How to Get to Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle
Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle in the Czech Republic, also known only as Hluboka Castle, is located in a small town Hluboka nad Vltavou, only a few kilometers from the biggest city in South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice. Read our travel guide on getting to Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle from Prague by bus, train, car, or other transportation options.
The Czech Republic is a country of castles. We believe that when reading this travel guide on how to get to Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, you intend to visit at least this one, although there are many more worthwhile places a first-time visitor to the Czech Republic can include in a travel itinerary.
As proud locals, we can only encourage you to explore the Czech countryside. Yes, the capital city is truly iconic. There are tons of things to do in Prague, and it is the destination on its own, but we would love to inspire you to explore more of our home country.
Hluboka Castle, located in a small town Hluboka nad Vltavou is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic. It usually ranks in the fourth place when it comes to total visitors per year, right behind Prague Castle, Lednice, and Cesky Krumlov, proving how exceptional it is.
Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle is truly one of the top attractions in the Czech Republic for several reasons. The most important one is that this chateau is simply breathtaking. But that's not all.
The site is well-accessible from Prague, but also other must-visit destinations, such as Cesky Krumlov. It actually lies on the way to Cesky Krumlov so that you can visit these two bucket list places in the Czech Republic in one day.
Last but not least, Hluboka Castle is open all-year-round, which is actually not a norm when it comes to the castles in the Czech Republic.
We'll talk more about Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle in a separate blog post, but here, we would like to share with you practical information that you might find helpful, no matter if you travel individually or prefer a more complex experience.
Here's our travel guide on how to get to Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle from Prague, including all types of transport alternatives.
HOW TO GET TO HLUBOKA NAD VLTAVOU CASTLE
There are several options on how to get to Hluboka Castle, perched above the Vltava River. The good news is that it is a piece of cake with our guide to getting there individually.
Still, thanks to the castle's popularity, it is also possible to take a tour or hire private transport, in case you are pressed for time or require comfort and a more individual approach.
We've already mentioned we're from the Czech Republic.
So we know our stuff when it comes to getting to Hluboka Castle, as we traveled this road numerous times.
Feel free to start planning your trip!
RENTAL CAR
The easiest way how to get to Hluboka nad Vltavou is by rental car.
Renting a car in Prague or anywhere in the Czech Republic is very easy, and thanks to the competition in the capital city, rates are quite low, even if you decide to rent a car only for the day.
You can rent a car at the airport, but if you do not plan on road tripping around Czechia, it is possible to get it delivered to your hotel.
Hluboka nad Vltavou is less than 2 hours drive from Prague. Make sure your car has a highway sticker.
From 2021 the system changes into an electronic one, so ask the rental agency whether the car is allowed to drive on highways, but we think it should.
From Prague, head south via highway D1, and then turn off via exit 21 to E55 that will lead you via Benesov and Tabor.
Before Tabor, you will join a new highway D3 and drive on this road almost to Ceske Budejovice. A few kilometers before the city, turn right on the road 146, which will take you to Hluboka nad Vltavou. The road is well signposted.
And by the way, make sure to visit Tabor as well. This medieval town in the South Bohemia is really worth it.
PARKING
In low season, we parked the car near the new jetty, just past Milan Vopicka Hotel, where the parking was free of charge. You can also park at the Central parking lot near Penny Market.
Another option is to drive to the main square and park in Masarykova street, but we do not recommend it during the high season as it will be very likely full. This parking costs 90 CZK per day and is payable in the info center.
No matter which parking lot you choose, you need to walk to the castle for about ten minutes.
In case you decide to explore more from South Bohemia after visiting Hluboka Castle, the historic center of Ceske Budejovice is only 15 minutes drive from here. Cesky Krumlov, which is also very likely on your itinerary, is 40 minutes drive from Hluboka nad Vltavou.
In general, when pressed for time, you can fit these three sites in one day (in the summer when days are long), even though we would recommend you to take your time.
BUS
There used to be a direct bus line from Prague to Hluboka nad Vltavou, but it is no longer the case. We are not sure whether this line will be restored in the future, but at the moment, you need to switch buses in Ceske Budejovice.
But no worries, it is not hard at all.
In Prague, you need to get to a bus station called Na Knizeci. It is on metro line B, Andel, and you will get there easily by metro, tram, or bus. Feel free to read our guide on How to Get Around Prague.
Hop on the bus by Regiojet that will take you to Ceske Budejovice.
Here, you need to switch a bus to Hluboka nad Vltavou. The good news is that the bus to Hluboka leaves ten to twenty minutes after the bus from Prague arrives, so you do not have to wait long.
The trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, and you will pay 175 - 200 CZK.
As the bus from Prague to Ceske Budejovice then continues to Cesky Krumlov, we recommend making a reservation a few days in advance, especially if you travel in the summer season, many tourists use this bus.
You can make a booking and search for all timetables via this website, and for your smooth trip, also download the IDOS app.
The bus in Hluboka nad Vltavou stops at the station called Pod Kostelem (Under the Castle), and it is only about 800 meters from the chateau.
To get back to Prague or to continue to Cesky Krumlov, you need to retrace your steps to Ceske Budejovice. The bus between Hluboka nad Vltavou and Ceske Budejovice runs frequently, several times per hour.
TRAIN
Another alternative to how to get to Hluboka Castle from Prague is by train. We know many travelers love trains, and even though the train station is a bit further from the castle (it is still walking distance), you might find this possibility more appealing than traveling by bus.
Trains frequently leave from Prague's main train station, and you need to change trains either in Ceske Budejovice or Tabor.
Again, check out this IDOS app and search for the most convenient route.
Some of the departures connect in Ceske Budejovice or Tabor immediately so that the ride can take 2 hours and 20 minutes; some times are less frequent, and you will have to wait up to 40 minutes just for the connection.
The train ticket price is very similar to the bus; you will pay around 200 CZK.
The route connecting Prague and Tabor or Ceske Budejovice is hectic on Friday evening or Sunday evening (in the opposite direction) because university students use the train, so plan your trip accordingly.
To get back to Prague or continue to Cesky Krumlov, you need to travel via Ceske Budejovice again.
It is also possible to combine these two transport methods - get to Ceske Budejovice by train and then take a bus to Hluboka Castle. Bus and train stations in Ceske Budejovice are only a few hundred meters from each other.
PRIVATE TRANSPORT
If you don't want to drive but also do not want to give up on your comfort, it is possible to hire a driver that will take you to Hluboka nad Vltavou.
As we've already mentioned, Hluboka Castle is one of the top travel destinations in the Czech Republic, so the possibilities are endless.
You can either book a Hluboka Castle Private Transport that will take you from Prague to Hluboka nad Vltavou, where you can spend the night and then carry on on your own.
TOUR
If you love guided tours and do not mind to be a part of a small group, consider booking this Hluboka Castle and Cesky Krumlov Tour, that will later take you back to Prague.
This option is perfect for all of you who want to experience a stress-free day full of sightseeing.
Although we think visiting the castle independently is super-easy, we know it sometimes feels nice to have everything arranged and focus only on pleasant things.
BOAT
Hluboka nad Vltavou, as the name suggests, sits on the bank of the Vltava River, which means that the town is also accessible by boat.
It is not the most ordinary way to reach the castle, but if you have time and want to experience something unusual, it is certainly an option.
Boats leave from Ceske Budejovice, so you need to get there first, either by car, bus, or train. When the weather is nice, the boat ride is definitely one of the most picturesque transportation options.
You can search your options via this website. It is in the Czech language, but you'll find there their timetables, and most importantly, contact form, so feel free to ask for more information.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
BIKE
If you love spending your time actively and want to explore South Bohemia more thoroughly, it is good to know that Hluboka nad Vltavou is connected with many towns in the region by a dense network of cycle paths.
Actually, the most famous one connects Hluboka Castle and Ceske Budejovice, but there are many more.
You can rent a bike in Ceske Budejovice, or even in Tabor, which is a bit further, but you can always get back by bus or train.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many accommodation options when you plan on visiting Hluboka Castle.
You may be making a one-day trip from Prague. It is also possible to spend the night in Ceske Budejovice, a bigger city near the castle, or even book accommodation in a UNESCO town Cesky Krumlov.
Of course, it is also possible to sleep in Tabor, and last but not least in Hluboka nad Vltavou, which also surprisingly offers a wide array of accommodation options, at least for its size.
In case you decide to stay here, you'll get the unique opportunity to walk the castles' park once all the day-trippers leave.
We've handpicked the best hotels in every location that can be an option for your Czech Republic itinerary.
Hluboka nad Vltavou | Residence Hluboká - This newly renovated hotel is only a short walk from the castle, and except for the great location, offers beautifully decorated and spacious rooms.
Prague | Nyx Hotel Prague - It is quite hard to pick only one hotel in the mid-range category as there are simply too many of them, but this hotel lies in the center and beats the others with the unique design.
Tabor | Hotel Nautilus - Tabor does not have a five-star hotel, but this 4* boutique property offers great services, including a renowned restaurant, tastefully furnished rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Ceske Budejovice | Grandhotel Zvon - Elegant boutique hotel is located right on the main square, so all the top sights are only a stone's throw away. There's also an on-site restaurant and a breakfast included in the price.
Cesky Krumlov | Garni Hotel Castle Bridge - This well-rated hotel offers the perfect location right in the historic center, and some of the rooms even have a river view. It is definitely one of the top places to stay in Cesky Krumlov.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
