Public transport in Prague

Prague’s excellent integrated public-transport system combines metro, tram and bus. On metro trains and newer trams and buses, an electronic display shows the route number and the name of the next stop, and a recorded voice announces each station or stop. As the train, tram or bus pulls away, the announcer says ‘Příští stanice…’ (The next station is…) or ‘Příští zastávka…’ (The next stop is…), perhaps noting that it’s a přestupní stanice (transfer station). At metro stations, signs point you towards the výstup (exit) or to a přestup (transfer to another line).

The metro operates from 5am to midnight daily. Line A runs from northwest Prague at Dejvická to the east at Depo Hostivař; line B runs from the southwest at Zličín to the northeast at Černý Most; and line C runs from the north at Letňany to the southeast at Háje. Line A intersects line C at Muzeum, line B intersects line C at Florenc and line A intersects line B at Můstek. After the metro closes, night trams (Nos 51 to 58) and buses (Nos 501 to 512) still rumble across the city about every 40 minutes through the night. If you’re planning a late evening, find out if one of these services passes near where you’re staying. Short-hop tickets cannot be used on these services.

To get into town from the airport, buy a ticket from the public-transport (Dopravní podnik; DPP) desk in arrivals and take bus 119 (26Kč, 20 minutes, every 10 minutes 4am to midnight) to the end of the line (Dejvická metro station), then continue by metro into the city centre (another 15 minutes; no new ticket needed). Note that you’ll also need a half-fare (13Kč) ticket for your backpack or suitcase for the metro (if it’s larger than 25cm x 45cm x 70cm). Alternatively, the Airport Express (adult/child 50/30Kč, every 30 min; h5am-10pm) bus service goes to Praha-hlavní nádraží via the Dejvická metro station. Luggage is free on this service; buy your ticket from the driver.