Getting To Prague

Travelling to Prague is usually very easy due to the very efficient road and rail networks. Driving is safe in the city and the roads are of an excellent standard, making journeys quicker and more comfortable. Travelling by train is also hassle-free. There are connections to many European cities and trains are comfortable, reliable and efficient. There is a busy international airport in Prague that has recently been refurbished.

By car

Motorways are limited in Prague, with the speed limit being a maximum of 81mph. There are also 24-hour emergency phone lines every 1.2 miles along the motorways. Driving is a lot safer in Prague than in other European cities, as seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and passengers; headlights are compulsory in the winter and fines are very high for all motoring offences. If you want to drive in Prague, you must hold an international driving licence.

The main routes in to the city of Prague are the D1/D2 motorways. There is no longer any need to avoid this route, as delays at the Slovak border have eased. If you are travelling from Belgium, you need to follow the E40 to Cologne, the E31 to Heidelberg and then join the E50 to Prague. If you are travelling from Paris, the E50 will lead you right to the city, while from Berlin, the E55 will take you to Prague.

By rail

Prague is connected by rail to over 20 European cities. These include Vienna, which takes 4 hours, 30 minutes; Munich, 5 hours; Berlin, 5 hours, 30 minutes; and Paris, 10 hours. It is recommended that you book your seat in advance, with journeys normally being comfortable and good value for money. Trains are reliable and usually run on time; however, in some instances, buses can be a quicker option.

By bus

If you are travelling from London, Eurolines runs a service direct to Prague, which takes approximately 30 hours. These coaches have limited facilities, but they do include toilets and reclining seats. Kingscourt Express also runs a service to Prague, taking 21 hours. There is a daily bus connecting Prague with Vienna, taking approximately 4 hours, 30 minutes; a weekly service to Warsaw; and a service travelling four times a week to Munich. International bus/coach services depart from either Florenc Station or the coach park at elivského Station. Buses offer smooth trips at excellent value.

By air

Prague’s international airport, Ruzyne, is located about 12 miles northwest of Prague’s centre. Today, you can reach Prague from over 100 destinations worldwide. You can get a shuttle minibus to the city centre from the airport, which runs every 30 minutes as well as local buses, which depart every 10 minutes. Taxis are expensive and often unlicensed. Prague’s top hotels can arrange to pick you up for a small fee.

Ruzyne Airport

Ruzyne Airport is located 12 miles northwest of the city of Prague and serves over 10 million passengers a year. You will find four terminals: North, North 2, South and South 2, with the North terminals offering the most amenities and dealing with both international and domestic arrivals and departures, and handling the majority of flights. The South and South 2 terminals handle a few specialty flights such as business, VIP and small private aircraft. Information desks, bureaux de change and ATMs are located in Arrivals and Departures in both of the North terminals (tel: +42 2011 3314, or +42 2011 3321). There are also banks and post offices in these areas. If you want to do some pre-flight shopping or eat before you leave, you will find duty-free shops in both of the North terminals and in South 2 Terminal. Many restaurants are located in the North terminals as well as a few situated in South 2 Terminal. Facilities in the South terminals are limited.

Transportation from Prague Airport

The airport is only served by buses and taxis, but there are three local buses that travel to and from the airport as well as a shuttle bus. Local buses run every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 24:00 and the airport shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes.
The other option is to take an airport taxi, but be sure to bargain your price, as taxi drivers are renowned for ripping unsuspecting tourists off. Car hire is also available at the airport.