Prague

[Gordon]

I am returning for a short break to Praha (reboot of last year's cancelled Bruce Springsteen gig). Last year because it was my better half's first time in Prague and my first time since 1964 (in an Austin A35...) I didn't make it to the station for any photting. I am hoping this year I may manage an hour or two. What time is the best time to visit Hlavni for interesting traction?

 

[Ringo2112]

Yes, I was wondering myself ( since the OP brought up Prague), is there a part in the city where you can see a fair amount of freight/cargo trains? I always like to get a hotel with railroad views, thanks

 

[43096]

I am returning for a short break to Praha (reboot of last year's cancelled Bruce Springsteen gig). Last year because it was my better half's first time in Prague and my first time since 1964 (in an Austin A35...) I didn't make it to the station for any photting. I am hoping this year I may manage an hour or two. What time is the best time to visit Hlavni for interesting traction?

What are you deeming to be interesting traction? Everyone has different preferences on that!

 

[nwales58]

Hotel with view: Hermitage, formerly a Park Inn, on Svobodva but rooms on the street side are pretty noisy due to trams and the railway, also it's on the currently singled line to Smichov which is far from the busiest bit of the network in the city. For busy you'd want to be out towards Liben.

 

[30907]

For LH diesels, Hlavni at weekends 0800-0900 sees several departures for daytrippers, including some retro stuff.

 

[dutchflyer]

My very first visit to this interesting city was later as yours, but my last was some 2weeks+ ago. As it seems you hence must even be a little older as me: DPP=local city transport (metro, tram!-bus) is free for anyone from 65-just show ID in the rare cases when checks are done. However, this does NOT apply to the local railways, which as such are integrated in DPP/PID ticket options.
As above: anyone here seems to have different views as to what is ´interesting´ though it also looks that lately most yawn for loc-haulded trains. These one can see throughout the day-but you are assured to see them in the bright yellow RegioJet trains-check their site for times.
And as above: on summer weekends-early start- 7.00-9.00 many specials (also for bikes) trains run otherwise non-direct services for daytrippers. All evening still sees classic overnight trains-most to/via Slovakia.
Myself not much interested in freight, but I kind of think there is actually very, very little via HN-such trains passing Prahy use other links around town. Holesovice station might be slitghly better for that-but again: others will know more about that.
Oh-Czechia is not that cheap anymore as it once was-many things are now on a near german/EU level, but there is no €-EURO -its still CzK=czech koruna=crown.

 

[Whisky Papa]

My very first visit to this interesting city was later as yours, but my last was some 2weeks+ ago. As it seems you hence must even be a little older as me: DPP=local city transport (metro, tram!-bus) is free for anyone from 65-just show ID in the rare cases when checks are done. However, this does NOT apply to the local railways, which as such are integrated in DPP/PID ticket options.

I know this has been mentioned on other threads about Prague, but it might be worth stressing that for citizens of a non-EU country, only a passport is officially acceptable ID on metro/tram/bus for proof of age, either for free travel at 65 or half-fare travel from 60 (I'm in the latter category for another couple of years yet).

Although the same concessions are available on trains in the Prague city area, a passport is not acceptable as proof of entitilement and a PID card needs to be purchased:

Senior from 60 to 65 years​

Prague – discounted tickets​

Passengers from 60 to 65 years of age travel with a discount in the area of Prague, if they are able to prove their age:

• National identity card issued by a European Union country
• Passport
• A chip card registered in the PID Lítačka system with an application proving the age
• A PID pass for Seniors from 60 to 65 years

If a person cannot prove eligibility (age) by one of the above methods, they must purchase a full-price ticket.

Region – full price​

There are no discounts for Seniors from 60 to 65 years in the Region.

Senior from 65 years​

Prague – travel for free​

Seniors from 65 years of age travel in the area of Prague for free, if they are able to prove their age:

• National identity card issued by a European Union country [
  
  This proof cannot be used on trains.]
• Passport [
  
  This proof cannot be used on trains.]
• A chip card registered in the PID Lítačka system with an application proving the age
• A PID pass for Seniors from 65 years

If a senior cannot prove eligibility (age) by one of the above methods, they must purchase a full-price ticket.

Region – 50% discount​

Seniors from 65 years of age travel with a 50% discount in the entire PID area outside of Prague. Passenger must present a valid ID or passport that proves their age.

https://pid.cz/en/discounts/#pid-pass

Oh-Czechia is not that cheap anymore as it once was-many things are now on a near german/EU level, but there is no €-EURO -its still CzK=czech koruna=crown.

No, certainly not as cheap as it was, but still pretty good value for beer and food as well as the public transport. Less touristy areas still have good beer for around £1.50 a 'pint' (500ml) and a decent lunchtime meal for around £5.

 

[Ringo2112]

Hotel with view: Hermitage, formerly a Park Inn, on Svobodva but rooms on the street side are pretty noisy due to trams and the railway, also it's on the currently singled line to Smichov which is far from the busiest bit of the network in the city. For busy you'd want to be out towards Liben.

Thanks