Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is one of the closest Austrian cities to Prague: about 245 km by road. It is a stop on the way to Salzburg and the Alps, a base for the Danube valley, and a city worth a day in its own right for the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos art museum. Here is how the two realistic ways to get there compare.
The quick answer
By private car the trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours door to door and costs from 7 966 CZK (about 332 €) for a sedan, for the whole car. The direct Railjet train takes about 4 hours station to station and is cheaper for a single traveller. From two passengers up, and whenever luggage or a stop in Český Krumlov is involved, the car wins on time and convenience.
Prague to Linz by private transfer
- Time: 2.5 to 3 hours, hotel to hotel, via the D3 motorway towards České Budějovice and the border at Dolní Dvořiště.
- Price: from 7 966 CZK (about 332 €) for a sedan for up to 4 passengers, or 9 008 CZK for a minivan for up to 7. Live quote from the booking calculator; per car, including luggage, motorway tolls in both countries and the driver.
- Stops on the way: Český Krumlov (UNESCO old town, roughly two thirds of the way), Hluboká Castle, or the historic centre of České Budějovice.
- Onward: the same driver can continue to Salzburg, Hallstatt or Vienna on the following days as a multi-day trip.
Prague to Linz by train
Railjet trains run directly from Prague main station to Linz several times a day, in about 4 hours. It is comfortable and, booked ahead, inexpensive. Add the time and cost of getting to Prague main station and from Linz Hauptbahnhof to your hotel.
Comparison
| Option | Time | Price (live quote) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 2.5–3 h door to door | from 7 966 CZK (about 332 €) per car (sedan), 9 008 CZK (minivan) | 2+ people, luggage, a Český Krumlov stop |
| Direct train | about 4 h plus transfers | varies by booking date | solo travellers |
Linz as a stopover
Many travellers use Linz as the half-way point between Prague and Salzburg or the Salzkammergut lakes. A private transfer can drop you in Linz for a night and pick you up the next morning, or simply pause for lunch on the Danube before continuing south. Either way it is one booking and one fixed price.
Linz to Prague
Return transfers from Linz to Prague, including pick-up at Linz Airport (Blue Danube Airport), are available at the same price.
Get an instant fixed price in the booking form — the quote you see is the price you pay, for the whole car.