Prague's public transport is genuinely excellent — three Metro lines, a dense tram network, and buses where the trams don't reach, all on one integrated ticket. Here's how to use it without paying a 1,500 CZK fine for an unvalidated ticket.
The fare system in 30 seconds
- One ticket covers everything — Metro, trams, buses, the Petřín funicular and the Airport bus 119.
- Validate paper tickets once, then transfer freely until they expire.
- Contactless cards can be tapped on entry — no ticket needed.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Price (CZK) | Approx | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-minute short hop | 30 CZK | €1.25 / £1.05 | 30 mins from validation, all transfers |
| 90-minute standard | 40 CZK | €1.65 / £1.40 | 90 mins from validation, all transfers |
| 24-hour pass | 120 CZK | €5 / £4.20 | 24 hours from validation |
| 72-hour pass | 330 CZK | €13.50 / £11.50 | 72 hours from validation |
For most short stays the 24-hour pass pays for itself by the fourth ride. If you plan to use transport across 2–3 days, the 72-hour pass is the no-brainer.
Where to buy tickets
- Yellow ticket machines at every Metro station entrance and at major tram stops. They take cards and coins.
- DPP info points at the airport, Hlavní nádraží, Můstek and Muzeum.
- SMS ticket — send "DPT" (or "DPT24" for the day pass) to 90206 from a Czech SIM.
- PID Lítačka app — the official app. Buy tickets, view maps, plan journeys.
- Contactless tap — tap your card on any reader in the Metro or on board a tram/bus.
The Metro
Three lines, easy to navigate, signed in English and Czech.
- Line A (green) — runs east–west across the centre. Stops include Hradčanská (for the castle), Staroměstská (for the Old Town), Můstek and Náměstí Míru.
- Line B (yellow) — north-east to south-west, through Florenc, Náměstí Republiky and Anděl.
- Line C (red) — north–south via Hlavní nádraží (main railway station) and Muzeum.
Trains run every 2–5 minutes during the day. The next-train countdown clock on the platform is in the format MM:SS.
The tram network
Prague's trams are arguably more useful than the Metro for tourists — they reach Malá Strana and Hradčany (which the Metro doesn't), and they wind through neighbourhoods the underground misses entirely.
The most useful tourist tram routes:
- Tram 22 — the "tourist tram". Runs from Náměstí Míru up to Prague Castle via Malá Strana. Pass under Charles Bridge tower, get off at Pražský hrad.
- Tram 17 — runs along the river, the prettiest tram ride in the city.
- Tram 91 (heritage) — vintage trams run weekends April–November between Výstaviště and Náměstí Republiky.
Doors don't open automatically — press the button on the door when the tram stops. Front doors are for prams and wheelchairs.
Night transport
Between midnight and 05:00 the Metro is closed, but a parallel network of night trams (numbers 91–99) and night buses (900-series) operates. Every line passes through Lazarská (a short walk from Wenceslas Square), where most onward connections are timed to meet within a few minutes. Tickets are the same as daytime.
Common mistakes (and the fines)
- Not validating a paper ticket. Stamp it in the yellow box once. Fine: 1,500 CZK (1,000 if paid on the spot).
- Validating an already-valid ticket. If your ticket is still within its time window, don't re-stamp it.
- Using a 30-min ticket for a 45-minute journey. Buy 90 if you're not sure.
- Forgetting luggage costs. Each piece of luggage larger than 25×45×70 cm needs its own 20 CZK ticket. Backpacks don't count.
The Petřín funicular
Yes, the funicular up Petřín Hill counts as public transport — your day pass or 90-minute ticket covers it. The base station is at Újezd in Malá Strana; the top is a 5-minute walk from the miniature Eiffel Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a single ticket on Prague public transport?
A standard 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK (about €1.65) and is valid on the Metro, trams and buses with unlimited transfers within 90 minutes of validation. A 30-minute short-hop ticket costs 30 CZK. A 24-hour day pass is 120 CZK.
Do I need to validate my ticket in Prague?
Yes. Tickets bought on paper must be validated in the yellow box once — when you enter the Metro station or board a tram/bus. Mobile-app tickets (PID Lítačka) and contactless-card purchases are valid from the moment of purchase. Failing to validate is treated as not having a ticket and carries a 1,500 CZK on-the-spot fine (1,000 CZK if paid immediately).
Can I pay for Prague transport with a contactless card?
Yes. All trams, buses and Metro entry gates accept contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Apple/Google Pay). Tap the reader on entry; the system charges the cheapest applicable fare for that day. This is the simplest option for short visits.
How many Metro lines does Prague have?
Three: line A (green) runs through the centre east–west, line B (yellow) runs north-east to south-west, and line C (red) runs north–south through Hlavní nádraží. They intersect at Můstek (A/B), Muzeum (A/C) and Florenc (B/C).
What time does the Prague Metro stop running?
The Metro runs from approximately 05:00 to 00:00. Between midnight and 05:00 a network of night trams (numbers in the 90s) and night buses (900-series) covers the city, all meeting at Lazarská in the centre.
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