123, 147, 240, 245
Prague train station
Prague Hlavni Nadrazi Train Station ( Praha Hlavni Nadr ) opened in 1871 and is the main train station in Prague. It has been recently renovated, but still retains its historical features such as a dome and stained glass windows. There is a tourist office on the ground floor, as well as a pharmacy, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs and shops on site.
Address : Wilsonova 8, New Town, Prague 2
Connections : Tram Lines 5, 9, 26, 55, 58
Options for taking the train from Berlin to Prague
The train ride from Berlin to Prague is a beauty. As you leave the German capitol, look on the left side for the glorious vignettes of village life along the Elbe and Vlatava rivers and the impressive rock formations at Sachsen. The train also has a dining car to support you throughout the journey. A cart also passes the cars with small supplies like coffee and sandwiches.
There are several different options for taking the train from Berlin to Prague. You will have to select between first and second class, what time you want to travel and if you want to take a train, if you agree to a detour or if you want to take a night train.
- EuroCity Train – Average time: 4 hours 30 minutes; seat reservations are optional; Departs 8-14 times a day (depending on the time of year)
Although seat reservations are optional for some trains, I recommend spending a few euros to confirm a seat. This route can be quite popular and you don’t want to be standing in the hallway.
Budget and travel tips on how to get from Berlin to Prague by train
The earlier you buy the tickets, the cheaper they will be. Trains are available for purchase as early as 90 days in advance with only a certain number of discounted tickets. Once the cheapest ones have been sold out (€ 19.90 one way), there will be more expensive discount tickets. Once they are sold out, tickets will be priced regularly (around € 129 each way). Fortunately, this route often has high availability of discounted tickets.
For further savings, you may consider a Bahncard if you travel more in Germany, or a rail pass for travel in Europe.
Please note that children under the age of 15 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
Recommended stops from Berlin to Prague
If you have to change trains, it’s not a disaster. Dresden is a common place to change and is an ideal destination to stretch your legs for a few hours or spend the night. Because trains leave for Prague so frequently, you can easily start from Berlin, take a few hours in Dresden, and be in Prague before dark.
You can even spend the night in Dresden and continue your journey the next day.
