Central Europe travel guide
Most travellers from India reach Central Europe by air through Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) or Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), usually on one-stop connections through a Middle East or European hub. Trains and long-distance buses link the major cities. Flight times are not in our research, so your planner will confirm options.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
Getting to Central Europe is mostly a flight, followed by rail or road between cities. Our research names two main gateways, Prague and Budapest, and notes that nonstop service from India is not typical. The connections you choose will shape your total journey time, so plan the arrival airport around your route. This guide covers airports, flights from India, onward travel and what to check before you book.
The main international gateway for the Czech Republic is Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG). It handles most long-haul arrivals. For Hungary, the main gateway is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Travellers can also reach the region through nearby airports in neighbouring countries and continue by rail or air within Europe.
From India, itineraries commonly involve one-stop connections through major Middle East or European hubs. Nonstop service is not typical for Hungary. Our research has no flight times or fares for this region, so your planner will check current options from your city. Allow for connection time in your planning, and ask for a booking that suits your arrival date.
Our packages include airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle. Your itinerary sets out the transfer for your arrival and departure. For a route that starts in Budapest or Prague, ask your planner to confirm the pick-up time and the meeting point before you travel.
Trains and long-distance buses are the common way to travel between major cities in the region. Rail is a common choice between major Czech cities, and Hungary has a strong intercity train and bus network. Our itineraries show each transfer, and your planner confirms the mode and timing for your route.
Prague's metro, trams and buses are extensive and efficient. Budapest has metro, trams, buses and commuter rail. Taxis and ride-hailing are available in both cities, but public transport is usually easier and cheaper. Use licensed taxis, and check the fare before you travel, since overcharging is one of the common issues.
Check your arrival airport against your first hotel and your route. Confirm whether the transfer between cities is by train or road. Check the visa rules for every country on your route with the official source, and check the passport and entry requirements with your airline. Ask your planner for a written itinerary that shows each transfer.
Hungary is in the Schengen Area, so entry rules follow Schengen visa requirements. The research notes that India has expanded the use of automated e-gates in many European airports. Eligibility depends on the airport and the passport-control rules in force at the time of travel, so check before you fly.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules change often, so confirm current options with your planner before you book.
Start with the Central Europe travel guide for the full picture. Then read places to visit to plan your route, and best time to visit to choose your dates. Check trip cost for what drives the price. For entry rules, see the visa guide for Indians, and compare our Prague, Vienna and Budapest 7N and Eastern Europe Explorer 10N packages.
Ready-made trips
Prague 4N · Cesky Krumlov 2N · Budapest 4N
Prague 3N · Vienna 2N · Budapest 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Central Europe.
For the Czech Republic, the main gateway is Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG). For Hungary, it is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Both are named in our research, and your planner will suggest the better airport for your route and dates.
Our research says itineraries from India commonly involve one-stop connections, and nonstop service to Hungary is typically not available. Schedules change, so your planner should check current options from your city before you book.
Our research has no flight times for this region. Journey time depends on the connection, so ask your planner to show the full itinerary, including connection time, before you book.
Yes. Our research notes that travellers can reach the region through nearby airports in neighbouring countries and continue by rail or air within Europe. Compare the total journey time, transfers and cost with your planner.
Trains and long-distance buses are the common options between major cities. Our itineraries show the transfer for your route, and your planner confirms the mode and timing. Our research does not give the duration, so check before you travel.
Yes. Prague's metro, trams and buses are extensive and efficient. Budapest has metro, trams, buses and commuter rail. Public transport is usually easier and cheaper than taxis, which is useful for sightseeing in both cities.
Our packages include airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle, as set out in your itinerary. Flights are booked separately. Confirm the pick-up time and meeting point with your planner before you travel.
The research notes that India has expanded e-gate use in many European airports. Eligibility depends on the airport and the passport-control rules in force at the time you travel, so check before you fly.
Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming. A trip expert builds a day-by-day plan with prices that you can change.
Prefer to answer a few questions step by step? Use the trip planner.
