Country facts
- Population: 10.3 million
- Capital: Prague
- Spoken language: Czech
- Unit of currency: Czech Koruna (Kč) - 1 EUR is approximately 25 CZK
Train information
The national railway company is Česke Drahy (ČD): www.cd.cz
Train types:
Pendolino SC (high speed trains), reservations required; Eurocity (EC) and InterCity (IC) (intercity trains), reservations not required but recommended in
summer season;
night trains reservations required; Spěšny (Sp, special interregional trains), Rychlik (R, Interregional trains), Expres (Ex, InterRegional or regional halting
only at selected stations), Osobni Vlak (Os, Commuter trains) reservations are not
required.
Bikes are allowed on most trains upon advance purchase of a special bike ticket.
Buses
ČD buses will run on
domestic routes where the train connection is either too complicated or/and not available.
The following details apply:
- Eurail Passes will be valid on these buses.
- CD Buses will be integrated in timetable data (MERITS).
- Reservations are compulsory and without costs when made locally in the Czech Rep.
For bookings in other countries the prize depends on the decision of the issuing railway (probably as from € 3). More details can be found through the following link: ČD buses
Ferries, ships, buses… everything but train
Czech Republic has a wide railway network, so additional transport is only needed to reach very remote locations or to circulate around the larger cities. Find information
and timetables regarding all public transport from: www.idos.cz.
Food and drink
Eat Vepřo Knedlo Zelo (pork served with dumplings and sour cabbage);
Svičkova (vegetable sauce usually served with smoked meat and dumplings); Gulaš (meat stew prepared with paprika),
Řizky (schnitzels);
Bramborak (Potato pancakes, can be served both as a main or side dish).
Drink Budvar (the original version of Budweiser).
Czech beer is considered one of the world’s finest.
Drink Slivovice (crystal clear plum brandy),
Becherovka (herbal liquor),
Fernet (herbal bitters),
Kofola (strong liquorice flavoured cola).
Accommodation
Hotels are easy to find in any city or town. Pensions can be either smaller hotels or family run private guesthouses. Check out: www.czecot.com/en/
Local Hostel Association: www.czechhostels.com
Ubytovnas are the perfect alternative to hostels; they model the same system and there are also many student dormitories that offer cheap beds out of the school season. Check the local tourist offices.
Camping: www.camp.cz – free camping is forbidden but often practiced.
Travel information
- Local Tourism Board: www.czechtourism.com
- National Parks: www.ochranaprirody.cz
- Mountain Guides Association: www.mountainleader.cz

