Types of Transport in Prague
The Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system includes four main types of urban transport: metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses, which are all well interconnected. In addition to these, you can also use suburban trains, the Petřín funicular, and even ferries across the Vltava River during the summer season.
Prague Metro
The Prague metro is the backbone of the city's transport network and consists of three lines:
Line A (green): Connects the historical center (Staroměstská, Malostranská) with outlying areas like Dejvice and Strašnice. One end of this line is at Motol Hospital, while the other is in Hostivař.
Line B (yellow): Runs west to east, connecting districts like Smíchov and Karlín, with stops at Wenceslas Square and Národní třída in the city center. One end is at the Zličín shopping center, and the other at Černý Most shopping center.
Line C (red): Links the northern part of the city (Letňany) with the south (Háje) and stops at major hubs like Wenceslas Square, Florenc bus station, the Main Train Station, and Vyšehrad. It also serves Westfield Chodov, the largest shopping mall in the Czech Republic.
The metro is fast, easy to navigate, and operates at intervals of 2–10 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Trams
Prague is renowned for its extensive tram network, which will take you almost anywhere in the city. Daytime tram lines operate from 4:30 AM to midnight, while night lines (numbers 91–99) serve the city during nighttime. Riding trams is perfect for enjoying the beauty of the city while traveling. For instance, tram line 22 takes you from Karlovo náměstí through Národní třída, past the National Theatre, across the Vltava River to Malostranské náměstí, and up to Prague Castle.
Buses and Trolleybuses
Buses primarily cover areas not served by the metro or trams, especially in the outskirts and suburban parts of the city. Recently, trolleybus routes have also been reintroduced in Prague.
Getting from Václav Havel Airport to Prague City Center
Václav Havel Airport (formerly Ruzyně Airport) is about 15 kilometers from the city center, and there are several ways to reach downtown Prague:
Bus Line 119: This line connects the airport to the Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (Line A). The ride takes about 15 minutes. A standard 30-minute ticket is required (see below).
Bus Line 100: Connects the airport to the Zličín metro station (Line B). The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. A standard 30-minute ticket is required (see below).
Airport Express (AE): A direct service between the airport and the Main Train Station. It is slightly more expensive than regular bus lines but offers greater comfort and speed.
Taxi or ridesharing: Taxis are the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. It is recommended to use official taxi services.
Transport to Train and Bus Stations
Prague has several train and bus stations. Most of them are easily accessible by metro and other public transport options.
Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží)
The Main Train Station is a key railway hub connecting Prague to other cities in the Czech Republic and abroad. It is located in the city center and is easily accessible by metro (Line C), trams, and buses.
Holešovice Station
This train station in the northern part of the city is accessible via Line C and tram services.
Bus Stations
Prague has several major bus terminals:
Florenc: The largest bus station in Prague, serving both domestic and international routes. It is accessible via metro (Lines B and C) or trams.
Na Knížecí: A smaller terminal in Smíchov, serving routes mainly to the western and southwestern parts of the Czech Republic. It is accessible via metro (Line B) and trams.
Černý Most: A terminal on the northeastern edge of the city, serving routes primarily to the north and northeast of the Czech Republic. It is served by metro (Line B).
In addition to these major stations, Prague has several smaller ones, all accessible by public transport.
Tickets and Practical Tips
A unified ticket system applies to all types of transport in Prague. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, newsstands, via the PID Lítačka mobile app, or directly on trams and buses (card payment only).
Current prices for commonly used transfer tickets are:
30-minute ticket: 30 CZK
90-minute ticket: 40 CZK
24-hour ticket: 120 CZK
3-day ticket: 330 CZK
The Petřín funicular requires a special single-use non-transferable ticket costing 60 CZK.
Children under 14 and seniors over 65 can travel for free with proper identification. The cost for transporting larger luggage is 20 CZK.
For suburban routes, tickets must cover the appropriate number of tariff zones and travel time.
Tickets are most easily purchased at stops from machines or newsstands. Each ticket must be validated—either in a validator on trams or buses or when entering the metro. Tickets purchased via mobile apps or directly in buses or trams already have a validity timestamp and do not require additional validation.
Useful Links
Find current ticket prices on the official Prague Public Transit Company website here. Maps of Prague's public transport network are available here. You can translate the pages using an online translator.
Advantages of Prague’s Public Transport
Prague's public transport is not only reliable and fast but also tourist-friendly. It allows you to comfortably visit all major landmarks, such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Vyšehrad, or Troja Chateau. Additionally, it can take you to places outside the city center, like the Prokop Valley nature reserve or the Šárka forest park.
Thanks to its dense network and excellent organization, you can get anywhere—whether your itinerary includes culture, nature, or gastronomy.
MyPrague.eu, December 2024
