Transportation around Prague
There are many ways to get around Prague, each with its own pros and cons. Here are our recommendations.
Public Transport
Public transport in Prague is excellent—according to Time Out, it’s even the second best in the world. In summer it can get hot and not everyone smells like Chanel No. 5, but it’s affordable, reliable, and will get you pretty much anywhere. Even at night, although night lines have different numbers and routes.
Tickets are valid across the entire public transport network and allow transfers. You can switch freely between the metro, trams, and buses using the same ticket. Validity is time-based: there are 30-minute tickets (CZK 36 when purchased via the PID Lítačka or ČSOB Do kapsy apps / CZK 39 when bought physically), 90-minute tickets (CZK 46 via app / CZK 50 standard), 24-hour tickets (CZK 140 via app / CZK 150 standard), and 72-hour tickets (CZK 340 via app / CZK 350 standard). Discounts are also available. Full information can be found on the Prague Public Transit Company website: https://www.dpp.cz/en
- Ticket validity starts from the moment of activation. You probably won’t be carrying cash or want to buy paper tickets from machines. Simply download the PID Lítačka app, where you can search for connections and buy tickets—you can choose whether the ticket becomes valid immediately after purchase or activate it later when you actually use public transport. The IDOS app or Google Maps also work well.
- In trams, selected city buses, and metro station halls, you’ll find mobile self-service ticket machines (the orange contactless payment terminals), where you can pay for your ticket by card. The ticket becomes valid immediately upon purchase.
- Paper tickets can be purchased from machines at stops or metro entrances (some accept payment cards) or at convenience stores selling newspapers, cigarettes, small snacks. If you’re arriving in Prague by train, you can buy paper tickets at Czech Railways ticket offices. Each ticket must be validated at the start of your journey. After boarding a tram or bus, or at the entrance to the metro, look for the small yellow validation machines.
One of Prague’s less charming habits is that it tends to be under construction during summer. This year will be no exception, with various restrictions and closures. However, they should not significantly affect Prague Pride Festival attendees.
Please note the ongoing closure of one of the exits from the line C platform at Florenc metro station. You can only exit towards Sokolovská and Křižíkova streets. Another inconvenience is the continued suspension of tram service between I. P. Pavlova and Muzeum—use the metro instead. For the latest updates on transport restrictions and disruptions, check: https://www.dpp.cz/en.
Own Car
If you don’t have a permanent residence in Prague, parking can be a hassle. The city uses a parking zone system, and non-residents can only park in selected spaces (mostly paid). Plus, you can get stuck in heavy traffic, and that’s the last thing you want on your way to a festival event. We definitely don’t recommend using a car for personal transport around Prague. If you do bring a car to Prague, park it at a P&R parking lot on the outskirts of the city and continue on with public transport.