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| Czech
Republic Getting Around - Internal Travel |
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Air
Czech Airlines (OK) operates an extensive domestic service. There
are domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava, Brno and Karlovy Vary.
Domestic airports
Ostrava (OSR) is about 30 minutes drive from
the city.
Brno (BRQ) 8 kms or approx 5
miles southeast from the center of Brno (approximately 20 minutes
by car).
Karlovy Vary (KLV) is about 8
kms from City Centre.
River
Waterways can be found in the country and the main ports are at
Prague, Ústí nad Labem and Decín.
Rail
The network is operated by Czech
Railways (Ceské Drahy). There are daily express trains
between Prague and main cities and resorts. Reservations should
be made on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are extra
for travel by express trains.
Road
Traffic in the Czech Republic drives on the right side.
Speed limits are as follows:
In built up areas - 31mph or 50kph
Outside built up areas - 55mph or 90kph
On motorways - 80mph or 130kph
Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak
Republic) via Brno. Drivers on the Czech motorways have to buy a
vignette (season ticket) which
costs about Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is available
at approximately Kc100.
Bus
The large bus network mostly covers areas not accessible by rail
and is efficient and comfortable. Buses are run by the State
Bus Company; see online for timetables.
Car
Hire
Cars may be hired through Hertz and Avis and other companies. Seat
belts are mandatory and drinking is absolutely
prohibited. Many petrol stations are open 24 hours. There
is a road emergency service available by calling 154.
Documentation: A valid driving
licence. If this has no photo, an International Driving
Permit is also required.
Taxi
Taxis are available in most of the main towns and are metered, higher
fares are charged at night
Urban
Public transport is considered excellent. See transport
in Prague for timetables and information.
There is a metro service in Prague that runs from
05:00-00:00. Three fares are charged.
Tram
and bus services also operate and tickets must
be purchased in advance from tobacconist shops, newsagents, metro
stations, information centres or travel agents. Night trams and
buses run from 00:00-04:30 in Prague.
Buses, trolleybuses and trams operate in Brno,
Ostrava, Plzen and several other
towns. Most services run from 04:30-00:00. All the cities have flat-fare
systems and tourist passes can be purchased in advance that are
valid for a number of journeys. Tickets should be punched in the
machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is needed
when changing routes. There are fines for fare evasion. Blue badges
on tram and bus stops indicate all-night service.
For more information about public transport in Prague contact the
Czech Tourist
Authority, see Contacts
section.
Travel times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and
minutes) from Prague to other major towns/cities
in the Czech Republic. |
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Air |
Road |
Rail |
Brno |
0.45 |
2.15 |
4.45 |
Karlovy
Vary |
0.30 |
2.00 |
4.45 |
Ostrava |
1.00 |
6.45 |
6.00 |
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