The Ultimate Guide to Prague Public Transport

Prague is a city best explored using its world-class public transport system. Whether you're a local commuter or a first-time visitor, getting around the Czech capital is easy, affordable, and efficient. The city's transport network is consistently ranked among the best in Europe, offering a seamless blend of metro, trams, buses, and even ferries. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from the history of Prague's public transport to ticketing, night connections, and future developments.

Brief History of Prague Public Transport

Public transport in Prague has a long and fascinating history. The first horse-drawn tram appeared in 1875, offering a rudimentary but effective way to navigate the city. By 1891, electric trams began replacing horse-drawn versions, revolutionizing urban transport. The Prague Metro, which now forms the backbone of the city's transport system, was introduced in 1974 and has since expanded into three well-connected lines. Over the decades, Prague has continuously modernized its public transport system, ensuring it remains reliable, eco-friendly, and accessible to all.

The Prague Public Transport System: What's Included?

The city's public transport network consists of multiple interconnected modes, all operating under the Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system:

• Metro: 3 lines (A - Green, B - Yellow, C - Red) covering the entire city.

• Trams: 26 daytime lines, plus 9 night trams for late travelers.

• Buses: 125 daytime bus routes with additional night services.

• Funicular: A scenic 3-stop railway connecting the Lesser Town to Petřín Hill. (The Petřín funicular is currently out of service due to maintenance.)

• Ferries: Small passenger ferries operating on the Vltava River.

• Trains: Some suburban trains operate within the city and can be used with PID tickets.

Operating Hours

The Prague public transport system runs from approximately 4:50 AM to 12:20 AM. Night transport operates on a reduced scale, with night tram lines and special night buses ensuring continued connectivity.

Tickets and Pricing: How to Buy and Use

One of the best aspects of Prague's transport system is its unified ticketing. The same ticket can be used across all modes of transport, except for certain intercity trains and buses.

Ticket Prices (2025 Rates):

• 30-minute ticket: 30 CZK

• 90-minute ticket: 40 CZK

• 24-hour ticket: 120 CZK

• 72-hour ticket: 330 CZK

Long-Term Passes:

• Monthly pass: 550 CZK

• Quarterly pass: 1,480 CZK

• Annual pass: 3,650 CZK

Passenger Discounts:

• Children (6-15 years) and Seniors (60-65 years): Half-price tickets (with valid ID).

• Children under 6 and Seniors over 65: Travel for free.

• Students (18-26) can use a discount on long-term passes.

Where to Buy Tickets:

• Ticket machines at metro stations and tram stops.

• Newsstands and convenience stores.

• Onboard some trams and buses (cashless payments only).

• Lítačka (the official app for Prague Public Transport – download links are at the end of this post).

Validating Your Ticket

Before starting your journey, be sure to validate your paper ticket at the yellow stamping machines found in metro stations, trams, and buses. Make sure to insert the ticket exactly where the arrow indicates — validating it elsewhere on the ticket is considered invalid, and inspectors may treat it as if it hasn't been stamped at all. Failure to validate properly can result in hefty fines if caught. 

Night Transport: Getting Around After Midnight

If you're out late in Prague, you can still rely on public transport. Night trams and buses run at 30-minute intervals between midnight and 5 AM. The main night tram lines (91–99) ensure that most of the city remains accessible.

Alternative Transport Options

Taxis

Liftago is a trusted local taxi app that works with licensed, professional drivers and is highly recommended for getting around Prague. Other popular ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are also widely used. While the reputation of traditional Prague taxis has improved over the years, issues with overcharging tourists have occasionally been reported. If you choose to take a street taxi, it's always best to agree on the price with the driver in advance. Most taxis accept both cash and card payments.

E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Prague has embraced micromobility, with services like Lime and Rekola providing rental e-scooters and e-bikes throughout the city. These are ideal for short distances and exploring scenic parts of the city.

Getting to and from the Airport

Václav Havel Airport is well-connected to the city center:

• Airport Express Bus (AE): Direct service to the Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží).

• Trolleybus 59: Links the airport to Metro Line A (Nádraží Veleslavín station).

• Bus 100: Connects to Metro Line B (Zličín station).

• Taxi or Rideshare: A ride to the city center typically costs around 600-800 CZK.

Future of Prague Public Transport

Big changes are coming! Prague is investing in a massive £6.1 billion revamp of its railway system, including a new underground train hub. New metro line D is also under construction, aiming to further improve urban mobility by 2029.

The Local Experience 

Prague's public transport system is not just a means of getting around—it's part of the city's charm. Whether you're riding a historic tram through the Old Town, taking in views from the Petřín funicular, or catching a ferry across the Vltava, the city's transport network makes exploration effortless and enjoyable.