Transfer Options
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the city’s sole international gateway. It consists of Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen) and Terminal 2 (Schengen), which are walking distance from each other.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station) is the primary rail hub. It is centrally located and connected directly to the Metro Line C (Red).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Use CD My Train for the national rail network and Railjet services, but you must download the RegioJet app for any travel on their private yellow train and bus lines.
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Prague Airport)
The official luggage storage is located in the public area of Terminal 2. It is situated in the Departure Hall, specifically in the corner near the Oversize Baggage Counter. The facility is open 24/7.
Receipt Photo
Take a photo of your receipt barcode immediately in case you lose the paper slip; you cannot retrieve your bags without it.
Lockers (Hlavní Nádraží)
Located on Level -2. Features self-service lockers (small/large) and a manned desk for oversized items like bicycles. Note: Lockers are coins-only (CZK), but the manned desk accepts cards.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
Prague Visitor Pass
Provides unlimited public transport (including the Airport Express) and access to 70+ attractions. Prices are approximately 2,500 CZK (48h), 3,100 CZK (72h), or 3,900 CZK (120h).
Transit Passes
For transit only, tickets are valid on trams, buses, and the metro:
- 24-hour pass: 120 CZK
- 72-hour pass: 330 CZK
- Single trip: 30 CZK (30 mins) or 40 CZK (90 mins).
Where to Buy: Tourist Information Centers or Prague Public Transport (DPP) counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Arrivals.
Where to Buy: Tourist Information counters situated in the main hall on the level leading to the Metro Line C entrance.
Seniors (65+): Travel for free on Prague city transport (excluding the AE bus) by showing a valid Passport or ID.
- Use PID Lítačka to buy single tickets (30/90 minutes) or standard 24-hour and 72-hour transit passes.
- Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation, including “best carriage” guidance and precise station exit details.
- NOTE: Online tickets purchased via PID Lítačka must be “activated” in the app 2 minutes before boarding.
The Validation Rule
If you buy a paper ticket, you must insert it into the yellow validation machines to “stamp” it upon entering the metro or boarding a bus/tram. Failure to validate results in heavy fines. Seniors: While free, you must carry your Passport at all times; “showing your face” is not enough for inspectors.
Bus & Metro
Airport Express (AE) Bus
Prague Airport has no direct train link. The Airport Express (AE) bus is the most convenient option, connecting airport to Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) in 40–50 minutes.
- Price: 100–120 CZK.
- Tickets: Purchase directly from the driver (contactless card) or at Public Transport Information desks in Arrivals.
Public Bus & Metro
Alternatively, take Trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A) for 40 CZK, reaching the center in 45 minutes. Local Bus 191 and Bus 100 provide cheaper, slower links to other Metro lines.
Low-Floor Accessibility
All Prague airport buses are “low-floor.” Look for the middle door marked with a wheelchair/stroller icon for the widest entry and level access to luggage racks.
Metro & Tram
The station is directly connected to Metro Line C (Red). A trip from the station to the Old Town takes about 10 minutes.
- Tickets: Use yellow machines in the Metro hall (accepts contactless cards) or the app.
- Validation: Validate paper tickets before descending the escalators.
Platform S vs. J
Departure boards list platforms with a letter, e.g., “4S” or “4J.” S stands for Sever (North) and J for Jih (South). Platform 4 is one long track; ensure you walk to the correct end or you may miss your train.
Rideshare
Uber is the superior choice for seamless airport transfers as the official airport partner with dedicated terminal pickup zones, while Bolt typically offers the lowest fares and integrated e-scooter access for budget-conscious city travel.
Pickup (Václav Havel Airport)
Uber is the official airport taxi partner. Drivers use the dedicated taxi lanes directly in front of Arrivals at Terminal 1 (P1 Express) and Terminal 2 (P2 Express). You can book via the app or at physical kiosks in the Arrivals hall.
Pickup (Hlavní Nádraží)
Set your pickup point to the 'Upper Level' (Wilsonova street). Drivers wait at the K+R (Kiss & Ride) spots in front of the historic Fanta building. Avoid the lower level/parking garage as drivers often get stuck in traffic there.
Official Taxi
Official taxi services are provided by Uber. Book at counters or kiosks for a fixed price (approx. 600–900 CZK). Ignore “freelance” drivers hanging around the exits.
Official taxis (e.g., AAA Taxi, Modrý Anděl) rank outside the main hall near the park.
- Warning: Drivers at the station rank have a reputation for overcharging. It is safer and 30–40% cheaper to order a Bolt or Uber, even if you are standing next to the taxi rank.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs
Avoid blue and yellow Euronet ATMs found at both the Airport and Train Station. They charge exorbitant fees. Use bank-affiliated machines like ČSOB, KB, AirBank, or Česká spořitelna.
Always Choose CZK
When paying by card or withdrawing cash, always choose to be charged in Local Currency (CZK). Choosing your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion) allows the bank to set a poor exchange rate, costing you 5–10% extra.
Accessibility
Airport: Book Assistance Service through your airline 48 hours in advance.
Train Station: Fully barrier-free. Elevators connect all levels (-2 to 0). Platforms 1–7 are accessible via elevators from the underpasses. Visit the ČD Center on Level -2 for boarding assistance.
Cobblestones
While the airport and station are modern, Prague’s Old Town is paved with rough cobblestones. Ensure your hotel has an elevator and that your taxi can drop you at the front door if you have limited mobility.
Safety
- Exchange Scam: Never exchange money with individuals approaching you in terminals. They often pass counterfeit notes or out-of-circulation currency.
- “Sherwood” Park: The park outside the Train Station (Vrchlického sady) can be seedy at night. Avoid it if traveling alone.
- Petition/Donation Scam: Be wary of people asking you to sign petitions for charities; they will aggressively demand cash donations afterwards.
- The “Helping Hand”: At the train station, decline offers from strangers to carry your bags or help with ticket machines; they will demand a “tip” for the service.
Transfer Options
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the city’s sole international gateway. It consists of Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen) and Terminal 2 (Schengen), which are walking distance from each other.
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station) is the primary rail hub. It is centrally located and connected directly to the Metro Line C (Red).
Official Resources
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Use CD My Train for the national rail network and Railjet services, but you must download the RegioJet app for any travel on their private yellow train and bus lines.
Luggage Storage
Lockers (Prague Airport)
The official luggage storage is located in the public area of Terminal 2. It is situated in the Departure Hall, specifically in the corner near the Oversize Baggage Counter. The facility is open 24/7.
Receipt Photo
Take a photo of your receipt barcode immediately in case you lose the paper slip; you cannot retrieve your bags without it.
Lockers (Hlavní Nádraží)
Located on Level -2. Features self-service lockers (small/large) and a manned desk for oversized items like bicycles. Note: Lockers are coins-only (CZK), but the manned desk accepts cards.
Visitor Cards & Transit Passes
Prague Visitor Pass
Provides unlimited public transport (including the Airport Express) and access to 70+ attractions. Prices are approximately 2,500 CZK (48h), 3,100 CZK (72h), or 3,900 CZK (120h).
Transit Passes
For transit only, tickets are valid on trams, buses, and the metro:
- 24-hour pass: 120 CZK
- 72-hour pass: 330 CZK
- Single trip: 30 CZK (30 mins) or 40 CZK (90 mins).
Where to Buy: Tourist Information Centers or Prague Public Transport (DPP) counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Arrivals.
Where to Buy: Tourist Information counters situated in the main hall on the level leading to the Metro Line C entrance.
Seniors (65+): Travel for free on Prague city transport (excluding the AE bus) by showing a valid Passport or ID.
- Use PID Lítačka to buy single tickets (30/90 minutes) or standard 24-hour and 72-hour transit passes.
- Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation, including “best carriage” guidance and precise station exit details.
- NOTE: Online tickets purchased via PID Lítačka must be “activated” in the app 2 minutes before boarding.
The Validation Rule
If you buy a paper ticket, you must insert it into the yellow validation machines to “stamp” it upon entering the metro or boarding a bus/tram. Failure to validate results in heavy fines. Seniors: While free, you must carry your Passport at all times; “showing your face” is not enough for inspectors.
Bus & Metro
Airport Express (AE) Bus
Prague Airport has no direct train link. The Airport Express (AE) bus is the most convenient option, connecting airport to Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) in 40–50 minutes.
- Price: 100–120 CZK.
- Tickets: Purchase directly from the driver (contactless card) or at Public Transport Information desks in Arrivals.
Public Bus & Metro
Alternatively, take Trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A) for 40 CZK, reaching the center in 45 minutes. Local Bus 191 and Bus 100 provide cheaper, slower links to other Metro lines.
Low-Floor Accessibility
All Prague airport buses are “low-floor.” Look for the middle door marked with a wheelchair/stroller icon for the widest entry and level access to luggage racks.
Metro & Tram
The station is directly connected to Metro Line C (Red). A trip from the station to the Old Town takes about 10 minutes.
- Tickets: Use yellow machines in the Metro hall (accepts contactless cards) or the app.
- Validation: Validate paper tickets before descending the escalators.
Platform S vs. J
Departure boards list platforms with a letter, e.g., “4S” or “4J.” S stands for Sever (North) and J for Jih (South). Platform 4 is one long track; ensure you walk to the correct end or you may miss your train.
Arrival Time
For international flights outside the Schengen zone (USA, Canada, Asia), arrive 3 hours prior to departure. Terminal 1 handles non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 handles Schengen (European) flights.
For domestic and Schengen trains (Vienna, Berlin, Budapest), arrive 20–30 minutes before departure. Platform numbers are usually announced only 10–15 minutes before the train arrives.
Check-in & Boarding
Self-service kiosks are available for most major airlines. If you require human assistance, look for the counters marked with your airline’s logo.
There is no formal check-in procedure. You walk directly from the concourse to your platform.
- Boarding: Most trains use high platforms, but some older regional trains may have 2-3 steep steps. If you have limited mobility, wait near the conductor (usually in the middle of the train) for help.
Terminal Confusion (Airport)
Double-check your terminal! Terminal 1 is for flights to the UK, North America, and Asia. Terminal 2 is for flights within the EU (Schengen). They are connected by a 5-minute indoor walkway, but rushing between them with heavy bags can be stressful if you arrive at the wrong one.
Security & Screening
Prague utilizes standard EU security protocols. Liquids must be in containers under 100ml and stored in a clear 1-liter bag.
There is no security screening or X-ray for trains departing Prague.
- Ticket Check: Your ticket will be checked by a conductor on the train after it departs.
The Gate Security Quirk (Airport)
In Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen), security screening sometimes happens at the individual gate rather than at a central checkpoint. This means there are fewer shops and toilets available after you clear security. Use the facilities in the main departure lounge before heading to your gate.
The 2-Minute App Window (Trains)
If you buy a ticket on the PID Lítačka app for a suburban train, you must click “Activate” at least 2 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure. If you activate it as the inspector walks by, it will show as “Not Yet Valid,” and you will be fined.
VAT Refunds (Airport Only)
Process
If you are a non-EU resident, you can claim a VAT refund on purchases over 2,001 CZK. Look for the Customs desk to get your forms stamped before you check your luggage.
Digital Validation
Prague uses the Global Blue and Planet systems. You must show your unused goods, original receipts, and passport to the Customs officer. Only after getting the physical stamp can you proceed to the “Cash Refund” or “Tax Refund” desks to receive your money.
Accessibility
Airport: Book Assistance Service through your airline 48 hours in advance.
Train Station: Fully barrier-free. Elevators connect all levels (-2 to 0). Platforms 1–7 are accessible via elevators from the underpasses. Visit the ČD Center on Level -2 for boarding assistance.
Cobblestones
While the airport and station are modern, Prague’s Old Town is paved with rough cobblestones. Ensure your hotel has an elevator and that your taxi can drop you at the front door if you have limited mobility.
Safety
- Exchange Scam: Never exchange money with individuals approaching you in terminals. They often pass counterfeit notes or out-of-circulation currency.
- “Sherwood” Park: The park outside the Train Station (Vrchlického sady) can be seedy at night. Avoid it if traveling alone.
- Petition/Donation Scam: Be wary of people asking you to sign petitions for charities; they will aggressively demand cash donations afterwards.
- The “Helping Hand”: At the train station, decline offers from strangers to carry your bags or help with ticket machines; they will demand a “tip” for the service.