Top Ways to Navigate Prague

Prague, with a population of 1.3 million, is divided into 10 expansive districts that radiate clockwise from a historic center.

The great news for tourists is that the main attractions are densely packed in a relatively small area along both sides of the Vltava River, complemented by an outstanding public transportation system.

From metros and trams to Uber and bicycles, here’s everything you need to understand about the different transport options and the crucial ticketing system in Prague.

Swiftly cover long distances using the metro

The metro, or subway, is an affordable, efficient, and the fastest way to travel long distances. It conveniently connects both the main train station (Hlavní nádraží) and the bus station (Florenc), as well as providing access to the transfer point (Nádraží Veleslavín) for public buses to and from Prague Airport. The metro operates daily from 5 am to midnight.

Metro Tips: The A line (green) is particularly useful for reaching major attractions. It connects central Wenceslas Square (at Můstek and Muzeum stations) to Old Town Square (Staroměstská) and Malá Strana (Malostranská), bringing visitors within walking distance of Prague Castle (Hradčanská).

Take advantage of the extensive tram network

Prague's extensive tram system reaches every corner of the city, making it ideal for both short and long trips. During busy hours, trams arrive every 4 to 8 minutes (with longer waits in the evenings). Regular service runs from about 5 am to midnight, after which only a limited number of night trams operate. Although the Prague tram map may seem complex at first, mastering a few key routes can save you both time and money.

Tram Tips: Tram 22 offers a scenic journey, passing many of the city's major attractions, including Prague Castle and Malá Strana.

Utilize buses for destinations off the beaten path

Prague boasts a comprehensive bus network, although most routes serve outlying areas that might not interest tourists. Notable exceptions include Bus 119, which connects Prague Airport to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, and Bus 112, which links Nádraží Holešovice metro station to Prague Zoo.

Wander through central Prague on foot

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and get ready for plenty of walking in Prague. Much of the city center, including popular areas like Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Little Quarter), is off-limits to vehicles, making walking the most practical way to explore.

Consider renting a bike

Cycling in Prague can be enjoyable and practical, with city officials gradually expanding a network of bike lanes. However, be aware that the city's busy, narrow roads, cobblestone streets, frequent trams, and crowds of pedestrians can create hazards.

Various companies offer day rentals and short-term bike-sharing options, but locals often prefer to rent pink Rekola bikes from stands throughout the city. Download the app to begin your ride. Single trips start at 35Kč for 30 minutes.

Take a ferry for stunning views

The public transit authority operates several commuter ferries that regularly cross the Vltava River. These ferries are not only convenient but also offer beautiful scenery. Some operate year-round, while others run only from April to October.

Ferry tips: A charming ferry operates year-round, linking the eastern riverbank south of the Old Town at Výtoň (trams 3, 7, 17) to the Císařská louka stop in Smíchov on the west side.

Ride the funicular to reach the summit of Petřín Hill

The Petřín funicular railway ascends to the peak of Petřín Hill, offering picturesque views of the city below. This funicular not only saves visitors from a long, steep ascent but also provides an enjoyable experience, especially for children. The lower station is conveniently located near the Újezd tram stop (trams 9, 12, 20, 22) in Malá Strana.

Consider whether you really need a car

As a tourist, you probably won't need to drive in Prague. The older, central areas are a maze of one-way streets, while the broader roads leading out are often congested. Additionally, many districts restrict street parking to residents, making it challenging to find a legal spot. The best option is to park your vehicle and use public transport instead.

Schedule your taxis and ride-shares in advance

Uber, Bolt, and the local favorite Liftago are popular and affordable ride-share options. For a traditional service, AAA Taxi is reliable. To avoid issues with dishonest drivers, it's advisable to book a ride through an app, by phone, or online instead of hailing one off the street.

Transportation accessibility in Prague

The Prague Public Transit Authority (DPP) has made significant improvements to ensure that metro stations, trams, and buses are more accessible for all travelers, though progress varies. While many metro stations now feature elevators, some still do not. Similarly, while many trams and buses offer level boarding, not all do. Visit the DPP website for English information on barrier-free travel.

Transport tickets and passes

The Prague Public Transit Authority (DPP) manages a cohesive transport network; visit their website for the latest travel updates, including schedules and ticket prices.

You can purchase single-ride tickets for short (30 minutes) or long (90 minutes) durations, as well as one-day and three-day passes. Children under 15 and seniors over 64 can ride for free. All tickets and passes are valid on metros, trams, buses, and ferries, allowing for transfers between different services. A valid one- or three-day travel pass also grants access to the Petřín funicular, or you can buy individual tickets from vending machines at stops for 60Kč ($2.70).

Be sure to validate your tickets at the yellow stamping boxes before you begin your journey. These are located at the top of escalators in metro stations and on trams and buses.

Where to purchase tickets

Tickets and passes can be acquired at self-service machines located in metro stations or at various newspaper kiosks (though not all). These machines accept both cash and debit/credit cards. Additionally, many trams are fitted with automated ticket machines that enable purchases via contactless debit/credit cards.

Tip for purchasing public transport tickets: It’s wise to buy multiple tickets in advance or, even better, opt for a one- or three-day pass.