Overview
The Prague Metro (Czech: Pražské metro) is a rapid transit network serving the Czech capital. Founded in 1974, it is now part of the Prague Integrated Transport system (Pražská integrovaná doprava, PID), operated by the Prague Public Transit Company, which also manages trams, buses, ferries, and the Petřín funicular. To ride the metro as a visitor, you purchase a ticket (either paper or via the mobile app), validate it at a machine near the entrance if it's paper, and travel on one of three colour-coded lines through the city centre and outskirts. The system is entirely within the central transport zone, so a single ticket covers any journey regardless of distance.
The network
Prague's public transport consists of the metro, trams, buses, suburban rail, and ferries, all integrated under one ticketing system.
Metro
The Prague Metro has three lines, each identified by colour and letter:
- Line A (green): 17 stations, 17 km (10.6 mi)
- Line B (yellow): 24 stations, 26 km (16.2 mi)
- Line C (red): 20 stations, 22 km (13.7 mi)
The three lines form a triangle in the city centre, with interchange stations at the vertices: Florenc, Můstek, and Muzeum. Service runs from approximately 4–5 am until midnight, with trains arriving every two to three minutes during rush hours and four to ten minutes at other times. Most stations feature a single island platform serving both directions, and many are decorated with coloured aluminium panels. The deepest station is Náměstí Míru, located 52 metres (171 ft) underground. A Line D is under construction.
Trams
Trams are a primary means of transport in Prague's historic centre. They run from approximately 5 am to midnight daily, with service every 5–10 minutes. Night trams operate until 5 am, running approximately every 30 minutes (or every 20 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights).
Buses
Buses connect the airport, outskirts, and inner city. They operate on a similar schedule to trams, with night buses serving the network until 5 am.
Suburban rail and other services
Since 1993, the metro has been connected to commuter trains and buses, as well as park-and-ride facilities. The Prague Public Transit Company also operates five ferries, a funicular to Petřín Hill, and a chairlift inside Prague Zoo, all accessible with public transport tickets.
Tickets & fares
Single tickets (Prague zone)
Tickets are priced per validity duration, not distance. Prices listed below are current as of January 2026 and subject to change.
- 30 minutes: 36 CZK (mobile app) / 39 CZK (paper)
- 90 minutes: 46 CZK (mobile app) / 50 CZK (paper)
- 24 hours: 140 CZK (mobile app) / 150 CZK (paper)
- 72 hours: 340 CZK (mobile app) / 350 CZK (paper)
The 30- and 90-minute tickets are not valid on the Petřín funicular; 24- and 72-hour tickets include it.
Subscription tickets
For longer stays, subscription tickets offer better value:
- 1 month: 550 CZK (non-transferable) / 1,000 CZK (transferable)
- 3 months: 1,480 CZK (non-transferable) / 2,700 CZK (transferable)
- Annual: 3,650 CZK (non-transferable) / 7,800 CZK (transferable)
Transferable (anonymous) tickets can be shared between people but only one person may travel at a time. Non-transferable tickets may require proof of age.
Concessions and free travel
Children under 6 (accompanied by an adult aged 10 or over) travel free. Children aged 6–15 and seniors aged 65 and older travel free with proof of age (ID). Seniors aged 60–65 receive half-price fares with age proof.
Validation and purchase
Paper tickets must be validated (stamped) at a machine upon first boarding—at metro station entrances, inside trams, or on buses. Digital tickets purchased via the mobile app do not require validation. Tickets remain valid for unlimited journeys within the stated time period and cover all forms of public transport (metro, trams, buses, ferries, and funicular).
Where to buy tickets
- Yellow vending machines at metro stations and major transport stops (card and contactless payment accepted)
- Metro station ticket offices
- Tobacconists and newsstands (trafika)
- Tourist information centres
- Mobile app (Lítačka)
- SMS (text "DPT31" or "DPT42" to 902 06)
Tourist pass
A Prague Visitor Pass is available for 2–5 day periods and includes unlimited public transport plus access to museums, galleries, and historical monuments.
From the airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north-west of the city centre, about 30 minutes away by car. Public transport to the centre typically takes 35–45 minutes.
By bus
Public buses and trolleybuses are the most economical option. A 90-minute ticket (50 CZK paper / 46 CZK app, valid from January 2026) allows you to transfer between buses, metro, and trams at no extra charge. The key routes from the airport are:
- T-Bus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Line A): 17 minutes; departures every 3–5 minutes (10 minutes on Sunday mornings and weekday/Sunday evenings); 04:23–23:32. This is the fastest and most frequent connection.
- Bus 100 to Zličín (Line B): 18 minutes; departures every 15 minutes (20 minutes on Sunday mornings and evenings); 05:40–23:16.
- Bus 191 to Na Knížecí bus station (Anděl, Line B): slower and less frequent, but useful for the western part of town and connects to Line A at Petřiny.
- Night buses 910 and 907: the only options at night. Bus 910 goes directly to the centre with stops at Jiráskovo náměstí, Karlovo náměstí, and I.P. Pavlova.
Tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the arrivals halls (07:00–21:00, credit cards accepted) or at yellow vending machines next to the bus stop outside both terminals (card payment accepted).
By Airport Express
The Airport Express (AE) bus runs from the airport to Prague's main train station (Hlavní nádraží, Line C). Buses depart every 15 minutes from 08:00–18:00, every 30 minutes at other times, and every hour at night. Tickets cost 200 CZK and are not transferable to other services. Payment is available from the driver (contactless accepted). While more convenient than regular buses, the Airport Express is considerably more expensive and slower than bus 59.
By taxi
Uber Airport Taxi has an exclusive contract with the airport. Vehicles wait in front of the arrival halls. You can order through the Uber app or self-service kiosks at baggage claim. The fare to the city centre should normally be around 700 CZK. Avoid unofficial taxis operated by touts posing as "Official Airport Taxi" or "Info" staff, as they may have rigged meters.
Etiquette & customs
Prague's public transport generally follows standard European norms. Queue politely when boarding at crowded times. On escalators in metro stations, stand on the right and leave the left side clear for those who wish to walk. Priority seating is reserved for elderly people, pregnant women, and those with disabilities; vacate these seats if occupied by someone who needs them more.
Eating and drinking on public transport is discouraged, though consuming non-messy items like snacks in moderation is usually tolerated. During rush hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00 on weekdays), expect crowded conditions; try to move towards the centre of train cars and be mindful of fellow passengers.
Always validate your paper ticket on first use at a stamping machine—failure to do so can result in a fine if inspectors board. Keep your ticket for the duration of your journey in case you are asked to show proof of valid fare.
Official links
- Prague Integrated Transport (PID) – English
- Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) – Czech main website
Survival terms
- Metro / Metrо (Czech: metro) – subway/rapid transit
- Jízdenka – ticket
- Linka – line
- Vstup – entrance
- Výstup – exit
- Přestup – transfer/interchange
- Jednorázová jízdenka – single fare ticket
- Denní jízdenka – day pass
Download the Lítačka mobile app before your trip to view live schedules, plan journeys, and purchase digital tickets more cheaply than paper alternatives.