Prague in the Czech Republic is a very popular European tourist destination and is located 700km south-east from Amsterdam. Prague is known as Praag (in Dutch) and Praha (in Czech).
Let’s look at the options for travel between these 2 cities by train, air and bus.
1. Amsterdam-Prague by Train
There are no direct trains between Amsterdam and Prague although a 2x weekly night train connection will start on 25 March 2024.
Travel by rail between the 2 cities can be done during the daytime in around 12 hours 30 minutes with single stop in Berlin (Germany). It can be easily booked via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at only €40 one-way.
The Amsterdam-Prague rail journey can be done as follows:
Amsterdam to Prague: You need to take the Intercity Berlin (IC) service (which runs Amsterdam-Berlin 5-6x daily and takes 6 hours 20 mins) and then take a Eurocity service between Berlin and Prague (runs up to 8x daily, takes 4 hours 20 mins).
For example, take the early 0759 Intercity Berlin service from Amsterdam Central which arrives at Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) at 1351. This train runs via various cities including Osnabrück, Hannover and Wolfsburg.
Then take the 1516 Eurocity service departing Berlin Hbf which runs via Dresden and arrives at Prague Central station at 1924. This sector takes about 4 hours 9 minutes.
Prague-Amsterdam: You could take the early 0828 Eurocity from Prague, which arrives at Berlin Hbf at 1243; from there take the IC Berlin train leaving at 1406 which arrives at Amsterdam Central at 2000.
With these above examples there is enough time to connect in Berlin each way and have a quick lunch there. Note however that both trains have restaurant cars so you can always eat on board.
Alternatively, you could also make a longer stopover in Berlin. The IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof is very conveniently located across the street from Berlin Central station and is well-rated.
Most of the seating on both train services (Intercity Berlin and Eurocity) is in an open carriage configuration although there are some closed 6 seat compartments on the train as well.
Seats are generally in a 2-2 configuration in 2nd class and 2-1 configuration or closed compartments in 1st class. All seats include a power socket; free WiFi is available on the Eurocity trains.
Seat reservations for 2nd class are an extra €4.90 per person – this is not mandatory though provides peace-of-mind about finding a seat. 1st class tickets include a seat reservation.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Prague can be booked at the NS International site or at the Trainline site with through-ticket prices starting from €39.90 (2nd class) and €65.90 (1st class) each way, if booked well in advance. You can also book separate Amsterdam-Berlin and Berlin-Prague tickets as well.
The European Sleeper runs 2x weekly (from 25 March 2024) between Brussels and Prague via Amsterdam and Berlin.
The train departs Amsterdam Central at 2234 with further Dutch stops at Amersfoort and Deventer before crossing into Germany at Bad Bentheim. It arrives in Berlin Hbf at 0620 and continues to continue on to Dresden (0829) and Prague (1056).
It departs Prague at 1804 and travels the same route back with main stops Dresden (2030), Berlin Hbf (2256), Amsterdam Central (0626) before continuing to Brussels Zuid/Midi.
Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin-Prague runs on Mondays and Fridays. The Prague-Berlin-Amsterdam-Brussels leg runs on Sundays and Thursdays.
Accommodation on board comprises of sleepers (1/2/3 bed) with a wash basin, couchettes (4-person or 6-person compartments) and standard seats (in a 6-seat compartment).
Amsterdam-Prague tickets are priced from €49 (seats), €79 (couchettes) and €139 (sleepers).
It is possible to book European Sleeper tickets at Omio. You need to specify the correct date and adjust the departure time to evenings to see the European Sleeper in the results. For single occupancy you need to click ‘Change seating preferences’ on ‘seat reservation’ on the booking page.
2. Amsterdam-Prague by Air
Flights between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Prague Václav Havel Airport Airport (PRG) take around 90 minutes flying time – certainly the quickest way to travel.
Dutch airline KLM has up to 6x daily non-stop flights from Amsterdam to Prague using either its Boeing 737 aircraft or KLM Cityhopper-branded Embraer 175/190 aircraft. Return airfares are priced from €150 excluding luggage.
No-frills airline Easyjet flies a 1-2x daily service from AMS to PRG – expect to pay about €100 return for an advance booking that excludes checked luggage.
3. Amsterdam-Prague by Coach
Coach travel is quite a long-haul between Amsterdam and Prague with journey times running 13 to 20 hours. We would probably recommend the train journey unless you are on a tight budget and can secure a lower coach fare.
Flixbus is a German bus company that operates a number of direct and connecting bus services from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Prague (central bus station ÚAN Florenc or Prague Central station). The direct services tend to run overnight. One-way fares start at €35. Book Flixbus tickets here
Czech bus operator RegioJet has a daily (overnight) bus service between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Prague ÚAN Florenc. The journey time is around 15 hours and one-way fares start at €38. Book RegioJet bus tickets (via Omio) here
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.
The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your Iamsterdam City Card online here
Prague Resources
In Prague you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Prague book with GetYourGuide here
This article was originally published in 2011 and has continuously been updated. Last update 6 February 2024.
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