Prague has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. The transportation system includes an underground (metro), buses and trams as well as a funicular and local trains and is used by the majority of Prague’s residents. Public transportation covers the entire city and most outskirt villages.

The metro makes getting around town fast and efficient since you can travel relatively long distances within a short period. Each metro stop has connecting trams and/or buses if you need to continue your journey.

If you prefer to stay aboveground, trams are a great way to get around the city. A tram ride within the city center of Prague offers you the bonus of enjoying a small sightseeing tour and where you can feast your eyes on the beauty of this city.

Buses primarily connectthe suburbs and outskirt villages with the metro stops.

Praguers are proud of the reliability of their public transport. In fact, Czechs take it for granted and are often surprised when travelling outside the Czech Republic! If the schedule states the tram will arrive at 10:34, the tram will indeed arrive with one minute’s accuracy.

Each stop has a clearly marked schedule, including night transportation options and weekend service. The trams run frequently, week-days during peak hours every 3-8 minutes. The further from the city center you are, the longer the intervals. Off peak hours and weekends offer longer intervals and it is always recommended to check the arrival time beforehand on the public transport web portal in English dpp.cz. There are also handy smart phone apps available to always know the schedule wherever you are.

In larger cities like Prague, Brno and Ostrava you can buy public transport tickets via SMS, in ticket machines at stops or (bus tickets) directly from the driver. You can also buy them at public transport offices located in many metro stops and from shops selling tobacco and newspapers.

Many expat families discover Prague’s public transport system soon after their arrival, and it’s not uncommon for children to use public transportation for the trip to their international school and back home.

Public transport in the Czech Republic is efficient and quite safe

It is necessary to be aware of the general dos and don’ts, the danger of pickpockets, and the likelihood of meeting a homeless person, especially during the winter months. However, the experience is rather one of unpleasantodorrather than any other danger. And last but not least, Czechs are quite keen on the rules of good manners on the public transport (no talking loudly, eating or drinking hot beverages, and be sure to give up your seat to an elderly person or mother to be).