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How to Get to Prague

Air Travel to Prague

Airport & Airlines

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is Prague's only international airport, found roughly 10-17 km (6-11 miles) northwest of the city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major European Carriers: Lufthansa, France's National airline, British Airways, KLM.
  • Low-Cost Carriers: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air offer budget options.
  • Direct flights from most major European capitals and some North American cities (seasonal). Find deals on Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

PRG has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for non-Flights within the schengen area and Terminal 2 for Schengen flights. Both offer duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and complimentary Internet-Fi.

Transfer Options

  • Public Transport: Bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro A) or Bus 100 to Zličín (Metro B).
  • Airport Express (AE) Bus: Direct to Prague Main Train Station (100 CZK).
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Official airport taxis (FIX, AAA Radiotaxi) or apps like Bolt/Uber. Check AirHelp if your flight is delayed or canceled.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Prices generally rise during summer (June-August), Christmas, and Easter. Secure bookings in advance for these periods.

Low Season Value

You find lower prices during the low season (January-March, November). Flight availability usually stays stable.

Booking Ahead

Booking tickets well in advance, especially for international routes, generally leads to enhance prices and seat availability.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

  • Exit Fees: Exit taxes are generally a portion of your flight cost. No separate fees at the airport.
  • Timing (Non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for international flights.
  • Timing (Schengen): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure for flights within the Schengen Area.
  • Factor in travel time to the airport, particularly during peak traffic hours.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • Václav Havel Airport Prague offers shops, restaurants, lounges, and free Wi-Fi for departing travelers.
  • VAT Refund: Non-EU residents eligible for TAX refunds can process claims at designated airport points.
  • Ensure you have completed tax-free forms and goods available for inspection before checking luggage.
  • Rail and bus stations (Hlavní nádraží, Florenc) have waiting areas, shops, and food options.

Land Transportation Options

Train Services

Prague Main Railway Station (Praha Hlavní Nádraží) is the central rail hub. České dráhy (ČD), RegioJet, and Leo Express operate services to major European cities.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus, RegioJet, and Leo Express connect Prague to numerous European cities. Most use Florenc Bus Station.

Self-Driving

Valid EU/EEA license is accepted (IDP for others). A motorway vignette is for motorways. Drive on the right. DiscoverCars.com can help with rentals.

Driving & Road Safety

Road Conditions & Rules

Roads in Czechia are generally well-maintained. Always stay on the right of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.

Important Driving Regulations

  • Alcohol: Czechia has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.
  • Winter Tires: Required during specific months (usually November to March) if winter conditions are present.
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h in cities, 90 kilometers per hour outside urban, 130 kilometers an hour motorways.

Parking & City Driving

Traffic can be heavy in Prague's city center. Parking is limited and often paid. Taking public transit within the urban area is usually more practical.

Parking and Navigation Advice

  • Blue zones in the city center are for residents only. Unauthorized parking results in fines.
  • Use public transport or park at P+R (Park and Ride) lots regarding the city's outskirts.
  • Road conditions are generally good. Be mindful of cobblestone streets in the historic center.

Sea & River Arrivals

Prague is a landlocked city. Sea or river arrivals from outside the city are not for international travel.

River Transportation in Prague

  • The Vltava River is central to Prague.
  • River transportation mainly involves local sightseeing cruises and boat tours within the city.
  • These are for leisure and scenic tours, not a main means of arrival or departure from the country.

Border Crossing Information

As part of the Schengen Area, there are no routine border checks when traveling by road or rail from neighboring Schengen countries (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia). You simply pass through.

Schengen Area Travel

  • Upon entering your first Schengen country, you pass through passport control.
  • Passport control also happens upon exiting your last Schengen country.
  • No routine border checks occur when traveling between Schengen countries overland.

Essential Pre-Departure Checklist

  • Confirm exit fees or taxes are included in your airfare.
  • Plan airport arrival time: 2-3 hours for international, 1.5-2 hours for Schengen flights.
  • Ensure your luggage meets airline requirements for weight and size.
  • If claiming VAT refunds, have tax-free forms and goods ready for customs inspection.
  • Double-check passport validity and any visa requirements for your next destination.
  • Confirm airport transfer arrangements from your accommodation.

Planning Your Airport Transfer

Economical Public Transport

Public transport is the most economical way to and from Václav Havel Airport Prague. Purchase a standard public transport ticket, valid for 90 minutes (40 CZK), covering both bus and metro.

Bus & Metro Routes

  • Bus 119: Connects Terminal 1/2 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro A line - green).
  • Bus journey: ~15-20 min, Metro to city center: ~15-20 min.
  • Bus 100: Connects Terminal 1/2 to Zličín (Metro B line - yellow).

Direct & Convenient Options

These options offer speed and convenience.

Airport Express & Taxis

  • Airport Express (AE) Bus: Direct to Prague Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží).
  • Journey time: ~30-40 minutes. Requires a separate 100 CZK ticket.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Official airport taxis or programs like Bolt/Uber. Fares: 600-900 CZK into the city's core.

Validate Tickets

Validate your public transport ticket on the bus immediately upon boarding to avoid fines.

Ride-Share Apps

Use Bolt or Uber for transparent pricing and designated airport pick-up points.

Private Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers offer convenience, especially for groups or with much luggage.

Intercity Travel in Europe

Train Connections

Prague Main Train Station (Praha Hlavní Nádraží) is the main international and national rail hub. České dráhy (ČD - Czech Railways) is the national operator.

Train Information

  • Private companies like RegioJet and Leo Express also offer routes.
  • Direct connections exist to main European cities: Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Munich.
  • Booking tickets in advance, most importantly for foreign routes, generally leads to enhance prices.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus, RegioJet, and Leo Express are the main long-distance bus lines connecting Prague to urban areas across Europe. This is often an economical choice for intercity travel.

Bus Travel Essentials

  • An extensive the system connects Prague to numerous European cities.
  • Most international and long-distance buses use Florenc Bus Station.
  • Bus travel may have longer journey times compared to flights or some train routes.

Renting a Car

Major Car Rental Companies

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise have offices at Václav Havel Airport and in the city. DiscoverCars.com for comparing options.

Requirements for Renters

You must be at least 21 years old (sometimes 25 for certain car categories). A valid driving license is (AN international driving permit for non--EU/EEA holders).

Vignette & Insurance

A motorway vignette (electronic toll sticker) is for operating a vehicle on motorways. Carefully review insurance options before booking.

Travel Planning Summary

For budget-friendly air travel, consider low-budget airlines and booking during the smaller amount of busy seasons. Public transport from the airport is efficient. For intercity travel, trains and buses provide comprehensive networks across Europe. Self-driving is an option, but be aware of local driving laws and car parking challenges within Prague.