Prague getting around
Holiday travel guide to getting around in Prague
While most central Prague tourist attractions can be reached on foot - though it is a steep climb up to the castle - the city has an excellent public transport system. It covers most of the main sights and is cheap.
Buy a 24-hour, 3-day or 7-day pass and you can use the tram, bus, metro and funicular network. Tickets must be bought at newsagents and metro stations in advance. Validate your pass at the machine on board each time and sign it on the back. Inspectors (not in uniform but carrying a badge) do inspect regularly and there are hefty fines for a missing or invalid ticket.
While facilities are improving, public transport isn't really geared to the disabled. The trams are relatively old and not modified for wheelchair use. Cobbled streets also make wheelchair use difficult.
A free guide listing barrier-free venues can be found at the Prague Association of Wheelchair users - it's at Beneditktska 6 - and there's information also at the Tourist Information offices.
The Prague tram system adds great character to the city. Most trams have a vintage feel but they are heavily used. They are generally more useful for city break visitors than the Metro.
Tram lines are always being repaired somewhere! This means trams do get re-routed. Check out the latest changes in the Prague Post. Re-routed trams are printed in yellow on the timetables. Standard routes are in white.
They don't have the character of trams but the bus network fills in the routes where trams don't run. Both buses and trams are banned from the narrow streets of the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). At some stops, you have to press the button to get off. There is an airport bus service
Prague Metro has three lines - Red, Yellow and Green - all converging near the city centre at Muzeum, Mustek and Florenc (for the main bus terminal). The Metro is useful for those staying away from the city centre. It is worth remembering that the airport cannot be reached by Metro.
After the metro closes at midnight, trams (#51 to #58) and buses (# 501 to #512) run every 40min.
Prague taxis do not have a good reputation, though many seem to have cleaned up their act. It is best to book a taxi through your hotel. Only use taxis with illuminated signs and make sure the meter is running when you get in.
A large number of horse carriages are available in the main tourist areas and they are a pleasant way to see the city. Alternatively, you can hire a vintage car. It's relatively inexpensive and a one hour trip is a good way to get your bearings often with an amusing commentary from the driver.
There's a wide range of car hire companies in Prague. Most will arrange delivery to a hotel or you can pick up at the airport. Local car hire firms tend to be cheaper. If using an international company, it's best to book before departure to the Czech Republic. You must be 21 or over and have held a licence for at least a year.
Parking is in short supply in Prague. Illegally parked cars are clamped or towed away while traffic offences can attract a spot fine.
The funicular operates from near the west end of Vitezna in Mala Strana and takes you up Petrin Hill. You can use your public transport pass.
The Vltava flowing through Prague is an attractive river and a cruise is a good way to see the city from a new angle - and a rest from all that walking. Catch boats at the Cechuv and Palackeho bridges. Rowing boats can also be rented near the Charles Bridge.
The Czech Republic has the most hospital beds per resident in the EU
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