Getting There & Away: Brno

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Brno

Direct flight options to Brno (BRQ) are limited. Most travelers from outside Europe fly into Vienna (VIE) or Prague (PRG). From there, ground transport leads to Brno.

Airport Locations & Access

Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ): 7.5 km (4.7 miles) southeast of city center. Main serves low-cost and seasonal charter flights.
Vienna International Airport (VIE): Approximately 160 km (100 miles) south of Brno, Austria. Most common international gateway.
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG): Approximately 200 km (124 miles) northwest of Brno. Another major international hub.

Airlines and Route Planning

Flight prices generally peak during the summer months (June-August) and around the Christmas and New Year holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often offer better value. Book flights in advance for better prices.

Booking and Flight Search

From North America, Asia, or Australia: Requires a layover in a major European hub (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam).
Consider using flight search engines like Skyscanner or signing up for services like Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.
Seasonal flights to BRQ are more common in summer. Book in advance for popular travel times.

BRQ to City Center

Public Bus (E76/N89): Most direct and affordable. Connects airport to Brno Main Railway Station. Journey takes ~20 minutes. Purchase tickets from machines or Sejf app.

VIE to Brno

Direct Bus (RegioJet/FlixBus): Most convenient. Frequent services from Vienna Airport directly to Brno Zvonařka bus station or Main Railway Station. Journey takes 2-2.5 hours. Book online.

PRG to Brno

Direct Bus (RegioJet/FlixBus): Most convenient. Frequent services from Prague Airport (Terminal 1) directly to Brno Zvonařka bus station or Main Railway Station. Journey takes 2.5-3 hours. Book online.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Brno Hlavní nádraží (Main Railway Station) is the central rail hub.
National connections to Prague (~2.5 hrs), Olomouc, Ostrava. Operators: České dráhy (Czech Railways), RegioJet, Leo Express.
International connections to Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest. Book online via RegioJet or station.
Border Crossing: Within Schengen, no formal checks. Non-Schengen has standard passport/visa checks.

Long-distance Buses

Brno Zvonařka is the main bus station for most long-distance/international routes. Grand Hotel is a smaller stop.
Companies: RegioJet (Student Agency) and FlixBus dominate. Frequent national and international routes.
Buses are comfortable, often with Wi-Fi and power outlets. Book online for cheaper fares.
Road conditions: Czech motorways are generally good. Construction can cause delays (D1).

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements

Valid driving license from home country. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-EU/EEA licenses. Carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance (Green Card).

Motorway Vignette

A motorway vignette is needed for motorways. Purchase as an e-vignette online or at border crossings/petrol stations. Driving without one results in fines.

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Zero-tolerance for alcohol. Headlights always on. Parking in city centers is challenging and expensive; consider parking outside the center. Consult DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City Status

Brno is an inland city situated at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers. However, these rivers are not used for public transportation or large vessel arrivals.

No Waterway Access

This section is not applicable for Brno.
Sea or river arrivals are not a means of getting to Brno.
The city's rivers serve local recreation, but not public transport.

Recreational Water Use

While not for transit, the Brno Reservoir (Brněnská přehrada) outside the city center offers popular recreational boat trips during warmer months.

Local Water Activities

Recreational boat trips are a popular activity on the Brno Reservoir.
Scenic tours of the reservoir are available during warmer seasons.
The reservoir is a popular local escape for summer recreation.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Brno for a smooth journey. There are no specific departure taxes or fees for air or land travel from the Czech Republic.

Departure Procedures

Airports (BRQ, VIE, PRG): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled international flights for check-in, security, passport control. Domestic/Schengen flights: 1.5-2 hours.
Train/Bus Stations: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform/bay and board.
Airport/Station Facilities: BRQ offers basic facilities. VIE and PRG have extensive shops, restaurants, lounges. Brno Main Railway Station and Zvonařka Bus Station have basic amenities.

Important Reminders

Your ticket price usually covers any applicable airport taxes.

Travel Advisory

Reconfirm your flight, train, or bus times the day before departure.
Traffic or public transport disruptions can occur.
Allow extra time to reach your departure point, especially during peak hours.

Departure Checklist

Passport and visa are valid.
Tickets are confirmed.
All valuables are secure.

Know your route to the airport/station.
Digital copies of documents are accessible.
Phone is charged for travel.

Final Travel Reminders

Smooth Departure Advisory

Allocate ample time for each step of your departure. Being prepared for your journey out of Brno guarantees a stress-free conclusion to your trip. Remember any baggage restrictions for your chosen transport.

Getting There & Away