How the Prague transport system actually works, what tickets cost, how to validate correctly, which trams serve the main sights, and how to avoid the most common tourist mistakes
A single Prague public transport ticket costs CZK 40 (€1.60) and is valid for 90 minutes on all metro, tram and bus lines with unlimited transfers. A 24-hour pass costs CZK 120 (€5). Buy tickets at yellow vending machines in metro stations, at newsagents (trafika), or via the PID Lítačka app. Validate the ticket by stamping it in the yellow machine at the metro entrance or on the tram — unstamped tickets are invalid and inspectors check regularly.
Prague has one of the best urban public transport systems in Central Europe. The metro runs every 2–3 minutes in peak hours. Trams cover the entire historic centre including Malá Strana and the castle approach. The network is clean, reliable and very cheap by Western European standards. A visitor staying in the centre for three days who uses public transport rather than taxis will save €60–80 over the trip — and reach most places faster.
Tickets & Prices 2026
Prague uses a unified ticket system covering metro, trams, buses and some funiculars. All tickets are validated by time — you buy a ticket for a duration, not a specific route, and can transfer freely within that time window.
Where to buy tickets
- Yellow vending machines in every metro station — accepts coins and cards. English menu available. This is the most reliable option.
- PID Lítačka app — buy and store tickets on your phone. Convenient but requires mobile data; make sure it works before you need it underground.
- Trafika (newsagents) — shops near metro stations. Ask for “jízdenka na devadesát minut” (90-minute ticket) or show the price on this page.
- On trams and buses — some stops have ticket machines; most do not. Do not assume you can buy on board.
How to Validate Your Ticket — The Most Important Section
This is where most tourists get fined. An unvalidated ticket — even if you just bought it — is treated as no ticket by inspectors. The fine is CZK 1,500 (€60) on the spot, rising to CZK 1,800 if not paid immediately. Inspectors are plainclothes and work all lines including the tourist routes.
Metro
At every metro entrance there is a row of yellow validation machines — rectangular boxes at chest height with a slot on top. Push your ticket into the slot (paper tickets) or hold your phone/card over the reader (app tickets). The machine stamps the time on the ticket and beeps. You then pass through the turnstile. Do not go through the turnstile first and validate after.
Trams and buses
There are yellow validation machines near the doors on every tram and bus. Stamp your ticket immediately when you board — before you sit down or look out the window. The machine is yellow, about 30cm tall, with a slot. If you have a time-limited pass already validated, you do not need to stamp it again.
The Metro — Three Lines, Fast and Reliable
Prague’s metro has three lines covering 61 stations across the city. For visitors, the metro is fastest for longer distances and crossing between districts. For short distances in the historic centre — between Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square — the tram is often more convenient as it covers streets the metro does not reach.
Interchange stations: Můstek connects Lines A and B. Muzeum connects Lines A and C. Florenc connects Lines B and C. You can transfer between lines on the same ticket within the 90-minute window.
Key Tram Routes for Visitors
The tram network is the most useful part of Prague’s transport system for sightseeing. It covers the historic centre, crosses the river, goes up to the castle area and serves the residential neighbourhoods the metro does not reach. These are the tram routes every visitor should know:
Getting from Prague Airport by Public Transport
Prague Airport (Václav Havel Airport, PRG) is 17km from the city centre. There is no metro connection — the two best public transport options are:
- 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 or Můstek. Total: ~35 minutes. CZK 40 single ticket (one ticket covers the entire journey including the metro).
- Airport Express (AE) bus → Praha Hlavní nádraží: Direct bus to the main train station (~35 min). CZK 60. Better if you are heading to New Town or connecting to an intercity train.
For the complete airport transfer guide including private transfers, taxis and Bolt: Prague Airport to City Centre — All Options Compared →
Night Transport — After Midnight
The metro stops at midnight. From midnight to 5am, Prague runs a network of night trams (lines 91–99) and night buses (lines 901–915). These run every 30 minutes and cover all districts.
- Night trams 91–99 cover the centre and inner suburbs. Night tram 91 runs through Old Town, Malá Strana and Smíchov. Night tram 94 covers Vinohrady and Žižkov.
- Night buses 901–915 cover outer districts not served by night trams.
- Same ticket applies — your day ticket or pass is valid on night transport if still within the time window. Otherwise buy a new ticket.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes. Check the departure time at the stop or on the PID app — missing a night tram means a 30-minute wait.
Useful Apps, Alternatives & Tips
The PID Lítačka App
The official Prague transport app. Buy tickets, plan routes, check real-time departures. Available in English. Works offline for stored tickets — download and set up before you arrive. Free.
Google Maps
Reliable for Prague transit routing. Use it for direction — it shows tram and metro routes accurately. Do not use it to buy tickets.
Petřín Funicular
Technically part of the public transport network — your standard ticket or pass covers the Petřín funicular. Runs from Újezd in Malá Strana up to Petřín Hill every 10–15 minutes. 8 minutes up. The view from the top is worth the journey.
Alternative transport options
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Big Bus Tours runs open-top bus routes covering all main sights. Not part of the public network — separate ticket. Good for orientation on day one. Book Big Bus Tours →
- Scooters & bikes: Electric scooters (Bolt, Lime) available throughout the centre. Bikes are popular — especially along the Vltava embankment. Rent a bike in Prague →
- Bolt / Uber: Both operate in Prague. CZK 80–150 for a short centre journey. Reliable and app-based — much better than hailing a taxi off the street.
Luggage storage
If you need to store luggage between checkout and your train or flight, Radical Storage has locations near Old Town, Wenceslas Square and the main train station — from €5/day. Book luggage storage →
Quick Reference — Key Routes at a Glance
| Journey | Best option | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → Old Town | Bus 119 + Metro A to Staroměstská | ~35 min | CZK 40 |
| Airport → Main Train Station | Airport Express (AE bus) | ~35 min | CZK 60 |
| Old Town → Prague Castle | Tram 22 to Pohořelec | ~20 min | CZK 40 |
| Old Town → Wenceslas Square | Metro B (Náměstí Republiky → Můstek) or walk | ~10 min | CZK 40 |
| Old Town → Petřín Hill | Tram 22 to Újezd, then funicular | ~25 min | CZK 40 |
| Old Town → Vyšehrad | Metro C (Muzeum → Vyšehrad) | ~15 min | CZK 40 |
| Old Town → Vinohrady | Metro A to Náměstí Míru or Tram 11 | ~10 min | CZK 40 |
| Charles Bridge (Malá Strana side) → Centre | Tram 22 or 23 to Národní třída or walk | ~15 min | CZK 40 |
| After midnight (any route) | Night trams 91–99 · every 30 min | 30 min frequency | CZK 40 |
More Prague Planning Guides
- Prague Airport to City Centre — all options including private transfers
- Complete Prague Travel Guide 2026
- Best Things to Do in Prague
- 3 Days in Prague Itinerary — how to use public transport across a full visit
- Prague for First-Timers
- Best Hotels in Prague — where to stay near the tram and metro network
- Hotels in Prague with Parking — if you are arriving by car
Frequently Asked Questions — Prague Public Transport
Plan Your Prague Transport
Activate a Czech eSIM before you land — the PID Lítačka app works from the moment you arrive.
Airalo Czech eSIM from €4 → Big Bus Tours Prague → Prague Travel 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.
Dan