Smart autumn train travel in Czechia: Budget tips and must-visit destinations

Czechia’s train network, known for its convenience and affordability, remains one of the best ways to explore the country, and autumn is ideal for planning a day- or weekend trips to scenic destinations like Bohemian Switzerland or Adršpach with golden-brown leafy surrounds.

With Czech Railways (ČD) increasing prices by 5 percent at year-end, how can you travel affordably by train and enjoy these beautiful spots? The best way to save money on tickets is to ensure you purchase in advance, use so-called split fares, and hunt out special deals. Here are some tips both for trips and booking smart as you navigate the Czech rail network this autumn.

Czechia’s "big three" rail companies – ČD, RegioJet, and Leo Express – all offer various ways to save on your trips. The best way to save money on tickets is to ensure you purchase in advance, use so-called split fares, and hunt out special deals.

ČD’s “In Card” gives discounts – up to 25, 50, or 75 percent – if you make a one-time payment for the card. For example, an “IN 50” yearly card costs around CZK 3,600 and offers a 50-percent discount on ČD journeys for the year.

For one-day trips throughout the Czech Republic, a special one-day ČD ticket offers strong discounts (prices vary by region) – great if using multiple trains. If traveling on the network, it’s also worth taking notice of “Flexi,” Flexi-discount,” and “Bound” journeys, which can all save you money on your trips.

If traveling with Czech train company RegioJet, its RegioJet Pay ticket (formerly known as the Credit Ticket) is transferable (not tied to a name) and automatically allows you to buy journeys on RegioJet trains at “the lowest possible prices.”

Using Leo Express trains? If you are part of this carrier’s Smile Club, you can get cashback (depending on loyalty level, but between 2.5 and 10 percent) on every journey traveled. Seniors and young people get 25 percent cashback.

Discounted tickets can be bought in advance, often offering significant savings on the ČD network. Depending on the route, splitting your journey into segments can result in cheaper fares. For example, instead of booking a direct ticket from Rudná u Prahy to Brno, buying two separate tickets (one from Rudná to Prague and another from Prague to Brno) can save you money. Tools like IDOS or the ČD app (see below) allow you to compare fare combinations.

English-friendly Mapy.cz is a versatile app that allows users to plan journeys and offers offline functionality. This feature enables travelers to save their journeys for future reference. Moovit provides real-time urban mobility information, including train schedules and disruptions, and covers cities worldwide.

For trips across multiple rail providers, OneTicket simplifies the process by allowing users to purchase a single ticket valid across all carriers. This feature is beneficial for journeys with multiple connections, eliminating the need to buy separate tickets.

The IDOS Timetables app helps users find train, bus, and public transport connections within the Czech Republic. It provides real-time information on delays and allows users to search for connections offline.

The ČD mobile app (Můj vlak) also allows users to easily purchase train tickets, view timetables, and check real-time departures and delays. It also offers seat reservations, ticket management, push notifications, and special discounts for passengers.

Straddling the Czech-German border, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is known for its rock formations, natural landscapes, and leafy forests. You can reach it from Prague by taking a train from the main station Hlavní nádraží to the city of Děčín, and then a connecting train to the German border town of Schöna. The total journey lasts just over 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A trip to the Adršpach and Teplice rocks to the north of the country is best done by train, and with the right planning, you can even tour the rock towns via nearby rail connections. Just make sure to book your electronic ticket to the Adršpašský rock town in advance, as this destination is particularly popular. Take a train to Choceň in about 90 minutes.

For something a bit more off-the-beaten path, head to Ostaš Mountain by the Czech-Polish border. It’s less crowded than the more famous rock towns, but no less stunning. Since parking in this area is limited, taking the train is the most convenient way to visit – aim for Dědov train station from Prague.