Pardubice in East Bohemia is most famous internationally for two things: the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase (Velka Pardubicka) -- one of the most challenging horse races in Europe, run each October since 1874 -- and the original production site of Semtex plastic explosive. The city's Renaissance historic core, anchored by Pardubice Castle and the Green Gate, survives in excellent condition and gives the town a character distinct from the more industrial cities to the north.
Pardubice Airport (PED) is just 5 km east of the city centre, handling charter and seasonal routes. The city is 20 km east of Hradec Kralove (a natural day-trip pairing) and 110 km from Prague on the D11 motorway.
Pardubice Castle and Historic Centre
Pardubice Castle is a Renaissance castle complex with distinctive black-and-white sgraffito facade decoration, housing the East Bohemian Museum. The Green Gate (Zelena Brana) leads into the Renaissance Old Town, with the Pernstejn Square -- one of the finest Renaissance market squares in Bohemia -- at its centre. Coaches park on Nam. Republiky adjacent to the Green Gate.
Grand Pardubice Steeplechase (October)
The Grand Pardubice Steeplechase (Velka Pardubicka, second Sunday in October) is a 6.9 km cross-country steeplechase with 31 obstacles including the notorious Taxis Ditch. It is one of the most demanding horse races in Europe; the race day draws 30,000 spectators to the Pardubice Racecourse (Dostihiste Pardubice). Group coach bookings from Prague (2 hours) and Brno (3 hours) are common for race day.
Hradec Kralove Combination (20 km)
Hradec Kralove, 20 km west of Pardubice, is the regional capital of East Bohemia and one of the best examples of early Modernist urban planning in Europe. A combined Pardubice castle and Hradec Kralove Functionalist architecture day trip is a standard itinerary for architecture groups.
What Bus Hire Costs in Pardubice
As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Pardubice runs around 6,500 - 11,400 CZK per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 9,550 - 17,300 CZK per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 12,900-23,400 CZK per day. Velka Pardubicka race day (October) sees peak demand from racing groups; book at least 8 weeks ahead for October dates. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges -- send your details for a free quote.
Services Available in Pardubice
Minibus Hire
8 to 24-seat minibuses for airport runs and smaller group tours around Pardubice.
Minibus hire details →Airport Transfers
Group transfers from Pardubice Airport (PED, 5 km east via DK36).
Airport transfer details →Wedding Transport
Wedding coach hire for castle venues and countryside estates near Pardubice.
Wedding transport details →Corporate Travel
Delegate shuttles and executive coach hire for Pardubice conferences and events.
Corporate travel details →Event Transport
Concert, festival, sports, and special event coach hire in Pardubice.
Event transport details →Quick Facts
- Pardubice Region, East Bohemia, Czech Republic
- Nearest airport: Pardubice (PED, 5 km east); Prague (PRG, 110 km west)
- D11 motorway: Prague 110 km west; Hradec Kralove 20 km west
- Right-hand traffic; coaches travel on the right
- Hradec Kralove: 25 min; Prague: 90 min; Brno: 2.5 hrs
Other Czech Republic Destinations
Bus Hire in Pardubice: Common Questions
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