TRANSPORTATION IN PRAGUE

Updated on August 19, 2019

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

AIRPORT

Vaclav Hagel International Airport is 16 km west of the city. It has two terminals connected by a pedestrian corridor, number 1 for non-Schengen flights, and number 2 for flights from Schengen area flights. In Terminal 2 there are lockers to leave luggage for 120 Kc per day. There are exchange houses, ATMs, restaurants and shops.

How to go from Prague airport to the city center and vice versa?

The best way to come and go is by bus. There are several options:
- North, arriving by subway to Veleslavín Nádrazí station (newly opened station, line A or green, many maps are still outdated and don’t show it), change to bus 119. Runs every 7-20 minutes, starting at 4:20 am from the airport, 5:00 from Nádrazí Veleslavín, until 23:45 from the airport, 0:30 from Nádrazí Veleslavín. It takes about 15 minutes. It costs 32 CZK (a 90 minutes ticket) including the subway. Information about purchasing and types of tickets is detailed below in the HOW TO GET AROUND IN THE CITY section.
  Transfer is clearly marked
- South, from Zlicín metro station (last stop in yellow line or B), change to bus 100. Runs every 15-30 minutes starting at 5:45 am from the airport, 5:30 from Zlicín, until 23:39 from the airport, 0:00 from Zlicín. It takes about 20 minutes. It costs 32 CZK (a 90 minutes ticket).
- Airport Express. From the central train station, coordinated with the arrival of many trains. The problem is that, contrary to the previous two, that are taken on the outskirts, this one can get stuck in the heavy traffic of the city center. It costs 60 CZK and runs from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm.
- Night bus: From the airport, 910 bus runs from 0:00 to 4 am, every half hour, but it takes no less than 80 minutes along its entire route, so at 13 minutes, it is recommended to change in Divoká Sárka to Tram 51, which is also a night tram.
- There are direct buses from the airport to some of the main cities in the country and some abroad.
Shuttle. There are shared shuttle companies, around 130 CZK per passenger.
Cab. A taxi from a reputable company called by phone should cost from 500 CZK, so better don’t think how much you may pay on a disreputable taxi. At the airport, official taxis line up in the Arrivals area of both terminals.
Uber charges roughly the same as taxis, but as usual, they are considered more reliable.
Rental vehicle: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Dvorak, Rent Plus and Sixt are the companies present at the airport.

GETTING BY LAND

Within Czech Republic, intercity buses are much more efficient than trains: they are faster, modern and comfortable, and cheaper. The main bus station is Florenc, a 15-minute walk east from Stare Mesto.
However, most international travelers arrive by train, especially from Berlin / Dresden and Vienna. The central station is Hlavní Nádrazí, a 15-minute walk southeast from Stare Mesto. Just outside the station there is a park that is considered one of the most insecure areas in the city at night.

GETTING AROUND THE CITY

ON FOOT

I know I always say the same, but I think it’s best to walk. The whole city is nice, it is a great pleasure to stroll through its streets.

BUS, METRO AND TRAM

For those who prefer to walk less, public transportation works very well and is very cheap, adult ticket costs 24 CZK for 30 minutes and 32 CZK for 90 minutes. The same ticket is valid for metro, bus and tram, and transhipments are unlimited within the range of time selected. If you are carrying plenty of luggage or your dog, you have to buy an additional ticket (16 CZK). There are passes for 1 (110 CZK) and 3 (310 CZK) days. Tickets must be purchased at counters or machines before boarding the transport and validating them upon entering.

TAXI AND UBER

Scams related to taxi drivers are the most frequent in Prague. In any case, say no to taxi, but if it is essential, you must always call, never take one on the street.

Uber has been operating in Prague for years, and if they are usually more advisable than taxis, given the unfortunate reputation of taxis in Prague, in this case there should be no doubt about using them.