Top Day Trips from Brno by Train: Explore South Moravia
Brno is the perfect hub for exploring the Czech Republic. It is the capital of Moravia and sits at a major rail crossroads. Many day trips from Brno by train take less than an hour. You can reach fairy-tale castles, deep caves, and sunny vineyards with ease.
The local rail network is efficient and affordable. Trains run frequently to nearby towns and scenic regions. This makes it easy to see more of the country without a car. You can enjoy a glass of local wine and return home safely by rail.
Planning your journey is simple for international visitors. Most stations have English signage and helpful staff. In this guide, we highlight the best places to visit near Brno using the train. Get ready to discover the hidden gems of South Moravia.
Quick picks for Moravian train travel
Are you in a hurry to book your tickets? We have selected the top spots for every type of traveler. These picks are based on ease of access and popularity. You can find more details in the full list below.
- Best Overall: Lednice-Valtice Complex (UNESCO beauty).
- Best for Families: Aqualand Moravia (Water slides and fun).
- Best for Wine Lovers: Mikulov (Charming town and vineyards).
- Best for Nature: Moravian Karst (Caves and gorges).
- Best for History: Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz Battlefield).
Most of these destinations are within a 30 to 90-minute ride. The trains are clean and often offer free Wi-Fi. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal event updates. Always check the platform numbers on the large departure boards at Brno Main Station.
10 best day trips from Brno by train
South Moravia offers a diverse range of experiences. From underground rivers to hilltop castles, there is something for everyone. Use this list to plan your 2026 adventures. Each destination is reachable via the Czech railway system.
- Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: UNESCO sight Why go: It is one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe. The neo-Gothic chateau is stunning. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Lednice (via Podivín station). Time: 6-8 hours. Cost: Moderate (entry fees apply). Getting there: Train to Podivín, then a short local bus. Tip: Read our Lednice-Valtice day trip guide for walking routes.
- Name: Mikulov Type: Experience Why go: This town is the heart of the Moravian wine region. The castle dominates the skyline. Best for: Wine tasting and romantic walks. Where: Mikulov na Moravě. Time: Full day. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Direct regional train or change at Břeclav. Tip: Check our Mikulov wine guide for the best cellars.
- Name: Moravian Karst Type: Nature Why go: Explore the Punkva Caves and the Macocha Abyss. You can take a boat ride on an underground river. Best for: Adventure seekers and families. Where: Blansko station. Time: 5-7 hours. Cost: Moderate (cave tickets sell out fast). Getting there: Fast train to Blansko, then the "Krasobus" shuttle. Tip: Book cave tickets weeks in advance.
- Name: Znojmo Type: Sight Why go: A historic town famous for its underground tunnels and pickles. It sits on the edge of Podyjí National Park. Best for: History buffs and hikers. Where: Znojmo. Time: Full day. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct train from Brno (approx. 90 mins). Tip: Follow our Znojmo town guide to find the best viewpoints.
- Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: Sight Why go: This "marble" castle has never been conquered. It looks like it belongs in a movie. Best for: Medieval history enthusiasts. Where: Nedvědice station. Time: 5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Scenic train ride to Nedvědice, then a 2km uphill walk. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the forest path to the gate.
- Name: Slavkov u Brna Type: Experience Why go: Known as Austerlitz, it is the site of Napoleon’s greatest victory. The Baroque chateau is very elegant. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Slavkov u Brna. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct local train (approx. 30 mins). Tip: Visit the Peace Memorial on the hill nearby.
- Name: Třebíč Type: UNESCO sight Why go: See the exceptionally preserved Jewish Quarter and St. Procopius Basilica. It is a peaceful, historic escape. Best for: Cultural explorers. Where: Třebíč. Time: 6 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct train from Brno Main Station. Tip: The Jewish cemetery is one of the most atmospheric in Europe.
- Name: Aqualand Moravia Type: Activity Why go: It is the most modern water park in the Czech Republic. It features thermal pools and many slides. Best for: Families with children. Where: Vranovice station. Time: Full day. Cost: High. Getting there: Train to Vranovice, then a connecting shuttle bus. Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the long entry lines.
- Name: Veveří Castle Type: Sight Why go: A rugged castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. You can combine it with a boat trip. Best for: A quick half-day trip. Where: Brno Reservoir (Bystrc). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Very low. Getting there: Tram to Bystrc, then a scenic boat or local bus. Tip: The castle courtyards often host local food festivals.
- Name: Olomouc Type: Sight Why go: A vibrant university city with a UNESCO Holy Trinity Column. It is less crowded than Prague but just as beautiful. Best for: Foodies and city explorers. Where: Olomouc Main Station. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Fast direct trains run every hour. Tip: Try the famous "tvarůžky" cheese if you are brave.
How to plan day trips from Brno by train
Using the train in Moravia is very straightforward. Most journeys begin at Brno Main Station (Hlavní nádraží). You should arrive 15 minutes before your departure. This gives you time to find your platform.
You can learn how to buy train tickets at the yellow machines. The station also has a large ticket office with English-speaking staff. For regional travel, ask for a "one-day ticket" for the South Moravian region. This often saves money for groups.
Check the DPMB website for local transport connections within Brno. Many regional trains are integrated into the IDS JMK system. This means one ticket works for trains, buses, and trams. Always validate your paper ticket if there is no date printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy train tickets online for day trips from Brno?
Yes, you can buy tickets via the Můj vlak app or the České dráhy website. It is often cheaper and more convenient than buying at the station. Digital tickets on your phone are perfectly acceptable for conductors.
Are trains in the Czech Republic reliable for day trips?
Czech trains are generally very reliable and run on time. Minor delays of 5-10 minutes can occur on regional lines. However, the high frequency of service makes it easy to adjust your plans if needed.
Is South Moravia expensive to visit by train?
No, train travel in South Moravia is very affordable. A return ticket to most nearby towns costs between $5 and $15. Group discounts and regional day passes further reduce the cost for families and friends.
Taking day trips from Brno by train is the best way to see Moravia. You can visit UNESCO sites, drink world-class wine, and explore deep caves. The rail system is safe, cheap, and very easy to navigate. Start your journey at the historic main station and see where the tracks take you.
Remember to check seasonal opening hours for castles and caves before you leave. Most sites are fully open from April to October. If you love old architecture, don't miss our guide to the best castles near Brno. Enjoy your Moravian adventure!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
