Getting around Prague: knowing everything about transport

Prague is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 9th century, that has not remained in the past. It’s a city that knows how to integrate technological advances with the charm of its history. Emerging as a modern and more desired destination, with a variety of transport options, for millions of tourists that can travel around the city without problems. 

In this article, you will find everything that you need to know about public transportation in Prague. So, you can enjoy your vacation in one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe.

Trams in Prague: Everything that you need to know

Prague has one of the best streetcar systems in Europe, which is not only easy to use, but also very cheap. This is because the country's largest transport company simplified tickets so that they could be used on streetcars as well as buses and other means of transport, thus enabling the connection of different transports to reach other destinations. 

Check the map with the 22 daytime lines and 9 nighttime tram lines on your trip. 

Prague's tramway network has for almost 24 hours (trains operate from 4:30 am to 12:00 am the following day). 

The tram schedule is quite extensive for getting around Prague, with a total of 142 km run on 22 daytime and 9 nighttime lines. It starts working from 04:30 am to 12:00 am with intervals ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. And the night trams run from 00:30 am to 4:30 am with intervals of about 30 minutes.

Buses in Prague: Routes, schedules, and costs

Another of the most popular transportation systems in Prague is the bus network. It’s a quick alternative to visit any point in the city, and the prices are affordable compared to other places in Europe. In addition, using public bus lines 119, 100, 179, and 225 you can travel cheaply from the airport to the center of Prague. Here you can check the map with the routes and bus stations throughout the city. 

The daytime lines are those that go from number 100 to number 291 (buses with a number greater than 299 are suburban) working from 4:30 am to 12:00 am. And the night ones are number 501 to number 513 working from 12:00 am to 4:30 am.

Metro in Prague: Lines and schedules

One of the best ways to get around Prague is using the metro. Its network is not as extensive as the bus or the metro, but it covers more than 62km distributed in 61 tube stations. Prague’s metro operates from 5:00 am to 12:00 am with a daily frequency between 3 and 10 minutes. Also, has 3 lines that cross the city: 

● Line A (green) 

● Line B (yellow). It is the longest subway line and the only one of the three whose construction is 100% completed. 

● Line C (red). This one is the oldest of the three lines. 

A new line (line D) is now in construction and will start operating in 2029.

Additional transport ticket information in Prague

Unlike other countries in the world, Prague's public transport tickets are purchased according to the time that you are going to use them. That means you buy a single ticket for 30 minutes, 90 minutes, or more. 

Ticket prices start at 20 CZK (about 80 euro cents) for a 30-minute ticket and 40 CZK (approximately 1.57 euros) for a 90-minute ticket. The 24-hour one costs from 120 CZK and 330 CZK for the 72-hour variant. There are also 30-day tickets available from 550 CZK.

Types of public transport tickets

As you can see, you can buy tickets with different validity periods: 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, 72 hours (which you can buy at machines and ticket offices), and 30 days in duration (only buy online), that can be used to take all the vehicles that you need in that period. 

On the other hand, you should not forget that tickets must be validated (stamped) before using them for the first time. In the case of tickets purchased through apps, you must wait 2 minutes connected to the internet from the device on which you purchased for it to be validated.

Where to buy tickets for public transport in Prague

If you are wondering where to buy public transport tickets for getting around Prague, you can find them in official stores, ticket offices, on board buses, railway ticket counters, machines inside stations, or through apps on your cell phone. 

Tickets purchased on board, touchscreen machines and railway ticket counters are valid from the moment of purchase. But if you buy it in another way, make sure that the ticket is stamped before going on board.

Popular transport apps to use in Prague

There are several apps and websites that you can use to buy your transport tickets in Prague: 

● PID Lítačka: It’s an app that you can download through the Play Store or Apple Store. Also, the most popular option among digital nomads and tourists because it gives you very precise information on arrival times, delays, and transfers. 

● Dopravní podnik: It’s the official website of the Prague transport company. Here you can purchase tickets safely and quickly. 

● Pid: This is a website where you can find information about changes in transportation systems, maps, rates, location of ticket offices, information centers, and much more.

Alternative transport options in Prague

Anyway, if you want to keep looking for the best way to get around Prague or explore specific routes on another type of transportation, the city offers you different options such as:

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Although finding a taxi in Prague is not difficult, you can grab an official one with a taximeter. Rates are usually a little high, but you will enjoy private transport without long waits. However, there are also taxi apps, which are quite cheap and reliable for getting around Prague.

Biking in Prague

If you want to explore the city on a bicycle, there are several options to rent it on your visit to Prague. You can reserve it in the Rekola parking spots, scan the bike's QR, and pay a subscription through the app. Local users think the cost is the same as a public transport ticket, so usually, these vehicles are more convenient. 

However, just must keep in mind that most of Prague's bicycle paths are shared with cars. So you must have experience riding a bicycle on the side of traffic.

Walking in Prague

On the other hand, touring Prague is fascinating, and some of the most iconic places are very close. So you can meet them on foot without any problem, especially if you stay at the NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. In this way, you will understand why people call it The City of 100 Towers or The Golden City. Enjoying its magnificent architecture and particular cobblestones reflect the golden sun on its facades and landscapes. 

But you must be aware of certain rules to make your walks more friendly: First, trams always have priority, and they travel in both directions in the center of the road. And don't think that cars must give way to pedestrians, because this rule is not very popular among drivers.

Car Rentals

If you are one of those who prefers to explore the city without rushing or want to cross the border to discover the landscapes of Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Germany, you can rent a car with your passport, valid driver's license, and credit card. These are 3 of the most reliable companies in the city: Hertz, Budge, and Carlove. 

Our advice is to familiarize yourself with the difficulties of parking in Prague. Evaluate strategic places to park your car while you’re not using it. Don’t forget the parking areas, and look out for parking signs, the presence of the parking meter, and the markings on the pavement. Just to make sure that the parking space is legal.

Recommendations to getting around Prague

Another recommendation that we can give you is to learn to use public transportation. This will allow you to combine different routes and reach your destinations without wasting time, saving money, and having a complete view of the city.

Accessibility transport

Furthermore, you shouldn’t limit yourself, if you’re a person with reduced mobility, or traveling with someone who has it. Prague has adaptations at metro stations with lifts, and buses & trams have ramps for wheelchairs. Also, you can find tourist information centers that are always available to guide you.

Night transport in Prague

Prague's public transport is efficient, despite the longer intervals between each vehicle at night. So we recommend you move in until 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. And after 12:00 am check the availability or delay of public transport in the official apps and websites.

Safety tips for travelers looking for best way to get around Prague

Like any tourist destination, you must be careful to not lose your belongings on public transportation, especially in the most touristy trams. 

On the other hand, try not to exchange money on the street, you can be scammed with expired Belarusian bills. Make sure you know the local currency, and ask for an exchange at your hotel in Prague.

Historical trams and tourist rides

Discover Prague with the help of public transportation. Like the most popular route for tourists on the Tram 22: which stops at all the most significant places in the historic center (declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1992). Also, you can take Trams 14, 17 and 23 to pass near the main monuments of the city. Or the special route of the Tram 91, whose ticket you must purchase directly at the office. 

Or getting around Prague on the Charles Bridge Cruise, near the John Lennon Wall. Or take an evening stroll to the Kampa Museum, and discover the flavors of Chimney Cakes in any store near you. In short, you can do many activities without worrying about transport.

Conclusions on public transport in Prague

It cannot be denied that one of the things that is most appreciated, as a traveler, is that the roads are efficient. Especially when we decide to go to a remote city, very far from our culture, which has certain tourist gems that we must see some time in our lives... Prague has that charm, it’s a wonder classified as historical, accessible, and easy to get to. 

If you are looking for alternatives to travel comfortably and reliably, Prague is the perfect destination for you. Because it offers an infinite number of means of transport adapted to your own pace. That allows the flexibility you need for your vacation. So be sure to save this guide to your favorites and use it as a reference during your trip to live an unforgettable experience.

Questions about public transport in Prague

What's the best way to get around in Prague?

This answer depends a lot on your preferences and needs, but the good thing is that Prague offers you all types of transportation. If you don't want to waste time, the metro is a fast and efficient option, or if you want to enjoy good views, you should get around on trams and buses.

Are the trams in Prague free?

No, trams are not free. To access them, without risk of fines, you must buy a ticket for 30 minutes, 90 minutes, or more.

Is the metro easy to use in Prague?

Yes, the Prague metro is easy to use once you know it. But if you have difficulty with the names of the stations, in the apps and websites you can plan your route to reach your destination.

Can you get around Prague without a car?

Of course, you can get around Prague without a car. The transportation system is interconnected throughout the city.

Does Prague have Uber?

Yes, in Prague the Uber taxi service is legal, and there are 2 other applications highly recommended by locals: Liftago and Bolt.