Does anyone know the cheapest and most efficient way to get to Ceske Krumlov from Prague? How much is it to take the bus or train? How long of a trip? Should I spring for a guided tour or do it on my own? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I went to Cesky Krumlov from Prague with Premiant Tours for the day. The ride itself, is about 2.25 - 2.5 hours. The cost of the tour includes the entrance fee to the castle, and a delightful 3-course lunch in a former medieval prison. The tour also stops at Ceske Budejevoce (the town with the 2nd largest public square in Europe). Cost is about $40 USD, and includes pickup from your hotel, but drop off at Premiant Tours' office. You can get there by bus, but it is not direct. Don't know about the train.

I also went on a packaged tour as it isn't that convenient to get there by train (you have to go to another town and transfer and the station isn't in center town) and Czech trains are not very good, they are real slow. I don't know the bus schedule. I don't think my company was Premiant and my lunch wasn't included, but it was real cheap, maybe $25-30. That included minivan transportatation, English-speaking guide, special tour of the castle (which diff. expert guide), and one stopoff in another nearby town I don't recall but it had a magnificient church. The bus trip is pretty long, about 3 hrs one way as I recall, but we had enough time for a day trip. The company I took didn't pick you up at your hotel, it has a gathering point right near the Namesti Republicky metro stop where they give out brochures and sell tickets to lots of tours. I had no major complaints; the minivan's seats were a little hard so I might choose a different company as it was a long ride. There are about 3-4 companies that do this, prices are cheap as you can see, they have kiosques around Wenceslaus Square and Nam. Republicky metro stop. I think my company was Martin Tours.

I did the same as Leslie, really enjoyed the lunch in the jail! I would do that tour again! We went to a little place in Wenselas Square and made the arrangements. Also stopped at Ceske Budajovice (sp?), the original home of Budweiser beer. Have a wonderful time no matter what route you choose Lilypoo.

It is easily done by public bus, about 2.5 hours from Prague. Busses are fairly frequent. Price for tour does not seem bad, but if you are inclined to go on your own, it is very doable. And unlike Christina, who doesnt recall where she went, chances are if you went on your own, you would remember where you were!!

We visited Cesky Krumlov several years ago. We took the train from Prague on the morning of our arrival in the Czech Republic. Easy enough to do. Check out raileurope.com for train departure times and exact train station for departure. Cesky Krumlov is delightful and if time permits several days there are definitely worth it. Following is a link for the pension we stayed at for three nights...it's in the town rondel...I still remember the down comforters on the bed. http://www.hotel.cz/ve-vezi/