How to Get Around in Prague: Walking, Transport, and More
How is it that I could happily board a plane alone at 18, but the thought of navigating public transport in a new city made me break into a sweat?
The irony still cracks me up. On that first solo trip to Prague, I even hopped on a tram without paying because I couldn’t figure out where tickets came from.
And to make it worse, I’d booked a hostel so far out of the centre it may as well have been in another time zone.
Would I make those rookie mistakes now? Absolutely not.
This is the guide I wish I’d had back then: everything you need to know about how to get around in Prague without the confusion, the fines, or the impromptu cardio to make your Beer Spa booking.
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Walking Around Prague
When we visited in April, we mostly got around on foot and only used public transport when we needed to cross from one side of the city to the other.
The centre is compact, so you can cover a lot in a short amount of time, and by wandering around we ended up finding some of the nicest little coffee shops tucked away on quiet streets.
The cobblestones can be brutal though, especially if you’re in flimsy shoes. And if you’re heading through Mala Strana or making the climb up to the castle, it’s definitely a bit of a workout.
A free walking tour is a solid way to get your bearings at the start of a trip, but Prague really rewards a bit of aimless wandering.
Public Transport In Prague
Prague’s transport system is straightforward once you know how it works. The city is covered by trams, buses, and the metro, and all of them use the same tickets. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what’s what:
| How to Buy Tickets | Notable Info | |
| Metro | Buy via PID Lítačka app, machines at metro stations, or Public Transport Information Centres | Three lines (A = green, B = yellow, C = red). Runs daily 5:00–24:00. Trains every 2–10 mins. Fastest for long distances. |
| Trams | Machines at tram stops, onboard machines (contactless only), or via the app | Day trams run 5:00–00:30, Night trams 00:30–5:00. Scenic routes include Tram 9 (Wenceslas Square), Tram 17 (along the river), and Trams 22/23 (to Prague Castle). |
| Buses | Machines at bus stops, onboard machines (contactless), directly from the driver (for a surcharge), or via the app | Mostly serve outer areas and the airport. Standard tickets valid across bus, tram, and metro. Night buses run 00:30–4:30. |
Tickets and Validation
So how do you buy a ticket for the tram in Prague? Or the bus or metro? It’s super simple!
Tickets in Prague aren’t sold per ride, they’re timed. The options are:
30 minutes: 30 CZK
90 minutes: 40 CZK
24 hours: 120 CZK
72 hours: 330 CZK
1 month: 1000 CZK
Kids under 15 and anyone 65 or older travel free, as long as they’ve got ID with them.
If you pay by contactless onboard, your ticket is validated automatically. Just make sure you get on through the door with the little contactless symbol, as that’s where the payment machines are.
If you’re using a paper ticket, you must validate it by popping it into the yellow machine inside the tram, bus, or at the entrance to the metro.
Always do this at the start of your journey. It is one of the most common mistakes tourists make in Prague.
Inspectors don’t wear uniforms, so you won’t see them coming, and fines are around 1,500 CZK if you’re caught without a valid ticket.
That’s a lot of souvenir money to lose over a simple mistake.
Flying visit? We cover how to see Prague in 1 day in this post!
Is There Uber In Prague?
Yep, Uber works in Prague, but most locals and travellers will tell you that Bolt is usually the better bet. It’s often cheaper, and in our experience the cars tend to turn up a bit quicker too.
That said, it’s always worth opening both apps and comparing before you book — sometimes Uber sneaks in with the better deal.
If you’d rather use a regular taxi instead of a rideshare app, just make sure it’s a licensed one.
Official taxis are clearly marked, so don’t hop into any random car that claims to be a taxi at the curb.
Prague Visitor Pass
If you’re planning to pack a lot into a short trip, the Prague Visitor Pass can be excellent value.
It covers unlimited use of the metro, trams, and buses, plus extras like a river cruise, the hop-on hop-off vintage tram, and entry to some of Prague’s biggest attractions.
The 72-hour pass is usually the most cost effective. If you follow their suggested itinerary, you’ll save around 2,700 CZK compared to buying everything separately. We have a 3 day Prague itinerary you could follow alongside this!
If you’re visiting for just two days, the 48-hour pass can work really well too. Pair it with our 2 day Prague itinerary and you’ll be able to squeeze in a lot without worrying about ticket costs.
Fun Ways of Getting Around Prague
Public transport will cover almost everything you need, but Prague has a few playful ways of getting around that will help you see everything that Prague is famous for.
These extras aren’t for everyone, but there’s nothing wrong with loving a novelty. Callum is a total sucker for them, and they do make a trip more fun.
The hop-on hop-off bus is a classic sightseeing option. It loops around the major landmarks and you can hop off whenever something catches your eye.
It’s not the quickest way to get across the city, but it’s a relaxed way to see a lot without having to think too hard about where you’re going.
The hop-on hop-off vintage tram is a bit special. Climbing aboard one of the old trams feels like stepping back in time, and it’s a fun way to pass some of the big-name sights.
There’s also the vintage car tour around Prague! This is a lot more expensive, but definitely unique.
A sightseeing cruise on the Vltava River is another good one. It’s a chance to put your feet up while you float past Prague’s skyline, and it’s especially nice in the evening when the lights come on.
If you’d rather stay on land, there are plenty of e-bike tours around the city. They’re a fun way to zip between neighbourhoods if your legs need a break from all the cobblestones.
Getting from Prague Airport to the City Centre
After landing in Prague, you’ve got a few different ways to reach the centre.
The cheapest option is to hop on trolleybus 59, which takes you to Nádraží Veleslavín where you can switch to the green metro line and ride straight into the city. A 90-minute public transport ticket will be fine for this.
Another popular choice is the Airport Express (AE) bus, which goes direct to Hlavní nádraží, the main train station right in the centre, and costs 100CZK. You can pay the driver directly.
If you’re travelling with a group, carrying heavy bags, or just want the easiest door-to-door option, Bolt and Uber both work well from the airport. They’ll drop you right at your hotel, and prices are usually good value if you’re sharing.
One thing to avoid is the “taxi” drivers hanging around inside the terminal. Stick to official apps or public transport and you’ll be fine.
We’ve covered all of this in much more detail, including exact ticket prices and timings, in our full guide to getting from Prague Airport to the city centre.
Train and Coach Travel in Prague
Prague is well connected if you’re planning to explore beyond the city. The main railway station, Praha hlavní nádraží, is right by Wenceslas Square and links to towns across Czechia and further into Europe.
There’s also Praha-Holešovice Station, just outside the centre, which handles some regional and international routes.
For buses, head to Florenc Bus Station, about a 10–15 minute walk from the Old Town. This is where we caught the coach for our day trip to Český Krumlov, and it’s also the departure point for plenty of other popular routes.
Both trains and coaches are reliable, affordable, and easy to book online or at the station, with English-friendly ticket machines available.
FAQs About Transport in Prague
Are trams free in Prague?
Not usually. They’re only free if you’re under 15 or over 65, and you’ll need to carry ID to prove it. Everyone else needs a valid ticket, and inspectors do check.
Is $100 a day enough for Prague?
It definitely is for most travellers. Public transport is cheap, meals don’t break the bank, and you’ll spend a lot of time walking between sights anyway.
You’d only really blow past that budget if you’re splashing out on fancy dinners or cramming in loads of paid attractions.
How much is the hop-on hop-off in Prague?
A one-day ticket is usually around 500-600CZK.
It’s a nice, relaxed way to sightsee, but regular trams go past most of the same places for a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Prague is straightforward, affordable, and often part of the fun.
Between walking, hopping on a tram, or grabbing a quick Bolt, you’ll have no trouble exploring the city.
Just don’t forget to validate your ticket and wear good shoes, and you’re all set.
