Prague Public Transport - All You Need To Know

Travleing to Prafue soon? In this article, we are going to teach you all you need to know about the city's famously convenient and complicated public transport system. We are going to talk about how to buy and validate your tickets correctly, what means of transportation you can use in Prague, and how much will you be fined if you get it all wrong.

Types of Public Transport in Prague

Despite the fact, that Prague isn't a huge city like some other European capitals, there are a lot of ways how you can get around. In Prague, you can take trams, metro, busses, trains, ferries, and even a funicular. The city's so-called integrated transportation system will allow you to use all of these with just one type of ticket. 

• Trams - I am sure you have seen an iconic Prague red tram in photos before! This means of public transport is by far the most popular one in the city, as almost a million people take trams in the Czech capital every day. Bear in mind, that not all trams are accessible; there are still older models driving around where strollers and wheelchairs won't be able to enter without help, but every tram schedule (available at any tram stop) will have an icon of a wheelchair next to the exact minute of the expected tram arrival. 
• Metro - Prague metro is still expected to expand by one more line (D) in the future. For now, we've got Line A (green line), Line B (yellow line), and Line C (red line). They connect at three major stops - Florenc, Mustek, and Museum - where you can transfer. Prague metro is pretty easy to use, but we will mention a few vital things to know about it below.
• Buses - This type of public transport is mainly used on the outskirts, where tram and metro lines do not reach. There can be times of major construction works when one of the above-mentioned means of transport will be substituted by a bus, the name of which would usually start with X and followed by a number. There are also intercity buses that have 300 in their name. 
• Trains - These are least likely to be used by travelers, but you can take a train even within Prague. Be careful though, as if you change tariff path midway (usually it is announced on the speaker) you will have to get an extra ticket. 
• Ferry boats - These cute old-school boats are not very common in Prague, but you can still take them to cross the waters of the Vltava River at a few convenient points. There are altogether 6 ferry routes, and the most used one is route P5 (p stands for privoz, ferry boat in Czech), and you can take it from Vyton (at Prague Naplavka) to the Smichov side or Emperor's Island. You can see a complete map of Prague ferry boats here.
• Funicular - The one and only Prague funicular that can take you up to Petrin Hill with one middle stop at Nebozizek. This is a tricky one because a special fare applies here - 60 czk per ride! However, those who purchased a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket, as well as a long-term subscription one, or those eligible to travel for free, can take the funicular without a fee!

Is Tram Free In Prague?

Somewhat surprisingly, a lot of people think that a famous red tram in Prague operates free of charge. Sadly, this is not the case. You have to purchase a ticket to ride it.

Prices for Prague Public Transport Tickets - 24 hours, 72 hours, 30 minutes, etc.

Now that we've covered what types of public transport you can take with a Prague integrated system, let's talk about the most confusing part of this whole endeavor - tickets! There are multiple ticket types:

• 30 minute - 30 czk
• 90 minute - 40 czk
• 24 hours - 120 czk
• 72 hours - 330 czk

We are going to link the explanation for who is eligible for Prague Public Transport here, but to make a long story short, only kinds up to and including 15 years of age, as well as seniors over and including 65 years of age can take public transport for free (please, carry your ids to prove that). Seniors from 60 to 65 can get half the price of the ticket, except 72 hours one. 

PRO TIP: Bear in mind, that your pets and cumbersome luggage will also need a special ticket!

We will link an official article on the Prague Public Transport website with ticket fares here.

How to find out which public transport connections to use in Prague?

• Google Maps - the easiest way, but in case a stop was recently introduced, it might not be on the map yet.
• IDOS - A Czech website and an app thats hows you the public transport schedules. You will need to know names of yoour stops to use it.
• Mapy.cz - A handy Czech route planner.

Where To Buy Tickets for Prague Public Transport

• Button-operated ticket machine - only accepts coins! 
• Touchscreen ticket machine - accepts coins and contactless payments. 
• Info centers, ticket offices, and newspaper stand - accept various methods of payment.
• Touchscreen terminal - contactless payments only.

IMPORTANT! 

In case of buying a ticket via the first three options, you will have to VALIDATE your ticket. We will explain how below. In the case of the touchscreen terminals which are common in trams, the ticket will already be validated. However, there is a trick ticket controllers use to get you fined, we will discuss it in the section below.

The Easiest Way to Buy a Prague Public Transport Ticket - App

The answer is the PID Lítacka mobile app! This is what every Prague local uses and you should as well.

There is a trick to it though: you must activate your ticket, and it will only be valid after 2 minutes! You can pre-plan and activate a ticket at a certain time through the app as well. 

Validating Paper Tickets for Prague trams, buses, metro, etc.

Remember, that most paper tickets (except the ones bought in touchless terminals) have to be validated in the yellow machines located at the top of metro escalators, and inside buses and trams! Each ticket has an empty stripe where the date and time of validation will be printed after you run it through the yellow machine. This is done so the ticket controllers see what time you have started using the ticket, but we will mention more about it below. Simple, but there are many mistakes travelers make while doing that! So many, that we have made a video about it. Here are the most common ones:

• Not validating a ticket at all
• Validating it on the wrong side aka the back side of the ticket or text parts
• Validating a ticket multiple times. Some travelers do it every time they enter public transport, which is wrong

What Is The Fine For No Ticket In Prague?

All of these mistakes can result in a 1500 Czech crowns fine. How did the Prague Public transport fines occur, you may ask? There are ticket controllers on all types of public transport. We talked more about it in our video. The fine is given to those travelers who do not have an active ticket, or to those who validated it wrongly. However, some ticket controllers will try to fine even those people who are lining up to buy a ticket INSIDE the tram, as it is technically a grey area since those people do not possess a ticket yet and their intention doesn't count. It is a nasty way of earning money on the controllers' side, but we want you to know that it's common. That is why we encourage you to sort out and validate your tickets BEFORE you enter public transport.

Do They Check Tickets In Prague?

Yes, ticket inspectors are relentlessly fining fare-dodging passengers in Prague! In the metro, you will spot a controller from a mile away as they have to wear navy uniforms and badges, and normally stand at the tops and bottoms of escalators, as well as roam through carts. However, ticket controllers who operate above the ground (trams, buses, etc.) work in disguise and wear civil clothes, so they can catch passengers off guard. 

What should you do if you were caught without a ticket in Prague?

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do except pay a fine, which is 1500 crowns, reduced to 1000 crowns if you pay it on the spot or in the next 15 days at the additional payments counter. Moreover, if you do not have a ticket for your dog and luggage, you will be asked to pay 400 crowns reduced to 200 by the same token! 

If you have an active ticket, but you've lost or forgotten it somewhere, you will only pay 50 crowns once you present it as proof at the counter.

When not to trust a ticket inspector in Prague? Are there scammers among them?

Every Prague ticket inspector has to present a badge with the logo of the Public Transportation Company upon inquiring about your ticket. Every inspector also has to have a special terminal that checks the yearly passes of locals at hand. If none of those two things was presented to you, you might be dealing with a scammer, so do not hesitate to ask them for valid proof of their occupation and tell them you will call the police if they do not leave you alone.

With that said, talking to ticket inspectors is sometimes very unpleasant. It is very common that they demand tickets and IDs, and use crude language when communicating with passengers. However, if they refuse to return your travel document upon writing a fine, do not hesitate to call the police!

See more of our Prague Travel Tips.

Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 6 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.