Prague (and even the entire Czech Republic) has one of the most comprehensive and efficient public transport systems in the world. You can easily reach all the places you want to visit using Prague public transport. As a local, it’s easy for me to navigate all modes of transport, but I realize that for tourists, their first trip on public transport in Prague can be confusing. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to Prague public transport.
Still not sure about something? Ask in the comments!
Prague public transport includes the metro, a dense network of trams and buses, suburban trains, as well as cable cars and ferries. Thanks to this combination of transport options, you can get practically anywhere.
Prague public transport tickets
Of course, you will need a ticket to travel around Prague. The good news is that tickets are universal, and the same ticket is valid for travel on any type of public transport!
You can choose from the following types of tickets:
| Period of validity | App ticket | Paper ticket |
| 30 minutes | CZK 36 | CZK 39 |
| 90 minutes | CZK 46 | CZK 50 |
| 24 hours | CZK 140 | CZK 150 |
| 72 hours | CZK 340 | CZK 350 |
All tickets allow unlimited transfers and are valid from the moment of validation (see below). You can also buy tickets for longer periods (e.g., a month), but these are not usually relevant for tourists.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for 30 and 90 minutes do not include the cable car to Petřín Hill in Prague!
Children under 15 travel free on Prague public transport. However, you must always carry your child’s passport or ID card with their date of birth. People aged 60 to 65 pay a reduced fare, and people over 65 travel free (again, proof of identity is required).
Where to purchase tickets for Prague public transport?
Wondering where to buy tickets for Prague public transport? Fortunately, they are sold almost everywhere.
Basically, you have the following options:
- At a ticket machine – All types of tickets can be purchased at yellow ticket machines. These machines can be found in metro stations, at some bus and tram stops, and also at the airport.
- In the PID mobile app – You can also buy tickets in the PID mobile app. You then activate the ticket in the app, and the measured time starts running from that moment.
- Sales points – In some places, there are also sales points where you can buy a ticket at the window. I would not really recommend this option, as there is usually a long queue.
- Contactless payment terminals – In some places (inside trams, selected buses, metro stations), you can buy a ticket via a payment terminal. Passengers are required to purchase a ticket immediately after boarding the vehicle; only contactless payment cards can be used.
Ticket validation
It is very important to note that your ticket is not valid immediately after purchase. To validate your ticket, you must always validate it before your first journey!
Tickets can be validated in a ticket validator, which can be found on all trams and buses, as well as at many stations. The ticket is validated only once when boarding the first means of transport! From the moment of validation, the time limit begins to run (e.g., 30 minutes for travel by public transport).
A few tips for proper validation:
- Validate your ticket by inserting it into the validator before first use. The arrows on the ticket indicate the correct direction of insertion!
- When boarding other means of transport (e.g., when changing trains), never validate your ticket again!
- The ticket is valid from the time that the validator “printed” on your ticket.
- When traveling by metro, you need to validate your ticket when entering the designated area of the metro (not the train itself). Validators are usually located in the metro building just above the escalators or stairs.
WARNING: Unfortunately, it is a popular trick of many Czech ticket inspectors to check tickets in places where there are large numbers of confused tourists. For example, when traveling from the airport. If your ticket is not validated, it is invalid (and you will be fined)!
Ticket Inspection
There are ticket inspectors on Prague public transport whose job is to check valid tickets. These inspectors do not always speak English, but you will still pass the inspection without any problems.
If a man with a transport company badge approaches you on public transport, show him your ticket. It is important that it is still valid and correctly validated (only once).
However, you will most likely not encounter any inspectors and your tickets will not be checked during your visit to Prague.
Prague public transport pass
If you have purchased a Prague Visitor Pass (which also allows you to visit many attractions for free or at a discount), you can use Prague’s public transport freely and without restriction.
Prague public transport app
One of my favorite things about Prague public transport is that timetables and connection planning are very easily accessible. To find the best connection, I recommend using the IDOS app.
The app is in Czech by default, but you can switch to English in the settings. The app will find the easiest connection to your desired destination, including timetables, current delays, and lots of other information. The app also shows the metro exit code you should use to easily get to your connecting bus or tram.
Prague means of transport
The integrated public transport system in Prague includes a large number of means of transport that you can use with a single ticket.
Prague metro
Three metro lines connect the historic city center with more distant locations in Prague. A complete guide to the Prague metro can be found here.
The Prague metro consists of three lines:
- Line A (green line) – Nemocnice Motol – Skalka (Depo Hostivař) – passes through Malá Strana and the Old Town and also offers connections to trolleybuses to the airport
- Line B (yellow line) – Zličín – Černý most: takes you to Náměstí Republiky or Wenceslas Square and offers connections to buses to the airport
- Line C (red line) – Letňany – Háje: runs to Hlavní Nádraží, Florenc bus station, but also to Wenceslas Square and Vyšehrad
Three of the stops are transfer stops, so you can transfer from any line to any other. Trains run every 2–4 minutes (during peak hours) and every 5–10 minutes (outside peak hours).
You can download a map of the Prague metro here.
Prague tram
Trams are another great means of transport that you can use to travel around Prague (especially useful in the city center). The tram network is comprehensive and relatively complex, so it is best to use the above-mentioned app to find connections.
You can also see the historic tram No. 23 on the streets, which is part of the integrated system. Tourist trams No. 41 and 42 are not part of the system, and regular tickets cannot be used on them.
Prague buses
Especially for trips outside the historic center, you can use one of the many bus lines. Buses will take you practically anywhere, so you can stay in cheaper and more authentic places outside the center.
Prague trains
There are a large number of train connections in the Czech Republic, and many of them stop at various stations in the center of Prague. You can also use trains to get around Prague.
The main train stations include Hlavní nádraží, Praha-Smíchov, Praha-Vršovice, Masarykovo nádraží, and Praha – Holešovice.
Traveling by train within Prague is part of the integrated system, and a regular ticket is sufficient (you can tell that the station is still part of Prague by the fact that the name begins with Praha, for example, Praha – Radotín). Tickets are only valid on lines marked S or R.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not usually find ticket validators on trains! If you plan to use the train, validate your ticket on the platform.
Cable cars, ferries, and other means of transport
The Prague public transport system also includes a number of other means of transport.
These include, for example, the Petřín funicular (only 24- and 72-hour tickets can be used, not shorter ones), trolleybuses to the airport from the Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, and even ferries.
There are a total of six ferries across the Vltava River in Prague. Tourists may be interested in line P5, which connects Císařská louka Island with both banks of the river.
Prague public transport map
Given that Prague’s public transport system includes hundreds of lines of various means of transport, it is practically impossible to display them all on one map. You can download maps of various types at this link.
Prague public transport timetable
Prague public transport operates 24 hours a day, but with limited service at night. It is best to search for timetables using an app that will offer you reliable and up-to-date connections, including delays.
Prague public transport at night
At night, buses and trams in Prague run with different numbers and routes and, of course, longer intervals. The metro does not run overnight (from midnight to 4:30 a.m.).
Otherwise, night lines operate in exactly the same way as other lines.
Prague Airport to City Center by public transport
Prague Airport is connected to the public transport system, making it easy to travel to any location in Prague.
Two main lines serve both airport terminals:
- Trolleybus 59 (connected to metro line A): this trolleybus stops at Terminals 1 and 2 and terminates at the Nádraží Veleslavín metro station on line A. You can continue to the city center by metro.
- Bus 100 (connected to metro line B): this bus connects both terminals with the Zličín metro station on metro line B.
A regular Prague public transport ticket (see above) is valid on both of these lines. There is also a special express line AE, which runs to the Main Railway Station for CZK 200. This line is not very cost-effective, so only use it if you are in a hurry to catch a train.
At night, two lines run to the airport – 907 and 910.
Where can I buy a ticket at the airport?
There are a number of ticket machines at the bus stops where you can buy all types of tickets (see above). You can pay in cash or by card.
After purchasing your ticket, don’t forget to validate it in the validator. The direction of ticket validation is indicated by an arrow on the ticket. Only validate your ticket once (i.e., at the airport); do not validate it again when transferring to other modes of transport!
What is the fastest way to get to the city center?
The fastest way to the city center is definitely by trolleybus no. 59 to the Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, from where you can continue by metro line A to the city center. The metro stops on the Lesser Town side (Hradčanská and Malostranská stations) and also on the other side of the river (Staroměstská, Můstek, and Muzeum stations).
Where do trolleybuses and buses stop at the airport?
Once you leave the arrivals hall, follow the signs for public transport. The first road (directly in front of the arrivals hall) is for taxis, and you will see the bus stop on the second road. The signage is very clear. All buses and trolleybuses stop at Terminals 1 and 2.
