Getting Around Pilsen
Pilsen (Plzeň) is a compact city, and its public transport network is run by PMDP, which operates trams, buses and trolley-buses across the city. For lines, schedules and fares, the PMDP official website is the place to check.
On Foot
For the compact city centre, walking is the best way to get around. Both the main railway station and the central bus station are within walking distance of the city centre, so arriving visitors can often reach their accommodation on foot.
Trams, Buses and Trolley-Buses
To get around the whole city, the services of the public transport operator PMDP are recommended. PMDP operates trams, buses and trolley-buses in Pilsen. Trams and trolley-buses also serve the area around the main railway station: two tram lines and several trolley-buses stop just outside the side entrance, reached through a short tunnel from the train station.
- Operator: PMDP (trams, buses, trolley-buses)
- Check the PMDP official website for lines, schedules and rates
- People aged 65 and over travel for free
Arriving by Train or Bus
Pilsen is well connected by both buses and trains, with services leaving hourly from Prague; travel times for both are just over one hour. From Germany, there are direct trains every two hours from Munich, and another option is travel from Nuremberg via Marktredwitz and Cheb. From the south, the city can be reached by railway from the direction of Železná Ruda via Klatovy, a route with spectacular views of the Šumava mountain range along a more than century-old track. A further railway option runs from the Austrian city of Gmünd via České Budějovice. Railway connections remain consistent even during the weekend.
Numerous bus companies connect the city with other European cities and stop at the central bus station, though these connections are usually subject to reservation. Trains, by contrast, maintain their intervals throughout the week including weekends and do not require a reservation.
- Main railway station (Plzeň hlavní nádraží), Nádražní 9 — the current art nouveau building opened in 1907. The main entrance now offers little besides parking and some taxis, as the station and surrounding area were reconstructed; use the side entrance for trams and trolley-buses.
- Central bus station (Centrální autobusové nádraží), Husova 60 — the "old" bus station, serving practically all international bus connections.
Taxis
Some taxis can be found at the main entrance of the main railway station, alongside parking.
Getting In from the Airport
The source material does not describe airport transfers into Pilsen. As a general rule, the practical approach is to check the PMDP website for onward public transport once you reach the city, or arrange a taxi or transfer in advance.