Before Arrival
Everything you need to know before packing your bags. Let's make your journey to Ústí nad Labem as smooth as possible!
How to get to Ústí nad Labem
✈️ Prague Airport > Prague Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží)
Option 1: Airport Express (AE) – Fastest & easiest
- Take the Airport Express (AE) bus from the airport (bus stop in front of the terminal).
- It goes directly to Prague Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží) without stops.
- Travel time: approximately 35 minutes.
- Ticket price: 200 CZK (pay the driver in cash or by card).
Option 2: Public Transport (Cheaper, but with a transfer)
- Take bus 119 from the airport to Nádraží Veleslavín (15 min).
- Take Metro A (Green Line) and transfer at Muzeum.
- Take Metro C (Red Line) to Hlavní nádraží (total travel time around 20 min).
- Ticket price: 46 CZK (valid for 90 minutes, it's working on zones/type P,0,B).
🚆 Prague Main Train Station > Ústí nad Labem
- Take a direct train from Praha Hlavní nádraží to Ústí nad Labem.
- Trains run every 30-60 minutes.
- Recommended train services: Czech Railways (ČD) – Rychlík or EuroCity (EC), RegioJet (some connections).
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour.
- Ticket prices: 120–200 CZK.
Where to buy train tickets?
- Online: cd.cz (Czech Railways), IDOS app.
- At the station ticket office in the main train station.
About the Czech Republic
Situated in the very heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, world-famous beer, and high level of safety. It is a perfect starting point for traveling around the continent.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1.
- Weather: We have four distinct seasons. Be prepared for cold, snowy winters (around 0°C to -5°C) and warm, sunny summers (around 25°C to 30°C).
- Language: Czech is the official language, but you can easily communicate in English, especially with young people and at the university.
Currency: We do NOT use the Euro!
The official currency is the Czech Crown (CZK / Kč). While some tourist places in Prague accept Euros, you will need Czech Crowns for your daily life. Card payments are widely accepted almost everywhere, so you don't need to carry large amounts of cash.
Ústí nad Labem & Surroundings
Ústí nad Labem is the 7th largest city in the Czech Republic and the capital of the Ústí Region. Originally a famous industrial hub, it is beautifully situated in the deep valley of the Elbe (Labe) river, surrounded by the stunning hills of the Bohemian Central Highlands (České středohoří).
It offers the perfect balance of student life and nature. Unlike crowded tourist capitals, Ústí provides an authentic Czech experience with very affordable living costs.
Must-see places around the city:
- Větruše: A historic chateau and viewpoint accessible by a cable car directly from the shopping mall in the city center. It offers the best panoramic view of the river valley.
- Střekov Castle: One of the most romantic ruined castles in the country, perched on a steep rock right above the river, which even inspired the famous composer Richard Wagner.
- Bohemian Switzerland (České Švýcarsko): A breathtaking national park full of sandstone mountains, deep pine forests, and gorges, located just a short train ride away from Ústí. It's a paradise for hikers!
