Getting to Prague
Prague airport to the city centre: taxi, Uber, bus and private transfer compared
Updated 4 min read
Václav Havel Airport Prague lies about 17 km west of the historic centre. There is no train yet, so every option goes by road: public transport, the Airport Express bus, taxis and ride-hailing apps, or a private transfer. Here is how they compare in 2026, and when each one makes sense.
The options at a glance
| Option | Time to the centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trolleybus 59 and metro line A | about 35 to 40 min | light travellers on a budget |
| Bus 100 and metro line B | about 45 to 50 min | hotels on metro line B, such as Smíchov |
| Airport Express bus | about 35 to 40 min to the main station | hotels near the main station, onward trains |
| Uber Airport, other apps and taxis | 25 to 45 min | couples and small groups |
| Private transfer with meet and greet | 25 to 45 min | families, groups, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
Times by road depend on traffic, and weekday rush hours can add 15 to 30 minutes.
Trolleybus 59 and the metro
Trolleybus 59 replaced the old bus 119 in 2024. It leaves from both terminals every few minutes during the day and reaches Nádraží Veleslavín, on metro line A, in about 17 minutes. From there the metro takes you to Malostranská, Staroměstská, Můstek or Muzeum in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Ticket: one 90-minute ticket covers the whole trip, including the metro. In 2026 it costs 46 CZK in the PID Lítačka app and 50 CZK on paper.
- Where to buy: in the PID Lítačka app, at the ticket machines at the stops, or with a contactless card at the terminal on board. Paper tickets must be stamped in the validator as you board.
- Luggage: a suitcase larger than 25 x 45 x 70 cm needs its own luggage ticket, unless you travel on a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket.
- Hours: roughly from 5:00 to midnight. At night, night buses 910 and 907 connect the airport with the centre, every 30 minutes and every hour respectively.
Bus 100 is the alternative towards the south-west. It runs to Zličín on metro line B, which is useful for hotels in Smíchov or around Anděl.
The Airport Express bus
The Airport Express (AE) runs from both terminals to Praha hlavní nádraží, the main railway station, in about 35 to 40 minutes, usually every 20 to 30 minutes during the day. It has its own fare, and standard public transport tickets are not valid on it. In 2026 the fare is 200 CZK for adults, luggage included, and you buy the ticket from the driver by cash or card. It is a good choice if your hotel is near the main station or if you continue by train.
Uber Airport, other apps and taxis
- Uber Airport is the airport's official taxi service. You book in the Uber app, at the kiosks or at the counter in the arrivals hall, you see the price before you confirm, and the car picks you up right in front of the terminal.
- Bolt, Liftago and metered taxis pick up at the express car parks next to the terminals (P1 EXPRESS, P2 EXPRESS and PB EXPRESS), where signs mark the taxi points.
- Maximum fares: metered taxis in Prague may charge at most 70 CZK to board, 42 CZK per kilometre and 7 CZK per minute of waiting, the city's caps since August 2026. App rides with a price agreed in advance are not bound by these caps.
- Say no to anyone who approaches you in the arrivals hall offering a ride.
Our guide on how to avoid taxi scams in Prague explains how to recognise a fair ride.
Private transfer with meet and greet
A private transfer is booked in advance for an agreed price. Your driver tracks your flight, waits in the arrivals hall with your name, helps with your luggage and drives you straight to the hotel door. It costs more than public transport, but for families, groups, late arrivals and anyone with heavy luggage it is the calmest start to a trip.
We arrange airport meet and greet and private transfers for one guest or a whole group, with flight tracking, 60 minutes of free waiting after landing and child seats on request.
Arriving late at night
After midnight, public transport runs only as night buses, and a taxi rank queue after a late flight can be long. If you land late with children or luggage, a pre-booked transfer or a ride-hailing app booked while you wait for your bags is the simplest choice.
Our recommendation
- Travelling light, daytime arrival: trolleybus 59 and the metro.
- Hotel near the main station or an onward train: the Airport Express.
- Two or three people without special needs: Uber Airport or another app.
- Families, groups, late arrivals and first visits: a private transfer with meet and greet.
Once you are in the city, our guide to Prague neighbourhoods helps you find your way around.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Prague airport to the city centre?
Not yet. A rail link to the airport is planned, but it is not expected to open before the 2030s. Today trolleybus 59, bus 100, the Airport Express bus, taxis, ride-hailing apps and private transfers connect the airport with the city.
How much does a taxi from Prague airport cost?
Metered taxis in Prague may charge at most 70 CZK to board, 42 CZK per kilometre and 7 CZK per minute of waiting, the city's maximum fares since August 2026. Uber Airport, the airport's official taxi service, shows a fixed price before you book.
Where do I buy a public transport ticket at the airport?
In the PID Lítačka app, at the ticket machines at the stops, or with a contactless card at the ticket terminal on board the trolleybus or bus. One 90-minute ticket covers the whole trip to the centre, including the metro.
Which terminal will I arrive at?
Flights from Schengen countries arrive at Terminal 2 and flights from outside the Schengen area at Terminal 1. The terminals are connected inside the building, and trolleybus 59, bus 100 and the Airport Express stop at both.
What is the best option for a family or a group?
A private transfer. The driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name, the vehicle has room for luggage and child seats, and you go straight to the hotel door. For larger groups we arrange minibuses and coaches.
Want us to arrange it?
We can book these for you as part of one itemised quote.