Prague Public Transport: Tickets, Routes, and Airport Transfers

Quick answer

Travel from Václav Havel Airport (PRG) to the city centre via the 59 trolleybus to Nádraží Veleslavín (Green Line A) or the 100 bus to Zličín (Yellow Line B) for 40 CZK ($1.70). A 24-hour transport pass costs 120 CZK ($5.15) and covers all trams, buses, and metro lines. Taxis to Old Town square typically cost 500–700 CZK ($21–$30) when booked via the Uber or Bolt apps.

Airport to city options

Václav Havel Airport sits 18km west of the city centre. There is no direct metro or train link to the terminals; all public options involve a bus-to-metro transfer.

• Public Bus 59 & Metro Line A: This is the standard route. The high-capacity 59 trolleybus runs every 3–10 minutes to Nádraží Veleslavín station. From there, Metro Line A reaches Můstek (Old Town) in 15 minutes. Total journey time: 45–50 minutes. Cost: 40 CZK.
• Public Bus 100 & Metro Line B: Best for those staying near Anděl or Karlovo náměstí. The bus runs to Zličín station. Total journey time: 50–60 minutes. Cost: 40 CZK.
• Airport Express (AE) Bus: This dedicated shuttle runs directly to Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží). It does not accept standard 40 CZK tickets; you must pay 100 CZK ($4.30) to the driver or at the terminal. Journey time: 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt): Uber is the official airport taxi partner. Use the kiosks in the arrivals hall or the app. A trip to Vinohrady or Malá Strana ranges from 450 to 750 CZK. Expect higher surge pricing during peak arrival hours.

Metro, tram, and rail system

Prague’s integrated system (PID) is one of the most efficient in Europe. One ticket works for all modes.

The Metro

The metro consists of three lines meeting in a triangle at the city centre:

• Line A (Green): Connects the northwest (airport bus link) to the east (Vinohrady and Hostivař). Key stops: Staroměstská (Old Town) and Malostranská (Prague Castle).
• Line B (Yellow): Runs southwest to northeast. Key stops: Anděl (Smíchov district) and Náměstí Republiky.
• Line C (Red): Runs north to south. Key stops: Hlavní nádraží (Main Station) and Vyšehrad.

Trams and Night Service

Trams are the backbone of local travel. Lines 9, 17, and 22 are the most useful for visitors. Line 22 climbs the hill to Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) and provides a scenic route through Malá Strana. The metro closes at midnight, after which night trams (numbered 91–99) and night buses (901–915) operate at 20-30 minute intervals. Lazarská is the central transfer hub for all night tram lines.

Fares and Ticket Ranges

Tickets are based on time, not distance. Validate your ticket once at the start of your first journey.

• 30 Minutes: 30 CZK ($1.30) - Suitable for short hops within the centre.
• 90 Minutes: 40 CZK ($1.70) - Required for airport transfers or cross-town trips.
• 24 Hours: 120 CZK ($5.15).
• 72 Hours: 330 CZK ($14.20).

Travel passes and value

The Prague Visitor Pass includes transport plus entry to 70+ attractions like the Astronomical Tower and Jewish Quarter. Prices start at 2,100 CZK for 48 hours. This only pays off if you visit at least three major paid attractions per day. For most, the standard 72-hour transport-only pass at 330 CZK is the better financial choice.

Purchase tickets via the Lítačka app, at yellow vending machines (most take contactless cards), or directly on trams using the orange contactless terminals located in the middle of the carriage.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Avoid hailing taxis on the street, particularly near the Old Town Square or Main Station, to prevent overcharging.

• Uber: The primary app for locals and tourists.
• Bolt: Often slightly cheaper than Uber but with more variable car quality.
• Liftago: A local app that lets you choose your driver based on their rating and a fixed price quote. This is highly regarded for reliability.

Walking and cycling

Prague is extremely walkable; you can walk from Wenceslas Square to Prague Castle in 30 minutes. However, the streets are dominated by cobblestones. Wear sturdy, flat-soled shoes.

Cycling is difficult in the historic core (Prague 1) due to heavy pedestrian traffic and tram tracks, which can catch thin bike tyres. Use the Rekola (pink bikes) or Nextbike bike-sharing apps for travel along the Vltava river paths where dedicated cycling infrastructure exists.

Typical journey times

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to validate: If using a paper ticket, you must insert it into the yellow machines at metro entrances or on buses/trams. A blank ticket results in an 800–1,500 CZK fine. Digital tickets on the Lítačka app must be activated and have a 2-minute countdown before they become valid.
• Buying the wrong Airport Express ticket: Standard 40 CZK tickets are not valid on the AE bus. You must buy a specific ticket from the driver or at the PID counter.
• Stepping on tram tracks: Trams always have the right of way in Prague, even at pedestrian crossings. They cannot stop quickly on metal tracks.
• Confusing 'Můstek' exits: Můstek is a massive interchange. Following the wrong exit sign can leave you 400 metres away from your intended destination. Look for the street names (Václavské náměstí vs Na Příkopě) on the exit signs.
• Taking a taxi for short distances: Traffic in the centre is often gridlocked. A metro or tram trip is almost always faster than a car for trips within Prague 1 and 2.

Plan your trip

The Journey Planner integrates these transit routes into a custom daily schedule based on your accommodation location. It calculates total transport costs for your group, provides walking directions between tram stops and landmarks, and includes a packing list recommending appropriate footwear for the city's cobblestones and hills. Check the official Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy (DPP) website for real-time service alerts before you travel.

How do I get to Prague Castle by tram?

Take Tram 22 to the 'Pražský hrad' stop. This drops you at the northern entrance, avoiding the steep uphill walk from the Malostranská metro station.

Can I pay for the Prague tram with a credit card?

Yes, every tram in Prague has at least one orange terminal (usually in the middle) that accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard. You must select your ticket type on the screen first.

Is there a direct train from Prague airport to the city?

No. You must take a bus (Line 59 or 100) to a metro station or the Airport Express bus to the Main Railway Station. A new rail link is planned but not yet operational.

What is the best app for Prague transport?

The PID Lítačka app is the official tool for buying tickets, searching connections, and viewing real-time departures.