Prague: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

A day trip to Prague from Vienna is the perfect way to explore one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities. With its uneven cobblestone streets, colorful Baroque buildings and Gothic churches, Prague is like a fairytale come to life.

The city has plenty of highlights to enjoy, including the Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. There are also plenty of great museums and art galleries to explore and, of course, sampling Czech beer is a must.

Prague is a small and walkable city, so a day trip is a convenient way to see everything it has to offer. If you're spending time in Vienna, a day tour to Prague should be on your itinerary.

Check out below all you need to know on Prague, one of the most scenic day trips from Vienna.

How can you travel to Prague from Vienna?

Prague is roughly 300 kilometers away from Vienna. There are several modes of transport available between the two cities.

From Vienna to Prague by car

The drive from Vienna to Prague takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic. The fastest route to take is via the D1 motorway and the E65, which will take you directly into the city center. You will need to pay a toll to use the motorway.

To travel on Austrian highways, you will need a Vignette. This can be bought at petrol stations and costs CZK237.50 (US$10). You will also need to buy a Czech Republic vignette. This can be purchased at the border or from petrol stations in Prague and costs CZK309.20 (US$13).

From Vienna to Prague by train

The train ride from Vienna to Prague takes around 4.5 hours. Trains leave regularly from Prague Central Station. Tickets start from around CZK371 ($15.60) each way. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the station on the day of travel.

From Vienna to Prague by bus

Several direct buses operate between Vienna and Prague each day. The journey takes around five hours. Tickets start from CZK371 ($15.60) each way.

Guided tour to Prague from Vienna

If you would prefer to have someone else do the planning for you, there are plenty of Prague day tours available from Vienna. These usually last for around 12 hours and include transport, as well as a guided tour of the city. You will also have a local guide who will show you around the city and tell you all about its history.

There are many different types of Prague excursions available, so you should be able to find one that suits your particular needs. Tours usually include transportation via a coach or a minibus. Some tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, or have a meeting point in the city center of Vienna.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Prague from Vienna?

Your Prague jaunt will usually start around 7 AM, with pick up from your hotel or a meeting point in Vienna. From there, you will travel to Prague by bus or coach. The journey takes approximately four hours, depending on traffic.

Upon arrival in Prague, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city center or a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You will visit all the major sights, including the Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle. The tour usually takes around 2.5 hours.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the city on your own. You may want to visit one of the many museums and art galleries, or do some shopping. Of course, no Prague day tour would be complete without sampling some world-famous Czech beer at one of the city's many pubs or a local brewery.

In the evening, you will board the coach back to Vienna, where your Prague journey concludes.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Prague?

There are many different types of Prague day tours available, whether you prefer to experience the city privately or as part of a larger group.

Group day tour to Prague from Vienna

A group tour allows you to explore Prague with a group of other travelers, as well as a local guide. This is a great option if you want to meet new people and learn about the city from someone who knows it well.

This tour will take you through city highlights such as the National Theater and the Old Town Square. It also leaves you with plenty of free time to do your own shopping and exploring.

Small group Prague day trip from Vienna

A small group day tour to Prague is perfect if you prefer a more intimate setting and want to get to know your fellow travelers. You will see all the major sights of Prague and have more time to ask questions about the Czech capital city.

Private day trip to Prague from Vienna

A private tour gives to Prague you the chance to explore Prague at your own pace. Your local guide will tailor your walking tour to your interests, so that you get the most out of your Prague excursion.

A luxury vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation in Vienna so that you can travel between the two cities in comfort and style.

Vienna to Prague one-way sightseeing bus tour

If you're traveling from Vienna to Prague and want to discover the picturesque scenery along the way, this is the tour for you. This one-way bus tour will take you through the Bohemian countryside and stop at points of interest, such as the Neo-Gothic Lednice Castle.

You will also have the opportunity to explore picturesque Czech towns such as Telč, Mikolov and Znojmo.

How much does a tour to Prague from Vienna cost?

Day trips to Prague from Vienna cost between CZK2,943 (US$123) and CZK24,490 (US$1,029), depending on the type of tour you choose.

Large group tours are usually the most affordable option, while private tours are more expensive. The price of your tour will also depend on whether transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, or entry to attractions is included.

What will you see and do in Prague?

Although Prague is a relatively small city, it boasts a rich culture and history.  You will find plenty to explore on your Prague day trip, from the main sights to hidden gems concealed within the city's narrow medieval streets.

The Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is the perfect place to start your Prague journey. This picturesque square is home to the astronomical clock, which is the oldest of its kind still in operation. Between the hours of 9 AM and 11 PM,  you can watch the clock come to life as it chimes the hour.

The Charles Bridge

This is one of Prague's most iconic landmarks. The Charles Bridge spans the Vltava River and provides excellent views of the city. It is also a great place to people watch, as it is always bustling with locals and tourists alike.

Prague Castle

No Prague day trip would be complete without a visit to Prague Castle. This vast complex is the largest ancient castle in the world and is home to several important buildings, such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. You can also take a walk through the gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting and vibrant parts of Prague. This is where you will find the Old Jewish Cemetery, as well as many synagogues. The quarter is also home to many restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat during your Prague excursion.

Wenceslas Square

This is the main shopping and business district in Prague. Wenceslas Square is also home to numerous important historical landmarks, such as the National Museum and the statue of Saint Wenceslas.

The Dancing House

This is one of Prague's most unique buildings. The Dancing House was designed by world-renowned architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic. and is a must-see for any architecture lover. Don’t forget to pack your camera to snap some pictures.

Strahov Monastery Brewery

No Prague journey would be complete without a local beer tasting. Czech beer is widely regarded as some of the best in the world, and you will find many bars and restaurants serving it throughout the city.

The Strahov Monastery Brewery serves a delicious variety of local beers and is a great way to get to know the local brewery culture.

What's the best time of year to visit Prague?

Prague is a beautiful city at any time of year.

Spring and early autumn are the optimum times for a Prague day trip if you want balmy temperatures and fewer crowds. However, summer is also a popular time to visit, as the city comes alive with festivals and events.

The city experiences freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall from December to January. However, for those who are keen to experience a winter wonderland, Prague can be a magical place to visit during these months.

From late November to early January, the city is also home to numerous Christmas markets. The city can be very busy during this time, but there's also a fun and festive atmosphere, so long as you don't mind the crowds.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes because most day trips to Prague involve a lot of walking.
• Be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen in the summer months, as the city can get very hot.
• If you're visiting Prague Castle, be sure to dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees must be covered and you need to take off any hats inside.
• Bring plenty of water with you if you're traveling during the summer. You will be walking a lot during your Prague excursion and the sun can be intense.
• Unlike Austria, the Czech Republic does not use the euro. The local currency is the Czech Koruna. Make sure to exchange some cash or go to a reputable ATM to avoid scams.
• Remember your camera. However, when taking photos, be respectful of religious sites and refrain from taking pictures of people without their permission.
• Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately. Summers in Prague are hot while the winters can be freezing.
• If you're taking a Prague day trip during the winter months, be sure to pack a scarf, gloves and water-resistant footwear.
• When using public transportation, be sure to validate your ticket. Ticket inspectors are known to be very strict and you may be fined if you do not have a valid ticket.