Getting around in the Czech Republic

As you are planning your bicycle trip and beyond, you will certainly wonder how to best get around. We’re here to help and have put together some general information and tips for you. Find step-by-step arrival and departure instructions specific to your tour in your tour packet. Note that any fares and timing mentioned are estimates.

We also recommend Rome2Rio, which is an excellent route and travel planning resource.

A note on taxis, specifically in Prague:
Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on traffic in the city. It is good practice to ask for an approximate fare before the ride and pay meter start. Prague has had some issues in the past for overpriced taxi fares. Make sure you insist that the taxi meter is turned on and request a receipt upon leaving the car. The maximum price set by city government per km is 28 CZK (status 2023); the easiest and best way to avoid being overcharged is to call a reputable company yourself. Sometimes hotels have commission deals with the taxi companies and you’ll find yourself potentially paying 50% more than usual.

The International Airport Vaclav Havel (Ruzyně) (PRG) airport is located 20km (12 miles) northwest of Prague central.

By Shuttle Bus: Airport Express buses leave every 30 minutes from Prague’s main train station, Hlavní nádraží, or Praha hl.n. Service begins at 5:45 am and ends at 9:15 pm. Tickets can be obtained from the driver. Regular shuttle bus transportation is available between the Václav Havel Airport Prague and the city center (“V Celnici” street, in front of CSA terminal, 50 meters from Republic Square – náměstí Republiky).
By public transportation: Prague has a network of buses, trams, and metros. Depending on where you’re going in the city, it’s worth checking public transportation options: https://www.dpp.cz/en
By Hotel Shuttle: Check with your hotel if they offer this service.
By Taxi: A taxi from the airport into the city takes around 35 min.

Trains are operated by Czech Railways (České Dráhy). All cities in the country have train stations and make train travel throughout Europe simple and economical. If you would like to look at train schedules, consult Trainline.com or Bahn.de.

Here are some common terms you may see at the train station:
Vlak – train
(Vlakové) nádraží – (train) station
Odjezdy – Departures
Příjezdy – Arrivals
Nástupiště – platform
Zastávka – stop
Jízdenka – ticket
Místenka – seat reservation
Pokladna – ticket window

Rental Car: Traffic in Prague proper is very heavy. If you decide to rent a car, we suggest arranging this from the U.S. – it’s cheaper. Be sure to find out the exact address of the location to pick up your rental car. It’s best to make these arrangements in advance.
Tram & Metro: There are several metro, train, and tram lines in the city associated with Prague Integrated Transport (PID). The schedules are posted on the stops and public transportation in the city is the best way to get around and most efficient. You can get tickets at tobacco shops, convenience
stores, public transit offices, and ticket machines. Don’t forget to validate your ticket the first time you board; yellow boxes are located in the metro stations right by the stairs and the trams have them inside.
Bus: Look for vending machines that say “Public Transport” where you can purchase tickets. Tickets purchased from the bus drivers are more expensive. Machines and drivers require payment in Czech crowns. Remember to validate your ticket at a yellow machine with a green glowing arrow when you get
on the bus to avoid fines from the conductors.
Taxis: Taxis can easily be found outside airports and train stations.

Travel planning