A
lthough the Prague airport (PRG) is one of the biggest in Czech Republic it is quite pleasant. It is in existence since the time between wars, but it does not overpower you with its size.
It is located 10 kilometres from the city. It is called Václav Havel Airport Prague or Prague-Ruzyně Airport. The second one is an administrative region. The first one is the name of the former president. Why him you may ask? He was the last president of the country of Czechoslovakia which ceased to exist in 1992. Since then, we have two independent countries – Czech Republic and Slovakia. He was also the first president of the new country.
Another fun fact is that the airport has spots for people wanting to observe lift offs and descends. No problem with getting the best picture! They also have beehives there.
Back to the subject. The airport has two terminals, with only a short walk between them. There is a small Billa supermarket and a few cafes. The signs are everywhere, and they direct you easily from one point to the next.
There is no metro or train connection to the airport. You can only use busses, but there is a variety to choose from. You also can choose to take a taxi or order an Uber.
Airport Express (AE)
You may want to search for this bus as soon as you get out of the airport. It has two stops there – in front of terminal 1 and then at terminal 2 (only disembarking).
The bus goes to Prague Main Train Station. For those who didn’t check the map yet – it is only 15 minutes walk from the National Museum and Venceslas Square. There is also a metro station there, so you can switch and go to any place in the city.
The travel time is about 40 minutes, but it highly depends on the traffic conditions.
You cannot use the integrated tickets; you must purchase a dedicated one from Ceskie Drogi website or in the office at the airport (not with the driver). If you buy a ticket online you will have to show the whole ticket, not only the QR code.
Ticket price
one-way 8€
The bus runs every half an hour between 6.30 AM until 10 PM (from the airport). The other way – from 5.30 AM to 9 PM.
Due to the COVID situation, the line is temporarily suspended.
Intercity Coach
Is operated by the RegioJet lines. It is another kind of a direct connection to two places. One is to Karlove Vary (another city), the second one is to Florenc district of Prague.
The stop in the city is close to Jewish Quarter and a short walk to the Powder Gate and the Old Town. You can check the locations on the map.
It stops at terminal one and has a distinctive orange color.
You buy the tickets online.
Ticket prices
one-way 65 CZK
Check the timetable on their website. In the tourist season, it runs often, but it varies and changes. For now (April 2021) there is one morning and one-afternoon connection.
The travel time is about 40 minutes.
Regular busses
These may be of the most interest to you since you can use the city’s integrated network tickets on it. It means that if you are here for only a weekend – you buy a 3-day ticket and you have everything included – both the airport and Prague’s transport.
You can buy the ticket at the airport’s offices (Visitor Centres and Public Transport Company). There are also several automatic machines in both terminals. You can even make a contactless payment there.
Prices
90-min ticket – 32 KCZ
3-day ticket – 310 KCZ
You can choose from 3-day lines and one nightline. The busses have a distinctive red-white color. They stop in front of both terminals. You will need to interchange, and the travel time will be longer, but it may be more convenient for you.
Bus 119 – it is the fastest one. You will have to go to the metro station Veleslavin and then interchange – either for another bus or for the green A metro line.
It runs every 10 minutes from 4.20 AM to 9.40 PM. The road to Veleslavin takes about 15 minutes.
Bus 100 – it is best to go to the last stop – Zličín, which is also the place where you can interchange for the yellow B metro line.
The bus runs every 15-30 minutes between 5.30 AM and 8.45 PM. The road will take about 20 minutes.
Bus 191 – this is the least useful since the road to the yellow B metro line takes forever. It twists and turns around the eastern districts of Prague, where some residents find it useful to have such a connection.
The night bus 910 runs between 9 PM and 4 AM. It stops near the Dancing House and Vysehrad among others. You will have to interchange.
Other
The taxi stop is in front of the terminal. There are two dedicated lines – FIX Taxi and Taxi Praha. Prices depend on the distance you will travel (with the entry fare of 60 CZK). Getting to the Old Town will take from 400-500 CZK.
Prices
FIX Taxi 1 km – 36 CZK
Taxi Praha 1 km – 28 CZK
If you plan to rent a car and travel around a bit the offices are outside the main building, next to the parking lot (check the map).
Enjoy your sightseeing!