First-time traveler guide
Cheb, Czech Republic
The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.
From the Airport
Download the "Můj vlak" app: This is the official app for České dráhy (Czech Railways). It’s excellent for checking real-time platform changes, track layouts, and even seeing a map of the train to locate your seat.
You’ll find elevators in the underpass linking the tracks, making it manageable if you have heavy luggage. Escalators are also available to reach the platforms from the tunnel.
Toilets: Budget for this—toilets require coins. Keep some Czech Koruna (CZK) or small Euro change handy, as card payment is often not accepted at the turnstiles.
While specific WiFi names can rotate, look for public station networks; however, relying on your own mobile data is safer.
Cheb is a beautiful, historic gateway to the Czech Republic. Because it is located near the German border, your best approach depends on your arrival point.
From the Airport Most international visitors arrive via Prague (PRG) or Munich (MUC).
Important Travel Tips:
From the City Center Cheb’s train and bus stations are located very close to the historic city center—a short 10–15 minute walk via the scenic pedestrian boulevard.
By Taxi Taxis are readily available at the station. A short trip within the city center should cost roughly €5–€10. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.
Welcome to Cheb railway station, a vital junction for travel between the Czech Republic and Germany. With a straightforward, manageable layout, you will find this station much easier to navigate than larger metropolitan hubs. The station features a total of 5 platform tracks accessed via a central underpass, which is connected to the main station building.
Think of the station as a single, cohesive unit. You will arrive in the main passenger hall, which houses ticket counters, waiting areas, and station services. To reach your train, you will walk through the central underpass that links all platforms. All platforms are clearly numbered and accessible via stairs, escalators, and elevators from this underpass, making it a barrier-free experience for most travelers.
Because the station is compact, you do not need to worry about long, complex transfers. Even if you arrive at the platform furthest from the main building, you can reach the main hall in just 2–3 minutes. As this is a through station, trains from Prague, Pilsen, and various regional routes pass through here on their way to German destinations like Nuremberg or Hof. There is no confusing "upper" or "lower" level to navigate; everything is on one ground-level plane, with the underpass serving as the primary artery for movement.
A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the use of letter suffixes (such as 2A or 2B) on digital boards. This simply indicates which section of a longer platform your train will depart from, rather than a separate platform entirely. If you see a platform number followed by a letter, just follow the signs in the underpass toward that specific section.
Navigation is intuitive: simply check the large departure screens in the main hall to confirm your platform number, then head to the underpass. If you are arriving from a German train and transferring to a local Czech service, or vice versa, the signage is bilingual (Czech and German) and supplemented with clear icons. Just allow yourself a standard 5-minute window to walk from the hall to your platform, and you will have plenty of time to find your carriage.
Navigating a new station can be stressful, so I wish someone had told me these practical details about Cheb station before I arrived. Don’t worry, but do keep these tips in mind to make your journey smoother.
SGN has two terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) serves domestic flights for carriers like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport is located 6 km north of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and handles over 40 million passengers annually.
After disembarking on Floor 2, proceed to the Immigration Office. If you have a visa on arrival, complete your paperwork here. After immigration, take the elevator down to Floor 1 for baggage claim and customs clearance. Restrooms are at both ends of the hall, and currency exchange booths are located just outside the customs area.
For a visa on arrival, you need a pre-approved visa letter, an entry form, passport photos, and the visa fee in USD or VND. Processing takes 15–60 minutes. An e-visa is a faster pre-arranged option. For customs, use the green lane if you have nothing to declare and the red lane for items requiring declaration.
All departure procedures occur on Floor 3. After check-in, proceed through customs and immigration, which typically takes around 15 minutes. Following that, you will go through security screening before reaching the boarding gates for your flight.
Overnight campers often stay landside. The Arrivals Level (Ground Floor) is reported as very cold at night. The Departures Level (Upper Floor) is warmer and has one noted armrest-free bench, though it's usually occupied. The hallway between Arrivals and Departures is a common backup if you cannot clear security. Airside seating is mostly metal with armrests.
The single terminal is divided into Departures (Level 1), Arrivals (Ground Floor), and a Finger extension for gates. Facilities include many eateries and shops, with several food options open 24 hours both landside and airside. Note that the tap water is said to be undrinkable. Free WiFi is available, and economy passengers can pay to access airport lounges.
Through station serving Cheb, Czech Republic. Originally opened in 1865, the current station building was reconstructed in 1962 and is recognized as a cultural monument for its distinctive Brussels-style architecture. As a vital railway junction near the German border, the station facilitates essential connections between the Czech Republic and Germany, hosting a variety of international, regional, and local services.
Is this station huge and confusing? You should find the layout straightforward. The station features three primary platforms serving five tracks, all accessible via an underpass. While it serves as a significant regional hub, it is compact and manageable for travelers. Signage is clear, and digital displays provide updated information in both Czech and English.
For your journey, keep in mind that platform assignments can change up to 30–60 minutes before departure. Always verify your train’s platform number on the station’s main departure boards rather than relying solely on advance printouts. If you have a tight connection, the station’s size allows for quick navigation, though allowing extra time is always recommended when traveling in an unfamiliar country. Facilities include ticket counters, luggage storage, and basic refreshments to assist with your transit.
