⚡ TL;DR
- Fastest: EuroCity (EC) direct, 4 hours 10 minutes
- Cheapest: Book 2-3 months ahead, €19-29
- With rail pass: Recommended reservation €5.50, optional but may not get seat
- Scenic route: Saxon Switzerland gorges, Elbe Valley, Bohemian hills
- Recommendation: Use Eurail for multi-city; point-to-point cheaper for this route alone
Route Overview
Berlin-Prague is one of Central Europe's most important rail corridors, connecting Germany's capital with Czech Republic's historic gem. This route crosses the stunning Saxon Switzerland gorges, making it one of Europe's most scenic train journeys.
| 🚉 Departure | Berlin Hauptbahnhof |
| 🏁 Arrival | Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) |
| 📏 Distance | 350 km |
| ⏱ Duration | 4 hours 10 minutes |
| 🚆 Train | EuroCity (EC) - DB & ČD |
| 🕐 Frequency | 5-6 direct trains daily |
| ⚡ Top speed | 160 km/h |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Available on most cars (quality varies) |
| 🔌 Power | Available at select seats |
| 🍽️ Dining | Restaurant car available |
💰 Rail Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance EC train ticket | €19-29 | Cheapest 2-3 months ahead |
| Standard EC train fare | €39-59 | Flexible time, refundable/exchangeable |
| Same-day ticket | €45-65 | Most expensive but most flexible |
| Eurail Pass + reservation | €5.50* | *Pass cost separate, reservation fee |
| FlixBus coach | €15-20 | 4.5-5 hours, budget option |
Sources: DB, ČD official sites (Feb 2026)
💡 If your Central Europe trip includes Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest multi-city routing, a Eurail Pass pays off well. But for just Berlin-Prague one-way, advance tickets are cheaper.
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Tips
- Reservation policy: Not mandatory but highly recommended, especially during peak times and weekends
- Pass holder reservation fee: €5.50, book via DB website, Eurail.com, or station counters
- Risk without reservation: May have to stand or not sit together, higher risk during peak times
- Where to book: bahn.de (recommended), eurail.com, or station counters
- Timing: At least 1 week ahead in peak season, 2-3 days is usually fine otherwise
🏔️ Scenic Highlights
Berlin-Prague is considered one of Europe's most scenic train routes. Choose right-side seats (facing direction of travel) for the best views.
🏰 Near Dresden
Elbe River winding through Saxony, vineyards and castles on both riverbanks
⛰️ Saxon Switzerland National Park
Sandstone gorges and bizarre rock formations, Lord of the Rings-like epic scenery
🌲 Bohemian Hills
Rolling hills after entering Czech Republic, forest-covered with quaint villages
🏘️ Czech Countryside
Traditional Bohemian farmhouses with red tile roofs, fields and pastures
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🚉 Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Europe\'s largest cross-shaped station, arrive 20 minutes early to find your platform
- 🪪 Documents: Need passport or ID card, there may be border checks (even though both are Schengen)
- 💱 Currency: Germany uses EUR, Czech Republic uses CZK (Czech crowns), many Prague places accept EUR
- 🧳 Luggage: No strict limits, luggage racks at car entrance and overhead compartments
- 💺 Seats: First class more spacious and quiet, second class great value, right side has better views
- 🍽️ Dining: Restaurant car available, German section serves German dishes, Czech section has local specialties
- 🕐 Time zones: Germany and Czech Republic both CET — no clock adjustment needed
- 📱 Mobile: Cross-border roaming, consider enabling roaming or buying local SIM
🚉 Station Guide
🇩🇪 Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Departure)
- Location: Central Berlin, near government district
- Layout: 5-level cross-shaped design, ground level for long-distance trains
- Access: S-Bahn S3/S5/S7/S75 to Hauptbahnhof station
- Facilities: Large shopping mall, restaurants, luggage storage, currency exchange
- Platforms: Prague trains typically use platforms 11-16
- Tip: Station is huge, arrive 20 minutes early
🇨🇿 Praha hlavní nádraží (Arrival)
- Location: Prague New Town, 10-minute walk to Old Town Square
- Architecture: Art Nouveau historic building (1909) with modern facilities
- To city center: Metro Line C (red line) to Old Town and Castle areas
- Facilities: Waiting hall, shops, restaurants, free WiFi
- Exit: Main exit directly to Wilsonova street
- Caution: Pickpockets common around station, watch your belongings
🔄 Alternative Routes
Via Dresden (~4.5-5 hours)
Stop in Dresden to visit Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace, adds only 30-45 minutes. Dresden is Saxony's capital, called "Florence on the Elbe."
FlixBus Coach (~4.5-5 hours)
€15-20, budget-friendly option. Has WiFi and USB charging but seats are relatively cramped. Great for budget backpackers and students.
Flight (1.5h flight + airport time)
Lufthansa and Czech Airlines offer direct flights. With 2h early airport arrival and city transfers, total time is ~4-5 hours, usually more expensive than train.
🗺️ Central Europe Extensions
From Prague, you can easily reach other exciting Central European cities, creating the perfect Central Europe rail journey.
RailJet high-speed train, City of Music, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral
Via Vienna transfer or direct night train, Pearl of the Danube, Parliament Building, Fisherman's Bastion
Via Katowice transfer, Poland's ancient capital, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wawel Castle
Via Nuremberg, Bavarian capital, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oktoberfest
📎 Official Sources & Booking
- DB International — DB German railways international booking
- Czech Railways (ČD) — Official Czech national railway booking
📚 Related Pages
🌐What Real Travelers Say
Aggregated from Reddit, Seat61, TripAdvisor & travel forums (updated 2026-03-08)
✨ “4h30m by EC train, beautiful scenery through Saxon Switzerland. No reservation needed!”
— r/Interrail · 2025-10
✨ “The stretch along the Elbe valley (Bad Schandau to Děčín) is spectacular. Sit on the LEFT side.”
— r/travel · 2025-08
💡 “RegioJet also runs this route — covered by Eurail but reservation mandatory (€2). Better food cart than DB.”
— r/Interrail · 2025-09
⚠️ Common Complaints
- DB delays can cause missed connections
- Border area can have passport checks
🚨 Strike & Disruption Alerts
DE: GDL (train drivers union) strikes have become more frequent. Check bahn.de for disruptions. (Risk: medium)
❓ FAQ
How long is the train from Berlin to Prague?
The EuroCity (EC) train takes about 4 hours 10 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station). There are 5-6 direct trains daily with no transfers required.
Do I need a reservation with a Eurail Pass?
Reservation is recommended but not mandatory. Eurail Pass holders can pay an additional €5.50 reservation fee. While you can board without reservation and find empty seats, you might not get a seat during peak times.
How far in advance should I book for the cheapest fare?
Advance tickets (2-3 months ahead) start at €19-29. Booking 1 month out typically costs €29-39. Last-minute fares can reach €45-65. Both DB and ČD offer early booking discounts.
What are the views like? Which side of the train is better?
This route crosses classic Central European scenery! Choose right-side seats (A/B) for stunning views of the Elbe Valley near Dresden and the dramatic gorges of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Once in Czech Republic, you'll see beautiful Bohemian hills.
Are there alternative routes?
1) Via Dresden: Stop in Dresden for sightseeing, adds only 30 minutes; 2) FlixBus coach ~4.5-5 hours, €15-20, great value; 3) Flights ~1.5h but with airport time, not much faster overall. Most choose train for comfort and convenience.