VIDEO: How to Use Public Transport in Prague

The easiest way to see Prague's sights is on foot but at some point in your visit, you’ll probably need to take public transport.

At first, the city's public transport system might seem intimidating but once you've figured out the basics, it'll be one of your best friends in Prague.

Cheap, reliable, safe and clean, Prague's public transport system, an integrated network of underground metro trains, buses and trams, is one of the most positive aspects of the city's Communist legacy.

If you're only in the city for a short period of time, you'll probably find the metro and tram network most useful, as these serve the city center.

After midnight, the city's night tram service is a godsend for those far from their beds and far from sober, running every 30 minutes until the metro starts running again at around 5am.

The only time you're likely to take a bus is if you're traveling into the city center from the airport. Otherwise, bus routes tend to cater to the city's suburbs.

BUYING TICKETS
The most important thing to remember is to buy the right ticket in advance and make sure you stamp it before you travel.

You can buy tickets from metro stations, some tram stops and a selection of newsagents across the city.

At most metro stations, tickets are available from yellow (or occasionally red) ticket vending machines.

Tickets must be stamped to be valid for travel. To do this, insert your ticket into the small yellow-and-black validating machines found on-board trams and buses and at the entrance to the metro system.

You’ll be able to hear the timecode being printed on your ticket. (Note: Make sure that you insert your ticket the right way around -- an arrow is clearly printed on the ticket.)

Riding without a valid ticket is a bad idea: plain-clothes ticket inspectors tend to target the most heavily touristed routes and though the fines involved aren't huge -- 500 CZK plus the price of a ticket if you pay immediately, 950 CZK if you don't -- it really isn’t worth the hassle and embarrassment of getting caught.

The same tickets are valid for metro, tram and bus journeys.

TICKET TYPES
A limited (limitovaná) ticket, costing 18 CZK, is good for any tram or bus journey lasting no more than 20 minutes that doesn't involve a change.

On the metro, a basic ticket is good only for a journey lasting no more than 30 minutes that takes no more than five stops from your starting point, but you are allowed to change to a different metro line.

A basic (základní) ticket, costing 26 CZK, is good for any journey lasting less than 75 minutes, with an unlimited number of changes.

You can buy tickets from metro stations, some tram stops and a selection of newsagents across the city.

You won't see many people stamping tickets but don’t be fooled into thinking that a majority of Praguers travel without a valid ticket: most have a long-term pass.

If, like them, you want to avoid the hassle of buying a ticket every time you travel, you can pick up a 24-hour, a three-day, or a five-day ticket from metro stations:

24-Hour Ticket: 100 CZK
Three-Day Ticket: 330 CZK
Five-Day Ticket: 500 CZK

Monthly, quarterly and annual passes are also available, but you’ll need to apply for a photo ID to get one:

365-Day/Annual Pass: 4,750 CZK
90-Day/Quarterly Pass: 1,260 CZK
30-Day/Monthly Pass: 550 CZK

PRAGUE TV TIPS
How to get along with others on the city’s public transport system:

• On the escalators in metro stations, always stand on the right to allow people in a hurry to pass on your left

• Allow people to get off the train (or tram or bus) before you get on

• If you’re standing on the metro, hang on tight: trains set off quickly, inevitably leaving a clump of fallen tourists in their wake

• At busy times, always offer your seat to the elderly or the infirm. ("Old world" manners are very much alive and well in Prague and you'll get some mean looks if you don't fall into line.)

• When waiting for a metro, don't cross the black-and-white line near the edge of the platform. (If you do, a PA announcement is likely to single you out for public humiliation.)

• Don't eat or drink on public transport. (Munching on a burger in a tightly-packed tram will win you few friends.)

• Beware of pickpockets

RELATED LINKS
Dopravní podnik hlavní města Praha (DPP) -- Prague's public transport site
How to Use Public Transport in Prague -- Prague TV video