How to Get From Prague to Liberec in 2025

Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or eager to explore beyond the capital city, choosing to travel from Prague is an excellent way to freshen up your itinerary. Among the best places to visit within a stone’s throw from Prague is the northern city of Liberec.

Known for its charming landscape, conserved historic center, and collection of museums, Liberec is an understated destination in the Czech Republic and surprisingly very easy to reach from Prague.

In this guide, discover all of the ways to get from Prague to Liberec and the best things to see and do while you’re there!

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Where is Liberec in the Czech Republic?

Liberec is the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic and the capital of the Liberec region. The Liberec region is unique because it happens to border both Poland and Germany in the north.

Therefore, it is the northernmost city in Bohemia. To reach the borders of either Poland or Germany from Liberec, it is a short 20-minute drive and roughly 20 km. From the capital city of Prague, Liberec is located just over 100 km north.

The Liberec region is widely admired for its nature, which is comprised of low mountains, rolling hills, rivers and lush forests. It is one of the most beloved regions for outdoor activities by not only Czechs but also German and Polish tourists.

👍 Planning a trip to Prague? Check our guide and perfect 2-day itinerary!

Different Ways to Travel From Prague to Liberec

By Bus

Getting to Liberec from Prague by bus is the cheapest option (under €5 one-way) and depending on the route you opt for, it can also be the quickest. There are two major bus stations in Prague from which buses to Liberec depart.

First, there is the Central Bus Station Florenc which is located in the city centre of Prague. This is the easiest departure point for people who are already staying within the centre of Prague and are looking for the most direct trip to Liberec.

Alternatively, you can depart from the Černý Most bus station which is located in a huge shopping centre about 13 km east of the city centre.

In Liberec, there are two arrival points you should be aware of. Although the two locations are close to each other, it is still helpful to know exactly where you will get dropped off in Liberec when you’re booking tickets.

The Fügnerova station in Liberec is located in the middle of the city and closer to the historic centre. The Žitavská bus station is in closer proximity to the train station in Liberec, but still a short 5-10 minute walk to the city centre.

How Long Is the Bus Ride From Prague to Liberec?

If you depart Prague from the Černý Most station, you can get to Liberec in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bus routes which leave the Central Bus Station Florenc will take longer and around 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Liberec.

Prague to Liberec Bus Operators

The two most popular bus agencies which operate the route from Prague to Liberec are RegioJet and FlixBus. Both bus companies are widely beloved all over Europe and have solid reputations for short and long haul journeys. Although there may be a couple of other providers for the bus route from Prague to Liberec, RegioJet and FlixBus are the most favoured in user experience, price, and convenience.

→ 🚌 Book your bus ticket to Liberec with Bookaway ←

By Train

From the The Main Train Station of Prague (Praha Hlavní Nádraží), you can easily get to Liberec by train. Liberec has a main train station which is directly connected to Prague in just 2.5 hours.

From the train station in Liberec, it is a short 5-10 minute walk into the city centre. Choosing to ride the train to Liberec from Prague is slightly more scenic but does tend to cost a tad more than taking the bus.

The journey between the two cities is frequent and departs every couple of hours throughout the daytime.

→ 🚊Check schedules and book train tickets to Liberec with Trainline ←

How to Get From Prague Airport to Liberec

There are a couple of different possibilities for getting from Prague Airport to Liberec. The most direct way is to find a bus route from the Prague Airport to Liberec, without any stops in between.

This is offered by RegioJet but you must check the schedule beforehand. It does not leave as frequently as you may need it to which could result in you waiting around the airport for a few hours.

More commonly, you can depend on taking a bus from Prague Airport to Central Bus Station Florenc and then follow the recommendations above to finish the journey to Liberec. This option is also offered by RegioJet and in the end, both options will cost the same amount.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Prague Airport to Florenc and then walk to the main train station in Prague to take a train to Liberec. Again, there are various options and it will just depend on what works best for your specific time, date and preference of travel method.

🚏 Looking for the bus stop at the Prague Airport? All of the buses depart in front of Terminal 1.

Rental Car

Renting a car and driving to Liberec will take around 1.5 hours, depending on where you’re departing from in Prague. If you are flying into Prague, it’s most convenient to reserve a rental car to pick up at the airport.

Since Prague Airport is relatively small, the rental car process tends to be very quick. Additionally, there are a handful of rental car agencies in the city – we’ve personally used RENTPlus when we were in a bind and every agency was out of inventory.

Driving in the Czech Republic is very straightforward, and the route to Liberec from Prague follows a major motorway. Speed limits are clearly posted, and traffic signs are uncomplicated to comprehend, even for foreigners.

Renting a car will not only allow you to visit some of the less centrally located highlights in Liberec but also tourist attractions along the way, such as the Sychrov Castle and the Svijany Brewery.

→ 🚙 Book an affordable rental car from the Prague Airport with Discover Cars ←

Is Liberec Worth Visiting?

Liberec is one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic, outside of Prague. If you’re interested in seeing what the remainder of the country looks and genuinely feels like, a visit to Liberec is definitely worth it.

After visiting Prague, you’ll notice a handful of differences between a city like Liberec and the country’s capital. First, the prices. Pretty much everything in Liberec will be cheaper than it is in Prague.

This includes lower prices on accommodation, dining, attractions and even transportation. If you are a budget traveler, spending more time in Liberec than in Prague will extend your dollar much further.

The historic centre of Liberec is very rich in culture, art, and preservation of architectural landmarks. It is just as beautiful as the capital of Prague and much less touristy. In fact, commericalized tourism in Liberec is almost nonexistent in comparison to Prague, where on some days, you can barely walk through without rubbing shoulders with others.

You will not find cheap magnets, menus in English, or gimmicky tourist traps in Liberec.

The region of Liberec is stunning in nature and comprised of thick forests, picturesque foothills, rocky cliff formations and a couple of mountain peaks. For people who enjoy mixing time outdoors while admiring historic walks throughout old town centres, Liberec is the perfect destination.

Furthermore, it’s the perfect gateway to entering Germany or Poland if you plan on travelling to multiple countries.

What is Liberec Most Known For?

Historically, Liberec was the center of an industrial economy. In the 18th century, it was the soul of manufacturing within the Kingdom of Bohemia. The following decades were filled with much activity in the textile business, engineering, and production of cars as well as car parts.

Famously known around the world, Liberec is also renowned for glassmaking and is one of the originating areas for traditional Bohemian glassware.

Today, Liberec is known for many other highlights but the Ještěd summit is one of its defining features. At the top of Ještěd is where you’ll find a hotel, a restaurant, and a viewpoint of the entire city below as well as towns in the distance. Unquestionably, this is the most popular tourist attraction for people visiting Liberec and a “must-do”.

It is particularly an intriguing destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike the mountain or enjoy winter sports. There is also a cable car which brings passengers up and down the mountain without breaking a sweat.

→ ❄️ Book a guided snowshoe tour of Mount Ještěd ←

The Best Things to Do in Liberec

Marvel at the Liberec Town Hall (Liberecká Radnice)

Many who visit Liberec will think it’s a cathedral at first. The heart and defining characteristic of old town Liberec is, in fact, a town hall which goes by the name of Liberecká Radnice.

Standing over 60 metres high, the town hall towers over the cobblestone streets below and is hard to miss while walking through the city. Built in the late 1800s in a Neo-Renaissance style, it is the most famous building in Liberec and certainly worthy of staring at.

To visit the interior of Liberec Town Hall and even reach the very top, check the website for hours and admission prices.

→ 🏰 Dive into history and book a guided tour of the extraordinary Liberec Town Hall ←

Spot the Unique White Tigers and Liberec Zoo

The Liberec Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Czech Republic. Along with this distinction, it’s also home to an uncommon animal – the white tiger. Although white tigers are not technically an endangered species, the white tiger is a bit of a household name in Liberec because of their residency at the Liberec Zoo since the early 1990s.

The white tiger is a staple not only for marketing of the zoo but also an unspoken symbol of the city. Even the Liberec hockey team is named after the zoo celebrities!

Hit the Shopping Streets of Pražská and Moskevská

Among the historic town centre of Liberec is where you’ll find the two main streets which lead to the town square.

Pražská and Moskevská are both known to be heavily frequented by pedestrians, lined with various shops and restaurants due to the heavy foot traffic. The roads cannot be accessed by just any cars, which is another reason they are charming.

Along these two streets, you’ll find an antique bookstore, cafes, jewelry shops and vintage thrift stores.

Stroll Through the Botanical Garden

Whether or not you particularly fancy plants, the Botanical Garden in Liberec is a regional treasure and always at the top of every “things to do in Liberec” list. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Czech Republic and while it’s not large, it is meticulously taken care of for visitors.

The site is made up of nine various pavilions with exhibits including carnivorous plants, aquarium displays, exotic flora and more.

For opening hours and admission prices, check the official website.

Stop by the Birthplace of Ferdinand Porsche

This is perhaps one of the most unexpected attractions while visiting Liberec, but it’s possible to visit the birthplace of Ferdinand Porsche. As the name suggests, Ferdinand was the founding father of the Porsche automotive group and therefore, quite legendary.

Realistically, it isn’t too surprising that he was born in Liberec because back then, it wasn’t the state of Czechoslovakia just yet. Technically, Ferdinand Porsche was born within the Austria-Hungary empire.

The museum is well stocked with artefacts of Porsche’s early engineering days as well as family photos and interchanging displays of Porsche vehicles.

Visit the Various Museums

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: Liberec has no shortage of museums for those looking to immerse in some local culture and art.

The Regional Gallery in Liberec is among the largest museums in Liberec and features curated exhibitions ranging from classic to contemporary. Across the street is The North Bohemian Museum, which is extremely well-rated as one of the best museums in the country and a great choice for both kids and adults.

For history fans, there is the Liberec Underground Museum, which showcases a subterranean anti-nuclear shelter from recent decades.

Hike or Take the Cable Car to Ještěd

Mount Ještěd is the highest peak in the Ještěd–Kozákov Ridge of northern Czechia. More significantly, it’s a symbolic feature of the Liberec skyline and an unmissable point of interest for visitors.

The hotel and restaurant which still stands at the top today was completed in the 1970s and is still a focal point for tourists. As much as it is an attraction, it also serves a functional purpose as a radio transmitter tower.

Visitors can reach the very top of the hotel’s observation deck by cable car but on a sunny day, you’ll see the walking trails flooded with eager hikers.

→ Find low rates and book a stay at Hotel Ještěd! ←

Take the Kids to iQLANDIA

For children of all ages and eager-to-learn adults, stop at iQLANDIA and dive into an interactive world of science and technology. The iQLANDIA centre is the first of its kind in the Czech Republic and features 400 exciting exhibits and a planetarium as a fun and fresh way to pique the interest of kids.

If you’re visiting Liberec on a rainy day, iQLANDIA is undoubtedly one of the best activities to check out.

Enjoy the View at Liberec Heights (Liberecká Výšina)

There are many beautiful hotels within the Liberec town centre, but the Liberec Heights is certainly among the most unique. Set in a medieval style watchtower, the hotel and restaurant is newly reconstructed in a building from the early 1900s.

It is tucked away in the forest and hills above Liberec but features breathtaking views of the city below.

For anyone that’s always looking for an experience rather than just a hotel stay, this is hands down the best place for it in Liberec.

→ 🛏 Find low rates and book a stay at Liberecká Výšina ←

Final Thoughts on Getting From Prague to Liberec

The reasonable travel time to reach Liberec from Prague makes it one of the easiest places to visit from the country’s capital. Combined with the many different bus and train routes, getting to Liberec is uncomplicated and the perfect destination for a day trip from busy Prague.

The city of Liberec is filled with many things to see and do for all types of travelers, including families, solo backpackers and outdoor lovers. Not to mention, Liberec is much more affordable than Czech’s capital city in nearly every aspect.

For travellers looking to go beyond the cookie cutter Prague itinerary, hop on a bus or train and arrive in Liberec for a better taste of authentic Czech.

Trusted Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: SafetyWing
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Bookaway, Trainline or Omio
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com or Agoda
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Saily
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator