South Bohemian region launches cross‑border bus routes to Austria and Germany

The South Bohemian region (Jihočeský kraj) has introduced two seasonal bus lines that connect Czech towns with neighboring areas in Austria and Germany. One line runs from Český Krumlov to Bad Leonfelden in Upper Austria, while the other links Vimperk with Philippsreut in Bavaria. The services operate on weekends and public holidays from July through October and are part of the new Integrated Transport System (IDS) that began on 1 July.

Regional officials said the routes will give residents a convenient, car‑free option for travel, tourism and cross‑border work or study. Hejtman Martin Kuba noted that the connections “open the way to interesting trips into Bavaria and Upper Austria and strengthen ties between our regions.” The lines also allow onward travel to larger hubs such as Linz and Freyung via existing Austrian and German services. Future plans may include extending the routes or making them year‑round, depending on passenger demand.