Prague public transport

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. However, getting around the city can be a bit tricky for both tourists and locals alike. Prague's public transport system is efficient and affordable, but it can also be confusing to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with the city. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Prague's public transport system, including information on tickets, fares, routes, and tips for traveling around the city like a local. Additionally, if you're looking to explore Prague's beautiful waterways, we'll also share information on the best boat trips in Prague. Whether you're visiting Prague for the first time or are a long-time resident, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about getting around the city using public transport and enjoying the best boat trips.

Table of contents

• Tariff zones
• Tickets
• Tourist maps
• Metro
• Streetcars
• Buses
• Luggage transportation
• Fines for fare evasion

Tariff zones

Prague Integrated Transport (PID) lines are divided into zones that determine the price of the trip. While the city of Prague is located within transport zones P, 0, and B, suburban zones are numbered from 1 to 9. Fare zoning becomes relevant when traveling between Prague and the suburbs. For travel within Prague, tickets are purchased at a flat rate, regardless of the zone destination. However, when traveling between Prague and the suburbs, travelers need to have tickets for the relevant zones. The suburban zones are arranged in a specific order from the center of Prague to the suburbs, starting with zones P, 0, B, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It's important to note that commuter tickets have restrictions in terms of time and number of zones, but they can be transferred to other persons. For instance, traveling from Prague to Kutná Hora, which is in the 7th transport zone, requires a ticket for at least 11 zones. Therefore, it's crucial to purchase the right ticket according to the destination zone to avoid any penalties.

Tickets

Tickets are an essential part of Prague's public transport system, which operates on a pre-payment system. This means that passengers must purchase tickets before they board any form of transport, including trams, buses, and the metro. The tickets are valid on all forms of transport within the city, except for the Airport Express (AE) line.

There are several types of tickets available, depending on the duration of the journey. The most common tickets are valid for 30 or 90 minutes, 24 hours, or 72 hours. Passengers must validate their tickets before they start their journey, either by inserting them into a validation machine or showing them to a ticket inspector.

Children under 6 travel for free on all forms of transport, while children aged 6-15 require a child ticket. Longer-term tickets and travel cards can also be purchased, which are more cost-effective for regular commuters.

Tickets can be purchased at newspaper kiosks, ticket vending machines, information centers, Czech Railways offices, and via SMS or mobile app. However, it is important to note that the cost of a ticket purchased from a bus driver is more expensive.

Passengers traveling with luggage, baby carriages, dogs, or bicycles must purchase additional tickets with different payment terms. For example, a ticket for a dog costs the same as a child ticket, while a bicycle ticket is valid for 24 hours.

To make it easier to understand the different types of tickets and their costs, here is a table:

Ticket Type Duration Cost in CZK 30-Minute Ticket 30 min 24 90-Minute Ticket 90 min 32 24-Hour Ticket 24 hours 110 72-Hour Ticket 72 hours 310 Child Ticket N/A 12 Dog Ticket 24 hours 12 Bicycle Ticket 24 hours 24 Luggage Ticket N/A 16 Baby Carriage Ticket N/A 0 It is important to note that fare evasion is strictly monitored, and the fine for not having a valid ticket is 1500 kronor. However, the fine can be reduced if it is paid immediately. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance and to always have a valid ticket when using Prague's public transport system.

Tourist maps

When it comes to traveling around Prague, tourists have several options to choose from. The city has a pre-payment system for public transport that is valid on all modes of transportation within the city, except the Airport Express line. This system is convenient for travelers who plan to use the public transport frequently during their stay.

Children under 6 years old travel for free, while children aged 6 to 15 must have a child ticket (with proof of age) to travel. Adults can purchase various types of tickets, including 30-minute, 90-minute, 24-hour, and 72-hour tickets, with varying costs for adults and children. It's important to note that tickets must be validated before travel, and can be purchased from various outlets, including newspaper kiosks, ticket vending machines, and bus drivers (with a surcharge).

Tourists who want to save money and have easier access to various attractions and discounts on entertainment can purchase tourist cards. There are different types of tourist cards available, such as the Prague City Pass and Prague Card. The cost of these cards varies depending on the duration and age of the user.

The Prague City Pass, for example, offers free entry to selected attractions, such as the Prague Castle and the Old Town Hall Tower, as well as discounts on other attractions and restaurants. It also includes a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour and a river cruise. The cost of the Prague City Pass starts from 1,190 CZK for adults and 890 CZK for children.

On the other hand, the Prague Card offers unlimited travel on public transport, free entry to over 50 attractions, such as the Jewish Museum and the National Museum, and discounts on other attractions and tours. It also includes a free guidebook and a city map. The cost of the Prague Card starts from 2,100 CZK for adults and 1,300 CZK for children.

Overall, tourists visiting Prague have a variety of options for public transportation and can choose to purchase tourist cards to save money and have easier access to various attractions. It's important to research and compare the different cards available to find the best option that suits your travel needs and budget.

Metro

When visiting Prague, using public transport is an efficient and convenient way to explore the city. Prague has a pre-payment system for public transport, which includes buses, trams, and the metro, except for the Airport Express line.

For those traveling with children, children under 6 can travel for free, while children aged 6-15 require a child ticket. The ticket options available for purchase include a 30-minute limited ticket for 24 CZK, a 90-minute basic ticket for 40 CZK (or 30 CZK if purchased elsewhere), a 24-hour ticket for 120 CZK (adult) or 60 CZK (child), and a 72-hour ticket for 330 CZK.

Longer-term tickets and travel cards are also available for purchase. It's important to note that tickets must be validated before travel using yellow punching devices, and prices vary depending on fare zones.

To purchase tickets, there are various options, including newspaper kiosks, ticket vending machines, information centers, Czech Railways offices, via SMS, or through the "PID Lítačka" mobile app. Different terms of payment apply for luggage, baby carriages with a child, or a dog.

The Prague metro, which has three lines (A, B, and C) with 61 stations, is an essential part of Prague's public transport system. Line-to-line changes can be made at Muzeum, Můstek, and Florenc stations, making it easy to switch between lines. There are also intercepting parking lots available near some metro stations for those traveling with personal vehicles.

In summary, Prague's public transport system has various ticket options available, with different durations and prices to suit different needs. Using the metro, which has three lines and multiple stations, is an efficient way to explore the city.

Streetcars

Prague's public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world, with streetcars being a major part of it. The city boasts the largest streetcar network in the Czech Republic, with a history dating back to 1875 when the first horse-drawn streetcar started operating. The first electric streetcar was introduced in 1891, and since then, the network has grown to cover almost every corner of the city.

The daytime timetable for streetcars runs from approximately 05:00 to 24:00, with an average traffic interval of 8 minutes during rush hours and 10-20 minutes at other times. The busiest lines are 9, 17, and 22, which operate more frequently. However, during repairs or accidents on streetcar lines, specific lines are replaced by bus lines with the same numbers as streetcars but with the letter X at the beginning.

For those who want to explore the city by streetcar, Prague offers a variety of tour cards for travel, including daily, monthly, and yearly passes. The cost of a one-day pass is around CZK 120, while a monthly pass costs around CZK 670. There are also discounted fares available for students and seniors.

Night streetcars in Prague operate from 00:00 to 05:00 with an interval of 30 minutes, reduced to 20 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. All night streetcar routes pass through the Lazarská connecting station. This makes it easy for tourists to travel to and from their destinations during the late hours.

For those interested in exploring Prague's history, the city offers two unique streetcar experiences. The historic streetcar number 41 runs only on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from March 28 to November in 2023. Regular tickets are not suitable for this route, and fares can be paid directly on the transport.

The "nostalgic" streetcar No. 23 is another unique experience for tourists. This route runs all year round and is served exclusively by old T3 trains. Its main purpose is to show T3 cars that have passed into history and to "unload" the most popular route No. 22. The route of the "nostalgic" streetcar No. 23 runs from Zvonařka to Královka, and fares are paid in the same way as in the rest of the public transport in Prague.

In conclusion, Prague's streetcar network is a crucial part of the city's public transport system, offering tourists an affordable and convenient way to explore the city. With a range of tour cards and unique streetcar experiences, travelers can easily immerse themselves in Prague's culture and history.

Buses

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Prague, with a well-developed network that includes both day and night travel options. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, you can take advantage of the many bus routes available to explore the city and beyond.

Daytime buses in Prague run from 04:45 to 00:15, with numbers ranging from 100 to 299. During rush hours, buses come every 6 to 15 minutes, while other times see intervals of up to 30 minutes. You can purchase tickets at kiosks or vending machines, with prices based on the number of zones you cross.

If you're looking to travel outside of Prague, suburban daytime buses numbered 301 to 499 connect the city with other Central Bohemian communities. These buses require tickets to be purchased based on the number of zones you cross and allow for easy access to nearby attractions.

For those traveling late at night, night city buses operate from midnight to 04:45 with numbers ranging from 901 to 915, while night commuter buses with numbers 951 to 960 provide service to suburban areas. With bus schedules posted at every stop, it's easy to find the right bus and get to your destination on time.

If you're a tourist looking to take in the sights, many bus tour companies are available, including CitySightseeing, which offers a variety of services to explore the city's top attractions. Additionally, there are many tour card options available for those looking to save money on their travels.

Overall, buses are a great option for getting around Prague, with a range of services to suit your needs. So next time you're in the city, consider hopping on a bus and seeing where it takes you!

Luggage transportation

When traveling on Prague's public transport, it's important to know the rules and regulations regarding luggage transportation. Whether you're carrying a stroller, a pet, or a bicycle, there are options available for getting your belongings to your destination.

If you're traveling with a stroller and child, you'll be happy to know that the Prague metro, ferries, and cable car to Petøín Hill offer free transportation for strollers. Bicycles are also free on these forms of transport, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.

For other types of luggage, such as suitcases or large bags, there is a small fee of 16 CZK per item. This ticket is valid for 300 minutes, allowing you to make multiple stops on your journey. However, it's worth noting that conductors in Prague have not typically asked for a ticket for a suitcase, even if it is larger.

If you're traveling with a pet, dogs outside of a box can ride for free for 24 hours, with the exception of the AE line, which charges 30 kroner for canine companions.

In some cases, specific types of luggage can be transported for free. It's worth checking with your transport provider to see if there are any exceptions or special rules for your particular type of luggage.

Overall, Prague's public transport system offers a range of options for luggage transportation, making it easy to get around the city with all your belongings. So whether you're traveling with a stroller, a bike, or a suitcase, be sure to take advantage of these services and enjoy your time in Prague!

Fines for fare evasion

As with any public transport system, fare evasion is not tolerated in Prague. In order to discourage people from attempting to ride without a valid ticket, a new system of fines has been introduced.

For those caught without a ticket, the standard penalty is 1,500 CZK. However, this can be reduced to 1,000 CZK if paid on the same day. For those who forget to validate their ticket, the penalty is 50 CZK, and the fare must be confirmed when paying the fine.

In an effort to encourage compliance, fines can also be reduced by purchasing an annual named subscriber pass within 5 days of receiving the fine. This pass costs 1,350 CZK and can reduce the fine to 800 CZK.

It's important to note that fines must be paid within 15 days of receiving them, and they can be paid either at the ticket office or online through the DPP website. The ticket office is located at Na Bojišti 5, Praha 2 and is open Monday to Friday, with varying hours.

When paying fines online, it's necessary to enter the ZOPPK number, which is listed on the fine. The system can then assess the fare supplement and possibly reduce it, depending on the circumstances.

Overall, it's important to remember to always have a valid ticket when traveling on Prague's public transport system. While fines can be reduced in some cases, it's still best to avoid them altogether by following the rules and regulations. By doing so, you'll be able to enjoy your time in Prague without any unwanted penalties.

If you're interested in exploring more of what Prague has to offer beyond its public transport system, there are plenty of other articles that you may find helpful. For foodies, we recommend checking out articles on "boat restaurants Prague" where you can dine on a floating restaurant and enjoy a unique dining experience while taking in the stunning views of the city. Additionally, if you're looking for things to do in Prague beyond its public transport system, we suggest checking out articles on "things to do Prague" which offer recommendations on some of the best activities and attractions in the city, from visiting historic landmarks to exploring vibrant neighborhoods and enjoying the local culture.