Public Transport in Prague: Apps, Tickets & Tips 2026

Last updated: 2 March 2026
#8 most visited city in Europe

Prague has an excellent public transport network (metro, trams, buses) managed by DPP (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy) under the PID integrated system. The city's iconic trams are the backbone of daily travel. Use the PID Lítačka app for the cheapest tickets, or pay contactless at validators on board — but watch out for the new 2026 fare increases and the 2-minute activation rule for digital tickets.

iOS: PID Lítačka | Android: PID Lítačka

Key info at a glance

Main app PID Lítačka (tickets + planning) Multiple travellers Yes: Buy multiple tickets in the app for your group Check-in/validation QR scan or NFC tap at yellow validators Offline available Yes (purchased tickets work offline after activation) Payment methods Contactless bank card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SMS Add to Wallet No (use PID Lítačka app directly) Fine for not validating 1,000 CZK on the spot / 1,500 CZK within 15 days / 2,000 CZK if paid late Night transport after 00:00 Yes, night trams (91–99) + night buses (901–915) Exit scan required? No (validate once when boarding) Ticket activation needed? YES — digital tickets need 2 min manual activation before use Real-time info Yes (PID Lítačka app + digital boards at stops)
Key pitfalls to watch out for

1. 2-minute activation rule! Digital tickets bought in the PID Lítačka app must be manually activated BEFORE boarding. There's a mandatory 2-minute wait between purchase and activation. Buy your ticket while still at the stop — not on the tram!

2. New 2026 prices! Fares increased from January 2026. A 30-min paper ticket is now 39 CZK, but only 36 CZK via the app. Always buy in the app to save money.

3. No daily cap with contactless! Unlike London or Stockholm, there is NO automatic daily cap when using a contactless bank card. Each tap buys a new single ticket at full price (39 CZK). For multiple rides, buy a 24h pass (150 CZK paper / 140 CZK app) instead.

4. Validate or face heavy fines! Prague runs frequent ticket inspections. Plain-clothes inspectors can fine you 1,000 CZK on the spot, 1,500 CZK within 15 days, or 2,000 CZK (€80) if you pay late. Always have a valid, activated ticket.

Quick Check before you board

Which ticket is best for you?

Always buy via the PID Lítačka app!
App tickets are cheaper than paper or SMS tickets. A 30-min ride costs just 36 CZK in the app vs 39 CZK on paper or 42 CZK by SMS. The savings add up fast.

Ticket options for tourists

Ticket Type App Price (2026) Paper Price When to choose?
30-minute 36 CZK (€1,44) 39 CZK Short trips (1–2 stops, no transfers)
90-minute 46 CZK (€1,84) 50 CZK Most journeys + transfers (best value!)
24-hour pass 140 CZK (€5,60) 150 CZK 4+ rides in one day
72-hour pass 340 CZK (€13,60) 350 CZK Standard city trip — most popular!
Cost example: 3 days in Prague:
Avoid travel stress and fines. Receive a free Prague public transport update in your inbox 2 weeks before departure.

How to buy tickets

  • PID Lítačka app: Cheapest option. Buy, activate and show QR code during inspections
  • Contactless bank card: Tap at yellow validators on trams, buses, and in metro stations. Charges 39 CZK (30 min) or 50 CZK (90 min) per tap
  • SMS: Text to buy a ticket — most expensive option (42 CZK for 30 min)
  • Ticket machines: At metro stations and some tram stops. Accept coins and cards

Discounted fares (seniors 60–65, students)

Ticket App Price Paper Price
30-minute 18 CZK 19 CZK
90-minute 30 CZK 32 CZK
24-hour 84 CZK 92 CZK
Free travel: Children under 6 travel free (with a guardian over 10). Seniors 65+ travel free on all Prague public transport with a valid ID.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Option Duration Price Best for...
🚎 Trolleybus 59 + Metro A 45 min 46 CZK app / 50 CZK paper (90-min ticket) Best value — cheapest option!
Airport Express (AE) 35 min 100 CZK Direct to Praha hl.n. (main station)
Taxi / Bolt / Uber 25–40 min 500–700 CZK Convenience, late night, groups
Best hack: Take trolleybus 59 from Terminal 1 or 2 to Nádraží Veleslavín (16 min, every 3–10 min). Transfer to Metro Line A (green) — you'll be in the centre in under 45 minutes for just 46 CZK (app) or 50 CZK (paper). One 90-min ticket covers the entire journey including the transfer!

Night airport bus

After midnight, night bus 910 runs directly from the airport to the city centre (I.P. Pavlova) every 30 minutes. A regular 90-min ticket is valid (46 CZK app / 50 CZK paper).

Travelling with children

Age Price Ticket needed?
0–5 years FREE No (must be with guardian 10+)
6–14 years Discounted (50% off) Yes
15+ years Adult price Yes

Tips for families

  • Strollers: All trams and buses have designated areas. Modern low-floor trams are ideal
  • Groups: Buy multiple tickets in the PID Lítačka app — one person can purchase for the whole group
  • 72h pass: Best value for families staying 2–3 days
Family tip: Prague is very affordable for families. A 72h pass for the whole family (2 adults + 2 kids 6–14) costs just 340 + 340 + 170 + 170 = 1,020 CZK (~€41) total. That's unlimited travel for 3 days!

The network

  • Metro: 3 lines (A green, B yellow, C red). Runs 05:00–00:00. Very fast for longer distances
  • Trams: 26 day lines + 9 night lines. The backbone of Prague transport — often faster than metro for short trips
  • Buses: Mainly serve outer areas. Trolleybuses (incl. line 59 to airport) are new additions

Must-know tips

  • Your ticket is valid across ALL modes (metro + tram + bus) within the time limit
  • Transfers are free within your ticket's validity period
  • Use Google Maps or PID Lítačka for real-time routing — very accurate
  • Metro stations have long escalators — stand on the right, walk on the left

What NOT to do

  • Don't board without activating your digital ticket (2-min wait!)
  • Don't expect a daily cap with contactless — each tap is a new ticket
  • Don't buy tickets from unofficial sellers around tourist areas
  • Don't block doors on trams — they close quickly and won't wait

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

Metro accessibility

Prague's metro is improving but not yet fully accessible. About 48 of 61 stations currently have barrier-free access with elevators.

  • Accessible stations: ~48 of 61 stations (79%) have elevator access
  • Elevators: Available at most stations on Line A (green) and Line B (yellow). Line C has good coverage too
  • Level boarding: Metro trains have a small gap — manageable for most wheelchairs
  • New in 2026: Retractable platforms being added to bridge train-platform gaps. New acoustic beacons for visually impaired passengers from March 2026

Trams & Buses

  • Low-floor trams: Most daytime routes now use modern low-floor Škoda trams (marked with wheelchair symbol at stops)
  • Buses: All city buses are low-floor with ramps
  • Ramps: Drivers deploy ramps on request — press the wheelchair button or ask

Assistance & discounts

  • Free travel: ZTP/P card holders (severe disability) + companion travel free
  • Service animals: Guide dogs travel free on all public transport
  • Contact: DPP info line +420 296 19 18 17
Accessibility tip: Prague's hilly Old Town has cobblestones that can be challenging for wheelchairs. The tram network is your best friend — many routes run directly through the centre with level boarding at modern stops.

Best accessible routes for tourists

  • Airport → Centre: Trolleybus 59 (low-floor) + Metro A from Nádraží Veleslavín (elevator)
  • Old Town → Castle: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad — avoids the steep hill walk entirely
  • Wenceslas Square → Vyšehrad: Metro C (Muzeum → Vyšehrad) — both stations have elevators

When does regular transport stop?

The metro stops running at approximately midnight and resumes around 05:00. Night trams and buses take over immediately — Prague has 24-hour public transport coverage.

Night trams

9 night tram lines (91–99) run from midnight to ~04:30. All lines converge at the Lazarská stop in the centre — this is your main transfer hub at night. Frequency: every 30 minutes (every 20 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights).

Night buses

Night bus lines 901–915 serve areas not covered by night trams, running every 30–60 minutes. Bus 910 connects the airport to the city centre throughout the night.

Tips for night travel: The Lazarská tram stop is your best friend at night — all night tram lines pass through here, making transfers easy. Regular tickets are valid on night services (no surcharge). Plan your route in the PID Lítačka app which shows real-time night schedules.

Prague has a growing shared mobility scene, though a major 2026 regulation change has reshaped the landscape.

E-scooters banned in 2026!

Prague has banned shared electric scooters from January 2026. Only shared bicycles and e-bikes remain available.

  • Rekola: ~1,000 pink bikes across the city. From 35 CZK / 30 min
  • Nextbike: ~1,000 blue bikes. First 20 min from 35 CZK
  • Bolt / Lime: E-bikes available (e-scooters discontinued in Prague)
  • Uber / Bolt: Ride-hailing works well and is affordable by European standards

Prague has excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the city. An eSIM lets you activate your PID Lítačka app and buy tickets the moment you land at the airport.

Roammate Tip
Airalo eSIM From $4,50

Recommended for most travelers. Quick activation and reliable coverage across Prague.

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Firsty (Free Backup) Free / Paid

The perfect safety net. Get free basic data for essential apps like WhatsApp or Maps.

Free basic data No credit card needed
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Holafly (Unlimited) From €19,00

Best for power users. Never worry about data limits while navigating or streaming.

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Prague tip: Free Wi-Fi is available on many trams and at metro stations, but it can be slow and unreliable. With an eSIM you always have access to real-time transport info and your digital tickets.

Don't drag your suitcases across Prague's cobblestones! Store them safely and explore hands-free. Note: The Czech Republic uses the Czech Crown (CZK). Prices are shown in CZK and EUR.

Most Locations
Bounce Luggage Storage From 150 CZK/day (~€6)

Safe luggage storage in local shops and hotels. Best choice for flexibility and coverage across Prague.

€10,000 protection 24/7 locations Free cancellation
Find Storage Near Me →
Stasher From 160 CZK/day (~€6,50)

The 'Airbnb for luggage', working with reputable hotel chains and shops across the city.

Fully insured Vetted hosts No size limits
Book with Stasher →
Roammate Recommendation: For most visitors, Bounce is the best choice. Main train station (Praha hl.n.) has lockers but they fill up fast during peak season. Bounce locations near Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are ideal for day-trippers.