How to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary. How to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary by car. By bus to Karlovy Vary
Friends, greetings! This article contains information for those who want to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on their own. Someone is planning a vacation at a resort and needs clear instructions on how best to get to their hotel so as not to get lost somewhere with their luggage. Others are interested in a one-day trip from Prague just to see the famous town.
One way or another, many people intend to visit Karlovy Vary on their own, since this city has plenty of advantages.
What questions worry those who included a trip to Karlovy Vary in their trip to the Czech Republic? These are the main organizational points:
- What type of transport is most convenient to get there?
- Where do you need to depart from Prague and what is the ticket price?
- Bus stops in Karlovy Vary to get to the resort center
I will make sure that you are also savvy in these matters, since it is an extremely popular destination, and one day you will definitely decide to visit there.
What is the most convenient way to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague?
I’ll say right away that traveling by train is more expensive and takes longer than by bus. In addition, the main railway station in Karlovy Vary is located across the river in relation to the central and resort part of the city. Upon arrival at the main station, you can continue your trip to this part, but you will have to change to another train. After the transfer, in a matter of minutes you will find yourself in the “right” place - namely, at the Karlovy Vary dolní nádraží station.
The photo shows this station. It combines a railway and bus station. Remember this object, because you will definitely need it for the return trip, which I will talk about below. And from this station you need to go.
But I’ll continue about the train trip. The train from Prague to Karlovy Vary takes 3 hours 13 minutes. It takes exactly one hour longer to get there than by bus. The ticket price is 325 CZK, which is almost twice as high as a bus ticket...
Do you still want to travel from Prague to Karlovy Vary by train, already knowing that this is a more expensive and longer travel option and requires a transfer? They say that the views outside the window are very beautiful when you get to Karlovy Vary by train. Maybe. I only went to this city by bus. But if you prefer the train, then keep an eye on the tickets. Some tourists claim that they were able to buy tickets much cheaper during the promotion period.
I am definitely in favor of a bus trip to Karlovy Vary, which allows you to reach your destination in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Travel from Prague to Karlovy Vary by bus
Buses on the route Prague - Karlovy Vary depart from the Florence bus station. The fare is 165 CZK. I’ve already told you how long it’s going to go – 2 hours 15 minutes. And look at the schedule, how often they travel:
The latest flight from Prague is at 21.30, and from Karlovy Vary to Prague at 20.00. The route passes through the airport. Therefore, if someone wants to go to the resort as soon as they land in the Czech Republic, they need to use the same bus.
It is advisable to purchase bus tickets in advance at the Student Agency ticket office or on the studentagency.cz website, and you need to take care of the return tickets at the same time. Where the agency's cash desks are located in Prague, see.
If you need to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague Airport on your own, buy tickets at the airport kiosks. The fare is exactly the same as from the Florenc bus station. But the availability of tickets for upcoming flights, as you understand, is not guaranteed. The bus stop is located opposite the terminal exit.
Bus stops in Karlovy Vary
Now about arrival in Karlovy Vary. The final stop of the route is the station, the photo of which I posted above. This is Terminal, and on the way back you need to start from the final stop.
But when you arrive in Karlovy Vary, you can get off 5 minutes earlier - the Tržnice transport hub near the market is very convenient for transfers to local buses. These are two open platforms where many routes intersect.
Take a closer look at the photo. In the background you can also see a bus boarding at another platform.
Provided that you are going on an excursion for one day - and therefore light - it is better to get to the final stop. And you will see the terminal where you should go back from. And it’s convenient to start your walking tour of the city from there, returning a little to Becher Square.
But if you come with luggage on vacation, then the best decision is to get off at the Tržnice stop. Well, you can’t drag yourself with your suitcase on foot! A guide to where to get off can be the market building opposite the stop:
For those who have chosen a hotel in the center of the resort, it is then convenient to use local bus No. 2. This route leads to the very heart of Karlovy Vary, to the square between the Geyser and the theater. When, a few hours later, you explore the sights of the city and climb up to the observation decks, you will see where this square is located. The building on the far right in the photo is the theater:
Of course, it is impossible to predict which bus you will need to get to your hotel. But the Tržnice platforms are equipped with electronic boards indicating the number and final destination of the route.
Tourists not burdened with luggage will already be standing on Becherplatz near literally 5-10 minutes after arrival. This is the starting point from which everyone goes on a city tour. Masaryk Street leads towards the center of the resort and ends with a stele with a fountain:
The sanatorium-resort part begins here. And to see all the interesting things, you need to turn right near the fountain. For some more details, see the one published earlier.
As you can see, getting to Karlovy Vary on your own is a completely feasible task for almost everyone. This is why day trips from Prague are so popular. The main thing is, after walking around, do not forget to return to the dolní nádraží station in time to catch the return flight to Prague.
Your euro guide Tatyana
We will tell you about all the ways to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own. Prices, schedules, names of stops, useful sites. We advise you on how to save money.
How to get by bus from Prague to Karlovy Vary
The resort is located 132 km from the capital of the Czech Republic. The easiest and cheapest way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by regular buses. They run from 6:30 to 21:30 at intervals of half an hour to an hour.
Stops. It’s better to get off at the Florenc bus station - there are the most routes there. There is a bus from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary (the stop is called Praha letiště Václava Havla).
It takes 2-2.5 hours to travel. At the resort, buses first stop at Tržnice station, then at Terminal. It is convenient to go to Trznice - the historical center, museums, and mineral springs are nearby.
Schedule buses Prague - Karlovy Vary, current for 2019, see the website iDNES.cz, or on the websites of official carriers.
Where to buy a bus ticket Prague - Karlovy Vary. We recommend purchasing on the service or websites of official carriers: Student Agency, FlixBus, Regiojet. The one-way fare ranges from 107 to 160 CZK, depending on the carrier and time. Be sure to send your e-ticket to your phone. If possible, print it out - we once required a paper one! You can also buy tickets at the yellow Regiojet ticket office at Prague Airport.
Only compact hand luggage is carried in the cabin, the rest is in the luggage compartment. The comfortable Student agency and Regiojet buses have everything you need for a pleasant trip - an English-speaking conductor, an on-board entertainment system and toilets. Before your trip, you can order your choice of free coffee or tea. Wi-Fi is also included in the ticket price. Drinks and snacks are available for a fee.
How to save money. Get your tickets in advance. On Fridays and weekends, passenger traffic between cities increases and demand for bus tickets increases. The cheapest one is FlixBus, from 107 CZK.
How to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary by train
There are 235 km between the cities by rail, so the train takes longer than the bus - 3-3.5 hours. Departure is from the Hlavni nadrazi railway station.
Schedule and prices. There are 8 trains to Karlovy Vary daily - at 5:22, 7:32, 9:32, 11:32, 13:32, 15:32, 17:32 and 19:32. A ticket for the Prague - Karlovy Vary train in 1st class costs 440 CZK, in 2nd class - from 165 CZK. On the road, admire the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic from the window and take advantage of the free internet connection!
Where can I buy a ticket. On websites or online, as well as at railway station ticket offices.
How to save money. Buy your ticket in advance for second class. It's cheaper on České dráhy.
View this post on Instagram
If you need to get from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary without stopping in Prague, you can use buses Student Agency. A one-way ticket will cost around 165 CZK (6.10 EUR). Buses run from 7:00 to 22:00 with intervals of half an hour - an hour. You can buy tickets at, in the arrivals hall of terminal 1 or directly from the driver (usually more expensive). The bus stop is located under the overpass at Parking C, Terminal 1.
You might be interested to know there are different ways to get to the city center.
Karlovy Vary (Photo © Miroslav Petrasko (hdrshooter.com) / flickr.com)Excursions to Karlovy Vary from Prague
If you come to the Czech Republic for the first time, we recommend taking it from Prague in Russian. On the way to the resort, the guide will show you interesting sights and talk about Czech traditions. Tourists stop in the village of Krušovice and visit the local brewery. In Karlovy Vary, participants are given a one-hour sightseeing tour. The bus trip lasts 10-11 hours and costs 775 CZK.
Prices for excursions from Prague to Karlovy Vary are low, but there are also disadvantages. A trip with a group follows a specific route and is limited in time.
Taxi Prague - Karlovy Vary
If you do not want to look for the necessary schedules and stops, and are also willing to sacrifice the price for the sake of comfort, choose a taxi. At any convenient time, the car will pick you up right at Vaclav Havel Airport and, without going into the city, take you to your destination.
The minimum price for a taxi from Prague to Karlovy Vary is 2500 CZK. A minibus for a group of friends will cost 3,000 CZK. It's quite expensive, but a taxi gets to the resort in just 1 hour 40 minutes, faster than a bus or train. It is convenient to order a transfer in advance using KiwiTaxi.
How to save money. Find travel companions and the trip will be cheaper.
Rent a Car
Another way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own is to rent a car. Renting is profitable if you are planning a car trip in the Czech Republic.
You can rent a car directly at the airport or in advance on the websites of rental offices. Skyscanner Car Hire offers good prices. Renting a compact car per day costs 28-30€, a middle class car - 30-50€, a luxury car - 55-120€, and an SUV - 68-89€. When signing the contract, you must leave a deposit of 300-600 € or more.
Let's calculate the expenses for two days. Rental - 60€, fuel price - 1.27€ per 1 liter. With a consumption of 10 liters per 100 km, the road from Prague to Karlovy Vary and back will cost 90 €, or 2430 CZK. A trip in a rented car costs half as much as a taxi!
How to save money. The minimum profitable rental period is a week. During the off-season and winter, the demand for rental cars is lower and rental prices drop.
Street in Prague (Photo © unsplash.com / @mmarinko)
What is the best way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary
Regular buses are the cheapest way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own. This option is also convenient for those who arrived by plane and do not want to visit the capital. There is only one drawback - at night there are no buses between cities.
The railway is more suitable for tourists who are staying in the central part of the city, near the Prague Main Station, and love traveling by train. Cons: tickets are more expensive and the journey takes longer than by bus.
If you come with friends, family and have a lot of luggage, take a taxi from Prague to Karlovy Vary. It's not cheap, but you don't have to look for buses and train stations. A taxi will always help at night.
Renting a car will suit those who drive well and plan to travel around the Czech Republic after arriving in Karlovy Vary. You will not be dependent on a schedule and will be able to make stops along the way to see the sights.
The Czech Republic has excellent roads, so a trip by any type of transport from Prague to Karlovy Vary will leave a pleasant impression and be remembered for a long time!
Introductory image source: © Charlotte90T / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
We will tell you about all the ways to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own. Prices, schedules, names of stops, useful sites. We advise you on how to save money.
How to get by bus from Prague to Karlovy Vary
The resort is located 132 km from the capital of the Czech Republic. The easiest and cheapest way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by regular buses. They run from 6:30 to 21:30 at intervals of half an hour to an hour.
Stops. It’s better to get off at the Florenc bus station - there are the most routes there. There is a bus from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary (the stop is called Praha letiště Václava Havla).
It takes 2-2.5 hours to travel. At the resort, buses first stop at Tržnice station, then at Terminal. It is convenient to go to Trznice - the historical center, museums, and mineral springs are nearby.
Schedule buses Prague - Karlovy Vary, current for 2019, see the website iDNES.cz, or on the websites of official carriers.
Where to buy a bus ticket Prague - Karlovy Vary. We recommend purchasing on the service or websites of official carriers: Student Agency, FlixBus, Regiojet. The one-way fare ranges from 107 to 160 CZK, depending on the carrier and time. Be sure to send your e-ticket to your phone. If possible, print it out - we once required a paper one! You can also buy tickets at the yellow Regiojet ticket office at Prague Airport.
Only compact hand luggage is carried in the cabin, the rest is in the luggage compartment. The comfortable Student agency and Regiojet buses have everything you need for a pleasant trip - an English-speaking conductor, an on-board entertainment system and toilets. Before your trip, you can order your choice of free coffee or tea. Wi-Fi is also included in the ticket price. Drinks and snacks are available for a fee.
How to save money. Get your tickets in advance. On Fridays and weekends, passenger traffic between cities increases and demand for bus tickets increases. The cheapest one is FlixBus, from 107 CZK.
How to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary by train
There are 235 km between the cities by rail, so the train takes longer than the bus - 3-3.5 hours. Departure is from the Hlavni nadrazi railway station.
Schedule and prices. There are 8 trains to Karlovy Vary daily - at 5:22, 7:32, 9:32, 11:32, 13:32, 15:32, 17:32 and 19:32. A ticket for the Prague - Karlovy Vary train in 1st class costs 440 CZK, in 2nd class - from 165 CZK. On the road, admire the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic from the window and take advantage of the free internet connection!
Where can I buy a ticket. On websites or online, as well as at railway station ticket offices.
How to save money. Buy your ticket in advance for second class. It's cheaper on České dráhy.
View this post on Instagram
If you need to get from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary without stopping in Prague, you can use buses Student Agency. A one-way ticket will cost around 165 CZK (6.10 EUR). Buses run from 7:00 to 22:00 with intervals of half an hour - an hour. You can buy tickets at, in the arrivals hall of terminal 1 or directly from the driver (usually more expensive). The bus stop is located under the overpass at Parking C, Terminal 1.
You might be interested to know there are different ways to get to the city center.
Karlovy Vary (Photo © Miroslav Petrasko (hdrshooter.com) / flickr.com)Excursions to Karlovy Vary from Prague
If you come to the Czech Republic for the first time, we recommend taking it from Prague in Russian. On the way to the resort, the guide will show you interesting sights and talk about Czech traditions. Tourists stop in the village of Krušovice and visit the local brewery. In Karlovy Vary, participants are given a one-hour sightseeing tour. The bus trip lasts 10-11 hours and costs 775 CZK.
Prices for excursions from Prague to Karlovy Vary are low, but there are also disadvantages. A trip with a group follows a specific route and is limited in time.
Taxi Prague - Karlovy Vary
If you do not want to look for the necessary schedules and stops, and are also willing to sacrifice the price for the sake of comfort, choose a taxi. At any convenient time, the car will pick you up right at Vaclav Havel Airport and, without going into the city, take you to your destination.
The minimum price for a taxi from Prague to Karlovy Vary is 2500 CZK. A minibus for a group of friends will cost 3,000 CZK. It's quite expensive, but a taxi gets to the resort in just 1 hour 40 minutes, faster than a bus or train. It is convenient to order a transfer in advance using KiwiTaxi.
How to save money. Find travel companions and the trip will be cheaper.
Rent a Car
Another way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own is to rent a car. Renting is profitable if you are planning a car trip in the Czech Republic.
You can rent a car directly at the airport or in advance on the websites of rental offices. Skyscanner Car Hire offers good prices. Renting a compact car per day costs 28-30€, a middle class car - 30-50€, a luxury car - 55-120€, and an SUV - 68-89€. When signing the contract, you must leave a deposit of 300-600 € or more.
Let's calculate the expenses for two days. Rental - 60€, fuel price - 1.27€ per 1 liter. With a consumption of 10 liters per 100 km, the road from Prague to Karlovy Vary and back will cost 90 €, or 2430 CZK. A trip in a rented car costs half as much as a taxi!
How to save money. The minimum profitable rental period is a week. During the off-season and winter, the demand for rental cars is lower and rental prices drop.
What is the best way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary
Regular buses are the cheapest way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary on your own. This option is also convenient for those who arrived by plane and do not want to visit the capital. There is only one drawback - at night there are no buses between cities.
The railway is more suitable for tourists who are staying in the central part of the city, near the Prague Main Station, and love traveling by train. Cons: tickets are more expensive and the journey takes longer than by bus.
If you come with friends, family and have a lot of luggage, take a taxi from Prague to Karlovy Vary. It's not cheap, but you don't have to look for buses and train stations. A taxi will always help at night.
Renting a car will suit those who drive well and plan to travel around the Czech Republic after arriving in Karlovy Vary. You will not be dependent on a schedule and will be able to make stops along the way to see the sights.
The Czech Republic has excellent roads, so a trip by any type of transport from Prague to Karlovy Vary will leave a pleasant impression and be remembered for a long time!
Introductory image source: © Charlotte90T / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Trip to Karlovy Vary has become a wonderful addition to ours. Of course, we devoted most of our time to Prague, it certainly deserves it, but you always want to see as much as possible. In order not to miss the most interesting things, we carefully prepared for the trip: we thought through routes, discussed where we could go on an excursion from Prague. Excellent options for us were day trips to Karlštejn Castle, which I wrote about in a previous article, and Karlovy Vary. I will talk about them in this article. Below I will share our experience on how you can travel to Karlovy Vary from Prague on your own,how and what to get there, as well as what sights to see.
The content of the article:
How to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague on your own
After exploring the capital of the Czech Republic, we decided to go on an excursion to Karlovy Vary on our own. We didn’t buy tickets in advance, so we went to the Florenc bus station in Prague early in the morning. The only thing they didn’t take into account is that this day is a holiday in the Czech Republic and the Czechs have a day off. In this regard, there were no tickets to Karlovy Vary. We didn’t want to waste a day at all and without thinking for a long time, we went to, postponing the trip to Vary “tomorrow”.
The next day, we purchased bus tickets without any problems, but if you are planning a trip to Karlovy Vary on weekends or holidays, I advise you to buy them in advance. This can be done online or directly at the bus station ticket office.
By bus to Karlovy Vary
The distance between Prague and Kalovy Vary is 130 kilometers. Most buses depart from Florenc Central Bus Station and pass through Prague Airport. Friends advised us to use the comfortable Rejio Jet bus, and once we boarded it, we realized that it would be a super-comfortable trip.
Buses to Karlovy Vary depart every half hour from 6:30 to 21:30. Round-trip tickets cost us 640 CZK for two. The travel time took 2 hours and 15 minutes, but to be honest, the road flew by unnoticed. On Rejio jet buses you can watch movies, play games or listen to music, or enjoy stunning views from the window. A display is installed in front of each passenger, which allows you to individually choose what to watch or play. The buses are also equipped with sockets (you can charge a mobile phone or tablet), fast Wi-Fi and a toilet.
By train to Karlovy Vary
In addition to the bus, you can travel to Karlovy Vary by train. Travel time is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. The cost of a train ticket will be twice as expensive. Departures from Prague Central Station every three hours from 5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Arrival at the main railway station of Karlovy Vary.
By car to Karlovy Vary
You can get to Karlovy Vary from Prague by car. Renting a car in the Czech Republic is very popular, so if you wish, take advantage of this option. You can rent a car online or directly at Prague rental offices. This trip option will be relevant for families with small children or if you are traveling in a group (1-5 people). The cost of renting a car for a day will cost about 40 euros. If you rent a car for several days, the price will be correspondingly cheaper.
Taxi in Karlovy Vary
In addition to these options, you can get to Karlovy Vary from Prague by taxi. A fast, but not very inexpensive method. It is better to order a taxi via the Internet, there is a fixed price and everything will be accurate. In tourist cities, as a rule, they want to make money from tourists, so be careful. A round trip taxi will cost approximately 200 euros.
To travel to Karlovy Vary from Prague, we chose a bus. It turned out to be not only the most budgetary, but also comfortable. Tickets were purchased in both directions at once.
I think we've sorted out the travel. Now we can talk about the trip to Karlovy Vary itself.
Trip to Karlovy Vary on your own from Prague
Our bus arrived in Karlovy Vary at the central bus station (Dolni Nadrazi) at 09:45. We were very lucky with the weather. It was sunny and warm in the Czech Republic all week. Although before that it was raining all the time.
Karlovy Vary warmly greeted us with a sunny smile. From the bus station to the main street of the city, it takes about 15 minutes to walk. We wanted to take a walk, get a feel for the city, so we went on foot.
Jan Becher Museum- Karlovy Vary
The first attraction that we encountered immediately after crossing the road was the Jan Becher Museum. The same one that invented the world-famous Becherovka!
The museum is announced by a sign in the form of a huge bottle of the famous drink, located near the entrance to the building. The museum is located on the site of Becherovka's first production plant. From 1867 it was produced here for 143 years. The drink is especially popular among tourists, and the Czechs themselves. It has its own story that locals love to tell.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Jan Becher owned his own laboratory, which was used by the Englishman Frobrig, who had a medical education and was keen on studying the properties of herbal extracts and infusions. Becher and Frobrig find much in common. And soon they begin to work together. Becher himself had to finish the whole affair. The result of common efforts is a healing elixir, which is initially used in the form of drops. Becher kept the composition of the drink for many years and only before his death revealed it to his son, who continued his father’s work. Now it is known only to a narrow circle of manufacturers.
I don’t know the exact composition, but the label says that the drink consists of 20 medicinal plants, its alcohol percentage is 38, it contains sugar, spices and mineral water. If you take Becherovka by prescription, it treats vascular and gastrointestinal diseases. For a therapeutic effect, you should consume 20 grams three times a day with meals. In addition, it is used as an aperitif and added to cocktails.
After the Jan Becher Museum we turned right towards the Tepla River. It’s an amazing sight when a city is penetrated by a body of water, especially one with unique properties.
We were heading towards the central street of Karlovy Vary, so before the Tepla River we turned right onto Zahradní street. On the opposite side of us is the Thermal Hotel, which has a swimming pool on the roof. Unfortunately, it is closed at this time, but in the summer it is open to everyone. For a fee, of course.
Karlovy Vary is famous for its healing springs. From ancient times to this day, it has been visited by a huge number of tourists who want to improve their health and see a beautiful city buried in dense greenery. According to legend, Karlovy Vary was founded by Charles IV. There are several interesting legends associated with this.
One day, King Charles, a hunting enthusiast, wandered into a quiet valley in search of prey. Being carried away by what he loved, he seriously injured his leg. Seeing a spring nearby, the king washed the affected area with water from it. Soon the wound healed without leaving a trace. The king considered this a sign from above and ordered the establishment of a medical resort on this site.
Another popular legend is also associated with the king’s hobby. Karl and a pack of dogs were hunting deer. During the pursuit, one of the dogs fell into the Tepla River and was scalded. The king was surprised by the unusual property of the source and, having gathered doctors, expressed his assumption that the geyser, as it is now called Vřídlo, is healing and will cure many ailments.
The king turned out to be unusually wise. The Karlovy Vary resort is still popular today for its healing springs.
There are 12 healing springs in the city. They are similar in their chemical composition, but have different carbon dioxide content and temperature. It ranges from 30 to 72 degrees Celsius.
All springs are open to the public. You can try the healing water without paying. I bought myself a special cup with a spout for this. It does not damage tooth enamel. Of course, it all depends on the amount and systematics of water intake. For one or two doses, you can drink from a regular mug of water. I just really liked the spout, so I bought it as a souvenir, and at the same time to try the healing water from the source.
The central street of the city is divided by the Tepla River. We noticed that the water in it was steaming and probably warm, just like the name. On both sides, hotels, boarding houses, medical institutions, and spa centers are located in lush decoration. The architecture of the buildings is made in Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. They look very elegant and bright. The picture is amazing.
The healing springs of the Karlovy Vary resort treat diseases of the stomach and intestines, liver and bile ducts, as well as metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc.)
Enjoying the walk, we reached the central market square. There are many souvenir shops, summer cafes and restaurants on it. The cost of a snack with beer turned out to be more expensive than in Prague. A resort is a resort, what can I say.
You can pay with a credit card up to a certain amount. Our bill was less than 300 CZK, so the card didn’t work. It’s good that we had cash with us because ATMs are tight in Karlovy Vary, especially in its tourist part. In this regard, I advise you to take care of this in advance. It's better to have both (card and cash) for emergencies.
Walking around the city, especially its center, it felt like we were at home. Russian speech could be heard from all sides. It’s not for nothing that they say that many Russians and Ukrainians buy apartments here and like to come to Karlovy Vary for treatment. The service staff speaks Russian well, there are no problems with understanding.
In the resort part of the city there are two funiculars: Lanovka Imperial, which takes you to the Imperial Hotel located on a hill, and Lanovka Diana, leading to the Diana observation tower and the restaurant of the same name. Unfortunately, we were so busy walking around the city that there was no time left for the cable cars. Therefore, whoever has the time and desire, keep this in mind.
Grandhotel Pupp
Another popular attraction in Var is the Grandhotel Pupp. Its history began back in 1776, when confectioner J.G. Pupp bought the Czech and Saxon Hall. He decided to rebuild these two halls into one hotel and make it the best in the city. The owner, unfortunately, did not live to see this moment; his sons and grandsons continued his business. Now the Pupp Hotel is considered the most sophisticated and fashionable in Karlovy Vary. It was visited by many celebrities, as evidenced by the slabs on which their names are engraved. The Grand Hotel's assembly hall was used in the film "The Ring" starring Nastassja Kinski and Michael York. In 2005, the comedy American Vacation with Queen Latifah and Gerard Depardieu was filmed here. But the most famous was the role of the Grand Hotel in the Bond movie “Casino Royale.” Then James Bond himself visited him. The premises of the Grand Hotel Pupp can also be seen in such films as “Pan Tau”, “Wedding with a Condition”, “The Confusion of Chef Svyatopolk”, “Run, Waiter, Run!”, “The Necklace”, “Shanghai Knights” with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson and many others.
Every year the Hotel Pupp hosts the International Film Festival. World-class movie stars stay in its rooms. The festival took place in July and lasts 10 days. During this period, you can meet popular actors and film directors on the streets of the city.
We can talk about the centuries-old popularity of the Grand Hotel Pupp for a long time, but it’s time to move on.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
In the center of Karlovy Vary on Krále Jiřího Street in the West End mansion block there is another popular city attraction - the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, built in 1893 - 1898. The Orthodox Church is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm daily. The cathedral houses an oak iconostasis, decorated with majolica with icons painted by Tyurin, which was specially prepared for the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900. In addition, the temple contains a bronze bas-relief of Peter I, made by the sculptor Hiller.
You can get to it from the Geyser, then along Zámecký vrch street, passing the Church of St. Luke and move along Petra Velikého street. At the lake next to the “Little Versailles” we turn right onto Krále Jiřího street. In a few meters there will be the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.
Near the Geyser we came across another exquisite temple, this Church of Mary Magdalene. It was built in 1737 and is considered the largest Baroque monument in the entire Czech Republic. The temple is open to the public daily from May to September.
After lunch, the Karlovy Vary embankment began to fill with tourists. We saw everything we wanted, we still had time for souvenirs and a snack.
Souvenirs from Karlovy Vary
We couldn’t leave without buying some souvenir to remember Karlovy Vary. I mentioned some of them in the article “What to bring from the Czech Republic”.
Above I mentioned a mug with a spout that I'm crazy about. The choice of such mugs is huge for different tastes. We shopped on the main street. My mug cost 170 CZK.
Becherovka is considered a traditional Karlovy Vary souvenir. You can buy it at the Becher Museum. There's a great selection of drinks. Becherovka will be a good gift for yourself or loved ones. The cost is about 200 CZK.
How can you visit Karlovy Vary and not try the famous waffles, or as they are called in the Czech Republic, oplatki?! We couldn't leave without them. They brought sweets to mothers, and a box for themselves because they never tried it on the spot. The appearance of the waffles is very different from ours. They are round in shape, thin and with a layer of filling inside. For a package of waffles in Karlovy Vary they charge 2.5 euros.
Well, traditionally - magnets for memory. We always try to buy them. It’s nice to look at them at home over a cup of tea, remember pleasant moments, especially since they don’t take up much space, which is important to me.)
After the touristy part of town we went to a quieter local area. Where we calmly drank Czech beer for 30 crowns and had a snack.
Summary. The trip to Karlovy Vary from Prague was a success. We were lucky with the weather and had a wonderful day in a stunning city. The valley is covered on all sides with greenery, and the city with flowers. The Tepla River amazed us with its healing properties. I really liked that the springs are open to everyone, you can try the healing water and appreciate its taste. Of course, I can’t talk about the properties, since once is not enough for this. But in terms of the number of vacationers, they are probably the most positive and treat certain diseases. Karlovy Vary is an excellent option for a one-day trip from Prague. Also, from the Karlovy Vary bus station, you can go to Loket Castle. It’s a pity we found out about this when we arrived in Karlovy Vary and didn’t expect to visit the castle.
And finally, useful information for you.
Helpful information ()
Location:
Karlovy Vary is located 130 km from the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague.
Travel time by bus - 2 hours 15 minutes
Becher Museum address:
T.G street Masaryka 282/57
Opening hours:
Every day from 9:00 to 17:00
Address of the Church of Peter and Paul:
st. Petra Velikeho 26
- If you are going to visit Karlovy Vary on weekends or holidays, buy tickets in advance
- Take cash (preferably crowns) and credit cards with you on your trip.
- If you go in the opposite direction from the city center, you can find local cafes and shops where everything costs much less.
These cities, the most popular among tourists visiting the Czech Republic, are separated by only 130 km of expressway, which allows travelers to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary by bus or car in just a couple of hours. Trains traveling on the route Prague - Karlovy Vary follow a circuitous route, the length of which is about 230 km; accordingly, the time spent on the road increases. Traveling by train will also require large financial costs.
Read on to learn about all the options for getting to Karlovy Vary from Prague, how long it will take and how much it will cost.
Route Prague – Karlovy Vary on the map
By bus
Every day, dozens of comfortable buses travel from the capital of the Czech Republic to the resort of Karlovy Vary. Some operate excursion tours, others operate scheduled tours; they serve tourists traveling independently. Buses depart from stations located in the city center and at the airport. It is worth noting the high level of service provided by carrier companies. All buses are equipped with air conditioning, toilets, electrical sockets for charging phones and laptops (230 V), and Wi-Fi is available in many of them. On the way you will be offered tea, coffee, and cold drinks.
Buses from the airport
Prague Airport, named after Vaclav Havel (formerly Ruzyne), is located 17 km from the city center. The stop from which buses depart to Karlovy Vary is located at terminal 1. The service is provided by the transport company Student Agency (RagioJet). Its buses, painted bright yellow, leave the station at intervals of 60 minutes from 07:00 to 22:00. The journey from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary takes 1 hour 45 minutes. Ticket prices range from 6.50 € to 12 € (when booking with a commission), this amounts to 170 to 310 Czech crowns (CZK). It is advisable to pay in Czech currency on site.
Tickets can be purchased at the airport ticket office (inside terminal 1), from the driver (subject to availability) or booked in advance, which is highly advisable. The direction Prague - Karlovy Vary is very popular among tourists, especially at the height of the summer season, and it is not always possible to buy tickets at the ticket office for the desired flight. For the same reason, it is better to immediately purchase tickets for the return journey - Karlovy Vary - Prague.
Buses from the city
Most buses traveling from Prague to Karlovy Vary depart from the capital's main bus station, Florenc. You can get there by metro, reaching the station of the same name on the yellow or red line. Buses depart from the city bus station every half hour from 10:00 to 21:30. Some of them pass through Karlovy Vary in transit and go to other cities in the country.
The price of a ticket is from 160 CZK for an adult and from 80 CZK for children under 15 years of age. For students, ticket prices start from 120 CZK. The journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Some regular buses make a stop at Prague Airport.
Tickets can be purchased at the bus station ticket office or booked in advance. Very detailed information about carriers, ticket booking options, changes in the schedule is available on the bus station website: www.florenc.cz.
Buses traveling on the route Prague - Karlovy Vary stop at the resort bus station, which is connected to the railway station. The stop is called “Dolni nadrazi”. From here you can get to the center of Karlovy Vary by bus number 4 or, if you are light, walk. This will take 10-15 minutes.
Most buses also stop at the Rynok (Trznice) station. Market Square is the center of concentration of city buses; many of their routes intersect here. From here it is easy to get to any place you need. It's a half hour drive from the bus station to the historical part of the city.
Please note that on the way back to Prague, buses depart from the Dolni Nadrazi station, which is located about a kilometer from the Market.
You can compare prices and book bus tickets in advance through the website goeuro.com (there is a version in Russian, you can book for rubles, mobile tickets are available).
Excursion buses
Buses carrying groups of tourists heading to the resort on an excursion also follow the Prague – Karlovy Vary route. Tours can be purchased at hotels, offices of travel companies, and at specialized kiosks located in popular corners of Prague among travelers, for example, on the Old Town Square or on the Charles Bridge. One-day tours visiting the main attractions of Karlovy Vary cost an average of 1200-1700 CZK.
By car
Tourists who prefer comfort and independence can get from Prague to Karlovy Vary by rented car, taxi, or order a transfer from the airport. A car will take you to the resort in an hour and a half if there are no traffic jams. On the expressway, cars move faster than buses, since the latter have a limited speed.
Rent a Car
There are many companies in Prague, both international and local, providing car rental services of any class. You can order a car by phone to your hotel doorstep or it will be delivered to you at the airport or train station. Economy class cars can be rented inexpensively - from 900 CZK per day, luxury cars - from 4,000 CZK, minivan - from 18,000 CZK.
In most cases, you will be asked to return the car to the place where you picked it up in Prague. But if you are ready to part with several hundred crowns (within 1000), an employee of the company will come to Karlovy Vary and pick up the car at the appointed place.
You can check the availability of cars, compare prices and book in advance through the website www.rentalcars.com.
Taxi and transfer
It is advisable to order a taxi for a trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary through the service dispatcher by phone; he will advise you on the price, which will not allow the driver to demand any dubious monetary surcharges upon arrival in Karlovy Vary. Choose those companies that will offer you a fixed price, which is usually about 2,300 CZK, or payment according to the mileage. In this case, a taxi ride will cost you less than ordering a transfer (the usual cost of this car service is about 2,700 CZK). If you order a taxi with a minute meter and get stuck in a traffic jam, which happens quite often when leaving Prague and approaching Karlovy Vary, you are unlikely to be able to save money.
The advantages of a transfer are always a fixed price (the one agreed upon when booking), meeting at the airport or at a hotel. The price also includes waiting for the client at the airport (no more than an hour) or at the hotel (no more than 15 minutes). A company employee will greet you with a name plate. You can book a personal transfer on the company's website.
By train
Traveling by rail will take you about 3.5 hours of precious time, since the circular route along which the track is laid is almost 100 km longer than the highway connecting the cities. Trains depart from the platforms of the main station of the capital Praga Hlavni Nadrazi (in Russian transcription - “Prague Glavni Nadrazi”). It can be reached by bus to the station of the same name, by metro (red and green lines) to the Museum stop, or by tram to the Dzhindrisska stop.
Trains to Karlovy Vary leave at intervals of two hours from 05:21 to 17:33.
Tickets can be bought at the station ticket office (from 160 CZK - second class, and from 325 CZK - first class); when booking with a commission, the journey will cost more - about 540 CZK. By the way, the first and second class carriages are not much different from each other, except that the seats in the first class are slightly wider, and they are located in separate four-seater compartments.
The advantages of such a trip are freedom of movement throughout the wide, comfortable cabin, and the opportunity to look into the buffet. The views from the window that will open in front of you will also bring pleasure.
Trains from Prague arrive at the Upper Station (Gorní Nadrazi), which is located north of the center of Karlovy Vary. From the bus stop, which is located near the railway station, you can get to the resort center by taxi or buses No. 11, 12, 13.