Hi LBloom -

Here is a link with detailed instructions in all possible manners. When I went, perhaps in 2006?, because of the poor/difficult options at that time, I ended up using a private driver, but I spent a few nights in CK. When I factored in the cost of getting to/from the Prague airport to rent the car, the cost of the rental car (needed Automatic transmission), and the value of my limited vacation time, it ended up being the best choice for me.

https://www.castleview.cz/en/faq/how-to-get-from-prague-airport-or-prague-to-cesky-krumlov/

I used Mike in Prague based on recommendations on this board and I was not disappointed.

http://www.mike-chauffeur.cz/

We had toured Prague with Sarka and I checked her website. She also has a link to Mike's Chauffeur as Adrienne recommended above.

It's a little bit unclear to me - but it appears there is one link for a driver that takes you to CK and waits. And another more expensive option that includes a tour of CK.

http://www.prague-guide.info/tours/countryside.html

http://www.prague-guide.info/prices/index.html

The correct link for the transfer - Oops!

http://www.prague-guide.info/tours/transfer.html

We rented a car for a week. We made arrangements through our pension for the rental car so the car was delivered to our pension. We thought that made more sense than taking a taxi or public transportation with our suitcases to the car rental agency.

We also used Mike, and I strongly recommend him if you are willing to pay for a car service. We were transferring to a river cruise in Passau, and he arranged the transportation as well as a guide for our too short time in Cesky Krumlov. His guide was also excellent.

Do try to get tickets for the English tour of the baroque theater at the castle. Tickets are limited for each tour and, if I recall correctly, I believe there are only 2-3 English tours per day.

We took the train and it was a very plesent and easy trip. One "error" we made was when we made the connection at Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov we got on a local.... it took "longer" then planned by virtue of many stops, however since there is only one track I assume we didn't get there any faster/slower than we would have if we had waited for the express train. These are communist era trains so reserve and pay for a better seat out of Prague.

Seafox, I was under the impression you could not take a train. Can you please provide more details? Which train station? How do I check this via Internet? How long is the train journey? I was told the train deposits you not in Cesky Krumlov and you have to walk a long distance - I have limited mobility, are there any public transportation or taxi options? Thanks in advance for your help!

I took a group day tour. Normally I hate tour groups but in this case it was just easier than public transportation, cheaper than a private guide or renting a car. There are kiosks all over central Prague selling a number of day trips including this one. I bought the ticket the day before but I saw people buying them just before getting on the bus. Big, reasonably comfortable bus. Included a guided tour of the castle and then free time in the town.

We drove (easy 2 hour and 20 minute drive from Prague), but here is our day in CK with photos and a couple of restaurant recommendations.

http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/Tom_%26_Tracy_Home/Central_Europe_%26_Venice_2008/Entries/2008/5/28_Entry_1.html

Isabel, do you happen to remember how much it cost?

Finally heard back from Mike, interesting idea to take us from Vienna to Prague via Cesky Krumlov. This would save us 3 train tickets, to/from train station in each city as it would be "door to door" from each hotel.

How far is it from Vienna? Have figured out it's 2 1/2 hours from CK to Prague. Thanks!

I booked the trains via rail Europe. As I recall it was about 3.5 hours for the trip. From CK we went on to Vienna via a shuttle provided by Pension Lobo (where we stayed in CK). The shuttle took u to the West train station and it was an easy ride to our apartment. Take a look at my trip report ....do a search on "Dark beer" and you will find it all

I booked with Mike's chauffer service as this made the most sense. We will be picked up at our hotel in Vienna, driven to CK and driven to our hotel in Prague by 8 p.m. Will investigate lunch suggestions, thanks for your help!

Tom, enjoyed your review.Looks like you went to Prague as well? Can you send me anything Prague, Vienna,or Budapest? We are going to those cities as well. Thanks!

Chapters One through four document our time in Prague. Loved the Bellavista restaurant (even if you don't go for a meal, take an outdoor table, have a libation and take in the Prague view, which you will see in one of my photos). The Prague Castle Complex is terrific and St. Vitus exceeded my expectations. Took a day trip to Kutna Hora and the Ossuary at Sedlec (Bone Church) We loved Prague!

http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/Tom_%26_Tracy_Home/Central_Europe_%26_Venice_2008/Entries/2008/5/23_Chapter_One__Prague.html

Thanks Tom! But your travel blog stopped just before it got to the stuff I really want to see - Jewish Prague. Never got to read about Kutna Hora either. Can you please send me some more?

LBloom - Tom's stuff is all on the same site. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "next" to go to other days.

Here's a link to my trip report which may also help you.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/czech-republic-krakow-and-a-day-in-frankfurt-a-solo-budget-trip-report.cfm?95

In 2008, we took one train from Prague Florenc to České Budějovice, then caught another to Český Krumlov. You will want to leave early in the morning, and be sure to scope out the Prague railway station online as much as possible in advance, as it can be confusing to find your way around. The railway station in České Budějovice is easy to navigate. There may be some wait for your connection. The train we rode to Český Krumlov was slow, as seafox mentioned. It seemed more like a streetcar; you could hear and feel the gears shifting as it accelerated.

The railroad station in Český Krumlov is quite a distance from the old city and castle. If you go by train, plan on taking a taxi from the station.

Honestly, bus or car options from Prague sound like the best bet to me.

My family and I will travel from Prague to Salzburg in July. I'd love to visit CK, too. Has anyone booked with Mike such a trip? It would save me time if I don't have to do the RT from Prague-CK, as Cesky Krumlov appears to be about 2.5 hours from Salzburg (halfway between Prague and Salzburg).

Try this link for shuttle info:

http://www.shuttlelobo.cz/3/en/shuttle-salzburg-cesky-krumlov/