Getting from Prague’s airport to the city centre is easy. Thanks to its excellent public transport (ranked the second best in the world), the journey takes only about 35 minutes. In this article, you’ll find out which buses or metro lines to take, where exactly the bus stops are located at the airport, and how to easily get tickets. Finally, you’ll also get some tips on taxis.
As mentioned, Prague’s public transport is outstanding and this article provides all the information you need to get to the city centre quickly and comfortably. However, if you have a lot of luggage and prefer more comfort, you’ll find tips on taking a taxi as well.
1) Getting to the centre of Prague with public transport
Which bus, metro or tram to take?
Václav Havel Airport Prague is connected to the city outskirts by buses (see map below). Bus number 59 takes you to the northern outskirts, where you can change to the green metro (underground) line A at Nádraží Veleslavín station. Another option is bus number 100, which takes you to the eastern outskirts, where you can transfer to the yellow metro line B at Zličín station.
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| Get the bus 59 to get from the airport to green metro line A, or bus 100 to get to the yellow metro line B. Image: DPP.cz |
Additionally, there is the Airport Express (AE) bus, which operates outside the public transport system. It takes you directly to the central train station (Hlavní nádraží) without any stops. However, this AE bus costs double (100 CZK, approximately 4 € or $), and the train station can be tricky to navigate if you’re visiting for the first time.
The easiest way to plan your route to your accommodation is by using Google Maps, which provides live locations of buses and trams. If you want to explore the city centre immediately, take the green metro line A to Můstek or Václavské náměstí. If you’d like to see more of the city—such as the scenic journey from the hills toward the river—leave Nádraží Veleslavín and take tram (light rail) number 20 or 26.
Where are the bus stops at the airport?
If you’re flying to Prague from another EU country (specifically the Schengen Area), you’ll arrive at Terminal 2. If you’re traveling from a non-Schengen country like the US or Turkey, you’ll land at Terminal 1. Either way, the bus stops are right in front of the terminals. See the map below for details.
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| Bus stops are in front of the terminals. Image: DPP.cz |
How to get public transport tickets?
The easiest way to buy a ticket is directly on the bus (or tram) using your credit card at the small orange ticket terminal. Be sure to purchase your ticket immediately after boarding. See the image below for reference.
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| You can buy a ticket inside of trams and buses. But not inside of a metro. Image: DPP.cz |
If you need a multi-day ticket, you can buy one from large yellow ticket machines located at major tram and bus stops or in all metro stations. At the airport (Terminal 2), these machines are on the right side—see the photo below. Validation terminals are behind them.
Important: If you buy a ticket from a ticket machine, you must validate it at a terminal before using public transport for the first time. However, tickets bought inside buses or trams are automatically validated.
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| In front of the terminal 2 at the airport are also ticket automats which are handy for buying 72h-ticket. Validation terminals are behind. |
Prices of public transport tickets
Public transport in Prague is reasonably priced by European standards. Using an estimated exchange rate of 25 CZK per euro/dollar (check the current exchange rate here), tickets range from about 1 €/$ for a 30-minute ride to 13 €/$ for a 3-day (72-hour) pass. If you’re in Prague for the weekend, the 72-hour ticket is the most convenient option, allowing unlimited travel without worrying about buying individual tickets.
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| Public transport tickets are affordable, with 30 min ticket costing 30 CZK (1.2€) or 330 CZK (13.2€) for 72h. Image: DPP.cz, edited by me. |
2) Taking taxi from Prague’s airport
If you have a lot of luggage or prefer the comfort of a car, a taxi may be a better—though more expensive—option than public transport. The easiest way is to use taxi apps like Bolt, Uber, or the Czech-based Liftago.
If you prefer a traditional taxi, head to the official kiosk in the arrivals hall—see the photo below.
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| At airport's arrival hall are the official taxi stands. Image: mine. |
Beware of taxi scammers
As in many cities, some taxi drivers in Prague still overcharge tourists. Scammers may approach you at the airport, trying to lure you into overpriced rides. Unfortunately, some taxi groups operate like a mafia and continue to park illegally in tourist hotspots like Old Town Square, Karlova Street (King’s Route), and the Main Railway Station, where you could pay up to six times the regular fare. To avoid scams, use official taxi apps or kiosks to save money and avoid stress.
➔ Get more tips on getting Czech crowns at the airport as well as in the city centre here.
