Traveling to Prague, Czech Republic

Traveling by plane

The modern city airport, Ruzyně, is situated about 20 km northwest of the city centre, with two terminals to enhance the smooth arrival to the capital city. There are direct flights from most major European cities.

Here you can find the list of suggested airlines offering flights to Prague.

Facilities in the main building include a 24-hour money exchange office, a few ATMs, fast food places, several travel and accommodation agencies, rental car companies, a post office. There is also a 24-hour left luggage service in the Arrival Hall.

From the Airport to the city centre

Timetables are available at the airport information office in the main hall or on www.dp-praha.cz. In order to use Prague's Public Transportation Systems, you must have a travel pass, which can be purchased at the bus stop at the airport. You will see an orange machine, and you must press the 20Kc button, and enter a 20Kc coin. Each traveler needs a ticket. This pass is valid for one hour on any Prague Public Transportation. Once you enter the bus/tram/metro, you must mark your ticket only once to valid and start the time period. Day passes and several day passes are also available.

Bus & Underground

From the airport, walk directly out front and catch bus No 119 or No 254 from the airport to Dejvická metro station, then follow a green line (A) of underground railway to the centre (stations Můstek or Muzeum). The total trip takes about 45 minutes.

Bus & Tram

Bus No 100 will take you from the airport to Zličín - the underground terminal stop of the yellow line (B) that leads to the town centre (Můstek station).

Catch night bus No 510 (between midnight and 3.30) to the tram-bound at Divoká Sárka, then go by tram No 51 to Dejvická metro station or further to the city centre (Náměstí Republiky, Wenceslas Square).

Taxi

Depending on the destination, a trip to the city costs up to 700 Kč per 2-3 persons. Before entering the car check the price with the driver. It is not recommended to except a price over 700 Kč.

Traveling by train

Domestic services are provided by ČD (Czech Railways). There are number of daily connections to Prague from major European cities.

Train Stations:

Hlavní nádraží is the biggest and busiest railway station in Prague. This main train station is located in the center of Prague, and is only a metro stop away from the heart of the city center. There are a 24 hour left-luggage service, food stalls, information and booking offices.

Other train stations in Prague:

Masarykovo nádraží, Holešovice Station, Smíchov Station
A supplement for fast express trains (rychlík) has to be paid. It is possible to buy plain tickets (jízdenka) or tickets with reservation (místenka) for a seat, couchette or sleeper.
It is necessary to make a reservation on the train marked with boxed or circled "R", an "R" without a box means a reservation is recommended.

Information on rail connections are available on Tel: 02 / 242 242 00 or online www.cdrail.cz

Traveling by car

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in the Czech Republic. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory, and children under the age of 12 have to sit in the back. The Czech Republic has a ZERO TOLERNACE drinking and driving policy. Driving after any consumption of alcohol is illegal.

Most foreign driving licenses are honoured, Australian and New Zealand drivers should get an International Driving License.

If entering the Czech Republic by car you will need:

  • a valid driving license
  • a vehicle registration card
  • a hire certification
  • Green Card (an international motoring certificate for insurance)
  • a highway sticker (can be purchased at the border).

Other items you will have to have in your car at all times are: a first-aid kit, a set of replacement bulbs, a spare tire, and red warning triangles.

The speed limits in the Czech Republic are:

  • 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways
  • 90 km/h (56 mph) on dual and single carriageways
  • 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.

Relying on a car in Prague is not advisable, as it is very difficult to find a suitable parking place and break-ins are very common. Only residents having a parking card can park their cars in the central area of Prague. If you happen to visit Prague by car, the best places to leave your car are in guarded parking lots, especially the underground ones. New or expensive cars are vulnerable to break-ins, so do not leave anything valuable inside the car that is visible from outside, including car radios, as they get stolen quite often.

Traveling by coach

The city main bus terminal is Florenc, situated on the eastern edge of the New Town , and is easily accessible by tube (yellow line B and red line C) and trams. The majority of internal coaches are run by ČSAD. Information on bus connections are available on www.jizdnirady.cz

Numerous international coach services are run by Bohemia Euroexpress International (Křiľíkova 4-6, Prague 8 - Florenc, Tel: 02 24814450, 24218680, www.bei.cz).
Generally, coach travel is cheap but long distance traveling can be uncomfortable and slower than going by train or plane.

To make sure you get a seat, it is advisable to obtain your tickets in advance.

Travel Documents and Customs

A valid passport is a necessity when entering the Czech Republic. To confirm visa requirements you are advised to contact the Czech embassy or consulate before traveling.
Customs allowances per person are 2l bottles of wine, 1l spirits, 200 cigarettes (100 over the age of 15 (3000 Kč for a person under the age of 15).