Most of tourists arrive to Prague by airplane (to Vaclav Gavel airport, Prague, Ruzyne) or by train to the central railway station (Hlavní Nádraží). Those who need to get to Marianske Lazne, situated 170 km away from Prague, can take a bus, a local train, rent a car or order a transfer in a travel agency. It takes about 2h 50 minutes to get to Lazne by train, about 2 hours – by car and 3 hours – by bus. Let’s see the details below.
The train to Marianske Lazne leaves the central railway station every 1,5 or 2 hours (the schedule depends upon the season and the day of the week). A one-way ticket in the 2nd class will cost you 250 CZK (Czech korunas) or more, if you travel during a high-season or choose a high-class train. You can buy a ticket online on the integral website jizdnirady.idnes.cz or directly on the site of Czech Railway Company well in advance.
Usually transfers from Prague airport by a travel agency’ car or minibus takes about 2 hours, but it may take up to 2,5 hours according to the district of Prague where you depart from, and to traffic situation in the city.
A bus to Marianske Lazne departs from Uan Florenc or fromPraha, Zličín bus station daily from 8:30 am till 17:30 pm. Some bus routes demand 1 or 2 changes, in this case the travelling time will be longer. An average travel to Lazne by bus takes 2,5 hours, one-way ticket price starts from 120 CZK for a direct travel by Autobusy Karlovy Vary transporting company. You can check out the bus schedule and the prices on the integral transport website idos.cz, where you can also buy your ticket online.
If you prefer to rent a car, be aware of the traffic jams and roadworks on your way, and don’t forget to take a GPS navigator with you. Petrol prices in Prague in October 2016 balance between 1 euro for diesel fuel and 1,15 euro for petrol 98. As far as you should return the rented car with a full fuel tank, it’s probably better to take fellow passengers to go Dutch. The traffic rules in Czech Republic are the same as in Russia, and most of the road signs and guide boards are translated into English.