Jan Nettig
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is 17 km northwest of the Old Town — closer to the city than most European capital airports. Getting between airport and city takes 15 to 90 minutes depending on which option you pick and when you arrive. This is the honest comparison of all your options.
Quick answer
- Cheapest: Bus 119 + metro line A (~45 CZK / €2, ~40 min).
- Fastest & no-stress: Uber or Bolt (~500-700 CZK / €22-30, 25-40 min).
- Best value for a couple: Airport Express (AE) bus direct to main station (~100 CZK / €4, 35 min).
- Comfort splurge: Private transfer or licensed AAA/Fix taxi (~700-900 CZK / €30-40).
- Skip: Regular street-hail taxis (overcharging risk) and the “Prague Airport Shuttle” for solo travelers.
Option 1 — Bus 119 + Metro A (the cheap local way)
Cost: 45 CZK (single 90-min DPP ticket).
Time: 35-45 min.
Take bus 119 from Terminal 1 or 2 (buses run every 5-10 minutes, 04:00-midnight) to Nádraží Veleslavín — the western terminus of metro line A (Green line). Change to metro, ~15 minutes to Můstek (city center) or Staroměstská (Old Town).
Tips: Buy the 90-min ticket at the yellow machines in the arrivals hall or from the bus driver (cash only). Validate immediately when you board. If you have a large suitcase, you technically need an additional “luggage ticket” (~20 CZK), though enforcement is patchy.
Option 2 — Airport Express (AE) bus
Cost: 100 CZK (buy from driver, cash or card).
Time: 35 min direct to Prague hlavní nádraží (main train station).
Runs every 30 minutes, 05:30-22:00. Convenient if you’re catching an onward train or if your hotel is near the main station. Not a great option if your hotel is elsewhere.
Option 3 — Uber, Bolt, Liftago
Cost: 400-700 CZK depending on time of day and terminal.
Time: 25-40 minutes.
All three ride-share apps work at Prague Airport. Pickup zones are clearly marked outside arrivals. Bolt is usually the cheapest; Uber has the largest driver pool; Liftago is a Czech-owned option worth supporting.
Avoid: The “official” taxi ranks unless the taxi is clearly marked FIX (yellow) or AAA. Prague still has some rogue taxi drivers targeting tourists at the airport with 3-5x overcharges.
Option 4 — Private transfer
Cost: 700-900 CZK for up to 4 passengers.
Time: 25 min.
Book in advance through Prague Airport Transfers or Kiwi.com Transfers. Driver waits at arrivals with your name on a sign. Worth it for larger groups, late-night arrivals, or if you have significant luggage.
Option 5 — Rental car
Only recommended if you’re heading straight out of Prague to Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, or the German border. Do NOT rent a car for Prague itself — the historic center is largely pedestrianized, parking is expensive and complicated, and public transport is excellent.
What to expect at the airport
Prague Airport has two active passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 — Schengen and international flights (most non-EU airlines land here).
- Terminal 2 — Schengen flights (most Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and other budget carriers).
Terminals are 5 minutes apart on foot. Free luggage carts, plenty of ATMs (avoid the Euronet ones with awful exchange rates — use ČSOB or Komerční banka), free WiFi (register with an email).
Practical tips
Currency exchange at the airport
Airport exchange offices have some of the worst rates in Prague. Change no more than 50 EUR at the airport (enough for the bus into town), then use an in-city bank ATM or the reputable Exchange Praha in the Old Town.
SIM card
All major Czech carriers (O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone) have kiosks in the arrivals hall. Prepaid tourist SIM ~250-500 CZK for 5-10 GB data + calls. Not needed if you have EU roaming or a Wise/Revolut travel card.
Duty free on departure
Prague Airport duty free has decent Becherovka and Absinthe prices; skip the Bohemian Crystal (better in city shops).
Gear that helps
- Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack — sized to fit low-cost airline carry-on limits, wheels are unnecessary at PRG.
- Anker 313 Type-E/F wall charger — Czech sockets, no adapter needed if you buy this one.
- Zero Grid RFID travel wallet — cards, cash, passport in one place for airport security.
- Anker Prime 20,000mAh power bank — flights + airport waits kill phone batteries.
FAQ
Is Prague Airport far from the city?
17 km northwest. 25-45 minutes by any option except direct express.
Can I use Euros at Prague Airport?
Some shops accept Euros at poor exchange rates. Use CZK (koruna) — it’s the local currency.
Is Uber cheap in Prague?
Yes — 400-700 CZK from airport to Old Town, comparable to a bus/metro combined ticket + convenience. Bolt often cheaper than Uber.
Is there a train from Prague Airport?
No direct train. Long-planned airport rail link is in construction; not operational as of 2026.
When does bus 119 stop running?
Regular service 04:00-midnight. Night bus 907 runs midnight-04:00 with less frequency.
