Vienna to Prague Day Trip: One Day Itinerary

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1992 for its Historic Center, Prague is a captivating city known for its rich history and culture, striking architecture, arts scene, and vibrant nightlife. Located a few hours from Vienna, Austria, and offering so much to do, Prague is a great destination to explore. Taking a Day Trip from Vienna to Prague? Check out these travel tips, Prague highlights and top attractions, and Vienna to Prague One day itinerary, to help you plan your trip.

Tips and insights for visiting Prague

Is One Day Enough?

Prague is around 4-5 hours (one way) away from Vienna (by car and direct bus or train), making it a “further” day trip destination. If you’re short on time and can only take a day trip from Vienna to Prague, then it’s definitely possible. However, if you have more time, consider spending 2-3+ days in Prague, in order to experience more of the city.

How do I get from Vienna to Prague?

Vienna to Prague by train: Regiojet, a Czech train and bus company, and QBB (also runs Railjet), the Austrian National Railway Company, operate direct trains between Vienna and Prague. The train ride can take between 3-4 hours (one way), depending on the train company and train type. Both offer a variety of seating options ranging from economy to business to first class. Ticket prices can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the train company and ticket class.

In my experience taking the train was comfortable and quick, I took both Regiojet and Railjet. There’s WiFi access on board and food and beverages for purchase.

Vienna to Prague by bus: Similarly to the train this can take between 4-5 hours (or more) depending on traffic. Both Flixbus, a German transport company, and Regiojet, operate direct buses between Vienna and Prague. In comparison to the train, I’ve noticed that bus tickets can be more affordable.

Vienna to Prague by organized group tour: Various companies offer Vienna to Prague Day Trip tours or packages (group or private), where the transportation, logistics, and itinerary is organized on your behalf. All you have to do is show up! The round trip to Prague is often by road and pricing of the overall package can vary depending on the company, package or tour type (group vs private), and season (peak vs low).

The benefits of partaking in an organized tour is the convenience of having transportation provided to and from Prague, access to a tour guide, and that the day's logistics and itinerary is organized for you. Whereas, the downside of participating in an organized tour is the lack of flexibility, as you’re on a set itinerary and timeline and can’t change it up as you wish. Depending on your budget, it’s good to compare the cost of an organized tour vs taking a day trip on your own.

Other alternatives:

Vienna to Prague by plane: Various airlines operate flights between Vienna and Prague and a direct flight is usually around 50 minutes. Although this is the fastest route, it’s also more expensive than the bus or train.

Vienna to Prague by car: Another alternative is to rent a car and drive yourself. This option provides you with more freedom and flexibility and enables you to explore more of the countryside/scenery in both countries. However, keep in mind that this option can be very costly. Pay attention to regulations imposed by rental companies, tolls, and any driving or parking regulations.

Prague Top Attractions to Visit

Charles Bridge

An iconic landmark in Prague, Charles bridge is a medieval bridge spanning across the Vltava River and connecting the Old town and Lesser Town. It was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, after the previous bridge (Judith bridge) had been destroyed. Adorned with baroque statues and lamps, and flanked by two Gothic Towers at each end, Charles bridge is a renowned attraction in Prague.

Being that Charles bridge is a major attraction in Prague, it is often full of life and very crowded, especially during the peak summer months. If you’re traveling during this time, try and visit in the morning before the crowd arrives. While there, you’ll also notice that Charles bridge also attracts performers, artists or individuals selling souvenirs. Be aware of the higher prices when buying items on the bridge (they’ll be more expensive than buying it at a shop in a less touristy area) and pay attention to your belongings and personal items in large crowds (as you would traveling anywhere).

Prague Castle: Including St. Vitus Cathedral

Another iconic landmark in Prague is the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), which is considered the world’s largest coherent castle complex according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Made up of historic buildings, palaces, gardens, churches, and much more, Prague Castle was home to Bohemian Kings and currently serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.

Offering so much to see and do in this complex, Prague Castle is an unmissable destination. While there, stop by St. Vitus Cathedral, a major religious landmark, which can be seen towering over Prague’s skyline. Construction of this Gothic cathedral began in 1344 and it has since been the site of religious services and royal coronations and weddings. It is currently home to the crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom, the resting place of kings, queens, and saints, and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. From its high ceilings to the beautiful stained glass windows, St. Vitus Cathedral is a magnificent sight and definitely worth a visit.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle

Old Town Square: Including Prague Astronomical Clock

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is a major public square in the heart of Prague. It started off as a marketplace and grew in significance. As the oldest square in Prague it has been the site of significant historic events and is home to top attractions such as the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady before Týn, St. Nicholas Church, and the Jan Hus Memorial. Beautiful, enchanting, and a breathtaking space, stop by Old town Square to enjoy the scenery, take in the top attractions, or simply people watch.

A popular attraction at Square is the Astronomical Clock (also referred to as Orloj), which is located on the Old Town Hall. Built in 1410, this clock tells the date and time, tracks the position of the Sun, Moon, and earth, and is one of the oldest functional astronomical clocks in the world. On the hour (from 9am -11pm), visitors are also treated to a show on the clock.

Wenceslas Square

A commercial, cultural, and business center in Prague, Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) is home to various shops, restaurants, hotels, and businesses. Located at the top of the square is the National Museum and the St. Wenceslas statue.

Built in 1348 as part of the New Town of Prague (“Nové město pražské”) decree by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, this square has been the site of major historic events, such as during independence and the World War II occupation. Originally called “Horse Market”, because of the horse markets that took place there, it was renamed to Saint Wenceslas square in 1848. Located a short walk (maybe 5 minutes) from the Prague main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží), Wenceslas square is a great way to kick off or end your Prague day trip. Full of life and energy, it’s a nice place to stroll, people watch, grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping.

If you have more time, feel free to check out the National Museum, Dancing House, Franz Kafka Rotating Head, Franz Kafka Museum, Lennon Wall, or Petrin Hill and Lookout Tower.

1- Day in Prague Itinerary

Check out these sample itineraries for spending 1 day in Prague, to help envision how you could spend your day. Do what works best for you and feel free to modify as you wish!

One-Day in Prague Sample 1 Itinerary: Starting in Old Town (close by to train station)

6:00 AM Depart Vienna Hauptbahnhof for Prague (using the train)
11:00 AM Arrive Prague main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Food and stroll Wenceslas Square
Feel free to grab a bite at the train station (there’s loads of options!) or a meal later at Wenceslas Square. Once you decide, walk from Prague main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží to Wenceslas Square (5-10 minutes). While at Wenceslas, take in the sights and people watch, stroll, or do some shopping.
12:00 PM: Time to Explore Old Town Square!
To get to Old town, you can either walk from Wenceslas Square (takes around 20 minutes) or take metro A from Muzeum to Staroměstská (around a 10 minute ride). While in Old Town, check out the Astronomical Clock, explore the shops in the area, or try a Trdelnik.
1:00 PM: Time to visit the famous Charles Bridge
Take a 10 minute walk from Old Town to get to Charles Bridge. Once you’re there, walk across the bridge from Old Town to Lesser Town. As you cross the bridge, take in the beautiful sights of Prague, people watch, and check out the detailing on the bridge, from the statues to lamps. Can you spot the statue of the Saints, the Gothic towers?
2:00 PM: Welcome to Lesser Town.
You’ve made it across the bridge and now you should be in Lesser Town. Use this time to stroll around and stop by sights, such as St. Nicholas Church or the John Lennon Wall. Also use this opportunity for a meal (snack, lunch, whatever you want) break!
3:00 PM: Next Stop, Prague Castle!
To get to the Prague Castle there from Lesser Town, you can take tram 22 or 23 from Malostranské náměstí to Pražský hrad. This will be around a 20 minute ride. While at the Prague Castle, take in the sights, admire the area, wander, and explore. Don’t forget to check out St. Vitus Cathedral.
17:00 PM Back to the Train Station or Free Time
Since you’ve covered the top attractions, use this time to head back to the train station, to get some food before your train ride, or to explore any other spots on your list. To get back to the train station, take tram 22 from Pražský hrad to I.P. Pavlova (10 minute walk from Wenceslas Square). This will be around a 20 minute ride. Then walk from I.P. Pavlova to the train Station (15 minute walk).
18:30 PM Catch the train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Vienna Hauptbahnhof
22:30 PM Arrive Vienna Hauptbahnhof

One-Day in Prague Sample 2 Itinerary: Starting with Prague Castle (further away from train station)

6:00 AM Depart Vienna Hauptbahnhof for Prague (using the train)
11:00 AM Arrive Prague main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Food and stroll Wenceslas Square
Feel free to grab a bite at the train station (there’s loads of options!) or a meal later at Wenceslas Square. Once you decide, walk from Prague main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží to Wenceslas Square (5-10 minutes). While at Wenceslas, take in the sights and people watch, stroll, or do some shopping.
12:00 PM: Time to explore the Prague Castle!
To get there, you can take tram 22 from I.P. Pavlova (10 minute walk from Wenceslas Square) to Pražský hrad (Prague Castle). This will be around a 20 minute ride. While at the Prague Castle, take in the sights, admire the area, wander, and explore. Don’t forget to check out St. Vitus Cathedral.
2:00 PM: Next Stop, Lesser Town.
To get there, you can take tram 22 or 23 from Pražský hrad to Malostranské náměstí. This will be around a 20 minute ride. Once you’ve arrived, use this time to stroll around and stop by sights, such as St. Nicholas Church or the John Lennon Wall. Also use this opportunity for a snack break!
3:00 PM: Time to visit the famous Charles Bridge.
Head to the Lesser Town Bridge Tower and walk across the Charles Bridge to Old Town. As you cross the bridge, take in the beautiful sights of Prague, people watch, and check out the detailing on the bridge, from the statues to lamps. Can you spot the statue of the Saints, the Gothic towers?
4:00 PM Welcome to Old Town Square!
Once you’ve made it over the bridge, take a 10 minute walk to Old Town Square. While in Old Town, check out the Astronomical Clock, explore the shops in the area, or try a Trdelnik.
17:30 pm Leave from Old Town Square Back to the Train Station.
To get to the station, you can either walk from Old Town (takes around 20 minutes) or take metro A from Staroměstská to Muzeum. Then walk from the National Museum to the train Station (around 10 minutes). Use this time to get snacks or food before your train ride.
18:30 PM Catch the train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Vienna Hauptbahnhof
22:30 PM Arrive Vienna Hauptbahnhof