Getting around Prague

Prague’s public transport system (Dopravní podnik) is efficient, fast and reasonably clean. With three metro lines, 26 tram routes and 9 night trams you won't need the bus routes that avoid the centre. Keep in mind that the centre of Prague is easily accessible on foot.

Tickets, valid for all means of transport, can be purchased from the numerous vending machines at all metro stations, major tram stops and news stands. You always need to validate your ticket yourself by stamping it in the machines at metro entrances and on trams. The most common ticket is the 26Kč transfer ticket, which is valid for 75 minutes after validating (90 minutes between 22:00 and 05:00, on weekends and public holidays). The 18Kč non-transfer ticket is meant for tram rides under 20 minutes with no changes, or in the metro for up to 5 stations (changes allowed) from the departure station within 30 minutes. We suggest you save yourself time by buying a handful of these on arrival. If you're planning to stay a bit and explore, get the one-day pass (100Kč), a three-day pass (330Kč) or a five-day pass (500Kč). Children under 6 travel free; and tickets are half price up to 15 years old. Large pieces of luggage (including rucksacks) cost an extra 13Kč while dogs ride the rails for 26Kč. Fines for no validated tickets are 500Kč if paid on the spot or pay 1,000Kč later.

The funicular railway and night tram tickets are 26Kč.

Trams trundle around town every few minutes; useful lines are N°22 and 23 which run from the centre up to the rear entrance of the castle, saving you the uphill walk. The metro connects the two main train stations and Florenc bus station to the centre and runs up to just after midnight, after which the night trams (the warm mobile home to many a smelly tramp) take over, zipping in all directions from the Lazarská stop (H-5) every half hour. Tram information is on the red signs at each stop and is generally correct assuming of course that some worn out Škoda hasn’t died on the tram lines.

Beware of Prague's ultra-professional pickpockets, especially on trams N°22 and 23 and in busy metro cars; consider waiting for the next train if it looks squeezed.

For more information visit Dopravní podnik's excellent website with English and German information on routes and schedules, at www.dpp.cz, or call tel. 222 62 37 77.