Our Czech Republic Transportation page has general information about travel in the Czech Republic. To find more specific information about travelling within cities, go to the Czech Republic Destination Guides page, click on the destination you would like to visit, and then check the transportation page for that specific destination. Visit our partner site for the best deals on flights to Czech Republic.

Czech Republic Transportation Guide

Getting There & Away

By Air:
The national airline is Czech Airlines (website: http://www.csa.cz/). Several smaller airlines also operate this sector. Information can be obtained from Czech Airlines, City Service Centre, V Celnici 5, 11000 Prague 1 (tel: (2) 3900 7007 (reservations office); e-mail: call.centre@csa.cz).

Approximate flying time: From Prague to London is 4 hours 10 minutes; to New York is 10 hours 40 minutes.

International airports:
Prague (PRG) (Ruzyne) is 20km (12 miles) northwest of the city. Transport to/from city: Airport bus (Cedaz) every 30 minutes from 0600-2100 (travel time - 30 minutes); 119 and 254 buses run approximately every 10 minutes, from 0425-2340 (travel time - 20 minutes) to the nearest metro station, Dejvická (there are also night-buses in operation); mini-bus taxis to the city centre (24-hour service, surcharge at night).

Big hotels operate frequent shuttle-bus services during the summer months to the major hotels in the city. Airport facilities include duty-free shops; post office; banks/bureaux de change; restaurant and bar; car parking and car hire (Alimex CR, Alamo, Avis, Budget, CS-Czechocar, Dvorak, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt).

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Flights to Czech Republic

Rail:
The Czech Republic forms part of the European InterCity network. The most convenient routes to the Czech Republic from Western Europe are via Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Munich, Vienna, Würzburg or Zurich to Prague. The Vindobona Express is a once-daily through train that travels from Vienna to Prague (main station) and on to Berlin. Rail travel information is available from Czech Railways (tel: (2) 2461 4030; e-mail: info@cdrail.cz; website: http://www.cdrail.cz/).

Road:
The Czech Republic can be entered via Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic or Austria.

Bus:
There is an international bus network covering most European cities. There are connections to Amsterdam, Frankfurt/M, London, Munich, Vienna and other main cities from the Florenc and Zelivskeho Bus Terminals (Metro stations). Kingscourt Express runs services Monday to Saturday between London Victoria to Prague and Brno (tel: (2) 6671 3032; fax: (2) 6671 2177; website: http://www.eurobus.cz/). Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: http://www.eurolines.com/ or http://www.nationalexpress.com/) also operate services between Prague and other European cities.

Getting Around

Air:
Czech Airlines operates an extensive domestic service. There are regular domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava, Brno and Karlovy Vary.

River:
Navigable waterways can be found in the country and the main river ports are located at Prague, Ústí nad Labem and Decín.

Rail:
The rail network is operated by Czech Railways (Ceské Drahy). There are several daily express trains between Prague and main cities and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are payable for travel by express trains.

Road:
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 31mph (50kph) in built-up areas, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas and 80mph (130kph) on motorways. Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak Republic) via Brno. Users of the Czech motorways have to buy a vignette (season ticket), which costs approximately Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is now available at approximately Kc100. Bus: The extensive bus network mostly covers areas not accessible by rail and is efficient and comfortable. Buses are mostly run by the State Bus Company; see online for timetables (website: http://www.vlak-bus.cz/).

Car hire:
Self-drive cars may be hired through Avis, Hertz and other companies. Seat belts are compulsory and drinking is absolutely prohibited. Many petrol stations open 24 hours. There is a road emergency service available by calling 154. Documentation: A valid national driving licence. If this has no photocard, an International Driving Permit is also required.

Urban:
Public transport is excellent. Visit http://www.dp-praha.cz/ for timetables and other information on transport in Prague. There is a metro service in Prague that runs from 0500-0000. Three flat fares are charged. There are also tram and bus services (for which tickets must be purchased in advance from tobacconist shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centres or travel agents). Night trams and buses run from 0000-0430 in Prague. Buses, trolleybuses and trams also exist in Brno, Ostrava, Plzen and several other towns. Most services run from 0430-0000.

All the cities operate flat-fare systems and tourist passes can be purchased in advance that are valid for a number of journeys. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service. Taxis are available in all the main towns and are metered, higher fares are charged at night.