Prague Public Transport Guide: How to Get from the Airport + Tickets & Maps
After living in Prague for three years, one of the things that I loved the most (and still miss it dearly to this day), is how incredibly reliable and well-organized the public transport system is. Whether it’s the metro, trams, or buses, Prague’s public transport consistently runs on time, even during heavy snow or busy weekends. Honestly, there were days when I felt more like I was in Switzerland than in the Czech Republic.
In this guide, I’ll break down how to use the metro, trams, and buses, where to buy tickets, which options are the best depending on your stay, and how to navigate your way from Prague Airport to downtown. I’ll also include some practical tips, downloadable maps, and answers to the most frequently asked questions, so you can explore the city stress-free, like a local.
This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you book accommodation, a tour, or a service through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep creating free content. Thank you for your support! 😊
Explore all my blog posts in one place, destination guides, travel tips, and personal stories from around the world!
How to Use Prague Public Transport?
Using public transport in Prague is refreshingly simple, even if you don’t speak a word of Czech (I certainly don’t). The entire system is integrated, meaning your ticket is valid across metro, trams, and buses. You won’t need to buy a new one every time you switch between them. Whether you’re here for a quick city break or a longer stay, you’ll be able to get around easily and affordably, without relying on taxis or expensive tours.
In the sections below, I’ll walk you through how to use the Prague metro, how to buy tickets, and how to ride and pay for trams. It’s everything you need to move around Prague confidently, whether you’re heading to Prague Castle or simply trying to get to your hotel from the airport
How to Use and Buy Metro Tickets in Prague
Prague’s metro system is the fastest way to get around the city, with three main lines: A (green), B (yellow), and C (red) that connect most key areas, including the center, train stations, and residential neighborhoods. Trains run every few minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight, and stations are clearly marked and easy to navigate.
To use the metro, you’ll first need a valid ticket, and luckily, buying one is easy:
➡️ Ticket machines are available in all metro stations and support English. Most accept coins, but many now also accept cards or contactless payments.
➡️ You can also buy tickets in newsstands, tobacco shops, or directly from your phone using the PID Lítačka app.
➡️ Prices vary depending on duration: for example, a 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket is 40 CZK (roughly €1.20–1.60). You can also buy a 24-hour ticket for 120 CZK (5 euros).
➡️ Validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it in the yellow machines at station entrances. If you’re using the app, activation happens digitally.
The metro runs on the honor system, but ticket inspections are common (they are usually halting people when coming on the platform), and fines for riding without a valid ticket can reach 1,000 CZK (about €40), so don’t skip this step.
How to Use and Buy Tram Tickets in Prague
Prague’s tram network is extensive, scenic, and incredibly reliable, often even more useful than the metro for reaching specific neighborhoods or enjoying a relaxed ride through the city. Trams run 24/7, with daytime lines operating every few minutes and night trams (marked 9x) running roughly every 30 minutes
To ride the tram, you’ll need a valid public transport ticket, the same kind used for metro or bus. Here’s how to get it:
➡️ Ticket machines are located at many tram stops and accept coins, cards, or contactless payments.
➡️ You can also buy a ticket directly inside most modern trams by tapping your card at the yellow contactless validator, it automatically charges you for a 30-minute ride (30 CZK).
➡️ Alternatively, tickets are available in tobacco shops, metro stations, and via the PID Lítačka app.
➡️ Prices all the same as for metro: 30-minute ticket -> 1.2 EUR; 90-minute ticket -> 1.6 EUR, 24-hour ticket -> 5 euros.
Make sure your paper ticket is validated (stamped) as soon as you board, or before boarding if you got it at a stop. If you use a contactless validator or the app, the process is automatic.
Trams are punctual and frequent, locals use them all day and night, and you should too. They’re also a great way to explore the city while skipping the tourist crowds underground.
One friendly piece of advice: if you see a tram coming, move aside. They absolutely will not stop to let you pass. This applies whether you’re on foot or driving; trams always have the right of way.
Other Prague Transport Modes: Buses, Funicular & Ferry
While trams and the metro cover most of the city, Prague’s public transport system also includes buses, a historic funicular, and even ferries. all part of the same integrated network.
Buses are particularly useful for reaching areas that aren’t directly served by tram or metro, including many residential districts and the airport. They run frequently and use the same ticketing system as other transport, just validate your paper ticket when boarding. On your trip to Prague, you will most likely use it on your trip from the airport top city centre and back
The funicular to Petřín Hill is both a practical ride and a tourist attraction. It connects the Lower Town (Újezd) with the top of the hill, offering views of the city along the way. The funicular is included in your regular public transport ticket, so no extra cost!
If you like nature and are in moderate shape, then I’d suggest taking a walk uphill through the park, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Prague, and the views are lovely.
Public ferries (yes, actual boats!) operate on the Vltava River and are part of the PID network. They’re a scenic and relaxing way to cross the river, especially in summer. Ferries run on specific routes and follow regular timetables, again, no special ticket required. Lines of these ferries are marked with “P” (e.g. P1 and P2).
These are very small boats that can take up to 12 people, and the boat ride is short. If you’ll use it, most likely you’ll use the one that’s boarding at Vyton and crossing to other side of Vltava.
How to Get From Prague Airport to City Centre
If there’s one route I’ve taken more than any other in Prague, it’s the journey from Václav Havel Prague Airport to the city center. As someone who’s lived in Prague for three years and has a mild obsession with weekend trips, I’ve done the airport shuffle more times than I’d like to admit. Whether I was returning from Spain, Italy, or “just one more trip to Croatia”, I had this route memorized like a true local.
But I’ll admit, if you’re visiting for the first time, figuring out how to get from Prague Airport to the city center might feel a little confusing. There’s no direct metro line, and the bus signs can be slightly cryptic if you’re jetlagged and hangry.
So, let me break it down for you, clearly and step-by-step. Whether you’re curious about buses from Prague Airport to the city centre, metro or taxis, this guide has you covered.
Buses From Prague Airport to City Centre
The most budget-friendly and surprisingly efficient way to get from Prague Airport to the city centre is by bus. But don’t expect a big sign saying “City Centre This Way”, it’s actually a combination of bus + metro, and it’s not complicated once you know how.
Option 1: Bus 59 + Metro Line A (Green)
So, there is not a bus going directly to the city centre. You will board the bus 59 here in front of Terminal 2 that will take you to the last stop – Nádraží Veleslavín. This was recently changed from a bus to trolleybus to increase capacity. Here you will go down to the metro and transfer to a green A line that can take you to the city centre (stops Malostranská, Staroměstská, or Můstek).
Bus stop at Nádraží Veleslavín
This is the most popular and fastest public transport route, you can use standard public transport tickets that you can buy from the driver, on info counters or on yellow ticket machines (card accepted).
You can find the full bus 59 timetable from Nádraží Veleslavín to airport here.
All other timetables you can find here.
Option 2: Airport Express Bus (AE)
This is the express bus that runs between Main Train Station ((Hlavní Nádraží) and Terminal 1 and 2 of Prague airport. It runs about every 20-30 minutes (at night every 60 minutes), and the bus stop is located here. It will take you straight to the airport, no transfers at all.
You can buy a ticket on the bus or online, one-way price is 100 CZK (around 4 euros). Also very important, if going from the airport to the city centre, you cannot board this bus at Terminal 2, only at Terminal 1.
All in all, this option is perfect if your hotel is near Wenceslas Square or if you’re catching a train.
You can find the timetables here.
Option 3: Bus 100 + Metro Line B (Yellow)
If you are staying somewhere close to Andel (Smichov), this might be your best option. Bus line 100 runs from the airport to the Zličin metro station, here you will transfer to the yellow B metro line which takes you to Andel.
Here you can find the timetables
Taxi From Prague Airport to City Centre
If you’re arriving late, have a lot of luggage, or just prefer convenience, taking a taxi from Prague Airport might be your best option. But here’s the thing, not all taxis are created equal, and getting overcharged is still a thing if you’re not careful.
The one some people recommend is AAA Radiotaxi (I didn’t use them), you can check the prices upfront and it’s all transparent. Taxi stands are located exactly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Fare usually comes out around 500-800 CZK €20–35 depending on traffic and destination.
If you prefer booking ahead or want to avoid waiting, Bolt and Uber both operate at Prague Airport and are usually cheaper than street taxis.
However, if you’d like it truly hassle-free, you can book a private transfer to/from Prague airport. I’ve used them before, and let me tell you something, even my frugal husband appreciated not having to drag our suitcases all over the bus and metro for an hour. Really saves you after a long flight when you just want to throw yourself on the bed.
You can check the dates and prices below:
Prague Public Transport Map
Getting around Prague becomes much easier when you know where the key metro stations, tram stops, and bus lines are, especially if you’re planning your itinerary or trying to figure out the best route from your accommodation.
Below you’ll find several maps that will help you navigate the city.
Important Stops and Stations in Prague on a Map
Here’s a custom map I created to highlight all the essential metro, tram, and airport connections mentioned in this guide. It includes main bus stops for the airport and main metro stations you might use.
You can open the map in a new tab to save it for later or access it on the go.
Map of Prague Metro and Trams (For Easy Planning)
Navigating Prague is a breeze once you get familiar with the metro and tram network. Below is a handy map that shows the main metro lines and tram routes, along with key stops that travelers often use, like the airport bus drop-off, city center hubs, and major tourist areas. Whether you’re planning your daily sightseeing or just figuring out how to get back to your hotel, this visual guide will save you time and stress.
Final Thoughts
Prague’s public transport system is truly one of the easiest and most efficient ways to explore the city, and I say that as someone who lived there for three years and never once needed a car. With reliable trams, clean metro lines, and frequent buses, getting from point A to B is not only simple but actually enjoyable.
Whether you’re heading from the airport to the city center, figuring out which ticket to buy, or just hopping on a tram to your next café stop, this guide should have you covered. Bookmark it, share it, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Prague is waiting.
FAQ: Prague Public Transport
Can I use one ticket for the tram, metro, and bus in Prague?
Yes! Prague uses a unified ticketing system. A single ticket is valid across trams, metro, buses, and even the funicular — just make sure it's still within its time limit.
Where can I buy public transport tickets in Prague?
You can buy tickets at metro stations, yellow ticket machines at tram stops, some newsstands, and via mobile apps like PID Lítačka. Just remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
Is public transport in Prague safe at night?
Yes, Prague's public transport is generally very safe, even late at night. Trams and night buses run frequently, and metro stations are well-lit and monitored.