Arrival and Getting into Town

Public Transport in the City

• Metro, trams, and buses: All part of Prague’s integrated public transport system. Standard time-based tickets valid for up to 30 minutes allow transfers. Day passes and 72-hour tickets offer better value.
• Buying and validating tickets: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, convenience stores, or via mobile apps. Paper tickets must be validated in the yellow stamping machines on board; failure to validate is treated as fare evasion.
• Lítačka: Prague’s transport card, available for purchase and direct use via the mobile app.

Travel Between Cities

• Prague – Kutná Hora: Around 1 hour by train, frequent departures.
• Prague – Český Krumlov: Around 3 hours by long-distance bus; slower and requires transfers by train.
• Prague – Brno: Around 2.5 hours by train.
• Prague – Karlovy Vary: Around 2 hours 15 minutes by bus, around 3 hours by train.

Long-Distance Buses and Trains

RegioJet and FlixBus cover major Czech cities and cross-border routes. Tickets can be booked on their websites or apps, with comfortable seating and frequent discounted fares. České dráhy (ČD), the national railway operator, has an extensive rail network; check schedules and connections in advance on its official website for intercity trips.

Tips

• Prague’s Old Town has many cobblestone streets, making travel with rolling suitcases easier than with hard-shell luggage on uneven surfaces.
• Night trams and night buses serve the city, so you don’t have to rely solely on taxis for late-night travel.
• Carry your passport when taking international trains, as border checks may occur.

Car Rental and Driving

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore the castle towns of South Bohemia and Moravia. Czech law requires a valid driver’s license, and an International Driving Permit is recommended. Drive on the right, with city speed limits of 50 km/h, 90 km/h on rural roads, and highways requiring a digital vignette (available online or at gas stations). Parking in Prague’s Old Town is limited and expensive; it’s better to park in a peripheral Park & Ride lot and take the metro into the city.

Airport and Last Buses

Václav Havel Airport Prague is about 15 km from the city center. Late arrivals can take night buses or use Bolt for a taxi ride. Most tram and metro lines finish service around midnight, but night trams cover key areas—so you won’t necessarily need a taxi for late travel. Prague’s main train station is directly connected to the metro, making transfers very convenient.