Ceské dráhy (CD) (tel: 8401 12113; website: www.cd.cz), manages Prague's railways and stations. Some of the old-fashioned stock is a delight for travellers and the rail system still displays some of the old Austrian pride in the network - a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was famous for the extent of its railway network and the comfort and punctuality of their trains. With the rise of budget airlines and buses, investment has been inconsistent in the railway network and the system is prone to unreliability and trains being cancelled at the last minute with no announcements.

Rychlíck (also express and spìšný) trains only stop at major towns and cities. Osobnývlak are local trains that stop everywhere and average about 30kph (19mph). These trains are reliable and usually run on time. In many instances buses are faster due to their routes, but most trains are more comfortable.

The two main international terminals are Hlavní nádraží (main station), Wilsonova, Prague 2, and Nádraží Holešovice, Vrbenského, Prague 7. Masarykovo nádraží, Hybernská, Prague 1, is the station for trains to Moravia and Slovakia. Praha-Smíchov (Smíchovské nádraží), Prague 5, is the station for trains to the south of Bohemia, and Praha-Vysocany, Prague 5, for eastern Bohemia. All stations have lockers and 24-hour left luggage facilities, while the international stations also have exchange facilities and tourist information services.

Rail services: Direct rail links connect Prague with more than 20 European cities, including Munich (journey time - 5 hours), Vienna (journey time - 4 hours 30 minutes), Berlin (journey time - 5 hours 30 minutes) and Paris (journey time - 10 hours). Seat reservations are strongly recommended on all services.