Prague is an international city, so you can rightly expect it to be connected to anywhere and everywhere in the regional vicinity. The city’s airport sees plenty of traffic, as do the train and bus stations found in the centre of town. The city’s public transport system is particularly delightful, a picture of efficiency and comfort that means there is no excuse not to explore every part of Prague. This is a city best explored on foot, but we’re certainly partial to taking the tram or metro from time to time.
Jump to:
- Airport
- Buses
- Car rental
- Public transport
- Airline offices
- Funicular Railway
- Hitching
- Parking
- Road & Tow service
- Taxis
- Trains
- Travel agencies
Airport
Otherwise known as Prague Airport...Buses
Car rental
Expect to pay from 450Kč/day for a car but this one will come emblazoned in advertising and if you’re not fussy about perceived image, the Škoda Fabia is a great and cheap drive. You must be over 18 to drive, and you must carry your driving licence, a vehicle registration card and an ownership certificate or rental agreement at all times. Most foreign driving licences are honoured, including those issued in Canada, USA and the EU. New Zealand and Australian drivers should have an international driving licence. In the city, the speed limit is 50km/h, while outside urban areas, the speed limit is 90km/h and for highways 130km/h. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and back seats and lights must be switched on at all times.Public transport
Prague’s public transport system (Dopravní podnik) is efficient, fast and reasonably clean. With three metro lines, 22 tram routes and 9 night trams you won't need the bus routes that avoid the centre. Keep in mind that the centre of Prague is easily accessible on foot.Tickets, valid for all means of transport, can be purchased from the numerous vending machines at all metro stations, major tram stops and news stands. You always need to validate your ticket yourself by stamping it in the machines at metro entrances and on trams. The most common ticket is the 32Kč transfer ticket, which is valid for 90 minutes after validating. The 24Kč non-transfer ticket is meant for tram rides under 30 minutes with no changes, or in the metro for up to 5 stations (changes allowed) from the departure station within 30 minutes. We suggest you save yourself time by buying a handful of these on arrival. If you're planning to stay a bit and explore, get the one-day pass (110Kč)or a three-day pass (310Kč). Children under 6 travel free; and tickets are half price up to 15 years old. Large pieces of luggage (including rucksacks) cost an extra 16Kč while dogs ride the rails (with a muzzle) for free. Fines for non-validated tickets are 800Kč if paid on the spot or pay 1,000Kč later.
Trams trundle around town every few minutes; useful lines are N°22 which runs from the centre up to the rear entrance of the castle, saving you the uphill walk and N°17 which runs along the river and close to Old Town Square. The metro connects the two main train stations and Florenc bus station to the centre and runs up to just after midnight, after which the night trams (the warm mobile home to many a smelly tramp) take over, zipping in all directions from the Lazarská stop (H-5) every half hour. Tram timetables are on the red signs at each stop and is generally correct.
Beware of Prague's ultra-professional pickpockets, especially on trams N 22 and 18 and in busy metro cars; consider waiting for the next train if it looks squeezed.
For more information visit Dopravní podnik's excellent website with English and German information on routes and schedules, at www.dpp.cz, or call tel. 296 191 817.
Airline offices
More and more airlines, low cost or scheduled, are flying out of Prague's developing airport.- Aeroflot
- Alitalia
- bmibaby
- British Airways
- Bulgaria Air
- Czech Airlines (ČSA)
- easyJet
- El Al
- Finnair
- Germanwings
- LOT (Polish Airlines)
- Lufthansa
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- Smart Wings
Funicular Railway
Hitching
Hitching in the Czech Republic can be a frustrating experience, with many men never managing to get a ride. Women or pairs with a woman involved, will find life a little easier. The police will move you on, so choose your spot carefully.Parking
Parking is tricky in Prague with many cars, narrow streets and tram drivers who do not take kindly to being delayed by badly parked cars. Be careful of the Denver Boot - Prague's version of the wheel clamp.Road & Tow service
Taxis
The starting rate should be about 25Kč, and 20Kč per kilometre after that (34Kč/25Kč respectively if you hail an honest one on the street). From central Prague, a ride to the airport has risen to about 600Kč; a short ride in the city centre should be about 130Kč, a ride to one of the surrounding districts up to 200Kč.There's really no need to agree beforehand on a price (a good way to get ripped off) if you simply phone one of the reliable taxi companies listed below who will usually have a car ready under ten minutes. Else, hail only their cars if you must.
- 1.1.1 RadioCab
- AAA - Radiotaxi
- Airport Cars
- City Taxi
- Halotaxi
- Prague Airport Shuttle
- Prague Airport Transfers
- Profi taxi
- Taxi Praha
