Prague, Czech Republic → Warsaw, Poland · ✈ 1h 9min · 🚗 8h 24min
279 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northeast
The distance from Prague to Warsaw is 517 km (321 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 1h 51min.
The straight-line distance from Prague, Czech Republic to Warsaw, Poland is approximately 517 kilometers (321 miles or 279 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Warsaw is located northeast of Prague. Prague is in Europe, in the Bohemia region of Czech Republic, while Warsaw is in Europe, in Masovia, Poland. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 517 km | ~1h 9min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~672 km | ~8h 24min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~595 km | ~1h 51min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~620 km | ~5h 10min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Prague to Warsaw. For 517 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 672 km, fuel costs for driving from Prague to Warsaw are approximately $54–$101 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Prague sits at 50.0755°N, 14.4378°E, while Warsaw is located at 52.2297°N, 21.0122°E. The initial compass bearing from Prague to Warsaw is 60° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Prague heading roughly ENE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 2.15° and the longitude difference is 6.57°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Prague and Warsaw is approximately 51.1987°N, 17.6482°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 259 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Prague and Warsaw share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Prague uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), while Warsaw uses the Polish Zloty (PLN). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Czech in Prague to Polish in Warsaw. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Prague is a major city in Czech Republic with a population of approximately 1,309,000. Located in the Bohemia region, it is an important hub in Europe. Prague is a significant metropolitan area in Czech Republic with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Prague
Warsaw is a notable city in Poland with a population of approximately 1,793,579. Situated in the Masovia region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Warsaw offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Poland.
→ See all distances from Warsaw
517 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 517 km, the Prague-Warsaw route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 9min.
See how the Prague to Warsaw distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Prague to Warsaw is approximately 517 kilometers (321 miles, 279 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 9min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 24min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Warsaw is approximately Same timezone compared to Prague.
The estimated road distance is approximately 672 km, which is about 30% longer than the 517 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.