City guide article

Buses

Along with buses, Prague also has a popular tram network. Both Bus and Tram services run from 5am to midnight with some night services running every 40 minutes (night bus services are 501 to 512). Night trams (51 to 58) intersect at Lazarska in Nove Mesto. Bus and tram timetables are posted at all stops and can be checked online from the public transport website. Tickets are mostly purchased from ticket machines at the stations so ensure you have coins, especially at night time. Get your ticket stamped as you board by slipping it into a box as soon as you board. Please keep in mind that inspectors, both uniformed and plain clothed, conduct regular rounds on both bus and tram routes; if your ticket is unstamped it will be confiscated and you will receive a 700 Kč fine.

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Taxi

If you can help it, avoid catching taxis in Prague as the city is notorious for deceptive taxi drivers who over-charge tourists. If you do not speak Czech there is a good chance you could be ripped off by a taxi driver, especially within the city. Be aware that most dishonest drivers operate around transport areas such as the railway stations and the airport; some even operate near hotels. Hence, be always alert for anything suspicious; simply walk away if you suspect something and catch another taxi. Speaking from experience, ALWAYS negotiate the price in advance, ask for the taxi meter to be turned on and for a receipt before you leave the cab. If you hail one down, always check for a recognizable company logo on the cab; it’s not a fail-safe solution but will offer some sort of satisfaction. If you suspect you’ve been ripped off, write down the car ID numbers (license plate, taxi license number on the car door, etc), the driver’s name, then contact the company (if there is one) or the police. The problem with this is that you are testifying against the driver which can prove difficult when you are a foreign tourist so be careful. An alternative way is to ask your hotel to call a taxi service for you. Use the services of proven phone-order taxi services as there have been reports of robberies on street taxis. Also be alert for an infamous taxi company, AAA Taxi s.r.o. who deliberately created its name to resemble popular AAA Radiotaxi Praha. AAA Taxi s.r.o. deliberately charges up to four times the standard fare for a taxi ride and even refuses to provide services to Czech citizens, so beware.

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Car for hire

There are a number of rental car companies available in Prague. It is often easier to book online rather than by phone as smaller companies are less likely to have English speaking staff. The general consensus regarding the rental is that you must be 19 years old and hold a full clean license for a minimum of one year.

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From the Airport

Prague’s Ruzyne Airport is located 17km west of city central. When you reach arrivals, locate a public transport desk and buy a ticket which will cover you for both bus and metro. Take bus 119 which runs every 15 minutes, to the end of the line at Dejvicka, then continue by metro into the city. This journey should take no more than 30minutes; 20 minutes for the bus, 10 minutes for the train.

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