Just Missed my Flight
Unfortunately, I missed the flight from Zurich to Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia), with Lufthansa’s connecting flight from Dusseldorf. I didn’t even realize it until I reached the airport and when I could not find my flight number on the display monitor. So I was all alone looking at the wrong departure time, my connecting flight from Dusseldorf to Prague, instead of the Zurich departure time. At least flown millions of miles by now, but this had never happened to me before. Oh well, I never used the TripIT app, which I was using for the first time during this trip; it somehow confused me (and I am an IT guy). The good thing about not knowing that I was about to or had already missed the flight, in fact, helped me avoid all the stress on my way back from Vaduz to Zurich Airport.
Alternate Planning To Get To Prague
Now what! I tried all possible options from the airport using my resources, but nothing worked out for that night. The only option left was to spend 800 Euro and take the next available flight, which was out of the question. I also learned that since I bought a restricted ticket, my other leg of the trip got canceled. I know it because I got a cancellation email from Lufthansa. They did not waste any time triggering the auto-generated email. So my next leg of the flight from Prague to Budapest (one-way) ticket has gone down the drain. My entire travel plan needs to be adjusted, which is a big headache when all hotel reservations and travel activities are booked in advance.
With a sad face went downstairs to the international train ticketing center for help with an overnight train ticket. A young rep at the desk tried for over an hour to help me, and in the end, no luck, unable to get the overnight train reservation (a ticket is not enough; you have to have a reservation for the international overnight train).
Overnight Stay At Welcome Inn, Kloten by Zurich Airport
The Travel Rep was able to get me an early morning train from Zurich Flughafen to Munich, Germany ( Ticket cost 93.00 CHF + 10.00 CHF Reservation fee + 5.00 for a window seat), a hotel called Welcome Inn in the town of Kloten only a few KM from the airport which also has a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport for another 168.00 CHF. So finally, together, my bill was US$ 351.00 just for missing the flight. But I definitely had fun staying an extra night next to the Kloten train station and spending a few hours in the city, buying a few local beers from the station on my way back to the hotel.
Finally Taking Early Morning Train to Munich Then Transfer to A Bus heading Prague
My train out of Zurich Flughafen was at 7:28 AM and arrived at Munich hbf at 11:49 AM. Definitely, It was much more interesting than flying. Oh, I forgot to mention that from Munich HBF, I had to walk out to the North side of the station to catch a Bus (managed by DB Bahn) going to Prague, scheduled to leave at 12:50 PM. So I had 1 hour to spend. I was desperately looking for my all-time favorite Rindswurst/Currywurst in the station while not getting lost figuring out where the hell the north entrance could be (from where the bus will depart). After all, I can’t afford to miss my bus today.
Waiting at the bus station and watching passengers start lining up one by one, everyone I met got their reservation booked over the internet. Still, poor I did not have this trip on my schedule, so I was anxiously wondering if there would be a chance for me to at least get in without a reservation. Finally, the bus arrived on time, and luckily I got a seat (Munich hbf – Waidhaus border crossing 43.00 EUR with reservation, Waidhaus Border Crossing – Prague 25.00 EUR, Reservation – 9.00 EUR). Left Munich Hbf at 1:00 and arrived at Prague Train Station Hbf at 5:40 pm. I liked and enjoyed the 4:30 hours bus journey. It was fun.
Arrived at Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Train Station)
Arrived at the train station (Prague) instead of the airport so my car reservation never been followed up by me. Actually did not even get a chance to think about it. At the station went to the Information, got maps, brochures and how to get to the tram station. Took Tram # 22 (info I got from the internet) to my Hotel. Finally, I made it to the hotel, checked in 1 day later with a whole lot different experience which I never planned.
Where to stay in Prague, Czech Republic
Iris Hotel Eden, Prague
I stayed in Iris Hotel Eden in Prague for 3 nights; the average cost was affordable considering its 4-star rating. It was conveniently located for me as I was looking for a place with free parking for the guest, which was very difficult to get if it were in the city center. Also convenient if you are planning to travel by tram, only 2 minute’s walk to the Slovia Tram station from the Iris Hotel. You can access tram numbers 6, 7, 19, 22, 23, and 24 from here. The hotel is next to the Eden football stadium of the famous Prague club Slavia Prague. The hotel room was clean, with a nice bathroom and other complimentary amenities. Breakfast was excellent and was included. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful. I did not have any problem communicating with them.
Grandior Hotel Prague
Located in the city center, the Grandior Hotel Prague is a designed hotel offering a restaurant and spacious rooms with free WiFi, very close to public transportation. Breakfast is provided every morning. Guests can dine in the hotel’s restaurant serving international cuisine, and enjoy a drink in the on-site bar. In addition, the Charles Bridge can be visited 1.2 mi from the Grandior Hotel Prague, the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock is 0.7 mi away, and the Wenceslas Square is 0.8 mi from the Grandior Hotel Prague. Onsite parking is possible upon availability and for a surcharge.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Prague, Czech Republic, (Czechia)? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Prague, Czech Republic, (Czechia), and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Czech Republic.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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Prague Travel Stories Through My Pictures
