Brno from Bratislava by Train: A Half-Day Itinerary
How to Travel from Bratislava to Brno by Train
For my trip, I decided to travel from Bratislava to Brno by train, which turned into a half-day adventure after a slightly late start. I began my journey at Bratislava Hlavná Station, one of the city’s two major train stations. To reach Brno, I used my Eurail First Class Rail Pass, which allowed for hassle-free boarding; I simply showed my pass to the conductor.
If you don’t have a rail pass, tickets for the Bratislava to Brno by train route are quite affordable. Economy tickets generally range from $9 to $15 (one way), while first-class costs between $15 and $25 (one way), offering a more comfortable experience.
The first-class carriage was nearly empty during my trip, giving me the luxury of having an entire section to myself. I was able to relax, sit at a table, and spread out my laptop to edit photos while enjoying the scenic ride.
Upon arriving at Brno’s train station, I found that most of the main attractions were within easy walking distance. However, if you prefer not to walk, there’s a convenient tram stop right next to the station that can take you further into the city.
How Long is the Train Ride from Bratislava to Brno
The train ride from Bratislava to Brno typically takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes when departing from Bratislava Hlavná Stanica, the main train station. If you happen to depart from Bratislava-Petržalka (though it’s not recommended), the travel time to Brno is considerably longer, around 3 hours and 20 minutes, and includes a transfer.
While travel times to Brno can vary slightly depending on conditions and the time of day, you can generally expect the journey to take under two hours. However, be prepared for potential delays, as both of my trains—to Brno and back to Bratislava—were delayed by approximately 15 minutes.
Brno from Bratislava by Train: A Half-Day Itinerary - Table of Contents
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Brno Main Sights: What to See in an Afternoon
With just an afternoon to explore, I focused on Brno main sights that are all within walking distance of Brno Train Station. My first stop was Zelný Trh (Vegetable Market), where I ventured underground to explore the fascinating Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market. This underground maze gave me a glimpse into Brno’s hidden history.
Next, I walked partway up Petrov Hill to visit the stunning Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, a must-see landmark with a striking silhouette.
A highlight of my trip was visiting the Old Town Hall for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the Brno Town Hall Observation Platform. Be sure to check out the famous Brno Dragon, located inside Old Town Hall, which is a symbol of the city’s folklore.
Continuing my exploration, I passed by the intriguing Brno Astronomical Clock, though I didn’t stop to try to collect a marble from the clock’s daily display.
My afternoon culminated at Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), where I stumbled upon a lively floor hockey tournament. Though I didn’t get to visit the Church of St. James due to renovations, and the Brno Ossuary was sold out for the day, I still managed to see the best Brno highlights during my half-day visit.
Zelný Trh (Vegetable Market): A Lively Brno Tradition
My first stop during my half-day in Brno was Zelný Trh, home to the famous Vegetable Market in Brno. This vibrant marketplace has a history dating back to 1190, making it one of the oldest market squares in Brno. For over 850 years, the Brno Vegetable Market has been a hub of local commerce, and even during the Communist era, when private businesses were banned, the market continued to operate.
At the heart of Zelný Trh stands the Parnas Fountain, a striking Baroque structure built in the late 1600s. The centerpiece of the fountain features Hercules and Cerberus, the mythical guardian of the Underworld, adding a touch of historical grandeur to the lively square.
Explore the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market: Brno’s Hidden Gem
Located 212 steps below the vibrant Brno Vegetable Market, the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market is truly one of Brno’s hidden gems. Dating back to the 13th century, this expansive network of tunnels and chambers stretches over 1,000 meters and was historically used for food storage and as a shelter during times of war.
Access to the underground Brno labyrinth is only available through guided tours, which depart every 60 minutes between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). Tickets are reasonably priced at 180 CZK (about $8) for adults, with discounted rates for children and holders of the BrnoPas. Family passes are also available, making it an affordable attraction for all.
Despite the language barrier, I found the tour captivating. The underground chambers have been transformed into small, museum-like exhibits that showcase life in medieval Brno. Each room tells a unique story, from food preservation methods to wartime survival strategies. My favorite exhibit was the alchemy lab, where medieval scientists tried to turn metals into gold and discover immortality—a fascinating look into the ambitions and mysteries of the past.
Although the tours are conducted exclusively in Czech, non-Czech speakers can download an audio guide in multiple languages. While useful, the audio guide lacks the depth of the Czech tour, offering shorter explanations (around 3 minutes per room), compared to the 5–10 minute descriptions provided by the guide.
Pro Tip: If you don’t speak Czech, bring your own headphones for the audio guide to enhance your experience!
Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: Brno’s Majestic Landmark
The most famous church in Brno is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, located on Petrov Hill, easily spotted from all over the city.
Although the current Neo-Gothic design dates back to 1909, the cathedral’s foundations date back to the 11th century, making it a site rich in history. Earlier versions of the cathedral were destroyed by fire and war, but the site itself has served as a place of worship for centuries. The current structure was built after several reconstructions and incorporates much of the older Romanesque and Gothic elements.
It can be challenging to capture a good photo of the cathedral, as the area around it is crowded with buildings. However, I managed to take some great shots of the Neo-Gothic façade, which features twin towers rising 84 meters high.
Exploring the Interior: Stained Glass, Historic Pews, and the Crypt
Inside, I was able to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and historic pews, which date back several centuries, some to at least the 1700s.
The crypt, located beneath the cathedral, can be visited for a small fee (60 CZK, $2.50) or for free with the Brno Pas. The crypt contains many interesting artifacts, including some handwritten bibles, which I found particularly fascinating.
Petrov Hill: A Great View of Brno Behind the Cathedral
For those with more time, you can ascend to the top of the bell towers. I opted to visit the viewing area behind the cathedral, on Petrov Hill, which provides an excellent panoramic view of Brno and the surrounding areas.
Brno’s Astronomical Clock: A Modern Take on a Medieval Tradition
One of the most unique and modern attractions in Brno is the Brno Astronomical Clock, located in Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square). This unusual monument, dedicated in 2010, celebrates Brno’s resistance to the Swedish siege during the Thirty Years’ War. Unlike traditional astronomical clocks, Brno’s version is a modern, black, bullet-shaped timepiece standing six meters tall.
The highlight of this attraction occurs daily at 11 am when a glass marble is released from one of four openings. Crowds gather around the clock, eager to catch a marble as a souvenir. Despite its modern appearance, this clock honors Brno’s history, making it one of the city’s must-see attractions.
Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square): The Heart of Brno’s City Life
Náměstí Svobody, or Freedom Square in English, is the main square in Brno. During my visit, there was a floor hockey tournament taking place. There were multiple courts of participants playing Český Florbal.
I visited Freedom Square a second time just before I left Brno. During that second visit, they were clearing the floor hockey courts, and I was able to see a bit more of the square. One of the best views of Náměstí Svobody is from the fountain, which features a beautiful design and often serves as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
In the square, you’ll also find a statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Column of the Virgin Mary, which commemorates the city’s historical significance and is a notable landmark in Brno.
Old Town Hall: Unravel the History Behind Brno’s Oldest Building
Located near Zelný Trh (Vegetable Market), the Old Town Hall in Brno is not only one of the oldest and most significant buildings in the city, dating back to the 13th century. A key feature of this historic site is the observation platform at the top of the tower, which offers some of the best panoramic views of Brno’s skyline.
There are 173 steps leading to the top of Brno’s Old Town Hall observation tower. While I may not be in peak shape, I found the Brno Town Hall stairs to be manageable. Once you’ve reached the 360-degree observation platform, you’ll be treated to the best view of Brno, with plenty of sights to take in.
Discover the Brno Dragon: Legend of the City’s Famous Creature
The Brno Dragon is located inside the Old Town Hall and is one of the city’s most iconic symbols. According to local legend, a dragon once terrorized the people of Brno by attacking their livestock. To put an end to the chaos, a brilliant plan was devised to “slay” the dragon. An animal hide was filled with caustic lime, and the unsuspecting dragon, thinking it had found an easy meal, devoured the hide. Shortly after, the dragon disappeared and was never seen again.
The creature, which turned out to be a crocodile, is now preserved and displayed inside Brno’s Old Town Hall, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the folklore of the city.
Church of St. James and Ossuary: Brno’s Hidden Sacred Space
The final location I visited during my half-day trip to Brno was the Church of St. James. Unfortunately, as of August 2024, the bell tower of the Church of St. James was covered in scaffolding for renovations. While I could walk inside the church, the interior was only visible from behind a gate.
Near the Church of St. James is one of Brno’s top tourist attractions, the Brno Ossuary. It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe, containing the remains of over 50,000 individuals. The ossuary, which dates back to the 17th century, was rediscovered in 2001 and has since become one of the city’s most haunting and fascinating historical sites.
It seems everyone wanted to visit the Brno Ossuary that day, as tickets were sold out for the entire day. Lesson learned—next time I’ll purchase my tickets in advance. For those interested, tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the Brno Ossuary website.
Costs and Tips for Your Bratislava to Brno Train Journey
A day trip to Brno from Bratislava can be very economical. The train trip to Brno can cost as little as $9 one-way from Bratislava. Once in Brno, most attractions are budget-friendly, with entrance fees typically under $5. For those planning to visit multiple sights, the Brno Pas offers excellent value and can help you save on admission fees and public transport. The Brno Pas pricing is as follows:
- 1 day: 330 CZK ($14.30) for adults, 220 CZK ($9.50) for children
- 2 days: 450 CZK ($19.50) for adults, 330 CZK ($14.30) for children
- 3 days: 560 CZK ($24.30) for adults, 400 CZK ($17.30) for children
The Brno Pas offers free or discounted admission to several attractions, including the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul’s crypt, and Old Town Hall.
If you plan on using public transportation in Brno, a 15-minute transportation ticket costs 20 CZK (about $0.86), making it a cheap and convenient way to get around.
For a budget-friendly meal, I recommend heading to the Galerie Vaňkovka shopping mall. Inside, you’ll find a variety of eateries, including a great Chinese restaurant where I enjoyed a full meal for under $10.
Additional Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to Brno
- Consider buying your train tickets in advance for the best prices.
- If you’re visiting popular attractions like the Brno Ossuary, purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as many of the main attractions in Brno are easily explored on foot.
Brno City Tours
For those who want to see more of Brno, I recommend taking a city tour. Below are a few tours that caught my eye, offering great insights into the city’s history and attractions. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Brno Historical Walking Tour - $33.22 Take short informal walking tour of the historical centre of Brno. On this 2-hour guided tour you will visit Brno's most interesting sights and their history. |
 Brno Daily Tours - $70.08 Deep local knowledge and expertise in their fields of guiding from local culture, history and architecture. Since 1993 we have designed and operates many special interest tours in the many cities and towns of the Czech Republic |
 Brno Private Walking Tour - $222.38 Welcome to Brno, a Czech city known for its architectural heritage. It is one of the most interesting cities in the country, with its stunning architecture, long history, and many green recreational areas. Follow us to discover the old town, make a wish at Parnas Fountain, the baroque architectural monument of the city and admire the 12th-century St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Taking a stroll through Brno’s fabulous parks and surrounding nature, you will get a chance to explore the city's most significant architectural and historic landmarks. |
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