Getting Around Prague: Guide to Public Transportation
Are you looking for information on how to get around Prague by public transport? Good enough, we've got you covered. Prague has one of the best local transports in the world, and in this post, we will share with you how to travel around Prague and how to visit its top attractions by metro, bus, tram, or even train, and where to buy tickets.
When living or traveling abroad, have you ever experienced a situation when you all of a sudden found out that something you all your life took for granted does not exactly come up to your standards in a foreign country? It actually happened to us quite often in two past years.
As we live in Prague, we kind of quickly got used to the fact that public transport works well. More than well. Buses, trams, metro, trains, but even rare boat transport is usually on time, tickets are cheap, and because the system is integrated, we don't have to think much when using it.
We simply jump on a transport which is first available and which goes our direction.
That's why, us, Czechs, who live in Prague and commute daily, get easily frustrated in foreign countries where public transport does not work up to our expectations.
And now we are not talking about developing South American countries, where we usually expect that the service will not be that great (even though it does not make it any less frustrating), but we are talking about well-developed countries such as Canada or New Zealand.
We lived for a year in Calgary, and we cannot even describe all situations when we could not believe how it is even possible that public transport is so bad and people are ok with that. When the system was not great, we at least expected that it’s going to be cheap. But no, the annual pass was almost six times more expensive than in Prague.
Now, after we returned back to the Czech Republic, we can appreciate our transportation system much better as it is important for us because we commute daily.
But even when public transport is great and easy to use, we know it can be challenging to navigate yourself around a strange city.
Especially, if you are on a strict schedule - see 1-day Prague itinerary - do not have much time, do not speak Czech language, and want to get from one point to another (in case of Prague from one beautiful place to another top attraction) smoothly and efficiently.
Simply put, we know that when visiting Prague, you do not want to study the local transport, you just want to use it, and do not want to think about it much.
That's why we've written this post focusing on how to get around Prague by public transport.
You will find here tips and tricks on how to get around by metro, bus, tram, but even by boat or funicular.
Do you want to know where to buy tickets, how much tickets cost, and how to travel around Prague during the day or at night? We've got you covered.
PRAGUE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKETS
Getting around Prague by public transport is cheap, even if you do not have a yearly pass as we do. In case you are planning to stay in Prague for a longer period, you might consider buying a top-up card called Litacka, but it would be a case only if you would have planned on staying in the city for a month or longer.
If you are arriving in Prague as a regular tourist, you will most likely use normal paper tickets, which must be validated before you enter public transport.
We repeat this again, always validate your paper ticket in yellow validators.
You will get fined by a controller even when you have bought your ticket but did not validate it. Traveling without a ticket when caught can be pretty expensive, you will pay a minimum of 1500 CZK.
There are several types of tickets in Prague. The good thing is that you can use one ticket for traveling by metro, tram, bus, boat, or even funicular which will take you to Petrin Hill.
The price of tickets depends on how long you plan on using public transport.
30-MINUTE TICKET
The cheapest ticket costs 30 CZK (more than 1 EUR), and you can travel around Prague for 30 minutes.
90-MINUTE TICKET
Ticket for 40 CZK (less than 2 EUR) allows you to use transport for 90 minutes, and we also have two multi-day plans.
24-HOUR TICKET
120 CZK ticket is valid for one day (24 hours since you validate the ticket), and when you pay 330 CZK, you can use Prague public transport for three days (72 hours since you validate the ticket).
72-HOUR TICKET
In case you are traveling with a dog or a large luggage (more than 25cm x 45cm x 70cm), you should buy an additional ticket for 20 CZK. The additional charge does not apply if you've purchased a one-day or three-day ticket.
HOW AND WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR BUS, TRAM, METRO IN PRAGUE
There are several ways how you can purchase the ticket for getting around Prague.
TICKET MACHINE
The most common is to buy the ticket at yellow/orange vending machines you can usually find inside the vestibules of the metro, on bus or tram stops.
Or you can normally buy the ticket in tobacco shops, tourist information centers, or serviced ticket booths in the metro.
Remember, that vending machines are at all metro vestibules, but not on every bus or tram stop. It is not possible to buy a ticket from the driver as well.
Some vending machines take only coins, while some of the new ones accept credit cards.
ON BOARD TICKET MACHINE
All of the trams and some buses offer the option to buy a ticket inside the vehicle, and you can pay via contactless credit card, which is very convenient. The ticket you will buy this way does not need to be validated again, because it already includes all necessary information.
In case you are traveling by bus and want to buy the ticket inside the bus, remember that not all buses offer this service, and you cannot find out in advance which bus has the terminal until it arrives and you will see the sign on doors.
SMS
Last but not least option on how to buy tickets to use Prague public transport is to send an SMS.
To do that you must have a local SIM card with either a plan or credit and send a text message DPT31 or DPT42 (depends on which ticket you want to purchase) on phone number 90206.
It takes approximately one minute to receive the ticket via text message, again, you should wait and not enter the vehicle without confirmation of your payment.
MEANS OF TRANSPORT IN PRAGUE
Public transport in Prague is easy to understand, as the system is not complicated at all. When in the capital of the Czech Republic for a couple of days, you will most likely use the following means of transport.
Metro
More than a million people use the metro in Prague daily, which makes it one of the busiest underground systems in the world. Traveling by metro in Prague is incredibly easy, and the system will take you around the city center as well as to the suburbs.
And yes, metro means subway in Prague.
There are only three lines in Prague at the moment - A (green line), B (yellow line) and C (red line). You can transfer between the lines at transfer points called Florenc, Muzeum, and Mustek.
In every metro vestibule and even on the platforms you will always see an easy-to-read map that will tell you which direction to take.
On the map, you will see the station where you are at the moment encircled.
When facing the map, you will see other stations either left or right. When your next stop is on the left side of the map, go to the left platform, when on your right, head right.
At peak times the usual interval is around 2 minutes, it is especially early in the morning and later in the afternoon when people travel to and from work.
During off-peak times, intervals are between 4 and 6 minutes. Metro system is the least prone to delays out of all services, so it is best to use when you are short on time. Subway is closed between midnight (or thirty minutes after midnight) until approximately 4:30 in the morning.
Undoubtedly, metro is the best and fastest way to get around Prague. However if you travel only a few stops within the city center, it’s usually not worth the time and effort to go underground.
Use tram instead. If you are going to Westfield Chodov for shopping or O2 Arena for a concert, then take the metro.
Tram
The tram network within Prague city center is excellent, and once you are in the historical part, we recommend you to travel between top sights by tram, so you will see as much as you can.
Traveling by tram is together with metro our favorite way how to get around Prague, and because we live in the wider city center, this is the mean of transport we use daily.
The most touristy trams which will take you to Prague's highlights are tram number 9 and 22, and they usually run frequently, with 4 - 10 minutes interval.
If you want to make your visit of Prague even more unforgettable, take a historical tram traversing the old town. This tram runs between mid-April to mid-November on weekends and national holidays, and you must purchase a special ticket for 50 CZK.
Bus
Traveling by bus in the Prague's city center is not very convenient, and for regular tourists, we believe there is no need to use bus routes at all.
Buses usually serve outskirts or districts on the way to the outskirts, and we feel this is the least reliable mean of transport in Prague because the schedule can be affected by heavy traffic or accidents.
Do not take us wrong, most of the days buses run on time, but we would not use them as visitors of Prague, unless unavoidably necessary.
Buses usually terminate near the metro or tram station.
Train
Not many visitors know it is possible to travel within Prague and its near surroundings by train which is integrated into the city's public transport while using the regular ticket.
It’s quite a hidden detail to most tourists, as they usually stay only in the historical part of Prague.
Although you might not need to use trains when staying in the city center, it is good to know that this alternative exists.
Train stations close to the city center are Masarykovo Nadrazi, Hlavni Nadrazi (main train station), Nadrazi Vrsovice, or Smichovske Nadrazi.
If you are wondering which trains are integrated, look for S trains with the PID logo on the side.
Ferry and Boat Tour
Traveling by boat in Prague does not serve visitors to get from one point to another as fast as possible, it is even not very convenient, but it is for sure a unique way how to experience the city.
Small ferries in Prague usually connect both banks of the Vltava river and provide visitors with amazing views and unique experience.
It's also a great way for budget-minded travelers to experience a boat ride without actually joining a tour, as they tend to be pricey.
Being said that, Prague Sightseeing Cruises are very popular among international travelers.
Our favorite line out of the current seven lines is number P5 which will take you between Cisarska Louka, Vyton and Naplavka Smichov, and when the weather is fine, you will see Vysehrad and Prague Castle in their glory.
The boat is pretty small and has a capacity of only 12 people.
Again, you can use regular public transport tickets. It is necessary to check timetables, as not only ferries go approximately every fifteen or thirty minutes, but also some of the lines do not run all year round.
Funicular
Petrin Hill near Prague Castle is a place from where you can get one of the best views over Prague.
To get to the top of the hill you can either walk for approximately 25 minutes, or you can jump on a funicular which takes visitors to the top.
The great thing about Petrin funicular is that it is integrated into the Prague public transport system, so you can use your 24h or 72h ticket.
The disadvantage is that this line is overly popular, mostly among tourists, so you will have to wait for a while in the queue.
When the weather is nice, we usually prefer to walk, because several paths are leading to the top of Petrin Hill, and it is a very pleasant, relaxing and picturesque way how to get to Prague's Eiffel Tower.
On Foot
Prague is not New York when it comes to the size, and you can cover (almost) all the famous sights on foot. It's also not Rio de Janeiro when we are talking about safety, so you don't have to worry about your big camera or wallet.
When possible, we prefer to walk everywhere in Prague.
Did you know that you can walk from the Old Town Square to Prague Castle in under twenty minutes?
Or from National Theatre to Vysehrad in less than half an hour? It's a beautiful walk along Naplavka - Rasinovo Nabrezi, one of the most vibrant places in Prague.
And it's free and healthy.
If you are on a tight budget, definitely check out this post 15 Free Things to Do in Prague.
Car
In general, we do not recommend you to rent a car in case you have on your itinerary only exploring the city center of Prague.
You would have spent plenty of time looking for a place where to park your car, and it would be for you easy to get lost in narrow one-way streets.
On the other hand, if you plan on doing some day trips from Prague, for example to Terezin or Ostrava, you might find rental car useful.
GETTING TO BEST ATTRACTIONS IN PRAGUE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Even though we do not know which hotel in Prague are you going to choose, and in which neighborhood you will decide to stay there are several lines you will most likely find useful when getting around.
Although the city center of Prague is quite compact, and once there, you can more or less walk almost anywhere, it is necessary to start somewhere.
To get to Wenceslas Square, Vysehrad, take metro line C and get off at Muzeum or Vysehrad station.
Line A is convenient in case you want to get to Prague Castle or Charles Bridge. Take either green line to Malostranska, or tram number 22.
To get to Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) or Republic Square (Namesti Republiky), travel by yellow line B, and get off on Namesti Republiky station.
We prefer using trams in Prague, the system is really extensive, but check out if taking the tram works for you after you will reserve your hotel.
Buses mostly cover suburbs, although they, of course, run in the center as well, we think you will most likely won't use them.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRAGUE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Regardless of whether you use the metro, bus, or tram for the first time in Prague, there are some essential things to know.
SAFETY
We've already written a full post focusing on safety in Prague, and although the destination is from our point of view completely safe, it does not mean that you won't meet here individuals taking advantage on tourists (or basically on anyone) who do not pay attention and do not watch their belongings.
When in the tram, bus or metro, make sure you know where your valuables are, and never leave your backpack unattended because of pickpockets, especially when using key routes which take thousands of tourists to Prague must-visit places (tram line number 22).
We've never experienced any issue on public transport, but it is always better to be informed and safe than sorry.
MOBILE APP
Before using public transport in Prague, download a mobile app called 'Jizdni Rady'.
With this app, your travels around Prague will be much better, as you can always insert your location or nearest station and a place where you want to get, and the app will show you the best connection, timetable, where to change lines when necessary, travel time and price of the ticket you should purchase.
We use this app every day, and it never failed us.
From time to time some lines may be rerouted because of groundworks or because of an accident.
If there are long-term repairs, you should see an updated schedule on the Jizdni Rady app. You will also see the changes when waiting on the bus or tram station because the number of the line will be marked in yellow instead of white.
SERVICE DISRUPTIONS
In case of an accident, for example, when jumping under a train occur, there is always an alternative transport starting with letter X. In case it is, for example, not possible to continue on your metro route C, go above ground, and look for a bus XC.
DOORS
What else should you know before traveling by Prague public transport?
Doors in public transport often do not open automatically, you have to press a button.
ALWAYS GIVE WAYS TO TRAMS
Never cross the street in front of a tram, it won't stop. Never. Always give way to trams in Prague.
ESCALATORS
When using escalators in the metro, always stand on the right side, we keep the left side free for those who are in hurry and want to walk.
EXTRAS
It is customary to give up a seat for elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities, and we also always wait for people to get off the transport, and only then we get on.
GETTING AROUND PRAGUE AT NIGHT
If you plan on going to the theatre, cinema, or you want to go to a bar and know you will stay out until late at night, an overpriced taxi is not the only option on how to get back to your hotel room.
Although the regular Prague's day service of metro, trams, and buses usually run between 4:30 AM and midnight (0:30 AM), no worries, after midnight, you can use night trams and buses which go regularly, approximately every 30 minutes.
Tram lines have numbers 91-99, and night bus numbers are 901-915.
All night trams meet at central connecting point Lazarska where you can switch lines, buses follow up tram lines or other bus lines, so at some point, you will always be able to transfer to a tram or bus which will safely take you to your hotel or hostel.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
POPULAR TOURIST WAYS TO GET AROUND PRAGUE
Except for walking, which is our favorite way how to get around the city center, new, modern ways of transport arrived in Prague, same as to other touristy European cities.
Although we are not big fans of bikes or scooters in the city center, we understand it is a fun way how to reach some of the must-visit places, especially among young travelers or those who want to see the city from a different perspective.
When renting either a bike or scooter, remember you should drive safely, and not to be a danger to either drivers in the cars or pedestrians.
There are many places where you can rent either bike or scooter, and many tours available, we've handpicked some of the best ones:
Electric Bikes Prague Sightseeing Tour | Would you like to experience stunning views of Prague's hills without effort? Join this 3-hour detailed e-bike tour around the best viewpoints in the city.
Prague Small-Group Segway Tour | See the less touristy sights in Prague with a local guide on Segway Tour.
Private Electric Bike Prague Tour | A local guide will help you discover the most famous sights in Prague such as Prague Castle, Old Town or John Lennon Wall on a private electric bike tour with hotel pickup service.
E-Scooter Prague Tour | See the most important historical places in Prague in only two hours on e-bikes.
Prague Beer Bike Tour | Pedal around the best sights in Prague while sipping premium Czech ice-cold beer. Now that's an adventure.
HOW TO GET FROM PRAGUE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Arriving in Prague by plane? You might be looking for information on how to get from the airport to the Prague's city center.
For us, getting from the airport to the actual city where all the top attractions and sights hide is usually the most painful and most expensive part of the 'getting around the city journey', which we really do not like.
In Prague, you can take a taxi. But because of the bad reputation of Prague taxi drivers, for all travelers looking for a comfortable way how to travel between the airport to the heart of Prague, we usually recommend a bit more trustworthy services.
You can consider taking either this reasonably priced Prague Airport Private Transfer or this cheaper Prague Airport Shared Shuttle Transfer.
Alternatively, take an Uber from Prague Airport.
But as this post is mostly about how to travel around Prague by public transport, you are possibly looking for this option, especially when on a traveling budget.
Buy a ticket for 40 CZK, and wait for the bus in front of the terminal. The most common bus is number 119, which will take you to Nadrazi Veleslavin, where you must get off, and switch to the metro.
For more detailed information, read our in-depth guide on How to get from Prague airport to the city center. We believe you will find it helpful.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
