Czech Rail costs - Prague Excursion Pass?
 

I have seen numerous posts saying what a great deal the Prague Excusion Pass is (trip from Czech border to Prague and to the border again), but I can't find the prices of these trips to compare.

The current price of a 2nd class Excursion pass is $45US. I will be travelling from Munich to Prague, and then from Prague to Dresden. Where can I find out the individual prices of border to Prague and Prague to Border on these trips? The German rail site won't give prices for these routes, and I can't seem to convince the Czech rail site to give me prices . . .

The ONLY thing I have to go on is the little map on Rick Steves website, which estimates the cost at $35 - if it is accurate, it sure doesn't sound like a deal to me . . .

Prague Excursion pass no longer marketed in US, at least by RailEurope which has a lock on these things. In any case it never saved any money but approximated the point-point fares from border points. Just buy tickets at the German station you'll start your journey from and also one from Prague to Bad Schandau, German border point on that run. Prague-Bad Schona is short so Prague Excrusion wouldn't save you money on this one. Wouldn't worry about it. RailEurope fares: Prague-Schona (for Dresden route = $24 second class; Cheb-Prague $32 second class for Munich-Prague route; note that RailEurope adds a $7 fee per ticket so prices in Czech may well be less. So these are the top prices you'd pay ($56 total) - not worth worrying about Prague Excursion. The Cech Excursion pass gives three days of unlimited travel in a 15-day period in Czech Republic for $52! (RailEurope or agents in US: 800-441-2387). Possible sold in Germany. Can also try www.euraide.com - american outfit operating inside Munich train station.

Thanks for the information PalQ!

Would I be able to buy BOTH of the segments I need for inside the Czech Republic in Munich? I have heard that communication in the Czech train stations can be hard, which is one reason why I wanted a pass of some sort - avoid the ticket booth!

I did see the 3 day $52 Czech Flexi pass. That might be worth it - it would allow a day trip from Prague as well . . .

You should be able to buy both Czech tickets at once in Munich - as you could buy each from RailEurope (not suggesting that necessarily but pointing out that if RailEurope can issue them so can Munich - use same European rail computers, plus they are on trains coming from or going to Germany. But Czech Pass is a good deal if day tripping from Prague and using both ways - I think RailEurope charges a $15 mail fee on it but some of their agents don't (i've gone thru BETS for years - they don't charge RE handling fees though a RE agent - also highly knowledgeable staff; 800-441-9413). Maybe can buy in Germany - don't know, maybe not - contact euraide in Munich station to see. If buying in Prague i'd write down exactly what you want - a 2nd class ticket to Dresden, Munich, etc. (put Munchen, the German word), the date, etc. Ideally print out a train schedule from www.bahn.de - German rail website and show it to the Prague window staff - circling where you want to go and which trains as various trains may have different pricing. But the Czech Pass is good on all trains, just show up - that is unless trains require reservations, but my info says no German-Czech trains and vice versa require them - doesn't mean that they aren't advisable, especially in second class, but you at least can board. Where did you get $45 Prague Excursion pass price? Is it still marketed somewhere? For my own info please.

I went to Prague from Dresden (and back) last week on Thursday (I live in Dresden and it is just a 2.5 hrs. trip one way). The fare Prague - Bad Schandau (one way, if you buy in the Czech Republic) is 9.90 Euro.

Definitely buy your rail tickets in the Czech Republic. The fares (if you buy in Germany) are at least 50% higher. This is also so for the German portions of the trip! Surprise, but that is the fact.

So, buy your ticket for the Prague-Dresden train ride in Prague, not only to Bad Schandau, but all the way to Dresden.

Ingo

Thanks Ingo, do you know what the cost would be for Prague all the way to Dresden? You will be happy to hear that we are staying at least one night in your fine city, and perhaps two! Final itinerary tinkering is ongoing . . .

I guess for the "incoming" portion (from Munich), I have no choice but to buy my Czech portion in Germany - but even so, it doesn't sound like a pass would be a savings in the Czech republic.

PalQ - the Prague excursion pass is available from Euraide or eurail.net, and maybe others. I found out about it at railsaver.com when I imput my itinerary. Odd that raileurope doesn't carry it anymore . . .