Prague’s public transport is one of the easiest ways to explore the city, especially around the historic centre, Vinohrady, Holešovice and beyond. With one ticket valid across metro, trams and buses in the Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system, you can move quickly between sights like Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Vyšehrad without worrying about traffic or parking.
Quick summary
- One ticket covers metro, tram, city buses and the Petrin funicular within Prague’s PID system.
- Validate paper tickets once and keep them; inspectors may check at any time.
- Use the PID Lítačka app or contactless card in metro stations for easy payment.
- Metro is fastest for longer hops; trams are best for sightseeing and short distances.
Understanding Prague’s PID system and tickets
Prague’s public transport is run under the Prague Integrated Transport system, known locally as PID. Within the city (tariff zone P), a single ticket is valid on the metro, trams, city buses, the Petřín funicular, and some city trains such as lines from Praha hlavní nádraží to Praha-Smíchov or Praha-Holešovice. This makes it simple to combine different modes in one journey, for example metro to Malostranská and tram up to Pohořelec for Prague Castle.
Tickets are time-based rather than distance-based. Common options include a short ticket (around 30 minutes), a longer ticket (around 90 minutes), and 24-hour or 72-hour passes. Prices change occasionally, but day passes are usually cost-effective if you plan to take more than four or five rides per day. Most visitors stay within zone P; if you travel to the outskirts or into Central Bohemia towns like Kladno or Beroun, you may need additional zone coverage on your ticket.
- Where to buy: yellow ticket machines in metro stations, some tram stops, newsstands, PID Lítačka app, and directly on many trams/buses with a contactless card.
- Validation: stamp paper tickets in the yellow machine on the platform or inside the tram/bus at the start of your first journey; app or bank-card tickets are validated electronically and do not need stamping.
Using the Prague metro: lines A, B and C
The Prague metro is usually the fastest way to cross the city, running roughly from 4:45 in the morning until just after midnight. There are three lines: Line A (green) runs from Nemocnice Motol through Malostranská, Staroměstská and Muzeum towards Depo Hostivař; Line B (yellow) connects Zličín with Smíchovské nádraží, Národní třída, Florenc and Černý Most; Line C (red) runs from Letňany through Florenc, Hlavní nádraží and Vyšehrad to Háje. For most visitors, key hubs are Můstek (A/B), Muzeum (A/C) and Florenc (B/C), where you can change lines.
Metro stations are well signposted, and platforms usually show the end station to indicate direction. Trains are frequent, often every 2–5 minutes during the day. If you arrive by train at Praha hlavní nádraží, Line C connects you quickly to the centre at Muzeum or to Florenc for long-distance buses. From Nádraží Veleslavín on Line A, you can change to bus 119 towards Václav Havel Airport. When planning, allow a few extra minutes for walking through large interchange stations like Florenc or Muzeum.
- Best times to use metro: weekday mornings and evenings when trams may be crowded or delayed by traffic; late evening for faster cross-city travel.
- Typical visit duration: you rarely spend more than 10–15 minutes underground between central stops; combine metro with walking or trams for areas like Malá Strana, Vinohrady and Karlín.
Trams: the most scenic way to see central Prague
Trams are ideal for short distances and sightseeing because they run at street level past many major landmarks. Classic lines include tram 22 and 23, which pass near Prague Castle (stops Pohořelec, Pražský hrad and Malostranské náměstí), and tram 17 along the Vltava River between Výstaviště Holešovice, Staroměstská and Výtoň. Trams serve neighbourhoods like Letná (stops Letenské náměstí, Sparta), Vinohrady (Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad) and Smíchov (Anděl), which are popular for cafes and local restaurants.
Most central tram lines run every few minutes during the day, with slightly longer intervals in the evening. Stops display route maps and upcoming departures; many have digital boards showing real-time arrivals. If you plan to photograph the city, riding between Malostranské náměstí, Újezd, Národní divadlo and Staroměstská on tram 22 or 17 offers good views of the river and Prague Castle. Remember that trams have priority at many crossings, so be cautious when crossing tracks, especially around busy junctions such as Lazarská or I. P. Pavlova.
- Buying tickets on trams: many modern trams have onboard ticket machines accepting contactless cards for a standard single ride; these tickets are valid immediately.
- Suggested routes: use tram 22 or 23 to combine Prague Castle, Pohořelec and Malostranské náměstí in one afternoon, then continue to Náměstí Míru for dinner in Vinohrady.
Buses, airport connections and trips to the edge of Prague
Within the city, buses mostly serve areas without metro or tram access, such as parts of Prague 5, 6 and 9. For visitors, the most important bus routes are usually those to Václav Havel Airport. Bus 119 connects the airport with Nádraží Veleslavín (Line A), while bus 100 runs to Zličín (Line B). Both are part of PID, so you can use standard Prague tickets; allow around 20–30 minutes from the airport to the metro, depending on traffic. From there, you can continue by metro to the centre at Můstek, Muzeum or Florenc.
Several bus lines also link metro stations to viewpoints and parks on the city’s edge. For example, from Smíchovské nádraží (Line B) you can take buses towards Barrandov or the Prokopské údolí nature reserve, and from Kobylisy (Line C) buses go to the Draháň-Troja area near the Prague Zoo and Troja Chateau. If you plan to visit Central Bohemian towns like Karlštejn (for the castle) or Beroun, you can combine Prague metro or tram with regional buses or trains from Smíchovské nádraží or hlavní nádraží; in many cases, PID tickets or supplements apply, but it is worth checking current zone requirements.
- Airport alternatives: the Airport Express (AE) bus links the airport with Praha hlavní nádraží for an indicative higher fare than regular PID buses; tickets are usually bought from the driver or online.
- Best time to travel by bus: outside weekday rush hours (roughly 7:00–9:00 and 15:30–18:00) when roads leading to the airport, Barrandov Bridge or Jižní spojka can be congested.
Night trams, safety and etiquette in Prague
When the metro stops around midnight, night trams and buses keep the city connected, especially at weekends. Night tram lines are numbered in the 90s (for example 91–99) and usually meet around the Lazarská stop near Národní třída in the centre. Night buses also run from key hubs such as Anděl, Florenc and Nádraží Holešovice to outer districts. Intervals are longer than during the day, often 20–30 minutes, so it is useful to check a planner or timetable before heading out.
Prague’s public transport is generally considered safe, but as in any large city, it is sensible to keep an eye on your belongings, particularly on crowded trams around stops like Karlovo náměstí, Václavské náměstí and Malostranská. Eating hot food is discouraged in the metro, and it is polite to give up priority seats to elderly passengers, pregnant women or people with disabilities. Strollers and luggage are usually fine, especially on metro and newer trams, but try to avoid blocking doors. Ticket inspections can happen on any line; inspectors show a badge and will ask to see your validated ticket or app screen.
- Night planning: from Old Town or Wenceslas Square, walk to Lazarská or Národní třída to change between most night tram routes.
- Practical tip: keep your validated paper ticket or app QR code easily accessible; fines for travelling without a valid ticket are significant compared with the ticket price.
Planning routes, apps and useful tools
For practical route planning, the official PID Lítačka app and website provide real-time departures, route suggestions and information about disruptions. You can buy digital tickets in the app and activate them before boarding. International map apps also work well in Prague, especially around key nodes like Florenc, Anděl, I. P. Pavlova and Náměstí Republiky, where many lines intersect. If you prefer offline tools, the Prague Tour Guide App offers offline maps and curated walking routes that you can combine with metro and tram journeys.
Most stations and stops display paper timetables and a schematic network map. Metro stations such as Muzeum, Můstek and Florenc often have larger wall maps showing the whole city, which are useful for orienting yourself. If you are staying near the main train station or in New Town, it can be quicker to walk between places like Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square and the river than to take short rides, and then use metro or trams for longer legs to areas such as Holešovice, Dejvice or Žižkov.
- Route planning: search from your nearest stop (for example Náměstí Míru, Anděl or Malostranská) to your destination, and let the app suggest a metro–tram combination.
- Paper maps: many hotels and tourist information centres near Old Town Square and Praha hlavní nádraží provide free schematic maps of the metro and tram network.
Frequently asked questions
Is one ticket valid for metro, tram and bus in Prague?
Within Prague’s PID zone P, a single ticket is usually valid across metro, trams, city buses, the Petřín funicular and some city trains for the time printed on the ticket. Always check zones and validity before travel, especially if going to the outskirts.
How do I get from Prague Airport to the city centre by public transport?
Typical options are bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Line A) or bus 100 to Zličín (Line B), then the metro to central stops like Můstek or Muzeum. These routes use standard PID tickets. The Airport Express bus to Praha hlavní nádraží is another option, usually at a higher fare.
Do I need to validate my ticket on Prague public transport?
Paper tickets must be validated once, in the yellow stamping machines at the metro entrance or inside trams and buses at the start of your first journey. App-based tickets or tickets bought by contactless card in station validators are usually validated electronically and do not need stamping.
Are there night trams and buses in Prague?
Yes, night trams and buses run after the metro stops, typically from around midnight until early morning. Night tram lines (in the 90s) meet near Lazarská in the centre, and intervals are longer than during the day, so it is worth checking a timetable or journey planner in advance.
Important note
- Routes, timetables and ticket prices can change. Please verify current information on the official websites of the relevant operators (e.g. České dráhy, RegioJet, DPP, PID).
- Prices, fees and exchange rates are indicative only and may change.
- Opening hours may change seasonally or without notice. Check the official venue website before visiting.
- Safety guidance is for general information only and does not replace your own judgment on site.
- Spa treatments and offerings may change. Check directly with the venue for current services and prices.
Sources and official links
Prague Tour Guide App – Czech Republic app (coming soon)
We are building a Czech Republic app with offline maps and practical routes.
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