Fast facts and route overview

The direct Berlin trains are modern Czech ComfortJet trains run by Ceske drahy (Czech Railways) with Deutsche Bahn. They run from Berlin through Dresden, Bad Schandau, Decin and Usti nad Labem to Prague, and follow the Elbe and then the Vltava valley. Both countries are in the Schengen area, so there is no border stop and no passport queue on the train.

Good to know: Mondays are different. Until autumn 2027 the Elbe valley line near the border is closed on Mondays from about 09:00 to 19:00, and most trains are cancelled or replaced by buses. Plan around the early and evening trains or travel on another day. Details are in the timetable section.

Ticket types and price breakdown

You can buy the same train from Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de or the DB Navigator app) or from Ceske drahy (cd.cz or the Muj vlak app). Seat61 reports that the two sites can show different prices for the same train, so compare both. Tickets go on sale up to 6 months ahead.

Ceske drahy advertises Prague to Berlin fares from 423 CZK and says it is cheaper to buy earlier. Fares change with the date and how full the train is. Cheap fares sell out first, so book as early as your plans allow, and check the date you want.

• BahnCard 25, 50 and 100 give 25 percent off the German part of a Sparpreis Europa journey.
• Children under 6 travel free. Children aged 6 to 14 can travel free with an adult on a Sparpreis fare if they are added to the booking, up to 4 children per ticket. Seat61 reports this must be added through Deutsche Bahn, not through cd.cz.
• Deutsche Bahn's page gives different ages for the accompanying adult in different places, so read the conditions at booking.
• Seat reservations: Deutsche Bahn charges 5.50 EUR in 2nd class and 6.90 EUR in 1st class, according to Seat61. Ceske drahy says a seat reservation can be free when you buy on cd.cz or in the Muj vlak app, and Interrail lists 3 EUR for the Czech section. On cd.cz you can pick a seat from a map.
• Seat61 reports reservations are compulsory from mid-June to late August and strongly advised at other times. Check the operator's site for your date.
• A Sparpreis ticket is tied to your booked train. If Deutsche Bahn expects a delay of 60 minutes or more at the destination on an international trip, the train binding is lifted and you can take a later train.

Interrail and Eurail pass holders: Interrail says Berlin to Prague reservations are not mandatory, but they are recommended. It lists 5.50 EUR in 2nd class and 6.90 EUR in 1st class on the German side and 3 EUR on the Czech side. Booking through the Interrail reservation system adds 2 EUR per person per train. The fees are indicative, so check the current amount.

Delay compensation: under EU rail passenger rights you can claim 25 percent of the ticket price for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes and 50 percent for 120 minutes or more. If the delay makes the trip pointless or the alternative would arrive more than 60 minutes late, you can claim a full refund. Claims for delays must be made within 3 months.

Timetable, track works and journey times

Times below come from Seat61's timetable for the 2026 winter schedule and the Deutsche Bahn and Ceske drahy timetables. Check bahn.de or cd.cz for your date, as times change at short notice.

Mondays: the Elbe valley line between Bad Schandau and Schoena is closed every Monday from 09:00 to 19:00, except public holidays, from 23 March 2026 until November 2027, according to Deutsche Bahn. Seat61 says that on these Mondays, until 16 October 2027, most Berlin to Prague trains are cancelled. Only the early morning and evening trains run, and Seat61 lists the 06:23, 17:28 and 19:28 from Berlin.

Other daytime closures: the Elbe Cycle Route site lists further closures between Bad Schandau and Schoena from 09:10 to 17:10 on Tuesday 10 November to Friday 13 November 2026 and on Tuesday 1 December 2026. During closures the long-distance trains are cancelled or replaced by buses towards Usti nad Labem. Bicycles are often not carried on the buses.

Ceske drahy publishes diversion and closure notices for international trains, including work around the Berlin junction, on its foreign closures page. Check it and the DB Navigator app before you travel.

Peak days: Fridays, Sundays and holiday periods are the busiest. Reserve a seat in summer, when reservations are compulsory according to Seat61.

Good to know: A day trip is possible. The 07:28 from Berlin reaches Praha hl. n. at 11:25 and the 16:31 from Prague reaches Berlin Hbf at 20:29. Avoid Mondays and the closure days listed above.

Stations and getting there

Berlin Hauptbahnhof sits close to the government district. Trains to Prague use the lower level, platforms 1 to 8 (level -2). S-Bahn trains leave from the upper platforms 15 and 16. The ticket office is on level +1, and the DB Information Point is open 24 hours. The DB Travel Center is open from 08:00 to 21:00 daily.

Luggage storage in Berlin: the Gepaeck Center on level +1 has lockers and a staffed left luggage office, according to Seat61. The berlin.de station page lists lockers in the car park outside the main building.

Praha hlavni nadrazi is at Wilsonova 8, Prague 2, near Wenceslas Square. The station has its own Metro line C stop and tram lines 5, 9, 15 and 26 nearby. Passenger areas are open daily from 03:30 to 01:15. Lockers are on level -2, and a staffed luggage office is on level -1. There are ticket counters, a taxi rank, a cash machine and an exchange office.

Getting from Berlin to the airport: the Airport Express takes about 30 minutes from Berlin Hbf to BER Terminals 1 and 2, and the S9 takes about 55 minutes.

1. Buy your ticket Buy on bahn.de, in the DB Navigator app or on cd.cz. Download the ticket to your phone or print it.
2. Arrive at Berlin Hbf Allow time to find platforms 1 to 8 on the lower level. Check the departure screens, as some trains use different platforms.
3. Check the closure notices On the day, check DB Navigator for diversions or bus replacement near Bad Schandau.
4. Find your coach and seat The ComfortJet has two 1st class cars, six 2nd class cars and a restaurant car. Your reservation shows the coach and seat.
5. Cross the border Nothing to do on the train. Keep your passport or ID card within reach in case of a spot check.
6. Arrive in Prague Check whether your train stops at Praha hl. n. or only at Praha-Holesovice. Metro C links the two.

On the train

• Train type: nine-car ComfortJet trains with two 1st class cars, six 2nd class cars and a restaurant car, according to Seat61.
• Power and Wi-Fi: power sockets at all seats in both classes and free Wi-Fi. Seat61 says Wi-Fi is unlimited in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary and may be limited in Germany.
• Food and drink: the restaurant car is open to everyone and serves meals at tables, plus snacks and drinks to take to your seat. In 1st class a steward takes orders at your seat. Take some cash in EUR or CZK as card machines can fail without mobile signal.
• Luggage: Deutsche Bahn sets no weight limit and says you do not need to measure or weigh bags. Its standard rack size is 70 x 50 x 30 cm. You can bring hand luggage plus one larger piece free of charge, and up to three easily carried pieces on international trips. Large suitcases go in the luggage racks, and rolling cases should be laid down so they cannot roll.
• Bikes: a bicycle space reservation is required. Deutsche Bahn says cross-border bike bookings may need a DB Travel Centre or the phone line +49 30 2970 (press 9 for English). Ceske drahy lists bicycle fees of 40 CZK for 1 to 150 km and 60 CZK for 151 km or more as accompanied luggage, with reservations free when bought with a ticket. Folding bikes travel free as hand luggage if stowed safely.
• Prams, wheelchairs and walking aids travel free. Space can be limited at busy times.
• Pets: check the Ceske drahy and Deutsche Bahn websites for the rules and fee for your animal before you travel.
• Accessibility: contact Deutsche Bahn or Ceske drahy before travel to arrange help. Ceske drahy connection information is available around the clock on +420 221 111 122.

Passports, border checks and entry rules

Status as of 11 November 2026. This is practical information only and not legal advice. Check the official pages before you travel.

Germany and the Czech Republic are both in the Schengen area, so there are no routine passport checks and no customs stop on the train. Germany has temporary internal border controls at all its land borders, including the Czech border. The Federal Police carry out spot checks on roads and trains, so be ready to show a valid passport or ID card on request. The ID requirement applies to rail travellers as well as drivers, according to ADAC. The Czech side has no systematic checks.

Currency: the Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Some places in Prague accept euros but the rate is usually poor, so pay by card or withdraw koruna.

Other ways to get from Berlin to Prague

Bus: FlixBus runs about 35 to 36 services a day on the route, according to its site, and lists a trip time of about 4 hours 20 minutes. Omio shows direct buses of about 4 to 5 hours 30 minutes. Fares start around 12 to 19 EUR or GBP and rise on busy dates. Berlin stops include the central bus station (Masurenallee), Suedkreuz, Alexanderplatz and the Central Station (Invalidenstrasse). In Prague, Florenc Central Bus Station is the main stop. FlixBus says its Main Railway Station stop moves to Opletalova Street from 3 August 2026. Luggage is one carry-on up to 7 kg and one checked bag up to 20 kg.

Flight: Skyscanner reports no direct flights from Berlin Brandenburg to Prague. Fares with a stop start from about 46 EUR one way, with Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet among the carriers. Rome2Rio gives about 6 hours door to door and a price range of 100 to 293 USD. With airport transfers, security and a connection, the train is faster and simpler.

Drive: the road distance is about 340 km and the drive takes about 3 hours 20 minutes in good traffic. Rome2Rio estimates about 71 to 102 USD in running costs. Czech motorways need an electronic vignette. For a standard car it costs 230 CZK for 1 day, 300 CZK for 10 days, 480 CZK for 30 days and 2,570 CZK for a year, according to Czech Post. Buy online at the official edalnice site, at a Czech Post office or at a petrol station near the border. Expect possible queues at German border checks, for example at Breitenau-Schoenwald, where ADAC reports increased checks and occasional jams.

Rideshare: Rome2Rio lists rideshare as the cheapest option at about 4 hours and roughly 18 to 23 USD. Use an established app and check the driver's reviews.

Other train operators: Leo Express serves Frankfurt, Dresden, Erfurt, Leipzig, Weimar and Prague but not Berlin, and it has said it will suspend its Dresden to Prague service from 5 October 2026 for the rest of the year. Use the Berlin ComfortJet trains for a direct journey.

Money-saving and first-timer tips

• Book early. Tickets go on sale up to 6 months ahead, and cheap Sparpreis seats sell out first.
• Compare Deutsche Bahn and Ceske drahy prices for the same train. They can differ.
• Check the Monday and daytime closures near Bad Schandau before you choose your day. On closure days most trains are cancelled or replaced by buses.
• Use a Super Sparpreis only if your plans are fixed. It is the cheapest fare but the least flexible.
• Add a seat reservation in summer and on busy days. Buying a ticket on cd.cz can include a free reservation.
• Add children to a Sparpreis booking so they travel free. Under 6s need no ticket.
• Take a BahnCard discount into account. It gives 25 percent off the German part of Sparpreis Europa.
• Carry a passport or ID card for possible German spot checks, and keep it where you can reach it.
• Pack so you can carry every bag yourself. There is no weight limit but no porter service either.
• Check the arrival station. Some trains stop at Praha-Holesovice instead of Praha hl. n., and Metro C joins the two.
• If your train is delayed or cancelled: for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes you can claim 25 percent of the ticket price, and for 120 minutes or more 50 percent. Claim within 3 months through the operator that sold your ticket.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Berlin to Prague train take?

The fastest direct train takes 3 hours 57 minutes to Praha hlavni nadrazi. Some trains take a few minutes longer.

How many trains run from Berlin to Prague each day?

There are 7 southbound trains from Berlin until 12 December 2026, about every two hours, and 8 from 13 December 2026. Fewer run on Mondays because of track work near the border.

How much does the train from Berlin to Prague cost?

Advance Sparpreis fares start from about 18 EUR in 2nd class and about 30 EUR in 1st class. Flexpreis fares are about 80 to 95 EUR in 2nd class and 138 to 160 EUR in 1st class. Prices change by date.

Do I need a seat reservation?

Usually it is optional but advised. Seat61 reports that reservations are compulsory from mid-June to late August. A reservation costs 5.50 EUR in 2nd class through Deutsche Bahn, and can be free or about 3 EUR through Ceske drahy.

Why are there fewer trains on Mondays?

The Elbe valley line between Bad Schandau and Schoena is closed on Mondays from about 09:00 to 19:00 until autumn 2027. Most trains are cancelled or replaced by buses. Only early and evening trains run.

Do I need a passport to travel from Berlin to Prague?

Yes, carry a passport or national ID card. There are no routine checks, but Germany has temporary controls at its Czech border, and police spot checks on trains are possible.

What are the luggage limits?

There is no weight limit. Deutsche Bahn allows hand luggage plus one larger piece free of charge, and up to three easily carried pieces on international trips. You must be able to carry each piece yourself.

Can I take a bike on the train?

Yes, with a bicycle space reservation. Deutsche Bahn says cross-border bike bookings may need a DB Travel Centre or its phone line. Bikes are often not carried on the replacement buses used during closures.

Can children travel free?

Children under 6 travel free. Children aged 6 to 14 can travel free with an adult on a Sparpreis fare if they are added to the booking.

What if the train is delayed?

For a delay of 60 to 119 minutes you can claim 25 percent of the ticket price. For 120 minutes or more you can claim 50 percent. You can also ask for a refund or re-routing if the delay is long.

Is the train better than the bus?

For most people, yes. The train is about as fast or faster, runs from centre to centre and has a restaurant car. The bus can be cheaper, especially on dates when cheap train fares are gone.

Sources

• Deutsche Bahn: Sparpreis Europa Czechia
• Deutsche Bahn: Super Sparpreis Europa Young Czechia price
• Deutsche Bahn: Luggage
• Deutsche Bahn: Travelling with a bicycle
• Deutsche Bahn: Service FAQ
• Deutsche Bahn: Elbe valley line closures
• Deutsche Bahn: Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen direct train
• Ceske drahy: Tickets for travel abroad
• Ceske drahy: Bicycles and luggage
• Ceske drahy: Foreign track closure notice
• Ceske drahy: Timetable 2026
• Interrail: International train reservation fees
• FlixBus: Berlin to Prague
• Leo Express: Prague, Dresden and Frankfurt route
• Czech Post: Electronic motorway vignette
• Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs: German internal border controls
• Prague.eu: Praha hlavni nadrazi
• Berlin.de: Berlin Hauptbahnhof
• European Consumer Centre Germany: Rail passenger rights
• ADAC: German border controls
• ZDFheute: Border controls extended to March 2027
• ORF: Germany extends border controls
• Seat61: Berlin to Prague by train
• Seat61: Berlin Hauptbahnhof
• Seat61: Prague main station
• Elbe Cycle Route: Restrictions on the Dresden to Prague line
• Expats.cz: Prague to Berlin in under 4 hours
• Urlaubspiraten: Super Sparpreis Europa Czechia
• Omio: Berlin to Prague bus
• Rome2Rio: Berlin to Prague
• Rome2Rio: Berlin central bus station to Prague
• Skyscanner: Berlin Brandenburg to Prague
• Vintrica: Czech vignette 2026 prices