Václav Havel Airport Prague

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the Czech Republic's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 17 km northwest of Prague city center in the Ruzyně district. Named after former Czech president and playwright Václav Havel, the airport serves as the main hub for Smartwings and the base for Czech Airlines (now part of Smartwings Group), handling around 18 million passengers annually.

The airport has two passenger terminals arranged in a linear configuration:

• Terminal 1: Handles non-Schengen flights (destinations outside the Schengen Area including UK, USA, Middle East, Asia). Gates A and D.
• Terminal 2: Handles Schengen flights (European Union and Schengen Area destinations). Gates C and E.

Both terminals are connected and within walking distance of each other. The terminals share a common landside area with check-in halls, shops, and services, while airside areas are separated by passport control.

Prague Airport is located 17 km (10.5 miles) northwest of Prague city center.

Travel time overview:

• Airport Express bus (AE): 35-45 minutes to Prague Main Station
• Bus 119 + Metro: 40-50 minutes to city center
• Taxi to city center: 25-40 minutes (traffic dependent)

The airport does not have a direct rail connection. The most common routes into the city combine bus with the Prague Metro system.

Taxi

Official airport taxis (AAA Radiotaxi and FIX Airport Cars) operate from designated stands outside arrivals. Use only official taxi services to avoid overcharging.

Destination	Fare	Time
Prague city center (Old Town)	600-800 CZK (€24-32)	25-35 min
Prague Main Station	550-700 CZK (€22-28)	25-30 min
Wenceslas Square	600-750 CZK (€24-30)	25-35 min

Fixed-price taxi services are available when booked in advance through the airport website or taxi company apps.

Uber

Uber operates at Prague Airport with competitive pricing.

• Pickup location: Designated rideshare area outside arrivals on the ground floor
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Green
• Typical fare to city center: 400-600 CZK (€16-24)
• Advance booking: Available through the app

Alternatives: Bolt and Liftago also operate in Prague with similar pricing, often slightly cheaper than Uber.

Airport Express Bus (AE)

The Airport Express (line AE) is a direct bus service to Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží), with a stop at Masarykovo nádraží.

To Prague Main Station:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Airport Express"
2. Board the AE bus (blue bus with airplane logo)
3. Arrive at Prague Main Station in 35-45 minutes

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single adult	100 CZK (€4)	Purchased from driver or machine
Children under 6	Free
Luggage	Included

Frequency: Every 30 minutes Operating hours: 05:30-22:00

The AE bus does not accept regular Prague public transit tickets. Purchase a separate ticket.

Bus 119 + Metro

The most popular budget option combines Bus 119 with the Metro green line (A).

To City Center (Staroměstská/Old Town):

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to bus stops
2. Board Bus 119 toward Nádraží Veleslavín
3. Exit at Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (15 minutes)
4. Transfer to Metro Line A (green) toward Depo Hostivař
5. Exit at Staroměstská for Old Town (15 minutes) or Můstek for Wenceslas Square

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
30-minute ticket	30 CZK (€1.20)	Not enough for airport journey
90-minute ticket	40 CZK (€1.60)	Recommended for airport trips
24-hour ticket	120 CZK (€4.80)	Unlimited travel
72-hour ticket	330 CZK (€13.20)	Best for tourists

Frequency: Bus 119 runs every 5-15 minutes Operating hours: 04:00-00:00 (Bus 119)

Purchase tickets from yellow machines at bus stops (coins and cards accepted), Prague Public Transit app, or newsagents. Validate tickets upon boarding.

Night Bus 910

After midnight, Night Bus 910 connects the airport to the city center.

To City Center:

• Route: Airport → I. P. Pavlova (central Prague)
• Journey time: 45-50 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (00:00-04:00)
• Fare: Same as regular transit (40 CZK/90-minute ticket)

Prague Airport offers parking in multiple facilities near both terminals.

Terminal Parking

Location	Type	Price
Parking C	Short-term (closest to T1/T2)	From 60 CZK/hour, 990 CZK/day (€40)
Parking B	Covered parking	From 50 CZK/hour, 790 CZK/day (€32)
Holiday Parking D	Long-term	From 290 CZK/day (€12)
Holiday Parking P1	Economy long-term	From 199 CZK/day (€8)

Tips:

• Book online at prg.aero for discounts (up to 40% off)
• Holiday Parking offers free shuttle to terminals (every 10 minutes)
• Express parking zones available for pickup/drop-off (30 minutes free)
• Electric vehicle charging stations in Parking C

Prague Airport offers diverse dining reflecting Czech and international cuisine.

Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen)

Sit-down restaurants:

• Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant: Traditional Czech cuisine, excellent beer selection
• Flying Tulip: International menu with Czech specialties

Quick bites:

• Bohemia Bagel: Fresh bagels and sandwiches
• Paneria: Czech bakery items and coffee
• McDonald's, Starbucks: International chains

Terminal 2 (Schengen)

Sit-down restaurants:

• Piano Restaurant: Czech and international dishes
• La Place: Fresh market-style dining, salads, and hot dishes

Quick bites:

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and pastries
• Relay: Sandwiches and snacks
• Paul: French bakery

Landside (Before Security)

• Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant: Also accessible landside
• Costa Coffee: In departures hall
• Various cafes and quick-service options

Czech Specialties to Try

• Svíčková na smetaně: Beef sirloin in cream sauce, a Czech classic
• Trdelník: Sweet pastry spiral (originally Slovak, popular in Prague)
• Pilsner Urquell: The original pilsner beer, brewed in Czech Republic
• Czech dumplings (knedlíky): Bread dumplings, served with main dishes

Free WiFi is available throughout Prague Airport with no time limit.

Detail	Information
Network name	Prague Airport Free WiFi
Registration	Accept terms (email optional)
Time limit	Unlimited
Coverage	All terminals and gate areas

Quality: Generally reliable for browsing and email. Can slow during peak hours. For faster connections, airline lounges offer premium WiFi.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at Prague Airport in the arrivals area.

Where to Buy

• Vodafone: Shop in arrivals hall
• T-Mobile Czech Republic: Available at airport shops
• O2 Czech Republic: Available in city center (better prices)

Prices

Provider	Price	Data
Vodafone tourist SIM	From 300 CZK (€12)	5GB for 30 days
T-Mobile	From 250 CZK (€10)	Various packages
O2	From 200 CZK (€8)	Budget options

Important: EU roaming rules apply in Czech Republic. If you have an EU SIM, you can use it at domestic rates.

Tip: eSIMs are increasingly popular. Providers like Airalo and Holafly offer instant activation without visiting a store. Airport prices are typically higher than city center shops.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in landside and airside areas.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals halls: Multiple ATMs from major Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka)
• Departures level: Near check-in areas
• Airside: After security in both terminals

Currency

Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK). The euro is not widely accepted except at some tourist establishments.

Exchange rate (approximate): 1 EUR = 25 CZK

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters (Interchange, Exchange) are available in arrivals and departures areas. However, airport exchange rates are typically unfavorable (5-10% worse than market rates).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw CZK from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (watch for "dynamic currency conversion" trap—always choose CZK)
• Use Wise, Revolut, or similar services for better rates
• Exchange in the city center at reputable bureaus (avoid tourist trap exchanges on Wenceslas Square)

Prague Airport offers shopping across both terminals with a focus on Czech products.

Duty Free

Location	Hours
World of Duty Free (Terminal 1)	05:00-22:00
World of Duty Free (Terminal 2)	05:00-22:00

Products: Bohemian crystal, Czech garnet jewelry, Becherovka liqueur, Czech spirits, perfumes, chocolates, souvenirs.

Notable Stores

• Bohemia Crystal: Famous Czech glassware and crystal
• Manufaktura: Traditional Czech cosmetics, toys, and gifts
• Moser: Luxury Bohemian crystal
• Frey Wille: Austrian enamel jewelry
• Czech Garnet: Traditional red garnet jewelry

Tips

• Bohemian crystal and Czech garnet make excellent souvenirs
• Becherovka (herbal liqueur) is a popular gift
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 2,000 CZK (€80)
• Pre-order online for in-store pickup at some retailers

Prague Airport has several lounge options in both terminals.

Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen)

MasterCard Lounge:

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, MasterCard World Elite, day pass (€35)
• Location: Airside, near gates
• Facilities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, comfortable seating
• Hours: 05:00-22:00

Erste Premier Lounge:

• Access: First Bank card holders, eligible airline passengers
• Location: Airside Terminal 1
• Facilities: Snacks, beverages, business facilities

Terminal 2 (Schengen)

Raiffeisenbank Lounge:

• Access: Priority Pass, Raiffeisen card holders, day pass
• Location: Airside Terminal 2
• Facilities: Hot and cold buffet, drinks, newspapers
• Hours: 05:00-21:00

Menzies Aviation Lounge:

• Access: Business class passengers on select airlines, day pass (€32)
• Location: Terminal 2 airside
• Facilities: Snacks, beverages, seating

Priority Pass Lounges

• MasterCard Lounge (Terminal 1): Full meal service, good variety
• Raiffeisenbank Lounge (Terminal 2): Decent food, can get crowded

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: MasterCard Lounge (T1), Raiffeisenbank Lounge (T2)
• LoungeKey: MasterCard Lounge (T1)
• Amex Platinum: Check current partner lounges

Several hotels are located near Prague Airport, though none directly connected to terminals.

At the Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Prague Airport

• 5-minute walk from Terminal 2
• 4-star, modern facilities
• Restaurant, fitness center, free shuttle
• From 2,500 CZK/night (€100)

Holiday Inn Prague Airport

• 5-minute drive, free shuttle
• 4-star, full-service
• Restaurant, bar, fitness
• From 2,200 CZK/night (€88)

Near the Airport

Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Prague Airport

• 10-minute drive, shuttle available
• 3-star, contemporary design
• From 1,500 CZK/night (€60)

Ramada Airport Hotel Prague

• 10-minute drive
• 4-star, business-focused
• From 1,800 CZK/night (€72)

Hotel Marriott Prague

• In the city center, 30 minutes by taxi
• For travelers preferring to stay downtown
• From 4,000 CZK/night (€160)

Budget Options

For early morning flights, several budget hotels in the Ruzyně and Dejvice districts offer affordable rates from 1,000 CZK (€40) with taxi rides under 200 CZK to the airport.

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and well-preserved historic cities, famous for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, vibrant beer culture, and rich history.

Getting to the City Center

• Bus 119 + Metro to Old Town: 40-50 minutes (40 CZK/€1.60)
• Airport Express to Main Station: 35-45 minutes (100 CZK/€4)
• Taxi/Uber to Old Town: 25-35 minutes (500-700 CZK/€20-28)

Top Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)	35 min by bus + metro	Largest ancient castle complex, St. Vitus Cathedral, city views
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)	45 min by bus + metro	Iconic 14th-century bridge, baroque statues, Old Town connection
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)	45 min by bus + metro	Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, historic heart of Prague
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)	50 min by bus + metro	Historic synagogues, Old Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Museum
Petřín Hill	40 min by bus + metro	Lookout tower, gardens, funicular railway
Vyšehrad	55 min by bus + metro	Medieval fortress, cemetery with famous Czechs, river views

Layover Recommendations

• 5-hour layover: Airport Express to Main Station, walk to Old Town Square, see Astronomical Clock, coffee and trdelník, return by taxi
• 7-hour layover: Add Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, enjoy a Czech lunch with beer
• Day trip from airport: Kutná Hora (UNESCO site with bone chapel), Český Krumlov (if time permits)

Prague Specialties

• Pilsner Urquell: The original pilsner beer, born in Czech Republic
• Svíčková na smetaně: Beef sirloin in cream sauce with dumplings and cranberries
• Vepřo-knedlo-zelo: Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut
• Trdelník: Grilled dough pastry coated in sugar (best from street vendors)
• Becherovka: Herbal digestive liqueur, Czech national drink
• Czech dumplings: Bread or potato dumplings, essential side dish

Practical Tips

• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). Cards widely accepted but carry some cash for small purchases
• Prague Card: 2/3/4-day passes include public transit and 50+ attractions (from 1,600 CZK/€64)
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants, round up for taxis
• Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Prague
• Public transit: Buy tickets before boarding; inspectors issue fines for ticketless travel
• Best beer halls: U Zlatého Tygra, Lokál, U Fleků (historic brewery since 1499)
• Tourist traps: Avoid currency exchanges on Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square (poor rates)
• Safety: Prague is very safe; watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and on trams