🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Czech Republic
✈️ Flying to Czech Republic
Main Airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) - Czech Republic's main international gateway, 17km west of Prague city center. Modern, efficient, well-connected to the city via bus and taxi. Most international travelers arrive here.
Other International Airports:
- Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ) - Second city's airport, smaller but convenient for Moravia region
- Ostrava Leoš Janáček Airport (OSR) - Eastern Czech Republic, near Polish border
💡 Insider Tip
Prague airport handles budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) alongside full-service carriers. Shop around—sometimes budget flights are significantly cheaper.
🚌 From Prague Airport to City Center
Public Bus + Metro (Cheapest)
Trolleybus 59 (recommended) runs every 5-20 minutes to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (Line A). Journey time: 20 minutes to metro, then 15 minutes to Old Town. Total: around 35-45 minutes. Ticket: 40 CZK (€1.60) for 90-minute travel covering bus + metro.
Airport Express (AE) Bus
Direct service to Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží), stopping at Masarykovo nádraží. Journey time: 35 minutes. Ticket: around 100 CZK. More convenient than regular bus but pricier.
Taxi
Licensed taxis charge metered fares: 60 CZK flag rate + 36 CZK per km. Journey to city center: around 750 CZK (up to 1,000 CZK during rush hours). Journey time: 25-35 minutes normally, up to 70 minutes during rush hours. Use official taxi stands or Uber/Bolt.
⚠️ Night Arrivals
After 11:40pm, regular public transport is very limited. Night buses (907, 910) operate 12:15am-5:00am but are less frequent. Consider taxi/Uber for late arrivals.
🚆 Other Ways In
Train from Germany—Berlin to Prague direct trains (around 4.5 hours, from €30). Munich to Prague (around 6 hours). Comfortable, scenic route through Saxon Switzerland. Book via Deutsche Bahn or RegioJet.
Train from Austria—Vienna to Prague direct (around 4 hours, from €20). Regular service. Beautiful countryside route. Book via ÖBB or RegioJet.
Bus from neighboring countries—FlixBus operates extensive routes. Prague from Berlin (around €20-40, 4.5 hours), Vienna (€15-30, 4-5 hours), Krakow (€20-35, 7 hours). Budget-friendly option.
Driving—Czech Republic borders Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland. Excellent highway network (D1, D5, D8). Vignette (toll sticker) required for highways: 310 CZK for 10 days, available at borders and gas stations.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
ETIAS authorization required starting 2024 for visa-exempt travelers. Apply online before travel—quick process, minimal cost. Your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Czech Republic →🚂 Getting Around Czech Republic
Trains
Czech Railways (České dráhy/ČD) operates the national network. Well-maintained, punctual, affordable. Prague-Brno (2.5 hours, from 200 CZK), Prague-Plzeň (1.5 hours, from 150 CZK). Book at cd.cz
Private operators: RegioJet and Leo Express offer modern trains with WiFi, comfortable seats, competitive prices. Often cheaper and nicer than ČD. Compare all three when booking.
Buses (Long Distance)
FlixBus, RegioJet buses cover areas trains don't reach efficiently. Prague-Český Krumlov (3 hours, from 150 CZK). Cheaper than trains for some routes.
Domestic Flights
Czech Republic is small—domestic flights are rare and usually unnecessary. Trains and buses connect everywhere efficiently within 2-5 hours.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Czech Republic doesn't have a rail pass like some countries. Individual tickets are cheap enough. Book RegioJet/Leo Express in advance for best prices.
🚇 Local Transportation in Prague
Prague Integrated Transport (PID) operates metro, tram, bus, funicular. Efficient, clean, easy to navigate.
Tickets & Passes
- 90-minute ticket: 40 CZK (€1.60) - unlimited transfers
- 24-hour pass: 120 CZK (€5) - unlimited travel
- 72-hour pass: 330 CZK (€13)
- PID Lítačka app: Buy tickets on phone - easiest option, sometimes cheaper
Metro runs 5am-midnight. Three lines (A-green, B-yellow, C-red). Trams run 24 hours (night trams numbered 51-59). All signage in Czech, but maps are clear.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended if you want to explore castles, countryside, and small towns at your own pace. Not necessary for Prague—public transport is better.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Highway vignette required: 310 CZK for 10 days, 440 CZK for 1 month
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 90 km/h (rural roads), 130 km/h (highways)
- Zero alcohol tolerance for drivers—strictly enforced
- Parking in Prague city center is expensive and difficult—use P+R (Park & Ride) lots on metro lines
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
⚠️ Prague Parking
Don't drive in Prague Old Town—narrow cobblestone streets, restricted zones, expensive parking. Use public transport instead. Rent car only for trips outside Prague.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Czech Republic
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: RegioJet/Leo Express offer cheaper fares when booked in advance
- Use FlixBus: Budget bus option, significantly cheaper than trains for some routes
- 24-hour transport pass: 120 CZK for unlimited Prague travel—cheaper than 3+ individual tickets
- PID Lítačka app: Sometimes offers cheaper tickets than paper/machines
- Compare car rental sites: Prices vary significantly between platforms