Understanding the Public Transport of Prague

If you're visiting the magnificent city of Prague on a weekend break, you're going to want to get around quickly and easily on the local public transport. You will no doubt have plans to see as much as you can of the city and can't waste time making mistakes on the transport system. Here are some tips to help you.

Arriving on Prague Airport Transfers

On arrival into the airport it is useful to know that there are no direct train or metro links into the city, leaving only the options to be a bus or pre-booked Prague airport transfers. The latter offers you the convenience of being met at the airport and taken straight to your hotel in a timely manner, leaving you ready to start your sightseeing as soon as possible.

Companies offering Prague airport transfers normally offer shared or private services, depending on what you prefer and what your budget allows.

Public Transport

Reputably one of the best public transport systems in Europe, the metro, trams and buses cover most of the city, and plenty of the outskirts. The fact that two thirds of the population use public transport regularly is testament to just how good it is.

Metro

The metro makes getting around very easy. You can make relatively long journeys in a short time and, if you don’t want to walk, it makes a very convenient and comfortable alternative. Opened in 1974 (built by the Russians), the metro is used by around 600 million people every year and is definitely favoured among the locals. Its speed, efficiency, user-friendliness and cleanliness make it the first choice for many. There are three lines on the system covering 62 km of track, with most of these being underground. There are plans to add to the already 61 existing stations.

Tram

The first electric tram was introduced in 1891, and the wonderful thing about the trams in Prague today is that they run 24 hours: the day trams run from 4.30am until midnight and the night trams take over until 4.30am the next day. The network is the largest in the country, with a total route length of 518km. The company that operates the trams is owned by the City of Prague and runs the system very effectively.

Bus

If you don't arrive into the city in a taxi or on one of the convenient Prague airport transfers, you may decide to use the bus. The city’s two main bus stations are Florenc and Roztyly. Buses cover the outer areas of the city and often run in places where the metro and trams do not. There are day and night buses and the frequency of these varies, depending on the time of day and whether it is rush hour or not.

Of course you could choose to take taxis everywhere, however the traffic has become notoriously bad in recent years and, as the public transport system is so good, you might as well use it. You can also buy a tourist pass that allows you to use any kind of public transport as many times as you like within the time allocated on your pass.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Prague airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.