The cheapest, fastest, and best way to travel from Nuremberg (Nürnberg) in Germany to Prague (Praha) in the Czech Republic is by bus (Flixbus) — trains are slower and require a transfer.
The best way to travel on public transportation from Nuremberg to Prague is on the comfortable long-distance, intercity coaches of Flixbus. The direct bus can be as fast as 3h30 while train rides always require at least one transfer and take almost five hours. early reservations on the frequent Flixbus coaches can be as cheap as €20 while German Railways and Czech Railways early bookings are around €40 one way. Trainline is handy for planning train and bus journeys in Europe.
Cheap Flixbus Coaches from Nuremberg to Prague
The fastest and usually cheapest way to travel between Nuremberg (Nürnberg) in Germany and Prague (Prag / Praha) in the Czech Republic is by long-distance intercity buses. Following the cancellation of the IC Bus service of Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus is the only operator with very frequent buses on the Nuremberg to Prague route.
Flixbus, the largest European bus operator, has around ten daily departures with direct buses in each direction between Nuremberg and Prague. The fastest buses can be as quick as 3h30 but a journey time of around four hours is more realistic in traffic.
Buses are available throughout the day and night. Most buses go non-stop between Nuremberg and Prague but a few stops briefly in Pilsen, which adds only a few minutes to the travel time of the direct bus. Avoid services that require a bus change
Flixbus Bus Stops in Nuremberg
In Nuremberg, Flixbus buses depart from the Nürnberg ZOB (Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof / long-distance bus station) across the road from the Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg main train station).
The easy-to-spot lime green buses used by Flixbus are easy to spot from the train station. From the main station, exit to the north side (Bahnhofstraße / Willy-Brandt-Platz) and go about a block to the right. The buses stop inside the courtyard of the ZOB at the corner of Bahnhofstraße and Käte-Strobel-Straße. (MAP)
Flixbus Bus Stops in Prag / Praha
Almost all Flixbus coaches from Nuremberg to Prague stop at two central bus stations inside Prague: first at Na Knížecí and around 20 minutes later at UAN Florenc bus station.
Prague UAN Florenc central bus station is the logical choice for most international travelers. It is at the Florenc metro station, one stop to the north of the central train station, with convenient connections to both Metro Lines C (red) and B (yellow), as well as several tram lines.
Prague Na Knížecí bus station is to the south of the city center on the west bank of the Vltava River. It is a block to the south of Andel metro station (Line B yellow) with several tram lines passing nearby.
Buses that stop at highways outside Prague, usually do not continue into the city. Although these stops are usually close to metro stations, they are rarely convenient for international travelers. Buses between Nuremberg and Prague are frequent enough to avoid inconvenient stops.
Buy Bus Tickets for Travel between Nuremberg and Prague
Trainline has timetables and tickets for all buses and trains traveling between Nuremberg and Prague. Currently, Flixbus is the only realistic bus option. Buy tickets directly from Flixbus — they offer the best prices and cancelation options. Somewhat surprisingly, RegioJet buses run only seldom between Prague and Nuremberg.
Flixbus ticket prices range with demand (and frequent promotions). If booking a few weeks in advance, prices are generally around €20 one-way. Last-minute tickets could be almost €100 at peak times if the buses are full (trains may be cheaper!) but same-day tickets are often around €30 on a not-too-busy day. Often prices seem the highest for travel within the following two or three days.
Flixbus coaches are air-conditioned with electric power outlets and free wifi usually working in both Germany and Czechia.
The luggage compartment is under the bus and tickets usually include a suitcase and hand luggage. Book in advance for larger suitcases, extra baggage, bicycles, musical instruments, and sports equipment, which usually add an extra charge.
Front row (best views) and seats with extra legroom often have a small surcharge, otherwise, it is usually open seating on buses. Every ticket includes a guaranteed seat — no standing.
Travel by Train from Nürnberg to Praha
Train travel between Nuremberg and Prague has always been surprisingly complicated, which explains the popularity of bus travel between these two historic cities. There is no high-speed train network between Nuremberg and Prague. However, regional trains remain a good option for many travelers, pass holders, and families often enjoying discounts (and the comfort of being able to move around in the train).
Trains between Nuremberg and Prague are available roughly hourly with two route options generally alternating. Travel time on either route is around 4h45 and ticket prices are mostly the same.
The two best options are:
→ Nuremberg to Prague via Schwandorf:
- From Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof take a Deutsche Bahn Regional-Express (RE) train (usually RE41 or RE40 towards Regensburg). The train takes an hour and stops six times before reaching Schwandorf.
- At Schwandorf, change to the Alex Bahn (ALX also RE25 or EX357), which connects Prague and Munich. The train from Schwandorf to Prague takes around 3h30 and stops six times en route. The Alex Bahn is a private train but all German Railways tickets are valid.
→ Nuremberg to Prague via Marktredwitcz AND Cheb:
- From Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof take a Deutsche Bahn Regional-Express (RE) train (usually RE31 towards Hof) to reach Marktredwitz after 1h15 (3 stops).
- From Markredwitz take a train (usually RE33) to Cheb in Czechia (20 minutes, only one stop en route).
- From Cheb take an intercity train to Prague (2h50, six stops).
The travel route via Schwandorf is probably the best choice as it involves only one transfer and lessens the missed train connection risk. All these stations are small making train changes easy (and missed connections a looong wait for the next train).
Trains from Nürnberg to Praha
The Czech Railways intercity train from Cheb to Prague is usually the nicest train on this route. All other trains are regional express trains, which are comfortable enough and mostly easy to enter with luggage. Seat reservations are not possible on regional trains. Don’t expect free wi-fi — even mobile signals get dropped frequently in some rural areas. Also, take your own picnic and drinks.
Most coaches are second class but a small first-class section is usually available. (First class is popular with pass holders — few locals find the surcharge worth it on a regional express train!)
As these trains are regional trains, all regional passes such as the Bayern Ticket and Deutschland Ticket are valid for the part of travel inside Germany.
Tickets for trains from Nuremberg to Prague may bought from Deutsche Bahn, Trainline, Czech Railways, or anywhere selling railway tickets. Expect to pay around €40 for second-class train tickets with small discounts available for some return train journeys. (Full fares on the direct route are around €80 for second class and €125 for first class.)
Private Car Trip and Shuttle Transfers from Nuremberg to Prague
It is, of course, possible to arrange a private car transfer between Nuremberg and Prague but these tend to be relatively expensive, although for small groups traveling with luggage, it may be sensible and even price competitive with the train. Driving time should be slightly faster than traveling by bus but not much, as buses follow the direct route.
BlaBlaCar offers easy car-sharing travel options where private drivers sell a seat in a car for travel between specific cities at a specific time. Before booking, it is possible to see which car is being used. These trips are usually advertised only a few days in advance of travel.
Car rental in Europe is expensive and one-way car hire, especially when crossing borders, especially so.
Gettransfer quotes as low as €300 one way for a budget car but a more comfortable vehicle or a minibus with comfortable seats will be closer to €500 one way.
Get Your Guide also has many transfer options. Some private transfers allow for stops en route — a great way to do some sightseeing at interesting places along the way.
More on Transportation from Germany to Prague
Traveling from other German cities to Prague is often easier, faster, and cheaper by bus than by train. Even cities such as Nuremberg, Munich, and Leipzig, which had traditionally strong ties with Bohemia and Prague, are not directly linked to the Czech capital by train. From Berlin (and Dresden) taking the direct train is the easier option and the best way to travel to Prague.
- Travel from Munich to Prague by Bus or Train
- Travel from Leipzig to Prague by Bus
- Day Trips and Tours in Prague
- Day Trips and Tours in Nuremberg
- Deutsche Bahn Timetables
- Trainline — a good travel journey planner including both train and intercity bus services in Europe
