Train from Berlin to Prague
 

Anyone ever done it? I would be grateful if you could let me know what you thought of it as I am considering doing this, though may fly between the cities.

Thanks

Train from Berlin to Prague is easy. Trains leave every 2 hrs, pass through Dresden, and take ~5hrs total.

see www.bahn.de for schedules.

I would recommend the train. This is a very scenic route. If you get the compartment type seating get a seat opposite the window seats. Most of the people that get on at Berlin will get off at Dresden. Try to go to the main train station at Prague.

Many trains from Berlin/Dresden stop at the Prague Holesovice station (N side of town), and don't continue to the station nearer downtown.

Don't fret it. The Holesovice station is at the terminus of the Red subway line, and from there to the old town is just a few subway stops. No need to bother with a taxi that'll cost you an arm and a leg (Prague if notorious for rip-off taxi drivers).

Prague subways work on the honor system, and there are ticket machines at the entrance to the subway area. Change is required to buy a subway ticket.

I've not seen an ATM at the Holesovice trainstation so getting change for the subway was tricky one time when I arrived very late.

I usually buy a 1 trip ticket (~15 or 18 crowns), then when I get at my hotel I purchase a day pass for 80Cr for use throughout the day if I plan to use public transit.

The man in seat 61 (whoever he is) gives details of many train journeys across Europe, including London to Prague, which includes Berlin to Prague - see
www.seat61.com/Czech.htm

It includes photos, suggestions, prices & links for all sorts of info, & it's a fascinating site in itself... All prices are in UK sterling pounds, but xe.com should help in converting to any currency

Did this trip last week, from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Prague Holsevice.

The last couple of hours of this trip are absolutely beautiful - get a window seat on the left side of the train if you can.

Considering the time it takes messing around in airports, I think the clock investment (plane v. train) is basically a wash.

BTW, we found an ATM in Holsevice on the right-hand side of the hallway just after you leave the tunnel under the tracks.

If you'll be in Prague a few days an are a fan of public transportation passes, you can buy them at the little all-purpose shop that is on the left side of the hall before you get to the ATM.

Have a great trip!

Agree with the previous poster..sitting on the left side (facing forward) for the last couple of hours as the right of way is along the river and you'll get much better views there.

Holesovice...there may be people on the platform with "offers" of hotel rooms, etc., so be prepared. They have been, in my experience, easily dissuaded with a simple "no thank you." There will be lots of cabs waiting once you get off the platform and through the passageway into the main part of the station and as someone else has advised, there is public transport.

Please be aware that Prague cabs <b>used to be </b> some of the most corrupt in Europe according to the popular lore.

Thanks a bunch for all the replies. I think I may now be not going to Prague and instead heading will be heading east from Berlin to Poland instead. May soon be posting a request for info on that!

thanks