Berlin to Prague by Train
A scenic EuroCity run from the German capital to the golden city of Prague — through Dresden and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland, one of Central Europe's most beautiful train corridors.
The route, stop by stop
Trains depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (also stopping at Berlin Südkreuz a few minutes later). The train heads south through the flat Brandenburg plains toward Dresden, stopping at Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Dresden Neustadt.
From Dresden, the most spectacular stretch begins: the train follows the Elbe river through Saxon Switzerland National Park — towering sandstone formations, forested gorges and the river winding below. The landscape changes abruptly at the Czech border, opening into Bohemian countryside before the final approach into Prague's Art Nouveau main station, Praha hlavní nádraží.
Journey time and schedule
The direct EuroCity takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes from Berlin to Prague. There are 3 to 5 departures per day, mostly in the morning and early afternoon. The Saxon Switzerland stretch is best enjoyed in daylight, so morning trains are worth choosing for the views.
Operators and tickets
The route is operated jointly by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and České dráhy (ČD). You can book through either operator or through a European rail platform that shows all options side by side. DB Sparpreis fares offer the cheapest advance prices.
Berlin to Prague train price (2026)
EuroCity tickets start from around €19 booked early. Standard fares are typically €35–65.
| Operator | From | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| EuroCity (EC) | ~€19 | 4h 30m | Several daily |
| Nightjet (sleeper) | ~€39 | Overnight | 1 daily |
Prices are indicative advance fares. Check live availability for your exact date.
How to get the cheapest ticket
- Book early with DB Sparpreis. The cheapest fares (€25–€39) are released about 6 months in advance and sell out quickly in summer.
- Avoid summer weekends. July and August, Friday departures and Sunday evenings are the most expensive times on this route.
- Consider the Dresden stopover. Breaking the journey in Dresden (2h from Berlin) can sometimes yield cheaper separate tickets, plus you see one of Germany's most beautiful cities.
- First class on EuroCity is comfortable and often worth it for a 4h+ journey — check if the price difference is small.
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Arriving in Prague
Praha hlavní nádraží is on metro line C (red line), two stops from Wenceslas Square and three from the Old Town Square. The station's original Art Nouveau hall (upstairs) is a sight in itself. Most accommodation in the historic centre is within 20 minutes on foot or one metro stop.
Departing from Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the city's central hub, served by S-Bahn lines S5, S7, S75 and the U55 metro. The train also stops at Berlin Südkreuz a few minutes after departure — useful if you're staying in the south of the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Berlin to Prague?
The direct EuroCity takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Praha hlavní nádraží, via Dresden.
How much does a Berlin to Prague train ticket cost?
Tickets start from around €25 (DB Sparpreis) when booked well in advance. Standard fares range from €35 to €70. Prices rise sharply in peak summer months.
Is there a direct train from Berlin to Prague?
Yes. EuroCity trains operated jointly by Deutsche Bahn and České dráhy run directly from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Praha hlavní nádraží via Dresden. No change of train is required.
Which stations does the Berlin to Prague train stop at?
Main stops: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Südkreuz, Dresden Hauptbahnhof, Dresden Neustadt, and then several Czech stations before Praha hlavní nádraží.
What is the most scenic part of the journey?
The stretch between Dresden and the Czech border through Saxon Switzerland National Park — sandstone rock formations, forested gorges and the Elbe river. Sit on the right side of the train (facing the direction of travel) for the best views.
