Getting Around Prague
From one of Europe's oldest tram networks to a funicular railway up Petřín Hill — everything you need to navigate the city with confidence.
PID Lítačka App
The official app of Pražská integrovaná doprava (Prague Integrated Transport) is the single most useful tool for getting around the city. Download it before you arrive — it's free and available in English.
- Buy single tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes directly on your phone
- Plan journeys across all transport modes with real-time departures
- The 90-minute transfer ticket and monthly e-passes are cheapest bought in the app — not at machines
- The Airport Express (AE) ticket can be bought and validated directly in the app
- Validate your ticket on screen when you board — no paper or tapping required
App-only ticket types
90-minute ticket
Unlimited transfers within 90 minutes
24 / 72-hour passes
Unlimited travel for visitors
30-day e-passes
For longer stays and commuters
Airport Express (AE)
Direct bus ticket to Hlavní nádraží
Search PID Lítačka on the App Store / Google Play
Public Transport
PID (Pražská integrovaná doprava) operates all public transport in the city. A single ticket covers unlimited transfers within its time window on any mode — use the PID Lítačka app or buy at station machines and newsagents.
Metro
Three lines, fast and frequent — the backbone of the network
Green Line
Nemocnice Motol → Depo Hostivař
Runs beneath the historic centre, serving Malostranská (for Prague Castle), Staroměstská (Old Town), Můstek, and Náměstí Míru. The most useful line for sightseeing.
Yellow Line
Zličín → Černý Most
The east–west spine, connecting Anděl, Národní třída, Náměstí Republiky, and Florenc. Serves the airport bus interchange at Zličín.
Red Line
Letňany → Háje
Prague's oldest metro line (opened 1974), running north–south through Hlavní nádraží (main railway station), Muzeum, Vyšehrad, and Pankrác.
Trams
One of the world's oldest and most extensive tram networks — a sightseeing tool in its own right
The Castle Trams
The single most scenic route in the city — climbing from the National Theatre through Malostranská, past Prague Castle, and on to Pohořelec. Standing room only in summer, and worth every minute.
The Riverside Line
Runs alongside the Vltava for much of its route, connecting Výtoň, the Náplavka embankment, and Holešovice. A relaxed alternative to the metro with river views.
Overnight Network
While the metro sleeps (roughly midnight–05:00), a dedicated night tram network keeps the city connected, converging at Lazarská in the New Town.
Cross-City Line
One of the busiest daytime routes, linking Žižkov and Smíchov via Wenceslas Square and the National Theatre — a reliable way to cross the city without the metro.
Prague's trams have run electrically since 1891, making it one of the oldest continuously operating networks in Europe. All use the same PID tickets and passes. Modern low-floor trams are wheelchair accessible; some historic rolling stock still runs on quieter routes.
Buses
Covers every corner of the city, especially where trams and metro don't reach
Daytime buses
The bus network fills the gaps in the outer districts and hillier parts of the city where trams can't run. Numbered routes run standard hours (roughly 04:30–24:00).
Night buses
Night buses take over from the metro after midnight, running similar corridors through the small hours. All use the same PID ticket — your day pass covers night buses too.
Airport feeder buses
Bus 119 links the airport to Nádraží Veleslavín (metro A) and bus 100 links it to Zličín (metro B) — cheap, frequent alternatives to the direct Airport Express.
Trolleybus
Electric buses on overhead wires — a modern revival of a historic mode
Prague's trolleybus network was phased out in 1972 but reintroduced in 2017, and has been steadily expanding ever since. Routes currently serve select corridors including Palmovka and areas of the outer city, powered by overhead wires with zero local emissions — some of the city's quietest and most pleasant vehicles.
A growing network
New trolleybus routes have been added most years since the 2017 relaunch, with more planned as part of Prague's clean-transport strategy. Check the PID app for current routes.
Same tickets, same rules
Standard PID tickets and passes cover all trolleybuses. Validate on board just as you would on a regular bus.
Esko — Suburban Rail
S-Bahn-style trains connecting Prague with the surrounding region
Esko Praha is the suburban rail network integrated into the PID system, reaching towns well beyond the city boundary. Within Prague zones, your standard PID ticket covers the journey — travelling further out requires a ticket covering additional zones, priced by distance.
S7 — Kralupy Line
Masarykovo nádraží → Kralupy nad Vltavou
Runs northwest along the Vltava valley. A useful and scenic link for day trips towards Mělník.
S9 — Beroun Line
Hlavní nádraží → Beroun
Heads southwest through the Berounka valley, popular with hikers heading for the Bohemian Karst.
S65 — Airport Line
Hlavní nádraží → Kladno
A newer line via Veleslavín, useful for reaching the western suburbs and connecting towns.
S1 / S2 — Core City Lines
Various central routings
The busiest Esko lines, mostly used by commuters travelling within Greater Prague rather than tourists.
S49 — Neratovice Line
Masarykovo nádraží → Neratovice
Runs north along the river, primarily serving commuter towns rather than sightseeing.
River Ferry (PID Přívoz)
Travel the Vltava — practical transport with spectacular views
PID operates a network of small seasonal ferries across and along the Vltava, making it both a practical way to travel and one of the loveliest ways to see the city from the water. The service is fully integrated with the PID network — your standard pass covers it.
P1 — Central Crossing
The most popular ferry, crossing the Vltava near Výtoň and the Náplavka embankment, connecting to Podolí on the opposite bank. A pleasant, practical alternative to the nearest bridge.
P5 / P7 — Northern Crossings
Seasonal services connecting Troja (near Prague Zoo) and the northern riverbanks. Primarily used by cyclists and locals rather than the main tourist routes — check PID timetables as schedules are limited.
Airport Express — AE
Direct service between Václav Havel Airport Prague and the city centre
The Route
The AE is a direct bus running between Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) and Hlavní nádraží, the main railway station in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
It runs daily from early morning until late evening — roughly every 30 minutes.
Tickets & Pricing
The AE requires a dedicated ticket — your regular PID single ticket or day pass does not cover it. You can buy it at the airport, from the driver, or in the PID Lítačka app.
Funicular — Petřín Lanovka
A hidden gem above Malá Strana — transport that doubles as an attraction
The Petřín Lanovka (funicular railway) is one of Prague's most underrated experiences. Running since 1891, it carries passengers from Újezd, near the base of Petřín Hill, up to the summit in around 10 minutes, climbing through orchards and gardens with sweeping views over the Lesser Quarter and Prague Castle.
It's genuine functioning public transport, fully integrated into the PID network, not a separate tourist ride. At the top you'll find the Petřín Lookout Tower (Petřínská rozhledna), a mini Eiffel Tower replica offering a 360° panorama of Prague and, on very clear days, the distant peaks of Central Bohemia.
The funicular has an intermediate stop at Nebozízek, home to a popular restaurant terrace with castle views — a favourite spot to break the journey.
Practical Information
Getting there
The lower station at Újezd is a short walk from Malostranská or reachable directly by trams 9, 12, 15, 20, and 22.
Combination trip
Walk down through Petřín's rose gardens and orchards instead of riding back, emerging near the Strahov Monastery or Hunger Wall.
Hours
Generally operates 09:00–20:00 (extended in summer, shorter in winter). Always check ahead as hours change seasonally.
Same ticket
Covered by standard PID tickets and passes — no separate fare required, unlike many funiculars elsewhere in Europe.
Taxis & Ride Apps
Prague has legitimate, affordable taxis — but also a long-standing problem with unlicensed drivers charging tourists many times the correct fare. Here's how to stay safe.
The safest option: always book via app
Bolt (most popular), Uber, and Liftago (a Czech-founded app) all operate in Prague. The fare is fixed or estimated before you get in, tracked by GPS, and paid by card — no cash, no surprises, no negotiation.
🚖 Trusted Licensed Companies
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Bolt
App-based. Transparent upfront pricing. English app. Most widely used.
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Uber
App-based, fixed or estimated fare, card payment. Widely available.
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Liftago
Czech-founded app. Dispatches licensed Prague taxis with transparent pricing.
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AAA Radiotaxi
+420 222 333 222. One of Prague's largest licensed taxi companies. Reliable metered fares.
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ProfiTaxi
+420 844 700 800. Licensed, metered. Phone or app booking available.
🔍 How to Spot a Legitimate Taxi
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Roof sign & company branding
Licensed Prague taxis display an illuminated roof sign with the company name and a registration number on the doors.
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Price sticker on the window
Czech law requires every licensed taxi to display a sticker showing the price per kilometre and starting fare. No sticker is a red flag.
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Working meter
A licensed taxi will always start the meter when you set off — insist on it before the car moves.
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Driver ID
A photo ID card must be displayed on the dashboard by law.
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Receipt
You are legally entitled to a receipt (paragon or účtenka). Ask for one.
Common Taxi Scams to Avoid
Touts at the airport or station
Men approaching you in arrivals or at Hlavní nádraží offering rides are almost always unlicensed. Walk to the official taxi rank, or pre-book via Bolt.
Unmarked cars near nightlife spots
Drivers hanging around Wenceslas Square or Old Town bars late at night are frequently unlicensed. Insist on using an app.
"Broken" meter trick
A meter that's "not working" means you'll be quoted an arbitrary price at the end. Leave immediately.
Denomination confusion
You hand over a 2,000 CZK note; the driver claims you gave 200 CZK. State the denomination clearly when paying cash.
Detour routes
Dishonest drivers take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare. Track your journey on Google Maps independently.
Hotel taxi touts
Some hotel staff earn commission from unlicensed taxis. Always book your own via app.
If overcharged, report it to the Prague City Hall Transport Department or note the licence plate and company name and file a complaint via the PID app.
Approximate Fare Guide (licensed metered taxi, 2025)
Airport → City Centre
~650–850 CZK
€26–€34
Cross-city journey
~250–500 CZK
€10–€20
Short city hop
~120–220 CZK
€5–€9
Base fare (flag fall)
~60–90 CZK
~€3
App-based rides (Bolt, Uber, Liftago) are often 10–20% cheaper than metered taxis for the same journey. If you're quoted substantially more than these ranges, walk away.
Bikes & Scooters
Prague has expanding cycle lanes along the Vltava, through Stromovka Park, and across many inner districts. Bikes and scooters are a fast, enjoyable way to cover short to medium distances — though the city's hills are worth bearing in mind.
Rekola
City Bike Share
A Czech-founded bike share with docking stations across the inner city, particularly strong along the riverside and in the flatter parts of town. Registered users can take short rides very affordably.
Lime
Electric Scooters & Bikes
Lime operates electric scooters and e-bikes across central Prague. Unlock via the Lime app — widely available in the historic centre and inner districts. Pay per minute or use a day pass.
Bolt Scooters
Electric Scooters
Bolt (the same company as the ride-hailing app) operates a large fleet of electric scooters across the city. Often the cheapest per-minute rate. Unlock via the Bolt app — same account as taxi bookings.
Cycling infrastructure in Prague continues to improve, though the hilly terrain around Petřín and the Castle district means an e-bike or scooter is often more practical than a standard bike. The riverside path along the Vltava is largely cycle-separated and one of the most pleasant routes in the city. Helmets are not legally required for adults but are strongly recommended for scooters.
Car Sharing & Car Rental
Driving in central Prague is not recommended for visitors — parking is scarce, tightly zoned, and much of the historic centre is heavily restricted. But for day trips or reaching the suburbs, these options cover you.
Car Sharing
Car sharing (short-term self-drive rental, by the hour or minute) operates across Prague. All vehicles are booked via app — no paperwork at a counter.
Pre-registration required: All car-share services require you to create an account, upload your driving licence, and verify your identity before your first trip. This process can take a few hours to a day to approve — register in advance, not when you need the car.
Anytime
anytime.cz →A popular free-floating car-share service with a large fleet across Prague. Book, unlock, drive, and park anywhere within the service zone. No reservation needed. Pay per kilometre and minute, or use time packages.
Autonapůl
autonapul.cz →One of the Czech Republic's original car-sharing cooperatives, with a growing fleet in Prague. Book via app, pick up from designated spots — good for planned trips rather than spontaneous ones.
Bolt Drive
bolt.eu →Bolt's car-sharing arm operates in Prague alongside its ride-hailing and scooter services. Book, unlock, and drive via the same Bolt app used for taxis, with flexible per-minute pricing.
Car Rental
Traditional car hire (day rental) is available at Václav Havel Airport and at locations in the city. Useful for multi-day trips to Český Krumlov, the Bohemian countryside, or further afield. Book in advance online for better rates.