Top Day Trips from Plzeň by Train and Bus

Choosing the right destination depends on your interests. Some people prefer quiet nature walks. Others want to explore bustling city centers or historic catacombs. Use these quick picks to decide where to go first.

• Best for families: Techmania Science Center (In-city) or Chateau Kozel.
• Best for couples: Mariánské Lázně spa colonnades.
• Best for history: Karlštejn Castle or Klatovy Catacombs.
• Best for views: Radyně Castle ruins.

The Visit Plzeň portal offers great maps for the city center. However, the surrounding region holds even more secrets. Most of these spots are within a 60-minute radius of the main station.

Best Places to Visit from Plzeň Without a Car

Here are the top-rated destinations reachable by public transport. These spots offer a mix of culture, history, and relaxation. Each one is a manageable trip for a single day.

1. Name: Chateau Kozel Type: Chateau and Park Why go: It is a unique neoclassical hunting lodge with a large park. Best for: Nature lovers and families. Where: Located in Šťáhlavy, south of Plzeň. Time: Plan for 3 to 4 hours. Cost: Low (park is free). Getting there: Take a local train to Šťáhlavy and walk 2 kilometers. Tip: Read more about visiting Chateau Kozel to see tour times.
2. Name: Prague Type: Capital City Why go: Explore the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Best for: Sightseeing and shopping. Where: Central Bohemia. Time: Full day. Cost: Medium. Getting there: Take the Západní expres train for a 90-minute journey. Tip: Check Visit Czechia for current events in the capital.
3. Name: Mariánské Lázně Type: Spa Town Why go: See the Singing Fountain and drink from healing springs. Best for: Relaxation and architecture. Where: West of Plzeň. Time: 6 to 8 hours. Cost: Medium. Getting there: Direct trains run frequently and take about 60 minutes. Tip: Bring a reusable cup to taste the different mineral waters.
4. Name: Klatovy Type: Historic Town Why go: Visit the famous Jesuit catacombs and the Baroque pharmacy. Best for: History buffs. Where: South Bohemia border. Time: 5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Take a direct train from the main station. Tip: Climb the Black Tower for a view of the Bohemian Forest.
5. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Medieval Castle Why go: It is the most iconic fortress in the country. Best for: Photography and hiking. Where: Near Beroun. Time: Full day. Cost: Medium. Getting there: Take a train toward Prague and change at Beroun. Tip: The walk from the station to the castle is steep but scenic.
6. Name: Stříbro Type: Mining Town Why go: See the rare Renaissance bridge tower and old silver mines. Best for: Quiet exploration. Where: West of Plzeň. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct train takes about 30 minutes. Tip: Visit the town museum located in a former monastery.
7. Name: Domažlice Type: Cultural Town Why go: Experience Chodsko culture and see the leaning tower. Best for: Cultural immersion. Where: Near the German border. Time: 6 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Take a direct regional train. Tip: Try the traditional Chodsko cakes at a local bakery.
8. Name: Radyně Castle Ruins Type: Viewpoint Why go: These ruins sit on a high hill with 360-degree views. Best for: Hikers. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Very low. Getting there: Take a train to Starý Plzenec and follow the marked trails. Tip: The climb is easier in the morning before it gets hot.
9. Name: Rokycany Type: Museum and Town Why go: Visit the impressive Military Museum on the edge of town. Best for: Families and history fans. Where: East of Plzeň. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Frequent trains take only 15 minutes. Tip: The museum has a massive collection of tanks and vehicles.

How to Plan Your Plzeň Day Trips

Navigating the Plzeň Region is easy with the IDPK system. This integrated transport system covers trains and buses. You can buy a single ticket that works for both modes of transport. This saves you money and time at the station.

Download the PID Lítačka or Můj vlak app. These apps show real-time delays and platform numbers. Most trains have free Wi-Fi and charging ports. You can travel comfortably while watching the countryside pass by.

Consider traveling on weekends for special group discounts. If you travel with two or more people, tickets are cheaper. Always validate your ticket if you buy it on a bus. Train conductors will check your digital or paper tickets during the ride.