Getting around – public transport

The Prague public transport system uses two types of tickets - single tickets and transfer tickets and passes. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines (which give instructions in English and supply change) at all metro stations and newsagents. A ticket must be validated (punched) at the entrance to the underground station and on the tram/bus to mark the start of the validation period. Spot inspectors are frequent and tourists are famous targets as many tourists don't know the fact that they have to validate a ticket.

Single ticket (for one use/short ride)
Adults: 18 CZK, children 6-15 years: 9 CZK, children under 6: free
This ticket can only be used one time on one type of transportation. It is valid for 20 minutes from validation on trams and buses or 5 stations on the underground, allowing for transfers between underground stations (e.g. from line A to line B) for up to 30 min. of total time of use. This ticket is not valid on night trams and buses and on the Petřín funicular.

Transfer ticket (for multiple uses/long rides)
Adults: 26 CZK, children 6-15 years: 13 CZK, children under 6: free
This ticket can be used on any type of public transportation and allows transfers between lines (subway to subway, tram to tram, etc.) and types of transport (subway to tram, tram to bus, etc.) for up to 75 min. from validation (90 min. on weekends/holidays and from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays).

Short-term passes (unlimited travel within ticket validity)
Most visitors find travel passes cost effective and hassle free. If you will use public transport more than a few times a day, definitely go for one. Also 3 and 5 day passes allow free accompaniment of 1 child between 6 and 14 (inclusive). Day tickets or longer passes can often be supplied by your hotel concierge but can also be purchased at all major metro stations and newsagents.

24-hour pass: 100 CZK - children (6-15yrs) only 50 CZK
3-day pass (72 hours): 330 CZK - with this pass one child per adult can travel free
5-day pass (120 hours): 500 CZK - with this pass one child per adult can travel free

The underground operates from 5.00am until midnight.
Trams and buses run from 4.30am until 12.15am with very limited night service.

Ticket Sales / Ways to Buy

Tickets and passes are available at the following DPP Information Centres:

• Metro/Tram/Bus kiosks at Ruzyne Airport, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrival halls.

• Holešovice Train Station

• Muzeum metro station

• Anděl metro station

• Prague City Hall, Jungmannova 29

- Most Metro stations have a staffed window where tickets, and sometime passes, can be purchased.

- Ticket vending machines at public transport stops dispense single tickets, but only accept coins in payment.

- An extensive agency network of newsagents, hotels, tour operators etc also sell tickets valid for up to five days.

- From mobile phone with a Czech SIM card you can purchase a 26 CZK ticket by texting "DPT" to 902 06 26.

Automatic Ticket Machines

You can buy transport tickets at designated ticket sellers (including newsagents, hotel receptions) or at the automatic ticket machines located in each metro station. The ticket machines, and tickets themselves, may vary in design and colour, but they are still applicable to all forms of transport. The machine offers tickets for adults (26 CZK), children (13 CZK), bicycles (13 CZK) and other bulky items. Once ticket has been validated, a single-journey ticket is valid for an hour.

Check which price band is the right one to meet your requirements, then press the appropriately labelled button.

Ticket machine operation instructions

1) Select required ticket.

2) If you are happy that you have selected the right type of ticket, then press the výdej button to confirm your choice. If you are unsure, press the button labelled storno and start the process again.

3) When you have confirmed your choice of ticket, insert coins into this slot. Most machines give change.

4) Collect your ticket, and any change that may be due to you, from the large slot at the base of the machine.

Tickest Validation & Inspection

All tickets must be validated which means that you must insert them into the yellow stamping machine inside trams and buses or at the metro stations when you first use it. Tickets do not need to be re-validate when transferring services or starting a new journey within the validity period.

Ticket inspectors identified by an official badge, regularly check passengers and are authorised to fine a passenger without a valid ticket up to 950 CZK (reduced to 500 CZK if paid on the spot).