Every bus route, the metro connection, ticket prices, 24/72-hour passes, night buses & step-by-step instructions for every route
Prague’s public transport is one of the best value ways to get from the airport to the city centre — fast, reliable, and cheap enough that even a 3-day pass for the entire city costs less than a single taxi ride. This guide covers every route, every ticket type, exactly where to buy them, and step-by-step instructions so you can navigate it confidently on arrival.
Jump to Any Section
- Before You Board — Tickets Explained
- 24 & 72-Hour Passes — Are They Worth It?
- Route 1 — Bus 119 + Metro Line A (Fastest to Old Town)
- Route 2 — Airport Express (AE) to Main Train Station
- Route 3 — Bus 100 + Metro Line B (West Prague)
- Route 4 — Bus 191 (Scenic, No Metro Change)
- Night Buses — Arriving After Midnight
- Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 — Which Bus Stop?
- Practical Tips at the Airport
- Getting Around Prague Once You Arrive
- FAQ
Before You Board — Tickets Explained
Prague’s public transport uses a single integrated ticket system — one ticket or pass works on buses, trams, metro and even the Petřín funicular. You must buy and validate your ticket before boarding. Inspectors check regularly and fines for travelling without a valid ticket are CZK 1,500 (around €60).
Where to Buy Tickets at Prague Airport
- Yellow ticket vending machines — in the arrivals halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and at the bus stops outside. Accept card (contactless) and cash. English language option available. This is the easiest method.
- PID Lítačka app — Prague’s official transport app. Download before your flight, buy your ticket digitally and show it on your phone. No machine needed. Works offline once ticket is purchased.
- Prague Public Transport counters — staffed desks in the arrivals hall. Open during airport operating hours. Good if you want advice on which pass to buy.
- Newsagents and kiosks — inside both terminals, some sell transport tickets alongside newspapers and snacks.
How to Validate Your Ticket
Once you have your ticket, validate it immediately when you board the bus or enter the metro. On buses, yellow validation machines are just inside the door. On the metro, validators are at the entrance gates. A ticket that has not been validated is treated as no ticket by inspectors — this is the most common mistake tourists make.
If using the PID Lítačka app, activate your ticket in the app before or as you board — the timer starts from activation, not purchase.
Ticket Types & Passes — Which One to Buy
| Ticket | Price | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-minute single | CZK 30 (~€1.20) | 30 min from validation | Short hops within the city only |
| 90-minute single | CZK 40 (~€1.60) | 90 min from validation | Airport to city centre — covers the entire journey |
| 24-hour pass | CZK 120 (~€4.80) | 24 hrs from validation | Arrival day — use it for the whole first day |
| 72-hour pass | CZK 330 (~€13.20) | 72 hrs from validation | Best value for stays of 3–5 days |
Are the Day Passes Worth Buying?
Do the maths: a CZK 40 single ticket covers one journey. If you take the bus and metro from the airport, then a tram to your hotel, then travel to the castle in the morning and back, then out for dinner — that is easily 6–8 journeys in a day. At CZK 40 each, you spend CZK 240–320. The 24-hour pass costs CZK 120 and covers all of it. The answer is almost always yes.
The 72-hour pass at CZK 330 (about €13) covers unlimited travel across trams, buses, metro, the Petřín funicular and most suburban trains within Prague for three full days. For a standard 3-day visit this is the most practical choice — buy it at the airport on arrival, validate it on the first bus, and forget about tickets entirely until you leave.
What the 24/72-Hour Pass Includes
- All Prague Metro lines (A, B, C) — unlimited journeys
- All Prague trams — including Line 22 to Prague Castle
- All Prague buses — including Bus 119 from the airport
- Petřín Hill funicular — saving CZK 60 per person each way
- Prague river ferries (seasonal)
- Suburban trains within Prague zones
- One piece of luggage carried free (not valid on intercity trains)
- The PID Lítačka app and Google Maps work on mobile data — have it ready before you land
- Airalo — Czech Republic eSIM from €4 · activate before your flight, data on landing
- Yesim — European eSIM with data in Czech Republic & across the EU
- Drimsim — Universal SIM for multi-country trips · works in 200+ countries
Prague Airport has free Wi-Fi in both terminals, but having your own mobile data means your maps and apps work the second you step outside — on the bus, navigating the metro, and finding your hotel.
Route 1 — Bus 119 + Metro Line A
Best for: Old Town (Staré Město), Malá Strana, Vinohrady & most central destinations
This is the fastest and most direct public transport route from Prague Airport to the historic centre. Bus 119 runs from both terminals to Nádraží Veleslavín — the last stop, a dedicated metro interchange station. From there, Metro Line A (green line) takes you directly to Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square in 10–12 minutes.
One CZK 40 (90-minute) ticket covers the entire journey including the metro transfer. Bus 119 runs every 5–10 minutes during daytime hours and every 10–15 minutes in the evening. It is reliable, well-used and clearly signposted from both terminal exits.
- Exit the arrivals hall and follow the signs for “Public Transport / Bus Stop”
- Buy a CZK 40 ticket at the yellow machine outside (card or cash) — or use PID Lítačka app
- Board Bus 119 — both T1 and T2 have their own stop, both serve the same route
- Validate your ticket immediately in the yellow machine inside the bus door
- Ride to the last stop: Nádraží Veleslavín (6 stops, ~15 minutes)
- Follow underground signs to Metro Line A (green line)
- Take the metro towards Depo Hostivař (eastbound — towards the city)
- Exit at your stop (see table below) — your single ticket is still valid
| Metro Stop | Best For | From Veleslavín |
|---|---|---|
| Dejvická | Dejvice neighbourhood | 1 stop · 2 min |
| Hradčanská | Castle area (north entrance) | 2 stops · 4 min |
| Malostranská | Malá Strana · Charles Bridge (west) | 3 stops · 6 min |
| Staroměstská | Old Town Square · Jewish Quarter | 4 stops · 8 min |
| Můstek | Wenceslas Square · New Town | 5 stops · 10 min |
| Muzeum | National Museum · Vinohrady | 6 stops · 12 min |
Route 2 — Airport Express Bus (AE)
Best for: Arriving passengers needing the main train station, or hotels near Wenceslas Square and New Town
The Airport Express is a dedicated, more comfortable bus that runs non-stop from both airport terminals directly to Praha Hlavní nádraží — Prague’s main train station, which is also a stop on Metro Line C (red line). It does not stop at intermediate metro stations, so it is specifically useful if your hotel is near the main station, if you are continuing by train, or if you need Metro Line C rather than Line A.
The AE bus costs CZK 100 — more than Bus 119 but less than a taxi, with reserved luggage space and a more comfortable ride than the local bus. It departs every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to approximately 10 PM. Tickets can be bought from the driver, at airport ticket machines or online.
- Exit arrivals and follow signs for “Airport Express / AE Bus” — dedicated stop outside both terminals
- Buy a CZK 100 ticket from the driver or at the ticket machine (card accepted)
- Board the AE bus — runs every 30 min, note the departure times at the stop
- Ride directly to Praha Hlavní nádraží (~35 min, no changes)
- At the station: follow signs to Metro Line C (red) for onward connections
- From Metro C: transfer to Line A at Muzeum (1 stop) for Old Town, or travel south on Line C for Vinohrady and beyond
Note: The CZK 100 AE ticket is a separate fare and does not include onward metro travel. If continuing by metro, buy an additional CZK 30 or CZK 40 ticket at the station, or use your 24/72-hour pass which covers everything.
Route 3 — Bus 100 + Metro Line B
Best for: Hotels in Smíchov, Anděl, Žižkov, or the western part of the city
Bus 100 connects both airport terminals to Zličín station on Metro Line B (yellow line). This route is less commonly used by tourists but is the better option if your hotel is in Smíchov, Anděl, Florenc or the eastern part of the city served by the yellow line. From Zličín, Metro B runs eastbound through the city and connects with Metro Line A at Můstek (for Old Town) and Metro Line C at Florenc.
- Exit arrivals and find the Bus 100 stop outside your terminal
- Buy a CZK 40 ticket and validate immediately on boarding
- Ride to the last stop: Zličín (~18 min)
- Follow signs to Metro Line B (yellow) and board towards Černý Most (eastbound)
- Key stops: Anděl (3 stops), Můstek (8 stops — change to Line A for Old Town), Florenc (9 stops — change to Line C)
Route 4 — Bus 191 (No Metro Change Required)
Best for: Passengers staying near Petřiny, Dejvice or Anděl who want to avoid the metro entirely
Bus 191 is a slower, scenic surface route that runs from the airport through several Prague neighbourhoods without requiring a metro transfer — useful if you are staying near one of its stops or want to avoid going underground. The bus passes through Petřiny (Metro Line A connection) and continues to Anděl (Metro Line B connection) on the south side of the Vltava. It takes longer than Bus 119 but offers a ground-level view of Prague on arrival and serves areas that Bus 119 does not reach directly.
Not recommended as a first choice for Old Town or city centre destinations — Bus 119 + Metro A is faster. But useful to know if your accommodation is along the route.
Night Buses — Arriving After Midnight
Prague’s daytime bus and metro services run until approximately midnight. After midnight, a network of night buses takes over — they run less frequently (every 30 minutes) but cover the city reliably. Prague Airport is served by two night bus routes.
Prague Airport Night Bus Routes
- Bus 910 — Runs from the airport via Švandovo divadlo → I. P. Pavlova → Kačerov → Modřany · Journey time ~40 min to I. P. Pavlova · Runs approximately 21:54 – 3:54 · CZK 40
- Bus 907 — Runs from the airport via Hradčanská → Hlavní nádraží → Karlovo náměstí → Anděl · Journey time ~30 min to Hradčanská · Runs approximately 23:09 – 4:03 · CZK 40 · Good option for Malá Strana and castle area
- Bus 905 — Connects to Nádraží Holešovice in the north of the city · CZK 40
Night buses are perfectly viable for solo travellers with light luggage arriving after midnight. The journey takes longer than daytime routes — allow 50–60 minutes — and you may need to walk 10–15 minutes from the nearest night bus stop to your hotel.
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 — Which Bus Stop?
Terminal 1 handles non-Schengen flights — arrivals from the UK, USA, Canada, Middle East, Asia, Africa and other countries outside the Schengen Area. Terminal 2 handles Schengen zone flights — most European countries.
Both terminals have their own bus stops served by all routes described in this guide. The stops are clearly signposted from the arrivals halls. If you need to change terminals — for example, connecting between flights in different Schengen zones — a free shuttle bus runs between T1 and T2 every few minutes.
Practical Tips at Prague Airport
Free Wi-Fi
Connect to “PRG Airport Free WiFi” in both terminals — no registration required. Use it to download the PID Lítačka app, activate your eSIM, check your transfer or hotel confirmation, or set up Google Maps before you head outside.
Currency & ATMs
Prague uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) — not the Euro. You need CZK for ticket machines that do not accept card (though most do). ATMs are available in both terminals. Avoid the currency exchange desks in the arrivals hall — their rates are poor. Withdraw CZK from the ATM or pay by card wherever possible.
Luggage Storage
Left luggage facilities are available at both terminals. If you need storage in the city centre during your visit — useful on checkout day — Radical Storage has convenient locations near Old Town Square and the main train station.
Book a storage spot online before your trip and get directions sent to your phone — on checkout day, drop your bags, explore Prague hands-free, and collect before heading to the airport.
Getting Around Prague Once You Arrive
The same ticket or pass that gets you from the airport covers all your travel around Prague. Here are the key lines and routes you will use most during your visit:
Most Useful Prague Public Transport Lines for Visitors
- Tram 22 — The tourist tram. Runs from Náměstí Míru (Vinohrady) through Malá Strana, past the castle and out to Bílá Hora. Covers almost every major sight in the historic centre above ground. Scenic, frequent and reliable.
- Metro Line A (Green) — Connects the airport route (via Veleslavín) to Old Town (Staroměstská), Wenceslas Square (Můstek) and Vinohrady (Náměstí Míru). The most useful metro line for visitors.
- Metro Line B (Yellow) — Useful for Smíchov and Anděl (south-west) and Žižkov (east). Transfer to Line A at Můstek.
- Metro Line C (Red) — Connects the main train station (Hlavní nádraží) to Wenceslas Square (Muzeum), Florenc bus station and the north of the city.
- Tram 1, 2, 18 — Useful connecting trams through the city centre and along the Vltava embankment.
- Petřín Funicular — Included in the 24/72-hour pass. Runs from Újezd in Malá Strana up to Petřín Hill and tower.
- Book attraction tickets in advance to skip the queues at Prague’s top sights
- Tiqets — Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter & attraction tickets · skip-the-line
- Klook — Guided tours, food experiences & day trips from Prague
- Trip.com — Hotels in Prague · Old Town, Malá Strana & Vinohrady
More Prague Guides You Will Need
- Prague Airport — All Transport Options Compared — includes private transfers, taxis & shared shuttles
- Complete Prague Travel Guide 2025 — everything you need to know before you visit
- 3 Days in Prague: Perfect Itinerary — day-by-day plan for first-time visitors
- Prague Castle Complete Visitor Guide — tickets, circuits & insider tips
- Petřín Tower & Funicular Guide — included free with your 24/72-hr pass
- Best Boutique Hotels Near Old Town Square
- Best Restaurants in Prague — where locals actually eat
- Kutná Hora Day Trip from Prague — the best day trip from the city
Frequently Asked Questions
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