Easy Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague (2025)
When my friend’s friend suggested a Český Krumlov day trip from Prague, my reaction was basically: “Why?”
We’d never heard of it, it looked tiny, and the idea of a six-hour round trip for a town that might have one bakery and a bridge felt… ambitious.
But we are so glad we went—because the moment we set foot in this fairytale town, we were hooked.
We visited in April, which meant chilly-but-dry weather and a lot of layers. There were a few big tour groups around in the late morning, but once they passed, we had plenty of quiet streets all to ourselves.
And while day trips can sometimes feel like a logistical nightmare (will we get there? will we get back?), this one was genuinely easy. Our plan worked perfectly, and we’re sharing every step so yours can too.
Whether you’re a planner, a procrastinator, or just a little sceptical (like we were), this guide has everything you need to pull off a stress-free Český Krumlov day trip from Prague.
How To Do A Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague
So let’s jump right in and go through what you might need to know to make your day run as smoothly as possible.
Getting from Prague to Český Krumlov
We went with FlixBus and genuinely couldn’t believe how easy it was. We booked our return tickets four days before the trip, didn’t pay to sit together, and still ended up side by side.
The tickets were £14 return, but when we first checked a week earlier, they were closer to £12—so if you want the super cheap price, try to book up to a week in advance. It’s all done online, and once you’ve booked, you’ll get a QR code on your phone that covers both journeys. The driver scans it, you head to your allocated seat, and that’s it.
Just make sure when booking that you select “Prague Florenc” as your departure and “Český Krumlov Main Bus Station” as your arrival. There are a few similar names on the dropdown menu, so it’s worth double-checking.
We left Prague at 8:00 AM and arrived at 11:00 AM. On the way back, we caught the 5:00 PM bus, which got us back to Prague by 8:00 PM—perfectly timed for a post-trip takeaway and a nap.
The bus was clean, had charging ports and Wi-Fi, and the journey was genuinely relaxing. And location-wise, you couldn’t ask for more—the Český Krumlov bus station is just a five-minute walk to the Cloak Bridge and the historic centre.
As you’re facing the town from the bus stop, walk to the right and through the small park, then follow the river path to the right—you’ll naturally end up at the Cloak Bridge with castle views waiting for you.
A quick word about the return journey, because FlixBus doesn’t make this part totally clear. When it’s time to head back, go to the exact same spot where you were dropped off—Platform 1. The email from FlixBus tried to send us somewhere completely different, but don’t follow that.
The platform sign will say “Český Krumlov Špičák”—that’s the right place. The bus actually does a U-turn and departs from the same side of the road it arrived on, so don’t cross to the other side. Just stand where you got off, and you’re sorted.
Prefer a Guided Day Trip Instead?
If you’d rather skip the planning, there are a few guided day trips from Prague that are well worth looking into. Most include return coach travel, a bit of background info, and even lunch. Ideal if you’re short on time or just want someone else to take care of the logistics.
Here are two options we liked the look of but ultimately decided to do it on our own:
- From Prague: Full-Day Trip to Český Krumlov with Premiant City Tour s.r.o.
- From Prague: Český Krumlov Full-Day Tour with Pickup with Bohemian_Walks.
Either way—DIY or guided—it’s a very doable and super rewarding day out.
What to Do in One Day in Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov may be small, but it’s packed with charm—and more than enough to fill a relaxed day without feeling like you’re speed-walking through a checklist. We spent a full six hours in town and still had time for coffee breaks, castle views, and some low-key people-watching.
After arriving at 11:00 AM, we made our way from the bus station through a small park, followed the river to the right, and ended up standing under the Cloak Bridge, gazing up at the castle tower. It’s pretty impressive from below, and definitely the moment when we went, “Okay… yeah. This was worth the trip.”
We crossed the bridge and stopped at a nearby café to warm up (April = chilly but dry—bring layers). From there, we wandered up to the main square, which is compact, colourful, and a perfect place to stop for photos or grab lunch.
The town centre is small enough that you’re never far from anything, and we loved just strolling around the side streets without needing Google Maps every two minutes.
After exploring a bit, we headed uphill to climb the castle tower, which is part of the Castle Museum and Tower combo ticket (280 CZK).
The museum’s interesting if you’ve got time, but the tower is the main event—narrow stairs, no lift, and apparently 150+ steps (we stopped counting).
Let’s just say, if you make it to the top without needing a breather, you deserve a medal. But the views? Completely worth it. You’ll see red rooftops, the winding river, and even spot where you were standing earlier.
Next, we walked back over the Cloak Bridge (again—because yes, it’s that photogenic), then grabbed a light lunch and relaxed at another café before joining the 2:00 PM Wiseman Free Walking Tour. If you’re into fun local facts and not-too-serious history, this one’s a winner.
Our guide, Christina, was funny, energetic, and gave us a great overview of the town. One tip: bring cash to tip the guide—and if she asks whether you like singing, proceed with caution.
I said nothing, which saved me from having to serenade the group with “Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz—the only song stuck in my head at the time, and not quite in keeping with the medieval setting.
The tour ends near the Cloak Bridge again, which was a handy spot to finish up. We grabbed a coffee to go from Omnes Café Arletta (hands down the best coffee of the trip—strong and smoky), popped into the tourist info centre for a magnet (47 CZK, compared to 120+ in souvenir shops), and made our way back to the bus stop for the 5:00 PM ride back to Prague.
Want to Swap Things Around?
If tower climbs and walking tours aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other ways to fill your time here. You could explore the Castle Gardens (free and peaceful), visit the slightly spooky Museum of Torture, check out the Mirror Maze, or learn something new at the Moldavite Museum. There’s no right way to “do” Český Krumlov—just pick what suits your mood.
And if you’re skipping the tower but still want that postcard view, this photo spot is a great alternative. It was almost always empty and gives you a beautiful elevated shot of the town.
We brought food from Prague to save time, but there are loads of restaurants around town, especially near the river and the main square. If you’re after something quieter and less touristy, just head a few minutes away from the centre and you’ll find plenty of cosy spots.
Where We Stopped for Coffee (Highly Recommend)
When we planned our girls trip to Prague, I was adamant I wanted to visit all the little cafés (something I never would’ve done 10 stone ago!). So on our travels, these were the highlights—each one with its own little personality and definitely worth a stop:
💖 Café Zapa
The only way we can describe it is girly pop. So cute inside, with the loveliest women behind the counter. A great little spot to warm up after a walk or tour, and they had a huge selections of macarons.
🎨 Egon Schiele Café
Quaint and peaceful, with a more local feel. It’s the kind of place where you could sit with a book and completely lose track of time.
🔥 Omnes Café Arletta
The standout of the day. Strong, rich coffee with a bold, smoky flavour. According to our guide, it’s the last place in town that still smokes their coffee beans—and you can absolutely taste the difference. Easily the best coffee of the trip.
FAQ: Is Český Krumlov Accessible?
Český Krumlov is beautiful—but it’s not exactly built for ease and accessibility. In fact, my friend actually turned to me at the top of the tower and said “you need to make sure people know how hard the climb up is” as there were no signs anywhere.
The castle tower is gorgeous from below, but the climb is no joke. It’s narrow, steep, and goes nearly vertical in some sections. You’ll need a decent level of fitness to get to the top—and even then, expect to squeeze past people coming the other way on the same narrow wooden ladders. It’s definitely doable, but not if you’re not confident on stairs or don’t like tight spaces.
The old town is full of uneven cobbles, steep paths, and metal grates, which look harmless until you roll your ankle on them. (I did. At least three times.) It’s all very scenic, but if you’ve got mobility issues—or just dodgy ankles—it’s worth taking it slow and wearing proper shoes.
The rest of the town is walkable, and once you’re in the main square, everything’s fairly close together. But the cobbled surfaces and little inclines could be tricky with wheelchairs or pushchairs, and not all cafés or shops have step-free access.
FlixBus does have accessible coaches, but not all routes are the same—so double-check at the time of booking if that’s something you need.
And finally, public toilets are available near the bus station and the castle area, but most of them require coins, so it’s a good idea to keep some small change on you.
Thinking of Staying Overnight?
If your Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague has thrown you, and you end up loving the town so much you don’t want to leave (we get it), here are a few hotel options worth checking out:
🛏 Travel Hostel
Travel Hostel is a great budget pick right in the centre. It’s basic but clean, and you can roll out of bed and be at the castle in about three minutes. Ideal if you’re just looking for a place to crash and spend more time out exploring.
🪞 Hotel Leonardo ★★★
Hotel Leonardo is a cute little hotel with comfy rooms and lots of character. It’s a short walk to everything, and the kind of place that feels a bit special without blowing the budget.
🌉 Hotel Dvořák ★★★★
Hotel Dvořák is more of a treat-yourself option, with rooms that look out over the river and the castle tower. If you want the fairytale views without the early morning bus ride back to Prague, this one’s for you.
Conclusion
We came, we saw, we conquered… and now we’re planning our next trip to take Callum ASAP.
If you’re thinking about doing a Český Krumlov day trip from Prague, just do it. It’s easy, it’s stunning, and it feels like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem that somehow everyone else already knows about.
The streets are ridiculously pretty, the castle is dramatic in all the right ways, and the vibe is immaculate.
This trip ticked all the boxes—smooth transport, amazing views, plenty to do, and still enough time for a few café breaks (very important).
We loved that it felt like a proper adventure without the stress. No need to rent a car or wake up at 5am, and you can be back in Prague in time for dinner and a nap.
And if you do make the trip, climb the tower for us. (Just… stretch first.)
If you’re heading to Prague, be sure to check out our Prague airport to city centre guide and 14 Dos and Don’ts in Prague to save you any hassle!
