Czech Republic trip (Spring 2022)

[306024]

Your train from Karlovy Vary should be a Class 650 RegioPanter unit (looks like it's a Špešny Vlak/Semi Fast train that goes on towards Plzeň)

Cheb to Nürnberg is Class 612 DMUs - it may well attach to a couple more units further down the line.

Thank you. Had to Google what they were but I‘ve travelled on those before so know what to expect now.

 

[Mag_seven]

Thanks. These Vectrons get everywhere!

Even into the avatars of forum staff.

 

[ainsworth74]

Thanks for the information all! Sorry for not getting back sooner I've going around France dodging bricks and police batons

 

[yorkie]

Are the S8 route trains still loco hauled? For example Os 9045 0855 Praha hl.n. - Čerčany ; the photos I have seen suggest they are. I did look at the CD journey planner but it doesn't have the formation. Thanks

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Spookily Prague to Nuremberg is a journey I’ve already planned for later this year. My trains are:
09.25 Prague to Karlovy Vary (12.44)
16.23 Karlovy Vary to Cheb (17.17)
17.36 Cheb to Nuremberg (19.22)
Don’t know what the types of trains are involved as that doesn’t concern me too much, but Karlovy Vary looks an interesting town to break the journey.

I did Prague to Leeds in 24hrs by this route in 2017, the Prague to Cheb leg was a single journey and loco-hauled (some sort of Skoda-built electric loco) with a mix of open and compartment stock, all air-conditioned. Departed Prague hl.n at 0400 local time, arrived back in Leeds at just before 0300 (BST) the following day!

 

[87015]

Are the S8 route trains still loco hauled? For example Os 9045 0855 Praha hl.n. - Čerčany ; the photos I have seen suggest they are. I did look at the CD journey planner but it doesn't have the formation. Thanks

Certain trains on weekends only as has been for years

I did Prague to Leeds in 24hrs by this route in 2017, the Prague to Cheb leg was a single journey and loco-hauled (some sort of Skoda-built electric loco) with a mix of open and compartment stock, all air-conditioned. Departed Prague hl.n at 0400 local time, arrived back in Leeds at just before 0300 (BST) the following day!

Pretty much all booked 371 Praha-Usti n L for a Vectron to Cheb, although usually a 362 out vice 193 on one turn

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Pretty much all booked 371 Praha-Usti n L for a Vectron to Cheb, although usually a 362 out vice 193 on one turn

Just had a look through my archive, this was the power from the outbound journey:



(Image shows a CD electric locomotive (number 362-078) at Cheb, awaiting departure towards Plzen and Praha.)

 

[Zamracene749]

Are the S8 route trains still loco hauled? For example Os 9045 0855 Praha hl.n. - Čerčany ; the photos I have seen suggest they are. I did look at the CD journey planner but it doesn't have the formation. Thanks

TS 722 a 724: 749, 754 OŘOD střed SS Praha-Vršovice

Sledování oběhů lokomotiv

sledovani.55p.cz

Click on the date too see what has worked recently- allocations are often posted for the weekend late on a friday or early saturday am. rest of Czech is here https://sledovani.55p.cz/

 

[BRX]

I am planning a north-south journey across the Czech Republic in early August. Starting out from Zittau in Germany, on a Saturday afternoon and ending up somewhere near Linz in Austria by the Sunday night, or Monday morning.

Any suggestions for routes to take in something interesting?

For me, interesting mainly means loco hauled and openable windows. But would probably go for older units in preference to modern AC loco hauled stock.

Scenic or obscure routes are always good.

 

[30907]

I would finish with C Bud-Linz on an EC with Bistro car, despite the Aircon(!). Lovely scenic route.
If you can get away by 1415, you could pick up the KZC-operated R1274 from Rybniste which should tick several boxes
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik
Alternatively there is a diesel-hauled (714?) service from there to Decin which works leaving 1610 from Zittau.
Stay in or near Prague.
On the Sunday you have a choice of hauled weekend specials leaving Prague 0800-0900. Probably the Blatna train leaving at 0835 is your best bet. Go on from Blatna to Strakonice (railbus?) and then either pick up the semi-fast to CB (still old stock and possibly a class 242 electric) or if time allows do the very scenic loop through the Sumava mountains and Cesky Krumlov, which takes 5hr vice 1.

 

[BRX]

I would finish with C Bud-Linz on an EC with Bistro car, despite the Aircon(!). Lovely scenic route.
If you can get away by 1415, you could pick up the KZC-operated R1274 from Rybniste which should tick several boxes
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik
Alternatively there is a diesel-hauled (714?) service from there to Decin which works leaving 1610 from Zittau.
Stay in or near Prague.
On the Sunday you have a choice of hauled weekend specials leaving Prague 0800-0900. Probably the Blatna train leaving at 0835 is your best bet. Go on from Blatna to Strakonice (railbus?) and then either pick up the semi-fast to CB (still old stock and possibly a class 242 electric) or if time allows do the very scenic loop through the Sumava mountains and Cesky Krumlov, which takes 5hr vice 1.

Thanks very much! You've probably saved me several hours of research time. Will have a look at all this in more detail in due course.

 

[30907]

Thanks very much! You've probably saved me several hours of research time. Will have a look at all this in more detail in due course.

No problem - I've spent enough time playing with Czech timetables for my own benefit.
One thing to add - engineering works happen all the time,and aren't always flagged up in advance. Fortunately C Bud to Linz seems OK - last year there was a long summer block on the Austrian side which took considerable planning to avoid

 

[rg177]

I'd recommend downloading the Muj Vlak app (Czech Railways app) and checking trains closer to when you travel. It'll detail any planned delays or bus substitutions (or 'lockouts' as they seem to be referred to as) and has an English version.

While you travel, it also has real-time info.

 

[BRX]

If you can get away by 1415, you could pick up the KZC-operated R1274 from Rybniste which should tick several boxes
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik

This looks perfect! It looks like I can buy a ticket for it on the CD app even though it's a different operator - is that right? Do I need to worry about it being booked out or anything?
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik

On the Sunday you have a choice of hauled weekend specials leaving Prague 0800-0900.
Probably the Blatna train leaving at 0835 is your best bet

It looks like it's bus replacement on the last section of that, from Breznice to Blatna, on the date I'd travel. So I'll maybe look into getting from Breznice to Ceske Bud. either via Putim or Tabor?

Are there any other of the hauled specials you mention - leaving prague ona sunday morning - that you'd suggest are worth considering?

 

[Zamracene749]

Saturdays and sundays you have a few 'normal' services from Prague that follow the scenic Vltava route to Cercany. Thses depart at 08.25, 09.23 and 13.55, hauled by class 754 'goggles' locos usually with some elderly double deck stock. From Cercany you can get to Ceske Bud via Benesov U Prahy. KZC also run a Saturday only heritage service - 'Posázavský motoráček' along the same line as far as Tynec nad Sazavou departing at 07.39, rostered for a preserved 831 DMU, but sometimes utilising their 740 locomotive.

 

[30907]

This looks perfect! It looks like I can buy a ticket for it on the CD app even though it's a different operator - is that right? Do I need to worry about it being booked out or anything?
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik

It looks like it's bus replacement on the last section of that, from Breznice to Blatna, on the date I'd travel. So I'll maybe look into getting from Breznice to Ceske Bud. either via Putim or Tabor?

There's nowt much at Breznice, unless the Rozmital branch has a train that day.
If you go via Pisek to Tabor (a nice run) and have 2 hours in hand, then a trip on the Bechyne line is a must. Tabor itself is nice, but the centre is a bit of a walk from the station.

Are there any other of the hauled specials you mention - leaving prague ona sunday morning - that you'd suggest are worth considering?

Take your pick! The one I've not done is Rakovnik which is supposed to be pretty scenic, and Rakovnik-Beroun-C Bud should be possible (the second bit is Arriva so whatever ticket you have might be valid; that point affects the Sumava lines too!).
I'm sure someone on here has done Rakovnik.

Saturdays and sundays you have a few 'normal' services from Prague that follow the scenic Vltava route to Cercany. Thses depart at 08.25, 09.23 and 13.55, hauled by class 754 'goggles' locos usually with some elderly double deck stock.

These seem to be refurbished d/d stock now with aircon etc. Nice route anyway.

 

[rg177]

Yes, the Bechyne branch is worth a run. It's basically a 113 class loco and some Bzx (basically unpowered railbuses from the Czechoslovak State Railways era) trailers that leave from a platform outside the main station.

It's set to get totally redone and have the voltage changed soon - as its rather non-standard.

The line is pleasant - then has some brilliant views as you approach the terminus.

 

[30907]

Yes, the Bechyne branch is worth a run. It's basically a 113 class loco and some Bzx (basically unpowered railbuses from the Czechoslovak State Railways era) trailers that leave from a platform outside the main station.

It's set to get totally redone and have the voltage changed soon - as its rather non-standard.

The line is pleasant - then has some brilliant views as you approach the terminus.

And with luck the train will be headed by a preserved Bo-Bo and an early railcar (extra fare) will be running.

 

[59CosG95]

Talking of all things Czech - is there any way to access timetables from previous years? I've been a bit of a muppet and left the captioning of all my November 2022 photos too late before the Dec 2022 timetable change.

 

[BRX]

If on the Sunday I were to take the 0835 to Blatna as far as Breznice then it looks like I have a couple of options

1. Breznice to Pisek then Pisek to Tabor - then I'd just have time to do the Bechnye branch as suggested. Are the trains for the Breznice/Pisek/Tabor legs likely to be anything interesting?

2. Breznice to Pisek then via Cicenice to Cery Kriz, then Cerny Kriz to Ceske Budovice, similar to the loop suggested by @30907 earlier but not via Strakonice. Still worth considering?

 

[rg177]

If on the Sunday I were to take the 0835 to Blatna as far as Breznice then it looks like I have a couple of options

1. Breznice to Pisek then Pisek to Tabor - then I'd just have time to do the Bechnye branch as suggested. Are the trains for the Breznice/Pisek/Tabor legs likely to be anything interesting?

2. Breznice to Pisek then via Cicenice to Cery Kriz, then Cerny Kriz to Ceske Budovice, similar to the loop suggested by @30907 earlier but not via Strakonice. Still worth considering?

Breznice to Pisek depends on which service you're catching. A stopping train (Osobni Vlak) usually terminating at Protivin will be a RegioNova. The fast (Rychlik) services (heading onwards to Ceske Budejovice) will be run by Arriva. They're usually 845 DMUs, which are ex-DB 628 units.

Pisek to Tabor looks to be mostly booked for 842 DMUs. (Click the bold numbers/names for pics).

I mean, by UK standards, they're all reasonably interesting. The RegioNova units have a rather lively ride as they're just rebuilt 810 units (which are still knocking about on lightly-used lines).

If you visit ZelPage (https://www.zelpage.cz/razeni/) you'll get *most* booked compositions for Czech trains so long as you know the number of the train you're catching (Muj Vlak app will have this). So, you can have a play about and see which lines have the preferred traction.

ZelPage also has last year's compositions which @59CosG95 might find useful for digging out timetable info.

 

[BRX]

Breznice to Pisek depends on which service you're catching. A stopping train (Osobni Vlak) usually terminating at Protivin will be a RegioNova. The fast (Rychlik) services (heading onwards to Ceske Budejovice) will be run by Arriva. They're usually 845 DMUs, which are ex-DB 628 units.

Pisek to Tabor looks to be mostly booked for 842 DMUs. (Click the bold numbers/names for pics).

I mean, by UK standards, they're all reasonably interesting. The RegioNova units have a rather lively ride as they're just rebuilt 810 units (which are still knocking about on lightly-used lines).

If you visit ZelPage (https://www.zelpage.cz/razeni/) you'll get *most* booked compositions for Czech trains so long as you know the number of the train you're catching (Muj Vlak app will have this). So, you can have a play about and see which lines have the preferred traction.

ZelPage also has last year's compositions which @59CosG95 might find useful for digging out timetable info.

Thanks!

 

[30907]

1. If you are travelling on 12/13 August rather than 5/6 August then both historic trains will be out on the Bechyne line which tips the balance that way IMO.
https://www.kudyznudy.cz/akce/elinka-nostalgicke-jizdy-historickym-vlackem
In any case I notice that the branch now has a 2-train service part of Sunday.

2. A RRB on the Blatna train isn't a disaster - CD are extremely good at organising these, even if the vehicles themselves can be variable.

3. I think your planning depends on how late you want to be in Linz - I was suggesting using the 2000-ish from C Bud with its Bistro car rather than the 1800-ish which is an older Austrian push-pull set. Of course, if you do Zittau-Decin on the Saturday you can pick up an EC from there and sample CD/JLV catering anyway.

 

[The exile]

If you visit ZelPage (https://www.zelpage.cz/razeni/) you'll get *most* booked compositions for Czech trains so long as you know the number of the train you're catching (Muj Vlak app will have this). So, you can have a play about and see which lines have the preferred traction.

ZelPage also has last year's compositions which @59CosG95 might find useful for digging out timetable info.

Unfortunately ZelPage is no longer anything like as comprehensive as it was pre-Covid (not saying that that’s the reason!). I may have last year’s CZech timetable downloaded - but can’t check atm.

 

[BRX]

1. If you are travelling on 12/13 August rather than 5/6 August then both historic trains will be out on the Bechyne line which tips the balance that way IMO.
https://www.kudyznudy.cz/akce/elinka-nostalgicke-jizdy-historickym-vlackem
In any case I notice that the branch now has a 2-train service part of Sunday.

It would be the 6th August. I can't quite make out (using google translate) exactly what will be running on that day.

 

[30907]

It would be the 6th August. I can't quite make out (using google translate) exactly what will be running on that day.

Shame! The specials are basically Saturday only. The line is worth it all the same.

I didn't answer about Cicenice-Cerny Kriz: not as scenic as the line from Stakonice, but the bit I've done (south of Prachatice, which is another nice town) is winding and rural.

 

[59CosG95]

Breznice to Pisek depends on which service you're catching. A stopping train (Osobni Vlak) usually terminating at Protivin will be a RegioNova. The fast (Rychlik) services (heading onwards to Ceske Budejovice) will be run by Arriva. They're usually 845 DMUs, which are ex-DB 628 units.

Pisek to Tabor looks to be mostly booked for 842 DMUs. (Click the bold numbers/names for pics).

I mean, by UK standards, they're all reasonably interesting. The RegioNova units have a rather lively ride as they're just rebuilt 810 units (which are still knocking about on lightly-used lines).

If you visit ZelPage (https://www.zelpage.cz/razeni/) you'll get *most* booked compositions for Czech trains so long as you know the number of the train you're catching (Muj Vlak app will have this). So, you can have a play about and see which lines have the preferred traction.

ZelPage also has last year's compositions which @59CosG95 might find useful for digging out timetable info.

Thank you so much for the ZelPage link - you have *no* idea how helpful that's been in finding some of the train details I was missing!
Sadly, as @The exile says, it's not quite as detailed as it's been pre-Covid (for instance, I couldn't see any Esko trains in and around Prague), but it's been fantastically helpful nonetheless.

I wonder if there's a way to find freight timetables down that way? Lord knows what that is though!

 

[BRX]

If you can get away by 1415, you could pick up the KZC-operated R1274 from Rybniste which should tick several boxes
https://m.kzc.cz/?sekce=pravidelne_verejne_vlaky&stranka=luzickohorsky_rychlik

Still a bit unclear about how I buy a ticket for the KZC service - what's the most straightforward way - and if it can just be bought on the train am I safe just to turn up without a booking or anything?

 

[Zamracene749]

Still a bit unclear about how I buy a ticket for the KZC service - what's the most straightforward way - and if it can just be bought on the train am I safe just to turn up without a booking or anything?

I always buy on board from the conductor. I don't think the services are bookable, never seen any reservations on board. Pretty certain 'one ticket' and PID tickets are valid (within zone) too.

 

[30907]

I always buy on board from the conductor. I don't think the services are bookable, never seen any reservations on board. Pretty certain 'one ticket' and PID tickets are valid (within zone) too.

Yes to all (except I've not used "one ticket" yet) - and I've not yet experienced a crowded train, despite them normally being only 2-3 coaches.

(CD-only tickets such as the Summer Ticket aren't valid, of course.)