By train to and out of Prague
 

Planning on going to Prague by train with 3 other friends. Going from Berlin to Prague, still don't know if we'll do the stopover in Dresden. I can stay for less than 48 hours using the stopover option correct?

To get to Praha, seems the most comfortable option to do a 2 hour trip to dresden, check out dresden and then next day do another 2 hour trip to prague. Or is there a sleeper train to get from Berlin to Prague?

Same thing from Praha to Munich. Travel by day or sleep on the train? Is there such option? Couchette maybe? Or would it be wiser to just go and to a direct trip Prague - Munich early in the morning?

Thank you for your info.

Arturo

There's no sleeper train between Berlin and Prague, it's only a 5 hour train trip. Going direct is just as comfortable as stopping over in Dresden, I'm not understanding why you would think that wouldn't be comfortable. It's just a matter as to whether you want to stop over in Dresden or not, I think. I don't know the rules about stop overs.

The train isn't really the best route between Prague and MUnich, it's too convoluted. The bus is better and quicker. Again, no, the trip isn't long enough that you would be sleeping on a train, even if you took one, and I don't think there are any at night, anyway. It's still only 6 hours or less, even if you take a train. The bus is less than 5 hours, direct, like 8 am to 1 pm.

I have yet to be on any bus that was as comfortable as a train in which I could get up, move about, go have something to eat, etc.

Unfortunately the train connections from Prague to Munich have changed over the years but you can still do the route by non-change rail although it can take almost 6 hours to do so vs. less than 5 by bus.

You can easily check schedules at www.bahn.de but you'll have to buy the tickets yourself.

1. Book Berlin to Prague from 29 euros at www.bahn.de/en

By clicking 'enter stopovers' and entering 'Dresden' you can incorporate a pre-planned stopover of up to 48h within the same ticket.

2. There are four daily direct trains from Prague to Munich, from just 19 euros pre-booked at Czech Railways www.cd.cz/eshop with print-at-home tickets - 6h on a train is more comfortable and enjoyable than 5 hours stuck on an ugly motorway in a cramped downmarket long-distance bus. Two of the trains even have bistro cars serving hot dishes on proper crockery, as well as the usual tea, coffee, snacks and beer. A chance to chill!

We did Prague-Dresden-Berlin in October. I thought Dresden was great to stay in for one night... then took the train the next day to Berlin (chose a noon departure, so not too rushed). I can easily do 4.5-5 hrs by train, but it was fun to see another city.

I also maid a 48 hour stop in Dresden on the way from Prague to Berlin.
A good way to see Dresden and break up the train ride.

think there is no sleeper train Berlin to Prague anymore but there is one between Munich and Prague I believe. Seems you need to get a fix on what type of accommodations are found on night trains in general and rail travel in general - check out these IMO fantastic sites for lots of good info: www.seat61.com (great info on discounted tickets available at www.bahn.de/en); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Most people find the bus between Prague and Munich better than day trains as they go direct and are quicker and cheaper usually.

made not maid

Thank you so much for your replies. Only thinking about sleeper trains to win some time with the transport. Thank you and i will check out the links you provided.

I love sleeper trains but some folks can't cope with the modicum of noise inevitably heard throughout the night - no fun arriving wiped out so light sleepers may not enjoy the benefits of an overnight train (sleeper cars have private compartments - on night trains there are also multi-person couchettes - unisex - put in with strangers but much cheaper - private rooms can be rather pricey. Check www.bahn.de/en for schedules and possible discounts.

http://www.citynightline.de/citynightline/view/en/

CityNightLiner runs German night trains - including the one to/from Prague I believe.