Prague has an excellent integrated transport system which, as well as providing an extensive network of bus and tram routes, also has a fast, modern metro. Travelers from the West and USA will be surprised and happy at how cheap it is.
Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, has one of the best and the most convenient public transportation systems in Europe. Two-thirds of Prague’s population and many tourists as well use the metro, trams and buses that cover the majority of the city and outskirts. Public transport in Prague is also safe and reliable.
If you are planning to fly to Prague, you will probably want to know how to get to your destination from the airport. The Prague Ruzyne airport is easily accessible by both taxis and public transportation. Prague Ruzyne airport is currently the bigest international airport in the Czech Republic, situated just about 10 kilometers northwest from the center of Prague. Many Prague hotels include free transport to the hotel.
The transportation from the airport is provided by:
* Buses of the city public transport:
Line No. 119 to the Dejvická Metro Station
Line No.100 to the Zličín Metro Station
Line No. 179 to the Nové Butovice Metro Station that stops at Divoká Šárka first
* There is also special line AE (also disabled access available) – Airport Express to Dejvická and the Holešovice Railway
Station (operation 5.00 – 22.00, traffic interval 30 minutes)
The centre of Prague is relatively small and most of the sights are accessible on foot. It is recommended not to drive to the centre as you might encounter heavy traffic, jams and shortage of parking places. Most city sights and tourist attractions have convenient location within the city and you can easily get there on a foot or by using the cheap public transport (metro, tram and buses). It’s advisable to have map for getting around without a hassle.
A Prague public transport permits travel on all trams, buses and the metro, plus allows you to transfer between transport modes. Prague transportation system is very fast, safe and reliable. Trains in metro arrive every 2-10 minutes, buses and trams intervals are around 5-15 minutes during the day. Probably you will get almost anywhere faster than even by a car.
Metro
The Prague Metro network consists of 3 lines designated by letters and differentiated in colors:
* green color (Depo Hostivar station – Dejvicka station)
* yellow color (Cerny most station – Zlicin station)
* red color (Ladvi – Haje station), with possible changes at Muzeum station (lines A and C), Mustek station (lines A and B), Florenc station (lines B and C).
Trams
Daytime trams operate from 4:30 a.m. to midnight. Night trams operate is from midnight to 4:30 a.m. with the interval of 30 minutes by tram numbers 51 to 59 in. You can find tram timetables at the individual stops.
Buses
The daytime and night operation of buses is similar to tram operation. Night buses operate with interval about 40 minutes by bus numbers 501 to 514 and 601 to 604. You will find bus schedules at the individual stops.
When traveling by Prague public transport you must have a valid ticket. Notice that passengers must purchase their tickets before boarding the vehicle or entering the Metro system. The ticket is considered valid only if it is marked in the special validation appliance.
You can buy tickets (transfer, non-transfer or tourist) in the following places:
• at the airport – where you find a dedicated booth with English speaking staff
• at the Information Centers of the Prague Public Transit Company, often in metro stations
• at ticket machines available at all metro stations and many tram stops
• at most good newsagents
• using your mobile phone – via SMS message
If you’re planning to stay in Prague for a few days, it’s good to buy a tourist pass that will help to save money and enable you to use any type of mass transit as many times as you want within the time period for which your pass is valid.
Ticket inspectors of Prague Dopravni podnik have right to check the validity of tickets at any time during travel or stay in the transport vehicles or metro system. The ticket inspector has right to ask the passenger to show valid ticket, to confiscate invalid tickets, and to collect a penalty.
Unfortunately pickpockets and thieves target the Prague transport system. Be careful and aware and do not think you are immune. Try not to carry large sums of money or if you can’t avoid it, store it in an inaccessible pocket.