We are thinking of taking a Baltic/Scandinavia cruise in July, 2009 and want to spend some time in Berlin and Prague before or after the cruise. We aren't sure if we should fly into Prague, rent a car to get us to Berlin and then finally to Copenhagen, where we take the cruise from, or take the train. Also, should we consider spending some time in Budapest?

>rent a car to get us to Berlin and then finally to Copenhagen,

Well, if you are ready to pay additional several hundred € drop-off fees to drive a car...
If you just want to go from Prague to berlin I fail to see a reason for driving. If you want to spend some time in the rural regions in between (say in Saxon Switzerland area) a car might be helpful - but it will make more sense to rent the car in Dresden, not in Prague.

If you just want to visit Prague and Berlin the fastest way would be to fly. There are different daily flights from Prague to Berlin with CSA Czech Airlines. And from Berlin to Copenhagen with Lufthansa.
Because of the high gas prices I would not rent a car.
The train should be another option. Frequent direct trains from Prague to Berlin (4 1/2 to 5 hours travel time). And Berlin to Copenhagen can be done with an interchange at Hamburg in approx. 7 hours.

While Berlin to Copenhagen is a route where I would recommend flying (you dos ave time), flying is not necessary the fastest way to go between Prague and Berlin. Door to door it will be pretty much the same whether you fly or take the train - but on a train you donīt need to stand in various check-in and luggage lines, go through security and undergo all the stuff that accompanies flying nowadays.

Train from Prague to Berlin. The time will be the same, but it will be much less stressful and much more comfortable.

Hi, raelond -

> should we consider spending some time in Budapest?

Budapest is wonderful! You might look it up and decide if it is something you want to include in this trip.

There is no reason to take a train to Copenhagen from anywhere outside of Denmark or Southern Sweden. It is just too awkward to get to. Fly.