Prague to Graz and Linz: two Austrian cities that are easier than Vienna

Most people from Prague who head for Austria go to Vienna, sensibly. Two other cities are just as reachable, far less crowded and better suited to certain trips: Linz on the Danube, and Graz in the green south-east. Different characters, different journeys, different reasons to go.

Linz

Linz is on the Danube, on the main line from the Czech border towards Salzburg and Vienna. From Prague you go south via České Budějovice, roughly four hours (check cd.cz and oebb.at; some services are direct, others change at the border). The South Bohemian countryside makes the ride a pleasure before you arrive. Our guides to České Budějovice and Český Krumlov suggest places to break it.

Linz has put money into its riverside since its Capital of Culture year, and is known for the Ars Electronica media-art festival and centre. It is a working city rather than a postcard, which is half its appeal. Walk the Danube promenade and ride the Pöstlingberg tram up to the pilgrimage church above the city, and you have a good half-day. The local tart is the Linzer Torte, a nut-and-jam affair, and worth a slice.

Linz is also the best base for the lakes. Regional trains run south into the Salzkammergut; our guide to Prague to Hallstatt picks up from there, and Salzburg from Prague is the neighbouring option.

Graz

Graz is farther, with no short route. Plan on most of a day, going via Vienna or via Linz with a change (check the timetable for your date). Treat it as a destination for at least a night, not an add-on.

You get a historic centre that UNESCO inscribed in 1999 and later extended to Schloss Eggenberg. There are red roofs, a hill in the middle, the Schlossberg, with a clock tower on top, and a modern art museum nicknamed the "friendly alien" for its blue bubble shape. It has the youthful feel of a university city.

The mood differs from Vienna: smaller, easier, nearer the vineyards and hills of Styria. Pumpkin-seed oil is the regional speciality, drizzled over salads, soups and even dessert.

Combining the two

You can link them. Austrian rail runs between Linz and Graz through the mountains, with a change on the way, and the scenery is good. A long weekend could go Prague to Linz on Friday, Linz to Graz on Saturday, and Graz back to Prague on Sunday via Vienna. That is plenty of train, so build in slack, but it covers two cities most visitors skip.

Compare a flexible ticket with individual fares before committing. Fares move with the date and booking time, so we quote none.

Which one for what

Pick Linz for an easy first Austrian trip away from the tourist circuit, or if the lakes are the real goal. Pick Graz if you have time and want a city with its own character and food. If you only want Vienna, see Vienna from Prague by train and Prague to Vienna by bus.

By coach or car

Some coach services may link Prague with Linz or Graz, usually with a change or a long ride. Check whether a through service exists for your date and compare it with the train. A coach makes more sense for Linz than for Graz.

Driving to Linz is a comfortable few hours via South Bohemia, and Austrian motorways need a vignette (as of 2026; check the operator ASFINAG). Graz is a long drive and best treated as a rail trip unless you plan to explore Styria.

Practical notes

Austria uses the euro and is in the Schengen Area, so there are normally no passport checks at the border, but carry a passport or ID card. Most shops in Austria are shut on Sundays, so buy what you need on Saturday. Museum opening days differ from Czech ones, and many close one day a week.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Prague to Linz take?

Roughly four hours, via South Bohemia. Check cd.cz and oebb.at for current times.

Is Graz a day trip from Prague?

No. It is most of a day each way. Plan at least one night.

Is Linz a good base for Hallstatt?

Yes. Regional trains run south into the Salzkammergut from Linz.

Do I need euros?

Yes. Austria uses the euro.

Pick one city, book one night more than you think you need, and keep the other for next time.