Czech Republic Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 16
Home Country: czechrepublic
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 Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 4:05 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN CZECH REP / CZECH REP TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN CZECH REPUBLIC
BY AIR
You can travel by air between the cities of Prague, Ostrava and Karlovy Vary. Twice a week there is also a flight operated by Czech Airlines between Prague and Brno. For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the airline’s website ( www.csa.cz ).
You can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Czech Republic on observation flights; you will definitely be charmed by the view of the Czech landscape. For specific observation flight offers, please contact a local information centre. The price of a one-hour observation flight for three persons over Prague is about CZK 6,000.
BY RIVER
Navigable waterways can be found in the country and the main river ports are located at Prague, Ústí nad Labem and Decín.
BY RAIL
The railway network density in the Czech Republic is one of the best in Europe. Trains are operated by Czech Railways. One can travel by train to any corner of the country in less than seven hours and rail travel is relatively comfortable, if not travelling exactly at peak hours. The fastest trains are the SC (SuperCity), the EC/IC (EuroCity/InterCity) and express trains. However, it's recommended to reserve a seat for these trains ahead of time.
The SC Pendiline offers a fast a reliable connection between Prague, Pardubic, Olomouc and Ostravy. Connections are operated in cooperation with Czech Airlines allowing for further connections beyond Prague’s Ruzyně airport. The train leaves Prague on two routes: Prague main stn. / Prague-Holešovice - Pardubice main stn. - Česká Třebová - Brno - Břeclav (and on to Bratislava or Vienna) or Prague-Holešovice - Pardubice main stn. - Olomouc main stn. - Ostrava-Svinov - Ostrava main stn.. Tickets can be purchased online at www.eshop.cd.cz and reservations are required.
You can also travel on a mid-speed or a slow train (known as the ‘osobní vlak,’ the personal train). For more details and options for transporting your luggage, please refer to the website ( www.cd.cz ). There you may also find up-to-date prices and discounts available.
BY ROAD
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 31mph (50kph) in built-up areas, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas and 80mph (130kph) on motorways. Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak Republic) via Brno. Users of the Czech motorways have to buy a vignette (season ticket), which costs approximately Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is now available at approximately Kc100. Many petrol stations open 24 hours. There is a road emergency breakdown service available by calling 1230 or 1240.
Bus
There are excellent options for travelling by bus within the Czech Republic. As in other parts of Europe, buses are a fast and popular means of transport. In most cities and towns, bus terminals are located near the centre to be better accessible by foot, often close to the main railway station. On working days, buses run between major towns and cities several times a day, and there are at least a few lines between smaller towns and villages every day. When travelling between Prague and Brno, you can choose from bus lines operated by Čebus, Český národní expres and Student Agency. There are hundreds of smaller and bigger private bus transportation firms.
On the whole, buses are mostly run by the State Bus Company; see online for timetables ( www.vlak-bus.cz ).
Car rental
Self-drive cars may be rented through Avis, Hertz and other companies.
Regulations: Seat belts are compulsory and drinking is absolutely prohibited. In Winter (October to May), lights must be switched on. Since January 2005, all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, must carry: one fluorescent green high visibility safety jacket, one first aid kit, one spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) kept in the glove compartment, one warning triangle and one complete set of spare bulbs.
Documentation: A valid national driving licence. If this has no photocard, an International Driving Permit is also required.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Public transport is excellent. See online ( www.dp-praha.cz ) for timetables and other information on transport in Prague. There is a metro service in Prague that runs from 0500-0000. Three flat fares are charged. The Prague metro has been in operation since 1974 and its three lines (A = green, B = yellow, C = red) are still being extended. It is easy to find your way around the metro plan, and you will surely quickly learn how to discern directions and change lines.
There are also tram and bus services (for which tickets must be purchased in advance from tobacconist shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centres or travel agents). Night trams and buses run from 0000-0430 in Prague. Buses, trolleybuses and trams also exist in Brno, Ostrava, Plzen and several other towns. Most services run from 0430-0000. All the cities operate flat-fare systems and tourist passes can be purchased in advance that are valid for a number of journeys. Tickets should be validated in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service. Taxis are available in all the main towns and are metered, higher fares are charged at night. |
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