Booking choice: The Kutná Hora tour by train, from $80 per person. Check dates Tour details
All three are UNESCO-listed or close to it in fame, and all three work from Prague in a day. Karlštejn is the shortest trip, Kutná Hora the richest for the time, and Český Krumlov the longest and the most picturesque.
This guide compares them honestly, with the trains, the times and the 2026 ticket prices from the official sites.
The quick answer
Kutná Hora is about an hour east of Prague, 52 minutes by train, with tours from $65. Český Krumlov is in South Bohemia, about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours each way by train or coach, and tours take 11 hours from $86. Karlštejn is about 30 km southwest, about 40 to 45 minutes by train, then a 2.2 km walk uphill. For the most in one easy day, choose Kutná Hora.
What is the best day trip from Prague?
Kutná Hora, for most people. It is close, quick by train, and has two sights you will not see anywhere else.
Český Krumlov is the most beautiful town, but it costs 5 to 6 hours of travel. Karlštejn is the shortest trip, but it is one castle, seen on a guided tour. Kutná Hora gives you the ossuary, St Barbara and a whole silver town in about 6 hours door to door.
| Day trip | Travel from Prague | Main sights | Tour on this site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kutná Hora | 52 minutes by train; about 1 hour by road | Sedlec Ossuary, St Barbara, the royal mint | Train tour, from $80 |
| Český Krumlov | 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours by coach or train | Castle, Baroque theatre, old town | Český Krumlov trip, from $86 |
| Karlštejn | About 40 to 45 minutes by train, then a walk | Charles IV's castle | None here; go by train |
Is Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov better as a day trip?
Kutná Hora for an easy, full day. Český Krumlov if you want the prettier town and do not mind 11 hours.
The Český Krumlov day trip takes 11 hours and costs from $86, rated 4.6 from 1,392 reviews. It includes a guide and a walking tour; castle admission and lunch are extra. Castle interiors close from 1 November to 22 December and from 2 January to 31 March, when only the museum and the tower open, Tuesday to Sunday.
Kutná Hora takes half the time, and the tours include the main entries. If you have two free days, do both.
A guided day to the castle town on the Vltava, with free time on your own. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Explore the Český Krumlov day trip Tour detailsWhat is the best day trip from Prague by train?
Kutná Hora. The R9 takes 52 minutes, and a 120 CZK PID ticket covers it.
Karlštejn is close behind: trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 40 to 45 minutes from Praha hlavní nádraží. The catch is the 2.2 km walk uphill from Karlštejn station to the castle.
Český Krumlov is harder by rail. In the timetable to 12 December 2026, one direct train a day leaves Prague at 9:21 AM and arrives at 11:49 AM, returning at 2:08 PM. Other trains change at České Budějovice. The Kutná Hora train guide covers the easiest option.
Is Český Krumlov worth visiting from Prague?
Yes, if you have the time. It is a whole castle town on a loop of the Vltava, UNESCO-listed since 1992.
The castle is one of the largest in Central Europe and keeps a Baroque theatre from 1680 to 1682 with its original stage machinery. RegioJet and FlixBus coaches take 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, with RegioJet fares from 199 CZK; the coaches stop closer to the old town than the train does.
A day trip leaves you a few hours in town. Most visitors are happy with that, but in winter the castle interiors are closed.
Is Karlštejn Castle worth a day trip?
Yes, as a half day. Charles IV founded it in 1348 to keep the crown jewels, and it sits on a hill above the Berounka.
The castle is about 30 km southwest of Prague. It is seen on guided tours only. The basic tour of the Imperial Residence costs 300 CZK per adult; the Chapels tour costs 640 CZK and needs a reservation. In November the castle opens only from Friday to Sunday, and it closes from 21 to 25 December.
You can pair it with a morning in Prague, which Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov do not allow.
Which day trip from Prague is best in winter?
Kutná Hora. St Barbara stays open daily, and the ossuary keeps running timed entries.
St Barbara opens from 10 AM to 4 PM in January and February and from 10 AM to 5 PM in November and December, closed on 24 December. Hrádek closes from 11 January to 1 March 2027. Český Krumlov's castle interiors close in winter, and Karlštejn cuts back to weekends in November.
The Kutná Hora in winter post has the season's hours.
The train there and back, a guide and both entries, open through the winter.
Check dates for the Kutná Hora tour by trainHow do you choose a Prague day trip tour?
Look at the travel time, then at what the price covers.
- Kutná Hora by train: the Sandemans trip by train includes the train, a local bus and both entries, from $80.
- Kutná Hora by coach: the coach tour includes both entries, from $65.
- Český Krumlov: the full-day trip includes the guide and transfers; the castle is extra.
Every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours before. Read is Kutná Hora worth it if you are still deciding.
The closest of the great day trips: train, guide and both entries, back in Prague by evening. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Explore the Kutná Hora tour by train Tour detailsFrequently asked questions
Which is closer to Prague, Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov?
Kutná Hora. It is about an hour east by train or road, while Český Krumlov is 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours away in South Bohemia.
Can you visit Kutná Hora and Karlštejn in one day?
It is possible but rushed, since they lie on opposite sides of Prague. Most people give each its own day or half day.
What is the prettiest town near Prague?
Český Krumlov is the classic answer, though it is a long day away. Kutná Hora is closer and has the finer churches.
Do day trips from Prague include entry tickets?
It depends. Most Kutná Hora group tours include the ossuary and St Barbara; the Český Krumlov trip leaves the castle ticket to you.
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Choose your day trip
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Kutná Hora by Train with the Bone Chapel
- Return train with seat reservation
- Local bus between the ossuary and St Barbara
- Guided tour all day
Full-Day Trip to Český Krumlov
A painted castle town on a bend of the Vltava
Kutná Hora by Coach: Bone Church and St Barbara
- Air-conditioned coach from Prague
- Guide for the day
- Sedlec Ossuary entry
