Getting Around, Prague Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Prague, Czech Republic)

Much of central Prague is generally compact and many of the main attractions can be easily reached by those prepared to simply travel on foot. However, a range of public transport is on hand should you need to cross the city more quickly, or alternatively need to travel to a more remote destination in or nearby Prague.

Public transport in the city is generally clean, effect and not overly expensive and consist of buses, trams and also subway trains (metro). These travel options are all operated by the Prague Transport Corporation, known locally in the Czech Republic as the 'Dopravni Podnik', and are always clearly indicated on all maps of the city.

Prague Ruzyne Airport (PRG) / Arriving by Air

Address: 160 08 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Tel: +420 220 113 314
Prague Ruzyne Airport is a busy airport capable of handling over 11 million passengers annually. Located directly west of the city centre and around 20 km / 12 miles away, the airport features a total of four terminals (North 1, North 2, South 1 and South 2) and is served by approximately 45 different airlines, with Czech Airlines flying to the largest number of European destinations. Transport options at Prague Ruzyne Airport include public buses and CEDAZ shuttles, along with taxis, which are operated by a local Czech company known as Fix and congregate outside of the Arrivals Hall, allowing you to travel to your destination with relative ease.

Prague Ruzyne Airport Guide

Car Rental

Driving around central Prague in a car is not generally advisable, since this is a busy city, with a fairly complex network of one-way only streets. Also worth noting, the large pedestrianised area around the main historic core can mean the parking spaces are rather limited, although spaces can often be found outside of the New Town Hall on the Karlovo Namesti and also at Hlavni Station. Many parts of Prague are restricted to cars, such as Wenceslas Square, and you will be fined if caught driving in these areas. However, if you are planning an excursion and intend to travel outside of the city, to visit nearby attractions such as Krivoklat Castle and Veltrusy Castle, then the sheer convenience of using a car for your transport is hard to beat.

Book your Prague Car Rental here.

Metro

The underground metro network is probably the fasted and most comfortable way to travel around the city and is operated by the Prague Transport Corporation. In total, there are three separate lines (A - green, B - yellow, C - red) and just over 40 different metro stations. Entrance to metro stations can be easily missed and you should look out for green signs, with a large white 'M' close to the top, set inside an upside-down triangle. Machines dispensing tickets are located within each of the metro stations, along with manned booths.

Trains

The main train station in Prague is the Hlavni Nadrazi, which is otherwise referred to as either the Central Station or alternatively the Praha HLN and is situated on Wilsonova Street and close to the National Museum. A secondary station named the Praha Holesovice, also offers good connections to the Czech railway network.

Buses and Trams

Buses and trams have long been one of the most popular and cheapest forms of public transport in Prague and offer a simple way to travel around. Tickets can be used on buses and metro trains, and need to be purchased before you actually board the tram or bus, from both metro stations and tabác stores, being validated by using the punching machine as you step on. Although much of Prague's public transport network is based on honesty, there are periodic checks by inspectors, who will always levy hefty fines for unpunched tickets.

Taxis

Many visitors find that taxis are a useful way to travel around Prague, although this particular mode of transport can be a little expensive. Taxis always charge an initial minimum fee before starting the journey, with a set rate charged per kilometre. However, since many taxi drivers ignore this or simply rig the meters, if can be advisable to agree your fare in advance.