Prague is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities — but what many travellers don’t realise is just how easy and cheap it is to explore.
This guide breaks down the smartest, cheapest, and most efficient ways to get around Prague, including ticket tips, airport routes, apps to use, and local hacks.
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Understanding Prague’s Transport System (And How to Use It Cheaply)
Prague’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and affordable in Europe — and the best part for budget travellers is that one single ticket works across all modes of transport. Whether you hop on a metro, jump on a tram, catch a bus, or even take certain suburban trains, you don’t need to buy separate tickets.
Metro (Subway)
The Prague metro is the fastest and most reliable way to travel long distances across the city. It’s clean, modern, and easy to navigate.
How the Metro Works
Prague’s metro has three simple, color‑coded lines:
Line A (Green) – Runs east–west. Great for reaching Old Town, Malá Strana, Prague Castle, and popular tourist areas.
Line B (Yellow) – Runs southwest–northeast. Connects major shopping districts, business areas, and transport hubs like Florenc.
Line C (Red) – Runs north–south. Connects the main train station (Hlavní nádraží) and several residential districts.
The lines intersect at key transfer stations, making it easy to switch lines without confusion.
Operating Hours
5:00–00:00 (midnight) Trains arrive every 2–4 minutes during the day and every 5–10 minutes late at night.
Use the metro for big jumps across the city, like going from Old Town to Vinohrady or from the Castle area to the main train station. Then switch to trams for shorter, scenic rides through historic neighborhoods.
Suburban Trains (Esko)
Prague’s suburban trains, known as Esko, connect the city with nearby towns and outer neighborhoods. They’re part of the same integrated ticket system, which means your regular ticket may already cover your train ride.
When Suburban Trains Are Useful
Visiting outer districts like Vysočany or Hostivař
Taking day trips to nearby towns
Reaching areas not well connected by metro or tram
Trams
Prague’s trams are iconic — they’re not just transportation, they’re part of the city’s charm. Riding a tram through cobblestone streets and past centuries‑old buildings feels like sightseeing in itself.
How the Tram System Works
Prague has an extensive tram network that covers almost every corner of the city.
Day trams: Run from 5:00–00:00
Night trams: Run from 00:00–5:00 and are numbered in the 90s (e.g., 91, 92, 97)
Night trams follow slightly different routes but cover all major areas, making them a safe and cheap alternative to taxis.
Where Trams Can Take You
Trams are perfect for reaching:
Prague Castle
Letná Park
Malá Strana
Wenceslas Square
Vyšehrad
Riegrovy Sady
The Dancing House
Many of these areas are not directly served by the metro, making trams the most convenient option
Buses
While trams and the metro cover most of the city, buses fill in the gaps — especially in outer districts and areas not served by rail.
When You’ll Use Buses
Getting to and from Prague Airport
Reaching neighborhoods outside the city center
Traveling early in the morning or late at night
Airport Buses
The most important bus for travellers is:
Trolleybus 59
Connects Prague Airport to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (Line A)
Runs every 5–10 minutes
Costs the same as a regular ticket (40 CZK for 90 minutes)
This is the fastest and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city.
Cheapest Ways to Get From Prague Airport to the City
Prague Airport is well connected, and you don’t need a taxi.
1. Trolleybus 59 → Metro Line A (Best Budget Option)
Cost: 40 CZK
Time: 30–40 minutes
Drops you at Nádraží Veleslavín metro station
2. Bus 100 → Metro Line B
Cost: 40 CZK
Good for Anděl, Smíchov, Florenc
3. Airport Express (AE) Bus
More expensive but direct to Main Train Station
- Tickets cost 200 CZK and must be bought separately from the driver, as it is not part of the standard public transport network
Apps That Save You Time and Money
Navigating Prague is incredibly simple thanks to a few essential apps that locals rely on every day. These tools help you buy tickets, plan routes, avoid delays, and explore the city without getting lost.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the two most useful apps for budget travellers.
PID Lítačka
The official app for Prague’s public transport — and the #1 tool every traveller should download.
PID Lítačka is the central hub for everything related to Prague’s transport system. It’s designed for both locals and visitors, and it makes getting around the city effortless.
What You Can Do With PID Lítačka
1. Buy Tickets Instantly
You can purchase any type of ticket directly in the app:
30‑minute tickets
90‑minute tickets
24‑hour passes
72‑hour passes
No need to find a machine or carry coins. Just buy, activate, and go.
2. Check Routes and Plan Your Journey
The app shows:
The fastest route
Alternative routes
Transfer points
Walking distances
Real‑time arrival times
It’s more accurate than Google Maps for Prague’s transport network because it uses official DPP data.
3. See Real‑Time Delays and Service Changes
If a tram is delayed or a metro line is temporarily closed, the app alerts you immediately.
4. Store Multiple Tickets
You can buy several tickets in advance and activate them when needed.
If you download only one app for Prague, make it this one.
Mapy.cz
The app locals use — especially for walking, hiking, and exploring hidden corners of Prague.
Why Mapy.cz Is Amazing
Extremely detailed walking routes
Shows shortcuts, staircases, and small alleys Google Maps misses
Offline maps available
Great for parks, viewpoints, and nature trails
Perfect For:
Exploring Prague Castle’s hidden paths
Finding the best route up Petřín Hill
Navigating Letná Park
Discovering quiet backstreets in Malá Strana
Walking between neighborhoods without getting lost
If you want to explore Prague beyond the main tourist paths, this app is essential.
The Best Budget Transport Tips (Local Secrets)
These are the real money‑savers — the ones locals use daily.
1. Use 30‑minute tickets for short trips
Most attractions are close together. A 30‑minute ticket often covers multiple transfers.
2. Ride trams instead of taxis at night
Night trams run all night and cover the whole city.
3. Stay in tram‑friendly neighborhoods
Budget‑friendly areas with excellent transport:
Žižkov
Vinohrady
Smíchov
Holešovice
You’ll save on accommodation and transport.
4. Use the funicular for free
Your regular ticket works on the Petřín Hill funicular — no need for a special ticket.
5. Buy tickets in bulk on the app
Store multiple tickets and activate them when needed.
6. Avoid the tourist tram (No. 42)
It’s fun but overpriced. Regular trams go to the same places for a fraction of the cost.
Is Public Transport Safe in Prague?
Yes — Prague is widely considered one of Europe’s safest capitals, and it’s public transport reflects that. Locals of all ages use use public transport daily.
That said, like any major city, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings – especially in busy tourist areas.
Just keep an eye on:
Pickpockets on crowded trams
Bags in tourist-heavy areas
Otherwise, it’s extremely safe, even late at night.
Prague is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore on a budget — and its public transport system is a big reason why. With cheap tickets, simple routes, and plenty of insider tricks to save even more, you can see the best of the city without overspending.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, these budget transport tips will help you travel smarter, cheaper, and like a local.
And if your looking for things to do to keep costs low, check out our post on Free Things To Do In Prague.
