Why Explore Castle Towns Near Prague by Train?

Taking the train is a stress-free way to travel through Bohemia. You do not need to worry about parking or narrow country roads. Most small towns near Prague by train are very walkable. The stations are usually located close to the historic town centers. You can enjoy a glass of local wine without worrying about driving. Train tickets are very cheap compared to most of Western Europe. You can buy them at the station or on a mobile app. It is a green way to travel through the heart of the country. You will see rolling hills and deep forests from your window. For more information on the region, check the Visit Czechia official website.

Best Castle Towns Near Prague by Train: Top 10 Picks

Here are our favorite picks for a memorable day out in 2026. These spots are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Use this list to plan your perfect itinerary away from the city center.

• Best Overall: Karlštejn Castle
• Best for History: Kutná Hora
• Best for Nature: Křivoklát Castle
• Best for Romance: Český Krumlov

1. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This is the most famous fortress in the country. It was built to protect the Holy Roman Empire's jewels. The architecture is stunning and towers over the village. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Karlštejn village, Central Bohemia. Time: 4 to 5 hours. Cost: $12 to $25 for guided tours. Getting there: Take the S7 train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Read our Karlštejn Castle guide before you go.
2. Name: Křivoklát Castle Type: Nature and History Why go: This castle is surrounded by a protected forest area. It served as a royal hunting lodge for centuries. The interior features a beautiful Gothic chapel and a large library. Best for: Nature lovers and those seeking quiet. Where: Křivoklát village. Time: 5 to 6 hours. Cost: $10 to $18 for entry. Getting there: Take a train to Beroun and change for a local line. Tip: Check out our guide on visiting Křivoklát by train for schedules.
3. Name: Kutná Hora Type: Museum and UNESCO Site Why go: This town was once the silver mining capital of Europe. It is home to the famous Bone Church and St. Barbara's Cathedral. The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Architecture fans and history buffs. Where: Kutná Hora town. Time: 6 to 8 hours. Cost: $15 for a multi-site ticket. Getting there: Direct trains run hourly from Prague Main Station. Tip: Follow our Kutná Hora guide to find the best local lunch spots.
4. Name: Mělník Type: Viewpoint and Experience Why go: This town sits where the Vltava and Elbe rivers meet. It has a beautiful chateau with deep wine cellars. You can taste local wines grown on the nearby hillsides. Best for: Couples and wine enthusiasts. Where: Mělník Town Center. Time: 3 to 4 hours. Cost: $10 for a cellar tour. Getting there: Direct trains run from Praha Hlavní Nádraží. Tip: Visit the ossuary under the church for a unique experience.
5. Name: Poděbrady Type: Spa Town and Castle Why go: This is a relaxing town known for its mineral springs. The castle sits right on the river bank. You can walk through flower-filled parks after visiting the site. Best for: Families and slow-paced travelers. Where: Poděbrady Spa District. Time: 5 to 6 hours. Cost: Free to walk grounds; $8 for museum. Getting there: Take a fast train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Try the local spa wafers while walking along the colonnade.
6. Name: Český Krumlov Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This town looks like a fairy tale come to life. The castle is the second largest in the country. It features a unique Baroque theater and a bear moat. Best for: Everyone visiting the Czech Republic. Where: Southern Bohemia. Time: Full day (12 hours). Cost: $20 to $30 for castle tours. Getting there: Use the direct express train from Prague. Tip: Use our Český Krumlov guide to plan your route.
7. Name: Tábor Type: Medieval Experience Why go: This town was founded by radical Hussite warriors. It has a maze of tunnels under the main square. The Kotnov Tower offers a great view of the river. Best for: History buffs and adventure seekers. Where: Tábor Old Town. Time: 4 to 6 hours. Cost: $5 for the underground tunnel tour. Getting there: Direct trains take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tip: Visit the local Chocolate Museum if you have extra time.
8. Name: Brandýs nad Labem Type: Renaissance Experience Why go: This chateau was a favorite of the Habsburg monarchs. It features rare sgraffito decorations on the exterior walls. The gardens are peaceful and perfect for a picnic. Best for: Those seeking a quiet, local atmosphere. Where: Brandýs town center. Time: 3 to 4 hours. Cost: $8 for a guided tour. Getting there: Take a train to Čelákovice and then a local connection. Tip: Look for the imperial monograms in the castle courtyard.
9. Name: Průhonice Type: Nature and Park Why go: The Neo-Renaissance castle is surrounded by a massive botanical park. It is a UNESCO site with thousands of plant species. The views across the ponds are world-class. Best for: Nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. Where: Průhonice village. Time: 4 to 5 hours. Cost: $5 for park entry. Getting there: Take a train to Hostivař and a short bus. Tip: Visit in May to see the rhododendrons in full bloom.
10. Name: Kokořín Type: Nature and Day Trip Why go: This castle is hidden deep in a forested valley. It was once a hideout for robber knights. The surrounding sandstone rocks are fun to explore. Best for: Active travelers and hikers. Where: Kokořínský důl. Time: 6 to 7 hours. Cost: $10 for castle entry. Getting there: Train to Mělník and then a local bus. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the forest trails around the castle.

Essential Tips for Taking Trains from Prague

The main hub for trains is Praha Hlavní Nádraží. It is located right in the city center. You can reach it easily by the Metro Line C. Always check the platform number on the large screens. Most trains leave every thirty minutes for popular spots. You do not always need to book in advance for local lines. However, long-distance trains require a seat reservation. Use the PID Lítačka app for local travel zones. It helps you find the best connections in real-time. Check for nearby towns from Prague that share the same ticket zone.

What to Pack for Your Czech Castle Day Trip

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for these trips. Most castle towns have steep hills and cobblestone streets. Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Many towns have public fountains with fresh water. Bring a light jacket even in the summer months. Stone castle walls can feel very cold inside. A portable power bank is helpful for long train rides. You will want to take many photos of the scenery. Compare these sites to the massive Prague Castle complex in the city. You will find that rural castles have a much different atmosphere.