Prague Airport to City Centre: Quick & Easy Guide (2025)
Worried about getting from Prague Airport to the city centre? It’s not a puzzle, it’s just a bus (or maybe a Bolt).
I got back from Prague less than a week ago, and because it’s all still fresh, I wanted to write this while my brain still remembers which stop is which.
I went with my best friend, and naturally, I was in charge of getting us from the airport to the hotel. So it had to go smoothly—or I’d be demoted to snack duty/luggage handler on all future trips.
While planning, I saw so many people in Facebook groups totally overthinking this journey. So I’m keeping this guide simple and straight to the point—just the options that work, how much they cost, how long they take, and which one’s best depending on your plans (or your jet-lagged ability to function like a normal adult).
How to Get From Prague Airport to the City Centre
There are only a few main ways to get from Prague Airport to the City Centre, and they’re all pretty easy—even if you’ve just landed, can’t figure out what time it is (the RyanAir staff told us the wrong time when landing which threw us all into a panic!), and can’t work out if you’re hangry, exhausted, or somewhere in the middle.
Public Transport – The Budget-Friendly Favourite
If you’re happy to make one change along the way and don’t mind a bit of public transport after a flight, this is the cheapest way to get into the city—and it works surprisingly well.
Here’s what you do: jump on trolleybus 59 from the airport. It takes you to Nádraží Veleslavín, where you’ll switch to the green metro line (Line A). Stay on until Můstek and boom—you’re right in New Town, a short walk from Wenceslas Square. The whole journey takes about an hour, but it’s smooth once you know what to expect.
Now, before you panic at the thought of navigating buses in a new city while sleep-deprived and potentially wearing compression socks, hear me out: it’s really straightforward. The stops are well marked, there’s clear signage in English, and the metro is one of the easiest I’ve used in Europe.
A 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK (that’s around £1.30), and that covers the entire journey—even with the change. You can buy your ticket in a few ways:
- Download the PID Lítačka app (which is very user-friendly),
- Use one of the yellow ticket machines at the airport or in the metro station,
- Or, if you’re hopping on the bus with no time to spare, you can tap your contactless card when you board—as long as you get on through the door marked with the little contactless symbol.
If you go for a paper ticket from a machine, you must validate it before you board. Stick it in the little box next to the doors, or you’ll risk a fine—and no one wants that on day one of the holiday.
My top tip? Use Google Maps for real-time directions. It shows live departure times for both the trolleybus and the metro, tells you exactly which stop to get off at, and generally makes the whole thing feel a lot less stressful. You can even download offline maps if you won’t have data straight away.
I’d recommend the 90-minute ticket just to give yourself a buffer in case there are any delays, or you need a few extra minutes to figure out which side of the platform you’re supposed to be on (we’ve all been there).
If you’re on a tight budget, travelling solo, or just love a bit of metro action, this is the option for you. It’s a bit of a DIY approach, but it works—and once you’ve done it once, it’s a breeze.
Airport Express (AE) – Easy and Direct
If you’ve just landed, your phone’s at 12%, your travel companion is already asking where the nearest food is, and the idea of navigating platforms makes your head hurt—this is the option for you.
The Airport Express (AE) is a direct bus that runs from Prague Airport to Hlavní nádraží, the city’s main train station, right in the centre. From there, you can jump straight onto the metro (Line C), grab a tram, or walk to loads of central hotels. It’s also handy if you’re heading to places like Wenceslas Square or Old Town and just want a no-fuss route in.
This was the option we went for, and it was great. Super easy to find, no connections to worry about, and no moments of “are we even on the right bus?”.
The AE stop is just outside the terminal—it’s about a five-minute walk from arrivals, and the signs are really clear. Just follow the ones marked “Bus AE” and you’ll be fine.
The buses run every 30 minutes, usually leaving on the hour and at half past, so you’re never waiting too long, even if you’ve just missed one. They also go until late, which is ideal if you’re landing in the evening but not quite late-late.
Tickets cost 100 CZK (about £3.30) per person. When the bus arrives, just hop on and let the driver know how many tickets you need—a quick “two tickets please” works fine, or just hold up the right number of fingers if words fail you post-flight.
Then either hand over your cash or tap your card on the big orange contactless machine near the driver. You’ll get a printed ticket for each person, so make sure everyone takes their own—or scoop them all up if your friends have already found a seat and you’re doing the honours.
And that’s it—no ticket machines, no apps, and no need to validate anything. It’s probably the smoothest option if you’re feeling a bit zombified from the flight or just want someone else to do the navigating for a bit.
The ride takes about 30 minutes, give or take, depending on traffic. The buses are comfortable, clean, and easy to spot—they’re branded with “Airport Express,” so you know you’re in the right place. You can stash your luggage in the racks and enjoy a very chill ride into the centre.
If you’re staying somewhere central or near the train station, this is a really solid choice. It’s a bit more expensive than the metro, but still very budget-friendly—and you get to skip all the faffing around with changes and ticket validations.
Bolt / Uber / Taxi – Best for Groups or Late Arrivals
If you’re landing late, travelling with a group, or just can’t face any kind of public transport situation after a flight—this is your best bet. Bolt and Uber both work well in Prague, but Bolt tends to be a bit cheaper and is widely used by locals too.
You can book as soon as you’ve got your bags, and the app will direct you to the correct pickup point just outside the terminal. It’s all clearly marked, and the drivers know the airport routine well, so you won’t be left awkwardly wandering around trying to find each other.
We checked prices live (around 9am, from Terminal 1 to the city centre), and found Bolt Economy for 385 CZK (around £13 for up to 4 people), or Bolt XL for 735 CZK (about £25 for up to 6 people).
Prices will vary depending on time of day and demand, but generally, it’s good value—especially if you’re sharing the cost with friends. If there are two or more of you, it’s often not much more than the AE bus, and you get dropped right at your hotel door without having to carry bags through metro stations or figure out where to change.
The ride into town usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and most of the time you’ll be cruising in something comfy with decent boot space. If you’re carrying loads of luggage or just want to switch off and be delivered straight to your accommodation—this is 100% worth it.
Quick heads up: don’t accept random “taxi” offers from drivers hanging around inside the terminal. Stick with official apps like Bolt or Uber where the price is fixed upfront and you can track your driver.
If you’re travelling with kids, have mobility needs, or just want the easiest possible route in, this is by far the most door-to-door option. You’re paying for the convenience, but when you’re tired, new to the city, or have limited patience left—it’s money well spent.
Arriving Late? Don’t Panic
Landing late at night can make even the simplest journey feel more complicated—especially when you’re tired, your phone’s clinging to its last bit of battery, and you’re just trying to get to the hotel without any drama. The good news is that Prague Airport is easy to navigate, even in the evening, and the options for getting into the city are still reliable.
We arrived pretty late ourselves, and the airport felt calm, well-lit, and straightforward to get around. I’d planned ahead because, let’s be real, trying to figure out public transport at night while half-asleep is not the vibe.
If you’re landing before 11:30 p.m., the Airport Express is still a solid option. Buses run every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the route takes you straight to the main train station without needing to switch or validate anything. It’s ideal if you want something easy, affordable, and still feel in control of the plan.
If it’s later than that, or you just don’t want to think too hard, Bolt is your best bet. The app works 24/7, pickup is simple, and you’ll be on your way to your hotel within minutes of leaving the terminal. No waiting, no platform-hopping, no “are we sure this is our stop?” moments.
For a bit of added security, I kept all the important stuff—passports, phone, money—in a zipped crossbody bag under my coat. I didn’t have any issues, but it made things feel more organised while I was figuring out directions and juggling bags. Just one of those little things that makes a big difference when you’re tired.
Finding Your Way at the Airport
Prague Airport isn’t huge, which is ideal when all you want to do is get through arrivals, find your ride, and get into the city. Once you’ve picked up your bags, just follow the signs—they’re in English and clearly marked for public transport, the AE bus, taxis, and car pick-up zones. No maze-like terminals or endless corridors.
If you need cash, there are ATMs in the arrivals area, but skip any that offer to “convert to your home currency.” That’s where they sneak in the bad exchange rates.
Just let your bank handle the conversion—your wallet will thank you. You’ll also find vending machines, toilets, and SIM card stands if you want to get connected or grab a snack before heading out.
If you’re taking Bolt or Uber, the app will tell you exactly where to go for pickup. It’s usually just outside the terminal, but double-check the map in the app—it’ll show you the right exit and pick-up spot, so you’re not standing in the wrong place wondering why every car is ignoring you.
Wanting a day trip from Prague?
Check out our guide on getting from Prague to the storybook town of Český Krumlov!
Final Thoughts
Getting from Prague Airport to the city centre was one of the smoothest airport-to-hotel journeys I’ve ever had—and that’s saying something, because I’m usually the person frantically refreshing Google Maps while holding three snacks and trying to look calm.
It really just depends on the kind of trip you’re on. If you’re travelling solo or keeping things budget-friendly, the trolleybus and metro combo is incredibly cheap and works like a charm.
If you’d rather skip the transfers and keep it simple, the Airport Express bus is a great middle ground—easy, direct, and still affordable. And if you’re arriving late, have heavy luggage, or just want to be dropped right at your door, Bolt or Uber is absolutely worth it.
Whichever route you go for, the journey from Prague Airport to the city centre is refreshingly straightforward. Pick the option that fits your travel style (and how much energy you’ve got left after the flight), and you’ll be in the heart of Prague before you know it.
If it’s your first time here, or even if it’s been a while, check out my Prague Dos and Don’ts guide—super handy for avoiding the classic tourist slip-ups
