HOW TO TRAVEL TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
By Air
The Czech Republic’s main international airport is Václav Havel Airport (PRG), which has daily connections to/from major European cities. Passengers going to/from other destinations will have to change planes in Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam or Paris. The airport is located on the northwest edge of Prague, about 15 km from the city centre. There are other airports in Brno and Ostrava. People flying into Moravia usually use the airports in Vienna or Bratislava.
By Bus
Bus travel is the cheapest mode of transport inside Europe. There are ample bus connections between the major cities of the Czech Republic and other European cities. Most international buses arrive at Florenc Bus Station, the main bus station in Prague, where there are schedules, ticket offices and some travel agencies. Černý most, Zličín and Želivského metro stations are the final stops for some bus routes. In other Czech towns, buses connecting with European cities usually arrive at the main bus station.
By Train
It is easy to travel to the Czech Republic from all major European cities by train. In summer, the international trains tend to be full and one should book seats at least a week in advance. Most trains arrive at and depart from Praha Hlavní nádraží (Prague’s Main Railway Station, abbreviated as Praha Hl. n.). A few of them arrive at other railway stations: Praha-Holešovice, Praha-Smíchov or Praha-Masarykovo nádraží. Each of these stations has its own easily accessible underground metro station. In other Czech towns, international trains usually stop at the main station.
For the best transport connections go to www.idos.cz.
By Car
The Czech Republic has a network of motorways and roads that are moderately well sign-posted. It is necessary to buy and display a mandatory motorway vignette when driving on Czech highways. Vignettes can be purchased at post offices, border crossings and selected petrol stations. Czech traffic regulations are similar to those in effect in other EU member states. A few basic rules are:
- The maximum permissible speed in towns and villages is 50 km/h
- The maximum permissible speed for cars and buses weighing up to 3,500 kg is 90 km/h on roads and 130 km/h on highways
- The maximum permissible speed for motorcycles is 90 km/h
- No consumption of alcohol at all is allowed before driving or while driving
- Seat belts must be fastened during the entire journey
- Motorcyclists and their pillion passengers must wear a helmet
