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How to Get From Prague Airport to City Centre by Taxi, Bus, Metro, Train, Shuttle & Private Transfer?

How to Get From Prague Airport to City Centre by Taxi, Bus, Metro, Train, Shuttle & Private Transfer

Jan 14, 2026
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Best ways to get from Prague Airport to the city centre to save you money & headache!

Prague is a city of storybook spires, riverside views, and cobbled lanes. If you are here to follow the Royal Route from the Powder Tower to the Castle or enjoy the festive markets in Old Town Square, your holiday begins the moment you land.

But arriving at Václav Havel Airport (PRG) in the beautiful Czech Republic can be overwhelming if you don’t know your options. You’re tired, you don’t speak the language, and the last thing you want is to be ripped off by an unofficial taxi driver or get lost in a foreign metro system with your heavy bags.

To help you start your trip smoothly, we have compiled the ultimate guide on how to get from Prague Airport to the city centre. Below, we break down every reliable way to get to the city centre so you can choose the one that fits your budget and travel style.

At a glance: What is the best transfer for you?

Before we dive into the step-by-step details, here is a quick comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Know your terminal in Prague Airport (PRG)

Getting around Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is pretty straightforward once you've got the hang of the terminal layout. If you're here for a city break in the Czech capital or you're connecting to other destinations across Central Europe, we've got the essential information you'll need on terminal transfers, transport links to Prague city centre, and expert travel tips to make sure your journey goes smoothly.

How to get from Prague Airport to city centre by local taxi?

Best for: On-demand rides without pre-booking.

Prague Airport has partnered with Uber to provide a safe, transparent taxi service. You can now forget the old days of overcharging when in Prague; this system gives you a quoted price upfront.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Book your ride: You have three options upon arrival:
    • App: Use the Uber app on your phone (select "Uber Airport").
    • Kiosk: Use the touchscreens in the Arrival Hall (card payment only).
    • Counter: Visit the staff counter (open 7:00 – 00:00) to book with cash or card.
  2. Get your PIN: If booking via kiosk or counter, you will receive a six-digit PIN code.
  3. Go to the pick-up point: Walk out to the "Uber Airport" lane in front of the terminal.
  4. Board: Show your PIN to the first available driver. You don't need to hunt for a specific number plate.

Why choose this?

The Prague airport local taxi: Uber Airport

  • This is the perfect option if your plans are flexible or if you forgot to book in advance.
  • The official partnership means you get a guaranteed fixed price before you get in the car, eliminating the risk of the infamous "tourist tax" scams.
  • Plus, the PIN system means you never have to wander around a car park looking for a specific license plate, just hop in the first available car and go.

How to get from Prague Airport to city centre by hoppa ride-hailing?

Best for: Comparing local providers and getting a ride instantly.

If you prefer to book your ride the moment you land, you can use the hoppa app to compare multiple local providers and get moving straight away.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Download the hoppa app: Download the hoppa app for iOS or Android.
  2. Search & compare: Enter your destination to see real-time competitive quotes from multiple local providers (including Bolt, Uber, and local taxi firms).
  3. Book instantly: Select the best price or fastest arrival time and book directly in the app.
  4. Ride: Track your driver and meet them at the designated pick-up zone.

Why choose this?

The smart, on-demand choice

  • The hoppa app acts as your personal transport aggregator. Instead of checking three different apps to find a car, you can see multiple options in one place.
  • It gives you the freedom to choose the cheapest or fastest ride available right now, without being tied to a single taxi company.

Ready to go? Download the hoppa app for the easiest way to manage your rides, or book your transfer now to have a driver waiting for you when you land.

How to get from Prague Airport to the city centre by Airport Express (AE) bus?

Best for: Travellers heading to the Main Train Station (Praha hlavní nádraží).

This bus bridges the gap between the airport and the railway network, running non-stop to the city's main transport hub.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Find the stop: Exit Terminal 1 or 2 and look for the bus stop marked "AE".
  2. Buy a ticket: Pay the driver directly or buy a ticket at the Visitor Centre in Arrivals Hall.
  3. Cost: 200 CZK (approx. £6.60).
    • Note: Regular public transport tickets are NOT valid here.
  4. Board: The bus departs every 30 minutes. Place your luggage in the racks and enjoy the ~40-minute ride to Wilsonova Street (Main Station).

Why choose this?

The direct link: Airport Express (AE) bus

  • If you have a heavy suitcase and are catching a train to another city (or staying near the station), this is your best friend.
  • It’s faster than the local bus because it doesn’t make stops, and it’s designed for travellers with luggage, so that you won’t be fighting for space.
  • It drops you right at the historic Fanta Building of the main station, instantly putting you in the heart of the transport network.

How to get from Prague Airport to the city centre by bus + metro?

Best for: Saving money and travelling like a local.

Prague’s public transport is excellent, but to reach the city centre from Prague Airport, it requires a transfer from the bus to the metro.

Important Update: The old Bus 119 has been replaced by the new Trolleybus 59.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Buy a ticket first: You must have a ticket before boarding.
    • Where: Yellow machines at the bus stop (contactless accepted), Visitor Centre, or the PID Lítačka app.
    • Cost: 46 CZK (approx. £1.50) for a 90-minute transfer ticket.
  2. Choose your line:
    • Trolleybus 59: To Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A). Best for Old Town & Malá Strana.
    • Bus 100: To Zličín (Metro Line B). Best for New Town & Smíchov.
  3. Validate your ticket: This is crucial! Insert your yellow paper ticket into the yellow stamp machine on the bus. If using the app, activate it 2 minutes before boarding.
  4. Transfer: Get off at the final stop and follow the signs for the Metro. Your ticket covers the bus, metro, and tram.

How to reach the city centre from the metro?

Once you arrive at Nádraží Veleslavín (Metro Line A - Green Line), head down the escalators. Use the same 90-minute ticket you validated on the bus; you do not need to buy a new one.

  • For Old Town: Take the metro towards Depo Hostivař and get off at Staroměstská (approx. 6 stops).
  • For Wenceslas Square: Get off at Můstek (7 stops).
  • For the Castle: Get off at Malostranská (5 stops).

Why choose this?

The budget choice: Public transport (bus + metro)

  • For less than the price of a cup of coffee (£1.45), you can travel all the way to the city centre. It’s efficient, clean, and safe.
  • The new Trolleybus 59 is high-capacity, meaning there’s plenty of room, and the connection to the metro is seamless.
  • If you are travelling light and want to feel like a local from minute one, this is the way to do it.

How to get from Prague Airport to the city centre at night by night buses?

Best for: Late-night arrivals between midnight and 04:30 AM.

If you arrive after the metro has closed (around midnight), don’t worry – Prague has a dedicated night bus service.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Find the stop: Head to the bus stops in front of Terminal 1 or 2.
  2. Bus 910: Runs every 30 minutes. It takes a scenic (and long) route through the city, stopping at I.P. Pavlova (near Wenceslas Square) and other central points.
  3. Bus 907: Runs every 60 minutes. This route stops at Hradčanská (Castle District), Náměstí Republiky (Old Town), and Hlavní nádraží (Main Train Station).
  4. Cost: Standard fare applies – 46 CZK (£1.50) for a 90-minute ticket. You can buy it from the yellow machine at the stop.

Why choose this?

The night-owl budget saver

While a private transfer is definitely faster and more comfortable at 2 AM, the night bus is a lifeline for budget travellers. Just be prepared for a longer journey (approx. 45–50 minutes) and a bit of walking to your hotel from the drop-off point, as the metro won't be running to take you that final mile.

How to get from Prague Airport to city centre by private transfers?

Best for: Families, heavy luggage, and travellers who want a guaranteed price.

If you want to avoid the arrival hall scramble, haggling with drivers or figuring out ticket machines, pre-booking a transfer is the smartest move.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Book in advance: Before you fly, visit the hoppa website or download the app. Enter your travel details and book to lock in a competitive price.
  2. Arrive at Prague: After collecting your luggage, walk into the Arrival Hall.
  3. Find your driver: Look for a driver holding a name board or check your e-ticket for the specific meeting point instructions.
  4. Relax: Your driver will help with your bags and drive you directly to your hotel door.

Why choose this?

The stress-free choice: hoppa private transfers

  • Flight delays: We track your flight and wait up to 60 minutes free of charge.
  • No hidden costs: The price you see online is the price you pay.
  • Family-friendly: We offer child seats and family-sized vehicles, making this the best transfer from Prague airport with kids.

How to get from Prague Airport to the city centre by hoppa shared shuttle?

Best for: Solo travellers and couples on a budget.

If you want the convenience of a drop-off near your hotel but want to save money, a shared shuttle is the perfect middle ground.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Book online: Select "Shuttle" when booking your hoppa transfer.
  2. Follow instructions: Your e-ticket will tell you exactly where to meet the shuttle coordinator in the Prague Airport terminal.
  3. The ride: You will share the vehicle with other passengers heading to the same area (Old Town, New Town, etc.).
  4. Drop-off: The shuttle stops at specific hotels or central points. It takes a little longer than a taxi, but it is much cheaper.

Why choose this?

The value choice: hoppa shared shuttles

  • Choosing a shared shuttle gives you the best of both worlds. You get the comfort of a seated, door-to-door (or near-door) service without the high price tag of a private taxi.
  • It’s ideal for solo adventurers who don’t want to navigate the metro system with suitcases but also want to keep their budget for Czech beer and chimney cakes.

How to get from Prague Airport to city centre by carsharing?

Best for: Travelers who want total freedom, families with extra luggage, and those planning to explore the Czech Republic beyond Prague.

If you prefer to drive yourself over waiting for an Uber or navigating the metro with heavy suitcases, Car4Way carsharing is the smartest on-demand solution at Prague Airport.

As the only carsharing service with dedicated parking spots directly at the airport (located in Parking C - Comfort), it offers a hassle-free "hop-in and drive" experience. No paperwork at a desk and no waiting in line.

And because Car4Way is a "free-floating" service, you can end your trip anywhere in the city’s residential blue zones for free, making it one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get to your hotel in Old Town or Vinohrady.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Register: Download the Car4Way app and register your licence (do this before you fly).
  2. Locate car: Use the app to find a car parked in the dedicated Prague Airport "Carsharing" zone.
  3. Unlock & drive: Unlock with your phone. You can park anywhere in Prague’s "blue zones" (resident parking) for free.

Why choose this?

Conveniently drive yourself: Car4Way carsharing

  • This is a fantastic "free-floating" option if you love driving.
  • You aren't tied to a schedule or a driver. You can throw your bags in the boot, blast your own music, and perhaps stop for a scenic look at the Divoká Šárka nature reserve on your way into town.
  • The perk of free parking in the city's blue zones is a massive bonus that saves you money and hassle during your stay.

How to get from Prague Airport to the city centre by train?

Best for: Travellers continuing their journey across Europe.

Is there a direct train from Prague Airport to the city centre? No. There is currently no direct train station at the airport. You must take the Airport Express (AE) bus or a taxi to Prague Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to connect to the rail network.

Why choose this?

Seamless onward travel in Europe with hoppa

While you can't catch a train from the airport, the airport is your gateway to the rest of Europe. Once you reach the Main Station, we make it easy for you to plan that next leg of your adventure!

  • Train travel: Book your onward rail journey through hoppa. We offer tickets for the European Sleeper, connecting Prague Main Station to:

How to get from Prague Airport to other cities by intercity coach?

Best for: Travellers heading directly to Brno, Karlovy Vary, or even international cities like Berlin and Vienna.

You don't need to travel into the city centre to catch a long-distance bus. Several major coach operators depart directly from the airport.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Find the stop: The coach station is located directly in front of Terminal 1, under the elevated road (flyover) that leads to Terminal 2.
  2. Choose your operator:
    • RegioJet: Recognisable yellow buses. They run direct routes to Karlovy Vary and the Prague-Florenc bus station.
    • FlixBus: Bright green buses. They offer direct connections to Berlin, Dresden, Budapest, Kraków, and Český Krumlov.
    • Gepard Express: Direct minibuses to Brno and Vienna Airport.
  3. Buy a ticket: It is highly recommended to book online in advance to guarantee a seat. You can also buy tickets from the driver if seats are available, but popular routes fill up fast.

Why choose this?

The direct city-to-city link

  • If your final destination isn't Prague itself, skipping the city centre transfer saves you hours.
  • You can step off your plane and onto a comfortable coach that whisks you straight to the spa colonnades of Karlovy Vary or the vibrant streets of Berlin without ever hauling your luggage through the Prague Metro.

Why pre-booking your Prague airport transfer saves you money and stress?

Prague is famous for its beautiful architecture, but unfortunately, it’s also known for scammers targeting tourists. While the city has cleaned up its act a lot, there are still tourist traps. Drivers in the arrivals hall may offer you a “fast ride” that ends up costing triple the normal fare.

By choosing the right transport option before you fly, you can:

  • Avoid the tourist tax: Book a competitive price in CZK, GBP and other currencies, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
  • Skip the queues: Walk past the line of people waiting for a taxi and head straight to your pre-booked car.
  • Travel with confidence: Knowing your route means you start your holiday feeling like a local, not a lost tourist.

Start your Prague adventure the right way!

Getting from the airport to the city centre doesn't have to be complicated. By choosing the transport option that best fits your budget and schedule, you can save your energy for what really matters: exploring one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

Whatever you prefer – you choose the ultra-low cost of the trolleybus, the direct ease of the Airport Express, or the door-to-door comfort of a hoppa transfer, you are now ready to navigate Prague like a pro!

Frequently asked questions on how to get from Prague Airport to the city centre

How far is Prague Airport from the city centre?

It is approximately 17 km (10 miles). The journey takes 30–40 minutes by car.

Can I pay with Euros?

While some drivers might accept them, the exchange rate will be poor. It is best to pay in Czech Koruna (CZK) or use a card. hoppa transfers are prepaid online, so you don't need to worry about currency.

What is the cheapest option?

The Public Bus (Line 59 or 100) combined with the Metro is the cheapest at 40 CZK (£1.45).

Does the Prague 72-hour pass include the airport?

Yes, the standard 72-hour pass (330 CZK / £11.85) covers the public buses (59, 100, 191) and the metro. But it does not cover the Airport Express (AE) bus.

Is Uber available at Prague Airport?

Yes, Uber is the official partner of Prague Airport. You can book via the app or at the kiosks in the arrivals hall.

Is public transport in Prague safe at night?

Yes, it is generally very safe. Night buses (910 and 907) run when the metro is closed (approx. midnight to 4:30 AM). However, for late-night arrivals, a pre-booked transfer or official taxi is often more comfortable.