Prague Public Transport Guide for First-Time Visitors

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on Jun 25,2025

 

First-time visitor to Prague? Knowing how to get around is the key to enjoying your visit. This guide to Prague public transport will show you how to navigate the metro, trams, and buses with confidence, so that you never miss a moment in this beautiful and historic capital. From learning how to buy Prague transport ticket machines to figuring out night tram schedules and choosing the right Prague transport pass for 3 days' cost, we’ve got everything covered to make your experience seamless.

Prague's comprehensive public transportation system is clean, secure, on-time, and affordable—perfect for visitors. Whether you're getting from Prague airport to the city or getting on a tram around Old Town Square, knowing the basics saves you valuable vacation time. Let's get started.

Why Use Prague's Public Transport?

The transport in the city is managed by Dopravní podnik hlavního městaPrahy (DPP), and it comprises:

  • Metro (subway): 3 color-coded lines
  • Trams: More than 30 day routes and a few night routes
  • Buses: City and suburban routes
  • Funicular: To Petrín Hill
  • Ferries and trains on Prague's integrated network

It's one of the most cost-effective ways to visit Prague without overspending.

How to Buy Prague Transport Ticket Machines: Easy Options for Visitors

It's easy to buy tickets and obtain passes that are convenient for tourists. The following are how you can purchase your transport pass or tickets:

Ticket Machines

Yellow and touchscreen machines are all available at metro stations, most tram stops, and the airport. New machines can accept contactless cards, cash, or coins. Everything is explained in English.

  • Common ticket types:
  • 30-minute ticket: 30 CZK
  • 90-minute ticket: 40 CZK
  • 24-hour ticket: 120 CZK
  • 3-day pass: 330 CZK

Prague transport takes 3 days. The price is especially great if you're going to stay for a long weekend in Prague. You get unlimited travel and no more need to purchase single tickets every time.

Mobile Po ida

You can use the PID Lítačka app to buy, validate, and store tickets on your smartphone, as well as receive real time route, live timetable and service updates for the metro, trams, and buses. The app is definitely a handy aid in getting around to make every stop and connect more easily in all you do in Prague.

 Kiosks at the Airport

Ticket machines and kiosks are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Prague Airport. It is highly advised to buy and validate your ticket or transport pass before you leave the airport sky so that you can get onto public transport quickly and simply.

How to Validate Tram Ticket in Prague

After purchasing your ticket, validation is key. Unvalidated tickets are subject to hefty fines.

For Paper Tickets 

To validate the ticket, put it into the yellow validation device on trams or buses, or in the entrances to metro stations. The device stamps the ticket with today's date and current time, activating it for use. 

For Mobile Tickets

If using the PID Lítačka App, make sure that your ticket is in an active state (validated) prior to boarding. You must start the ticket in the app before the trip begins, to ensure no penalties are incurred. 

Important Note

If you fail to validate your ticket - paper ticket or a mobile ticket - there is a possibility you may face an increased penalty (up to 1500 CZK) even if you purchased a valid pass. 

Metro in Prague: Fast & Convenient for Visitors

The Metro in Prague is one of the quickest modes of transportation. Three color-coded lines:

  • Line A (Green): Central tourist spots such as Staroměstská(Old Town), Malostranská (Lesser Town), and Muzeum.
  • Line B (Yellow): Florenc (bus station), Andrl (shopping), and Národní t?ída.
  • Line C (Red): Main railway station, Vyšehrad, and Pražského povstání.

Trains operate from 5:00 AM to midnight, every 2-5 minutes in peak hours.

For tourists who remain in Prague for 3+ days, the Prague transport pass 3 days price will grant you unlimited usage of the metro and all other modes of transportation.

Trams: The Scenic Route to Tour Prague

Trams are ideal for sightseeing and give a better scenic view of the city than the metro.

Tourist-Friendly Routes:

  • Tram 22: Runs close to Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and National Theater.
  • Tram 9: Will take you via Wenceslas Square and Žižkov.
  • Historic Tram 41: A special retro route runs on weekends (additional ticket needed).

Trams run between 4:30 AM and midnight. Night trams cover after that.

Night Tram Timetables Prague Tips

Once the metro and normal trams close, night trams (91–99) take cover.

Practical Tips:

  • Night trams every 30 minutes.
  • Central stop: Lazarská stop, where all lines meet.
  • Consult the PID Lítačka app to get real-time night tram timetables.
  • Your 3-day Prague transport pass or regular ticket price is also good for night trams.

If you are out late or going to early morning flights, these services are safe and reliable.

Public Transport from Prague Airport to the City: What You Should Know

Prague airport to the city does not have a direct metro, but it's easily accessible by taking a bus and metro.

Best Route from Prague Airport:

  • Bus 119: Terminal 1 or 2 to Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A)
  • Bus 100: Airport to Zli?ín (Metro Line B)
  • AE Bus (Airport Express): Operates between the airport and the main railway station (Hlavní nádraží) – additional fee applies
  • Standard ticket (or your 3-day transport pass) covers buses + metro.

Tip: Should you take public transport a number of times during your visit, purchasing the Prague transport pass for 3 days is both convenient and cost-effective, even for airport shuttles. 

Accessibility & Safety for First-Time Tourists

  • Accessibility: The majority of metro stations are equipped with escalators; trams and buses have allocated areas for wheelchairs and prams.
  • Safety: Public transport in Prague is amongst the safest in Europe. However, be mindful of your possessions when travelling on crowded trams.
  • English announcements are made at major stops, and machines also offer English options.
  • Use the PID Lítačka app to get real-time updates and directions, and arrival times for trams and buses.

Essential Travel Etiquette & Local Tips

  • Never travel without validating your ticket first.
  • Offer your seat to seniors or disabled people—locals do.
  • Stand on the right on escalators; walk left.
  • Exact change only in older ticket machines.
  • Late-night trams can be crowded, particularly on weekends.

Cost-conscious and savvy travelers can take full advantage of the metro, trams, and buses to maximize their coverage of the city at minimal cost.

Conclusion: Plan Wisely, Travel Smoothly

As a first-time traveler, few transportation systems are as user-friendly as Prague's public transportation, assuming you have the basic knowledge. The machines in metro stations, tram stops, and at the airport are so plentiful that you can get tickets just about any time you need them. As a reminder, you must validate the first time you use your ticket, whether you have a paper ticket or you've just purchased the ticket using the app. The 3-day Prague transport pass is only 330 CZK. With that pass, you can travel with unlimited rides on the metro, trams, and buses. 

The easiest way to leave the airport is using Bus 119 or Bus 100 from the airport. If you want convenient access to the metro, take the Airport Express (AE) bus, which connects to the four metro lines. For late-night travel, night trams (lines 91-99) run every 30 min and are included with all your regular tickets. To plan with relative ease, make sure to download the PID Lítačka app, which includes mobile ticket purchases, real-time schedules, and route planning capabilities.

If you have the right ticket and basic knowledge, Prague's public transportation system can become your portal to experiencing the city - safe, dependable, and affordable. So, validate your ticket, get on your chosen tram or bus, and just go! Have fun in one of the loveliest cities in Europe!


This content was created by AI