Day Trip to Prague from Vienna: 20 Best Travel Tips

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities. Located just 310 km from Vienna, it makes for the perfect day trip to escape Austria’s capital for a day filled with Gothic architecture, colorful baroque buildings, medieval charm, and some of the best beer in the world. This guide will walk you through how to plan the perfect day trip to Prague from Vienna.

Day Trip to Prague from Vienna

Prague is easily accessible from Vienna, with regular trains and buses making the journey in about 4 hours one-way. Here are the best transportation options:

Train

Taking the train is the most convenient and scenic option. Direct high-speed Railjet trains leave Vienna Hbf every 2 hours and take approximately 4 hours to reach Prague Hlavni Nadrazi station. Tickets start from €29 each way. Be sure to book in advance online for the best deals. First class tickets grant you more space and power outlets.

Bus

Buses drive directly from Vienna International Busterminal to Florenc bus station in Prague in just over 4 hours. There are roundtrip options for as low as €20. Popular bus companies include RegioJet, Flixbus, Eurolines. Buses run multiple times a day.

Drive

Renting a car and taking the scenic route allows you flexibility in stops along the way. The drive takes about 4.5 hours with good traffic conditions. Be aware that highway vignettes are required on Austrian and Czech highways. Fuel, tolls and rental fees make this the most expensive option.

Getting Around Prague

Prague has an excellent public transportation system consisting of trams, buses, trains, and metro lines. I recommend buying a 24 hour pass which gives you unlimited access. You can purchase it at ticket machines in stations, tobacco shops or newsstands. Other options include:

Walking

Prague’s compact Old Town is very pedestrian friendly. This area contains many top attractions, beautiful architecture, shops and restaurants, making walking a top option. Just wear comfortable shoes!

Taxi/Rideshare Apps

Taxis are affordable, especially for airport transfers or trips outside the main city area. I suggest using the Bolt app and verifying the car details for security. Have cash on hand as many taxis don’t accept cards.

Bicycle Rentals

Renting a bike lets you visit more ground and is common in Prague. Locals bike everywhere. Multiple bike rental shops can be found, especially along the Vltava River. Rates average $10-15 per day.

Top Things to Do in Prague in a Day

With just one day to experience Prague, you’ll want to make the most of it. Here is the ultimate itinerary to see the top attractions:

Morning: Prague Castle Complex

Start your morning just before opening time to beat the crowds exploring the insider’s guide through Prague Castle. Consisting of St Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, it is Guinness World Record’s largest ancient castle complex occupying 70,000 m2. After you finish wandering through history, stop at one of the nearby cafes for a coffee break while admiring impressive views of the city.

Must-see highlights:

• St Vitus Cathedral
• Old Royal Palace’s Vladislav Hall and Bohemian Chancellery
• Golden Lane’s tiny colorful merchants’ houses
• St George’s Basilica

Opening Hours	Admission Fees
April-October: 5am-11pm	Circuit A or B: 350 CZK per adult
November-March: 6am-10pm	Circuit A+B (access to all sights): 500 CZK per adult
	Free with Prague Card

 

Mid-morning: Charles Bridge

A 15 minute walk down from Prague Castle leads you to the iconic Charles Bridge, one of Europe’s most photographed sites. Take your time strolling across the beautiful 520 meter long bridge lined with impressive Baroque statues. Soak in unmatched views of Prague Castle behind you and the charming streets of Old Town out front. Be sure to check out the interesting Catholic shrines and craft stalls dotting the bridge along your walk.

Early Afternoon: Old Town Square

Next make your way towards Old Town’s central square, just 5 minutes from the end of Charles Bridge. This bustling plaza showcases gorgeous examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style buildings and churches such as the Jan Hus Memorial and Our Lady Before Týn. Have lunch at one of the many al fresco restaurants on the square. Don’t miss the 15th century Astronomical Clock with its hourly Walk of the Apostles show starring figurines of Jesus Christ and his followers.

Mid Afternoon: Jewish Quarter

Pay a visit next to Josefov, Prague’s old Jewish Quarter founded in 1090. Wander through the tightly packed streets stopping inside to see treasures like the Old Jewish Cemetery’s 12,000 crumbling graves, the historic Old-New Synagogue (completed in 1270!), and the Jewish Museum’s collection of Judaica artifacts spanning 10 centuries. End your time here with a piece of apple strudel and coffee at Kolkovna Cafe inside the Spanish Synagogue.

Late Afternoon: Prague River Cruise

What better way to see Prague than from aboard a scenic cruise on the Vltava! Take in panoramas of the city’s skyline and top attractions like you’ve never seen them before. You have options for lunch/dinner cruises, or sip on a pint from the onboard bar. Most cruises depart from near the Charles Bridge.

Where to Eat and Drink

One of the best parts of Prague is enjoying delicious and affordable Czech food and beer! Here are top restaurant picks for every meal:

• Breakfast: Clear Head’s fluffy pancakes or relaxed Cafe Savoy’s omelets
• Lunch: Authentic Czech cuisine at high-rated Lokál restaurant, or Konírna’s terrace under Prague Castle
• Dinner: Romantic views along Vltava River at Hergetova Cihelna or Mlýnská Kavárna’s riverside terrace
• Beer: Craft beer mecca U Fleků Brewery (since 1499!) or beer spa experience at Chateau Brewery Strahov Monastery

Don’t leave without trying favorites like baked pork knuckle, goulash, apple strudel, gingerbread, and the original Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell beer of course!

What Souvenirs to Buy

Bring a piece of Prague’s history, artistry and craftsmanship home with you! Popular souvenirs include:

• Bohemian glasswork – vases, jewelry, sculptures
• Marionette puppets
• Czech crystal and garnet jewelry
• Painted glassware
• Embroidered lace tablecloths
• Beer glasses and tankards
• Wooden toys and decorative dolls wearing Czech folk costumes

The best shopping areas are along Karlova street leading up to Old Town Square, in Prague Castle’s Golden Lane, and the Palladium luxury mall. Haggle your price at Prague’s many open air markets like Havelský trh market near Old Town Square.

Getting Back to Vienna

Double check your return train, bus or rental car timing and arrive early so you don’t risk missing your ride back to Vienna after your action-packed day! If you booked flexible tickets, you can take whichever train or bus is most convenient back to Vienna. The same transportation options and travel times apply for returning to Vienna from Prague.

Trains from Prague Hlavni Nadrazi to Vienna Hbf

• First train at 6:09am, last train at 10:09pm
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours
• Fares starting from €29

Buses from Florenc Bus Station to Vienna International Busterminal

• First bus at 12:30am, last bus at 11:30pm
• Duration: Just over 4 hours
• Fares starting from €5

If renting a car, plan at least 5 hours drive time to account for traffic, stops and the border crossing. Check highway conditions before departing.

Things to Know Before You Go

Brush up on these essential Prague travel tips before embarking on your quick day trip getaway:

Language & Currency

• Main language is Czech, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Czech Koruna (CZK) is the currency, so exchange Euros upon arrival
• As of 2023: 1 EUR = 24.58 CZK

Local Transport Cards

Consider buying a 24 or 72 hour Prague public transport pass covering metro, trams, buses and trains to save money getting around

Tipping Expectations

Tips are expected for good service at restaurants, bars, taxis etc. Around 10% is standard. Tip tour guides 5-10 EUR at the end.

Safety

Prague is very safe, even when sightseeing solo. However be alert for pickpockets around crowded tourist sites like Charles Bridge. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Solo women travelers should take usual safety precautions at night.

Best Times to Visit

Spring and fall have pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July/August bring peak crowds. November-March is cold but decorated beautifully for Christmas!

20 Best Travel Tips for Day Trip to Prague from Vienna

1. Take an early morning train to maximize sightseeing time

Catch the earliest possible direct train from Vienna Hbf to Prague Hlavni Nadrazi, departing at 6 AM and arriving just after 10 AM. This gives you around 8 hours for sightseeing before the return trains start departing from Prague in the evening.

2. Book train tickets in advance for discounts

Reserve train tickets online 90 days beforehand on sites like ÖBB or Czech Railways for the best rates. First class tickets allow more space plus power outlets. Bring ID when collecting tickets.

3. Travel light

Pack just a small day bag with essentials so you can walk around hands-free and not worry about extra luggage. Keep valuables concealed. Bring layers for changing weather.

4. Have cash on hand for metro tickets & taxis

While many tourism businesses accept payment cards, have some Czech Koruna cash for buying metro passes from machines,market souvenirs and taxi fares. ATMs are easily found citywide.

5. Download offline metro and city maps

Navigating Prague’s metro system and winding cobblestone streets is easier with Google Maps downloaded offline. Or grab a free metro and tourist map at your hotel.

6. Purchase a 24 hour public transport pass

Investing in a 24 hour pass including all metro lines, trams, buses and funiculars allows unlimited travel so you can see more ground faster. Available via ticket machines.

7. Wear comfortable walking shoes

Much of sightseeing in Prague involves walking long distances and climbing hundreds of stairs. Pack sneakers or supportive shoes to avoid sore feet. Break them in pre-trip!

8. Prioritize three main districts

Focus your one day visit on Prague’s most interesting neighborhoods: Hradčany Castle District, Old Town (Staré Město), and Jewish Quarter (Josefov).

9. Visit Prague Castle right at 9 AM opening

Crowds pour into Prague Castle later but lines are short right at 9 AM. Buy your admission ticket at the information center then directly enter attractions like St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica ahead of queues.

10. Dine at non-touristy spots off-main streets

For authentic Czech cuisine, find local favorite restaurants on side streets away from tourist-trap areas. And you’ll save money eating where locals do.

11. Indulge in Trdelník desserts and baked goods

It’s not just about beer and meat! Czech pastries like cinnamon-dusted Trdelník tube cakes, apple strudel and chocolate kolaches are delicious quick snacks between sightseeing.

12. Seek out hole-in-the-wall craft beer joints

Led by demand for the original Pilsner, Prague boasts hip microbreweries making excellent unpasteurized beer with funky flavors. Drink where you see locals quenching their thirst.

13. Visit the Jewish Quarter in the afternoon

Tour the Old Jewish Cemetery and synagogues when crowds thin out later in the day. Then stop for coffee and cake in their courtyards before continuing on.

14. Walk to avoid road traffic between attractions

Prague’s city center is enormously walkable. Avoid frustration being stuck in traffic by walking between riverside, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and surrounding sights.

15. Check concert and event listings for evening fun

Prague gets lively at night! Before your trip, search for any special concerts, theater performances, gallery openings or celebrations to enrich your quick visit.

16. Snap the classic Charles Bridge photo early

Beat daytime crowds choking the bridge and pose freely for your Instagram-worthy river selfie first thing in the morning or just before sunset when crowds clear yet light shines beautifully.

17. Purchase tickets for longest river cruise available

River cruises offer unique vistas of Prague from the water. Find afternoon multi-hour rides with drinks or dinner to maximize sightseeing as you float slowly by top attractions.

18. Grab fast food on the go

When you need a quick, cheap bite, convenient street food kiosks dish up local fast food favorites like sausages, chimney cakes and the beloved “Prague Ham” (actually pork).

19. Check Prague Castle’s central courtyard for changing of the guard ceremonies

If your timing lines up, witness colorful changing guard ceremonies with marching bands in the second and fourth courtyard of Prague Castle at noon in summer season. Inquire upon arrival.

20. Visit the Miniature Museum when it rains

If bad weather spoils views outdoors, spend time at Prague’s one-of-a-kind Miniature Museum appreciating mini versions of historical events carved with incredible precision and detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from Vienna airport to Prague?

Take the City Airport Train from Vienna International to Wien Hauptbahnhof, then board a direct train to Prague Hlavni Nadrazi station. This is the fastest way at just over 4 hours total.

How much does a taxi cost from Prague airport to city center?

Expect to pay 600-800 CZK for a 30 minute taxi from Václav Havel Airport into central Prague. Uber and Bolt apps usually offer lower fixed rate rides. Order your ride while still inside the arrivals hall.

Can I see Prague’s attractions in one day?

While you won’t have time for museums, you can see all of Prague’s major highlights in a packed full day if you arrive early and follow an efficient itinerary. Just focus on Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the riverside.

Is Prague or Vienna more expensive?

Overall Prague is roughly 20-30% cheaper than Vienna across categories like hotels, transportation, tours and most meals at mid-range spots. But Vienna has budget options too. Souvenirs and beer are inexpensive in Prague.

Do people speak German in Prague?

Some Czech locals speak German, especially in Prague, but it is not widely used day-to-day. You’ll have no issues with English for everything during your visit as Prague gets so many foreign tourists.

Conclusion

A day trip to see Prague while based in nearby Vienna should be on every Central Europe travel itinerary! Despite the long transit times, one full day is ample for seeing famous sights like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. With an early start and smart navigation using this guide, you’ll get a fulfilling dose of Czech history, culture, architecture and cuisine. Don’t forget to budget some Czech Koruna for lots of beer, hearty classic dishes like goulash and sausage, and quirky Bohemian souvenirs to take home. You’ll return to Vienna tired but with smiles and memories to last a lifetime from magical Prague.