Prague Public-Transport

Prague Public-Transport information

Metro

The Metro is usually the easiest way of getting round Prague. There are three underground lines in the city (green: A, yellow: B, red: C) and trains normally run on all lines at intervals of 3-7 minutes. Transfer tickets cost CZK20 and are valid for 60 minutes within the central two zones. A no-transfer ticket costs CZK14 and is valid for a journey of four stations, with the option of changing between lines A, B and C. Tickets are available at every station via ticket offices or automatic machines. Stations are indicated at street level by a green sign with an "M" inside an inverted triangle. You should note the final destination of the line and direction you wish to travel in as this will help you locate which platform you need once underground. Tickets must be stamped before boarding the train. Note that plain-clothes ticket inspectors operate on most trains, but you should ask to see some ID if someone approaches you claiming to be a ticket inspector.

Buses

Prague's bus system is cheap and generally efficient. Tickets must be bought before boarding the bus and stamped immediately when you board (travelcards or tourist passes do not have to be stamped but must be presented on demand). A two-zone ticket (which covers the entire city centre) will cost CZK14 and is valid for 60 minutes from being stamped. During this time the ticket allows use of any public transport system within the centre although the ticket should not be restamped if you do transfer. It is unlikely that tourists will want to travel anywhere in the city outside the two central zones, but higher fares and longer time restrictions apply for transport to the suburbs. You should be warned that bus travel through Prague can be slow during rush-hour and often routes aren't as direct as you would wish.

Trams

Prague's trams are probably of more use to tourists than the bus system and are a good way to see the city at street level. Trams are surprisingly modern and clean, run regularly and are more direct than buses. The simple ticketing system works in an identical manner to the bus network with tickets being purchased from machines at stops or kiosks around the city. Stops are scattered throughout Prague and signs clearly depict where and in which direction the next trams to arrive are travelling. On board the tram, announcements over the PA declare the next stop, making navigating extremely simple with even the most basic information of your destination.

Driving

Travellers wishing to drive while in the Czech Republic must carry an International Driving permit. The minimum driving age in the Czech Republic is 18. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. Seatbelts are compulsory. If you wish to travel on the motorway you will need to display a sticker (Vignette) on the windscreen which costs around CZK150 for ten days and CZK800 for 12 months. Buy your sticker at any petrol station or post office. The fine for driving without the sticker is CZK15,000. The speed limit is 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways, 90km per hour (56mph) on major roads outside built up areas and 50km per hour (31mph) in urban areas. Drinking and driving is not tolerated at all in the Czech Republic. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0mg, which means you could still be found to be over the limit hours after having a single drink. Fines are steep and issued on the spot. For emergency road service call the automobile and motorcycle club. Tel: 1230

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Taxis

Prague's taxis are notorious for trying to overcharge tourists. Cab drivers are regulated but it has done little to curtail the practise of slapping on extra charges for any foreign passenger. Untrusting as it might sound, it is best to assume that the driver will attempt to cheat you somewhere on the journey and you should take some simple steps to prevent this. A basic rule is never get into a taxi that isn't clearly marked as a cab. All regulated cabs have a taxi light and will have a list of fares clearly visible within. Be wary of taxi touts around tourist attractions, they very rarely have proper metered cabs. Once in the cab insist that the driver turn on the meter, they are unlikely to do it unprompted and may refuse even when asked or tell you that the meter is broken. If this happens you can attempt to predetermine a price for the trip. If the driver balks at agreeing a price then leave the cab or face being charged an astronomical sum for your ride. An alternative is to get your concierge to call a cab for you. Everyone in Prague is aware of the problems tourists face with cabs and it is likely that your hotel will know trusted company that shouldn't overcharge you too much. You have the added advantage that staff should be able to give you an estimated cost of the journey before you set off. Any taxi problems can be reported to the Taxi Guild. Tel: +420 272-741-871.