Why Choose Day Trips from Plzeň by Train?

Traveling by rail is the most relaxing way to see the region. You avoid traffic and parking fees in busy tourist spots. The official city tourism board often recommends rail for regional exploration. Most local trains offer comfortable seating and large windows for sightseeing.

Plzeň Hlavní Nádraží is the city's central transport hub. It connects major lines heading to Prague, Germany, and the Bohemian Forest. You can easily find best places to visit from Plzen without a car using this station. The station building itself is a stunning architectural landmark worth seeing.

Ticket prices in the Czech Republic remain very reasonable. Group tickets or all-day regional passes can save you money. You can buy tickets at the station or via mobile apps. It is a stress-free way to enjoy the national tourism board's top-rated regional highlights.

11 Best Day Trips from Plzeň by Train

Here are our top picks for rail excursions. These locations offer a mix of history, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Check the latest schedules before you depart.

• Best overall: Karlovy Vary
• Best for families: Plasy Monastery
• Best rainy-day: Chodová Planá Beer Spa
• Best free: Starý Plzenec Rotunda (exterior)

1. Name: Karlovy Vary Type: Spa Town Why go: This is the most famous spa city in the country. It features elegant colonnades and thermal springs. You can walk through the historic center and taste the local mineral water. Best for: Architecture and wellness fans. Where: Karlovy Vary. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct regional trains take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Tip: Read this Karlovy Vary day trip guide for the best walking route.
2. Name: Chateau Kozel Type: Sight Why go: A unique four-wing hunting lodge built in the neoclassical style. It is surrounded by a massive landscape park. The interiors show how the nobility lived in the 18th century. Best for: Relaxing walks and history. Where: Šťáhlavy. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Take a local train to Šťáhlavy, then walk 2km through the park. Tip: Check the Chateau Kozel visiting guide for seasonal opening times.
3. Name: Radyně Castle Type: Viewpoint/Ruins Why go: These high-altitude ruins offer the best views of the Plzeň basin. The royal castle was built by Charles IV. It has a mysterious atmosphere and great hiking trails. Best for: Hikers and photographers. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Very low. Getting there: Train to Starý Plzenec, then a steep uphill hike. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the local rotunda as part of your Radyně hiking trip.
4. Name: Mariánské Lázně Type: Spa Town Why go: Known for its "Singing Fountain" and grand yellow buildings. It is quieter and greener than Karlovy Vary. The town is famous for its high-quality mineral springs. Best for: Couples and relaxation. Where: Mariánské Lázně. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Fast trains run hourly and take about 1 hour. Tip: Follow this Mariánské Lázně itinerary to see the fountain shows.
5. Name: Kladruby Monastery Type: Architecture Why go: This site features the incredible "Santyini-Aichel" Santini Gothic-Baroque style. The monastery church is one of the largest in the country. It is a masterpiece of light and geometry. Best for: Art and architecture lovers. Where: Kladruby (near Stříbro). Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train to Stříbro, then a local bus or 45-minute walk. Tip: Book a guided Kladruby architecture tour in advance.
6. Name: Chodová Planá Type: Experience Why go: Home to the famous Chodovar brewery and a unique beer spa. You can literally bathe in beer here. The brewery restaurant is located inside ancient rock cellars. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: Chodová Planá. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate to high (for spa). Getting there: Direct train to Chodová Planá takes about 50 minutes. Tip: Make a reservation for the beer spa weeks ahead.
7. Name: Plasy Monastery Type: History Why go: A Cistercian monastery built on 5,000 oak piles in a swamp. It has a fascinating water system that you can still see today. The Baroque interiors are exceptionally well-preserved. Best for: Engineering and history fans. Where: Plasy. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train from Plzeň takes about 40 minutes. Tip: Visit the building heritage center nearby for hands-on exhibits.
8. Name: Starý Plzenec Rotunda Type: Sight Why go: The Rotunda of St. Peter and Paul is the oldest preserved building in West Bohemia. It dates back to the 10th century. It sits on a hill with views of the modern city. Best for: History buffs. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: 10-minute train ride from Plzeň. Tip: It is a short walk from the train station.
9. Name: Rabí Castle Type: Ruins Why go: The largest castle ruin in Bohemia. It is a massive fortress with deep cellars and high towers. It provides a real sense of medieval power. Best for: Families and castle hunters. Where: Rabí (near Horažďovice). Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train to Horažďovice, then a local bus. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven.
10. Name: Klatovy Catacombs Type: Sight Why go: Beneath the Jesuit church lie mummified remains from the 17th century. The town also features a beautiful historic square and a "Black Tower." Best for: Those interested in the macabre. Where: Klatovy. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct trains take about 45-50 minutes. Tip: Climb the Black Tower for a view of the Šumava mountains.
11. Name: Špičák (Šumava) Type: Nature Why go: This is the gateway to the Bohemian Forest. You can hike to glacial lakes like Černé jezero. In winter, it is a popular ski destination. Best for: Outdoor adventurers. Where: Špičák. Time: Full day. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct regional trains take about 1.5 hours. Tip: The hike to the lake is paved and easy for most.

Practical Tips for Your Rail Adventure

Using the train in the Czech Republic is straightforward. Most staff at the main Plzeň station speak basic English. You can use the ČD (Czech Railways) website or app for live updates. Learning how to buy train tickets in Czech Republic will save you time.

Always check if your destination requires a seat reservation. For regional trains, this is usually not necessary. However, for express trains to Prague or Munich, it is recommended. Keep your ticket handy for the conductor to scan during the journey.

Bring water and snacks for longer trips. While some trains have a bistro carriage, smaller regional lines do not. Most stations have a small convenience store for last-minute supplies. Enjoy the view and the relaxed pace of Czech rail travel.