Where is Prague – the full explanation in relation to its location in the Czech Republicand in a wider contextCentral Europe
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republica country in Central Europe. It is called Praha in CzechPrague in English and FrenchPrag in Germanand Praga in SpanishItalianPolish and Russian.
It is well worth noting that the Czech Republic is being called Czechia more frequently in recent years. The European Union website – and NATO and the United Nations – refer to the country as Czechia.
Where is Prague – the full lowdown in relation to its location in the Czech Republicand in a wider contextCentral Europe
Where is the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is very much in the centre of Europea landlocked country with Germany to the north and westAustria to the southSlovakia to the east and Poland to the east and north.
The latitude and longitude coordinates for Prague are: 50.07365814.418540or 50° 4′ 25.1688” N and 14° 25′ 6.7440” E.
It is on the same latitude as Brusselscapital of Belgium (to the west) and Krakow in Poland (to the east).
Prague is also on the same longitude as the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia and NaplesItaly.
Much of the Germany-Poland border is due north of Prague.
Prague – and the whole of the Czech Republic – is very much in Central Europeas opposed to Eastern Europe. Prague is located to the west of places like Vienna and Graz in AustriaStockholmthe capital of Swedenand nearly the whole of Poland.
Eastern Europe is a term that was often used to refer to the Warsaw Pact countries behind the Iron Curtain. Also known at the time as the Eastern Bloc these countries were mostly governed by Communist puppet regimes under the control of the former Soviet Union (USSR).
Where Is Prague Located?
Prague is situated in the north-west of the Czech Republicin the Central Bohemia Region. It is on the Vltava River (Moldau in German)which flows up the west side of the country before joining the River Elbe 30 km north at the town of Melnik.
Bohemia is the region which covers the western half of the Czech Republic. The other two regions are Moraviawhich borders Austria and Slovakiaand Moravia-Silesiawhich borders Poland to the north.
Where Is Prague in Europe?
The nearest capital city to Prague is Berlincapital of Germany 350 km to the north.
The closest major German city to Prague is Dresden (called Draždany in Czech)150 km (95 miles) north-west of the city. It is also 297 km from the city of Nuremberg.
The nearest city in Poland is Wroclawcapital of the Silesia region280 km to the north-east. It is also 520 km from the historic Polish city of Krakowwhich is almost due east of Prague.
Between 1918 and 1993Prague was the capital of Czechoslovakiawhich split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the Velvet Divorce of 1993. The capital of SlovakiaBratislavais 281 km (191 miles) from Prague.
Getting to Prague
We’ve listed journey times to Prague from several major European cities below. We have only included bus and train journey times from neighbouring countries as flying such short distances means an enormous carbon footprint. We’ve included flight times to Prague from further afield.
We’ve written guides to the two main points of overland arrival in Prague – Prague main train station and Florenc bus station Pragueto help you find your way from these into the rest of city.
London to Prague
Flight time – 1 hour 45 minutes
Train time – 13 to 19 hours
Coach time – 13 to 18 hours
Edinburgh / Glasgow to Prague
Flight time – 2 hours 15 minutes
Paris to Prague
Flight time – 1 hour 30 minutes
Train time – 11 to 16 hours
Bus time – 19 hours
Rome to Prague
Flight time – 1 hour 40 minutes
Train time – 16 to 20 hours
Bus time – 24 hours
Madrid to Prague
Flight time – 2 hours 40 minutes
Athens to Prague
Flight time – 2 hours 30 minutes
Berlin to Prague
Train time – 4 hours 30 minutes
Bus time – 4 hours 40 minutes
Vienna to Prague
Train time – 4 hours 30 minutes
Bus time – 4 hours 30 minutes
Budapest to Prague
Train time – 7 hours
Bus time – 7 to 8 hours
How Big Is Prague?
Prague is a moderately sized city with a population of 1.3 millionand it’s by far the largest city in the Czech Republicwith around one-eighth of the country’s population living in the cityand almost ¼ of the Czech population living in Prague and the surrounding area.
The centre of Prague is small and compactwith four main areas which tourists visit. Togetherall of these constitute the Prague Historic Centre UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are so many things to do in Pragueand we’d recommend a minimum of three days for a first visit if you have the time.
These are Old Town Praguelocated on the east bank of the River Vltavaand New Town Pragueimmediately to the south. Across the river and world-famous Charles Bridgeon the west side of the city you’ll find gorgeous Mala Stranathe ‘Lesser Quarter’ of Praguewhich sits below mighty Prague Castlewhich is one of several European castles to have been nominated as the largest castle in the world.
Where is Prague FAQ
What country is Prague in?
Prague is in the Czech Republic
Is Prague in Europe?
YesPrague is in Europe.
Is Prague in Eastern Europe?
Noit’s very much in Central Europe.
Where Is Prague – Final Thoughts
I hope this article gives you a much better idea of where Prague is in Europeand also its location in relation to other places in this part of the world.
Prague is a fantastic city to visitthe first place behind the former Iron Curtain where many tourists venture. It’s well worth staying there for several daysas there are so many outstanding day trips from Prague.
Use this article as a reference point if you’re looking to delve deeper into the Czech Republic. You can easily visit the likes of stunning Český Krumlovimmense Karlštejn Castle and the World Heritage-listed wonders of the medieval silver mining town of Kutná Hora.
Explore more of Prague
- Bridges In Prague
- Churches In Prague
- Landmarks Of Prague
- Best Viewpoints In Prague
- Best Towers In Prague
- Photographing Prague
- Vltava River in Prague
- Prague Architecture
- Art Nouveau Prague
- Prague Gardens
- Prague Parks
Interested in exploring beyond Prague in the Czech Republic? Start with our Czech Republic Travel Guide.
David Angel is a British photographerwriter and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester Universityand his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBCCondé Nast TravelerThe GuardianThe Timesand The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welshand can also converse in ItalianGermanPortugueseSpanishCzech and Polish.