Private transfer, pre-booked taxi, shuttle bus and public transport — real prices, honest comparison and exactly which option is right for your trip
The cheapest option from Prague Airport to the city centre is Bus 119 + Metro Line A — about 35 minutes and CZK 32 (€1.30). The most comfortable is a pre-booked private transfer — 25–30 minutes door to door, from €20–28, driver meets you at arrivals. For most first-time visitors with luggage, the private transfer is worth the cost. For those travelling light and comfortable with Prague metro, Bus 119 is excellent. Avoid unmetered taxis from the arrivals hall — they overcharge consistently.
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is 17km from the city centre. You have five real options: pre-booked private transfer, Bolt (app-based), pre-booked airport taxi, shuttle bus, or public transport. Each makes sense in different circumstances. The one option that almost never makes sense is an unmetered taxi from the arrivals hall — it will cost 2–3 times the legitimate price and the drivers will be waiting specifically for visitors who do not know the alternatives.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer — The Recommended Option
A pre-booked private transfer is the way most visitors with luggage, families, or late-night arrivals should get from Prague Airport to the city centre. You book online before you travel, a driver meets you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, and you pay a fixed price regardless of traffic. No negotiation, no metre, no surprises.
Taxi & Bolt from Prague Airport
Bolt (recommended app option)
Bolt is the most reliable app-based option at Prague Airport. Price from the airport to Old Town: approximately CZK 380–520 (€15–22) depending on traffic. No pre-booking required — open the app at arrivals, request a car, it arrives in 5–10 minutes at the designated pick-up point outside Terminal 1 or 2. The metered price is transparent and displayed before you confirm.
Uber
Uber also operates at Prague Airport at similar prices to Bolt — CZK 400–550 (€16–23) to Old Town. Use whichever app shows the shorter wait time when you arrive.
AAA Taxi (metered)
If you prefer a traditional taxi, AAA Taxi is the legitimate metered option — call 222 333 222 or book via their app. A metered AAA Taxi from the airport costs approximately CZK 500–650 (€20–26) to Old Town. More expensive than Bolt but reliable and metered.
Shuttle Bus — Prague Airport Express
The Airport Express bus (AE) runs directly from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Praha Hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Train Station) — the city’s main rail hub on metro Line C, 5 minutes from the centre. Journey time: approximately 35 minutes. Price: CZK 60 (€2.40). Runs every 30 minutes, 5:30am to 9:30pm.
This is the best balance of price and convenience if you are heading to the New Town or Wenceslas Square area — it drops you directly at the train station from which all metro lines connect. Not the right choice if your hotel is in Old Town or Malá Strana (add a 15-minute metro journey).
Public Transport from Prague Airport
Prague’s public transport system serves the airport well. The key routes:
- Bus 119 → Metro Line A (recommended for Old Town): From Terminal 1 or 2 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (~15 min), then metro Line A to Staroměstská (Old Town) in ~12 min. Total: ~35 min. CZK 32 (€1.30). Best for Old Town, Josefov, Malá Strana destinations.
- Airport Express → Metro Line C (recommended for New Town): Direct bus to Praha Hlavní nádraží (~35 min). CZK 60 (€2.40). Best for Wenceslas Square, New Town, Vinohrady.
- Bus 100 → Metro Line B: To Zličín station (~20 min). CZK 32. Less useful for most visitors — Line B connects to the centre but takes longer than Line A.
For the complete step-by-step public transport guide — ticket validation, passes, which stop to use at each terminal — see our dedicated guide: Prague Airport Public Transport — Complete Guide →
All Options Compared — Prague Airport to City Centre
| Option | Time | Price | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private transfer | 25–30 min | €20–35 | Families · luggage · late night | Kiwitaxi → |
| Welcome Pickups | 25–30 min | €25–35 | English-speaking local driver | Book → |
| Bolt / Uber | 25–35 min | €15–22 | Solo · couple · no luggage | App only |
| Holiday Taxis (pre-booked) | 25–30 min | €22–32 | Fixed price alternative | Book → |
| AAA Taxi (metered) | 25–35 min | €20–26 | Traditional taxi · reliable | App / phone |
| Airport Express Bus (AE) | 35 min | €2.40 | New Town / train station area | At stop |
| Bus 119 + Metro Line A | 35 min | €1.30 | Budget · Old Town destination | At stop |
| Unmetered taxi (arrivals) | 25–35 min | €50–80 | Never recommended | — |
Night Transfers — After Midnight
Public transport stops running the airport routes at approximately midnight. After midnight your options are:
- Bolt or Uber (recommended): Available 24/7. Slightly higher surge prices late at night but still CZK 450–600 (€18–24) to Old Town. The most practical option.
- Pre-booked private transfer: Book in advance for a late arrival — the driver tracks your flight and adjusts for delays. Particularly recommended for families arriving late.
- Night Bus 510: From the airport to Divoká Šárka, then night tram to centre. Runs every 30 minutes. CZK 32 (€1.30). Takes 60–75 minutes with the change. Only recommended if you are on a very tight budget and comfortable navigating Prague night transport with luggage.
Before You Land — Also Worth Sorting
- eSIM: Activate a Czech Republic eSIM before you land so maps and Bolt work from the moment you arrive. Airalo Czech eSIM from €4 →
- Travel insurance: Covers flight delays, lost luggage and medical. EKTA Travel Insurance →
- Flight delay compensation: If your flight was delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to up to €600. AirHelp — check your claim →
- Luggage storage in Prague: If you arrive before check-in, Radical Storage has locations near all central hotels. Radical Storage from €5/day →
More Prague Planning Guides
- Prague Airport — Public Transport Complete Guide — step-by-step bus and metro instructions
- Prague Taxi Guide — how to use taxis and ride apps in the city
- Prague Travel Guide 2026 — complete pre-trip overview
- Best Hotels in Prague — where to stay once you arrive
- Is Prague Safe? — including airport scams to avoid
- Getting Around Prague — metro, tram and bus in the city
Frequently Asked Questions — Prague Airport Transfer
Get to Prague City Centre Your Way
Pre-book a transfer for peace of mind on arrival — fixed price, driver meets you at arrivals, luggage included.
Book Kiwitaxi → Welcome Pickups → Public Transport Guide →This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, HelloPrague earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal experience and honest assessment. Full disclosure here.
Travel smarter in Prague: Check out our full guide on reaching the city centre from the airport using public transport. Read more here
Dan