Hi everyone!

I'm hoping I can get a little help with the Czech Republic part of my upcoming trip.

I would like to do a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague but from what I've read it is a 4 hour train ride or a 3 hour bus ride or a 2 hour drive by car.

What would you suggest? Is the drive fairly easy - as in, unlikely we will get lost? I would prefer not to take a 4 hour train ride there and back and I'm confused why the bus would be quicker than the train.

Thanks!

The reason that the train is slower in this case is because Cesky Krumlov is on a branch rail line only served by slow local trains. It takes about an hour to travel the approximately 25 kilometers from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov.

The bus was an interesting experience that put us close to the local citizens; I believe we were the only tourists aboard that day. It's an easy trip, but it wouldn't leave you much time to enjoy Cesky Krumlov, which was a highlight of our trip to the Czech Republic. Is there any way you could stay for at least one night?

A heads-up if you do decide to take the bus: Although the bus is comfortable, it has no restrooms. There are several quick stops along the way, but I don't think there'd be time to hop off and find a restroom.

Thanks!

So you would recommend taking the bus rather than renting a car for the day?

Our hotel in Prague is already paid for so I don't want to spend more money on a hotel in Cesky Krumlov.

Does anyone know how often the bus leaves Prague?

I don't know how often the bus runs. And not to confuse the issue further, but when we were there, several people had taken the train from Prague to Ceske Budejovice and then a taxi to CK (to avoid that slow local train between CB and CK). I don't know what that cost (was told it's not real expensive, but don't know first hand). Thought I'd mention it in case someone else can give further details. I would also definitely check into car rental and compare costs and time. The route was not difficult to follow.

BTW - CK is definitely a must see IMO. Think you'll really enjoy it.

The Cesky Krumlov tourism board has a very good website with transportation links:

http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/doprava.xml