Reminder: Check the
driving laws and regulations. Some are different. Zero tolerance for blood alcohol. No right on red. Driving license needed. More...
Key facts to remember: You must time stamp your ticket to activate it as you enter the Metro station or after you enter the tram or bus. The time period for which it is valid starts at that moment. This period varies by type of ticket and time of the day/week.
An inspector may ask to see your ticket. If it is not stamped or if the time has expired, you will be fined on the spot. Be sure to have a valid ticket for your luggage or backpack, too. Inspectors do not wear uniforms and are quite inconspicuous on trams, less so in the Metro stations where they are often flanked by police officers. Do NOT argue with an inspector if you don't have a valid ticket. Pay quietly and get a receipt.
Hedgie recommends: If you are not staying in the historical center itself,
you will be using public transit or taxis a lot. To simplify things, buy a transit pass for 3 days or a week. You time stamp it once to activate it for the entire period.
It will save you the hassle of hiking to the nearest metro station or looking for an open newstand, especially on a Sunday, in order to
buy a ticket. Just hop on and off without worrying about time limits, transfers, or fines, as most locals do.
Prague also has a combined museum/public transport pass.
The Prague Card is a 3-day admission card to 40 monuments and museums throughout Prague, with an optional 3-day public transport pass (underground, trams and buses in the city area).
The Card is accompanied by a color brochure with information in four languages (English, German, French, Italian).
Whether you find this a good deal depends on how many museums and sights you plan to visit in 3 days as well as
how much you prefer to walk and whether your hotel location requires Metro or tram rides every day. The museums
are listed on the site, as are the venues for purchasing the passes.
Instead, have the telephone numbers of reliable taxi companies handy and
call the dispatcher. The Profi Taxi and
AAA are two widely-known
honest, reliable companies.
As public telephones become rare, it is best to have a cell phone or mobil.
(Every Czech over the age of 9 appears to have one.) Pre-program yours with these taxi companies' numbers.
An English-speaking operator will tell
you the number of the taxi to expect and the estimated wait for it.
The driver will confirm your name and order when you meet the
taxi. Some taxi company's computers will store your name, phone number,
and reliability; on subsequent calls you are greeted by name. You build
your reputation with them, as they build theirs with you.
The Prague airport code name is PRG. The airport, named Ruzyne, is
20 kilometers from the city center.
Allow a half hour minimum to get to the center by car, double that or more at rush hour.
NOTE: Due to closure of Stefanik bridge for extensive repairs, traffic is being rerouted.
Neither trams nor Cedaz vans are going to Namesti Republiky again until August 22, 2007, though the Metro still goes there, of course.
Cedaz vans are now using a stop on "V Celnici" street, in front of CSA terminal, 50 m from namesti Republiky, close to the Renaissance and Marriot hotels. If you are using trams, it
is a quick walk from Masarykovo nadrazi. See the map on the Cedaz site.
In this mode you share the van with other people.
It's comfortable, friendly and there is lots of luggage space.
Renting a cottage or staying in a small pension while you explore
is a relaxing way to see these sights.
For more, see Hedgie's highlights on the Highlands.
If you have not arrived by car,
you can easily rent one. All the major agencies are here. Check the currency conversion rates used. On many sites, these are not always current.
Note: Do not buy one of the German-made maps with Czech names changed to German ones.
Even if you speak German, this will be confusing.
© Copyright 2004-2005 Hedgehog Holding s.r.o.
Taxis:
Never hail a taxi on the street
or take a taxi waiting in front of a tourist attraction.
Tourists are often greatly overcharged by such taxis, despite the city's
continued efforts to crack down. (Even Prague's mayor was overcharged
when he disguised himself as a tourist.) More seriously, a few
passengers have even been assaulted after defying extortionary demands.
Airport
Regulated taxis, now required to be yellow, are licensed to
pick up passengers at the airport. These will be
parked at the curb outside the terminal. The rate per kilometre is 17Czk.
The typical price to the historical center should be about 600Czk.
Show the driver your address and discuss the price before getting in.
Express service form airport to a location in city center costs 90 CZK PER PERSON and operates from 5:30 until 21:30 every 30 minutes.
The route is fixed, running between the airport and the Czech Airlines terminal on "NAMESTI REPUBLIKY" ("Square of the Republic")
at the edge of the Old Town.
The Total price is about CZK 480 for 1 to 4 people and their luggage for an address in Prague center.
From the airport: give driver name of your hotel (preferably written in advance on a card).
In some cases, depending on situation, you may share the van with others going to a nearby area.
To the airport: reserve in advance by calling (in the CR) number 220-114-286.
CEDAZ corporation operates white vans which, like taxis, are parked right in front of the terminal.
For more info, details and updates see the
Cedaz website
Least expensive but also least comfortable to manage with lots of luggage is to combine City Bus 119 with the Metro.
For more info see the
airport page.
Outside of Prague:
While driving in the city is not pleasant, a car is the ideal way to explore the
countryside. Do not limit yourself to Prague. Medieval forts, Baroque
castles, underground caverns, outdoor folk museums, hiking trails, and
bike paths are set amidst the country's rolling fields, forested hills, and picturesque mountains.
Prices are still low and people are friendly.
BEST MAP:
There are good freeways, but get off the main thoroughfares.
Invest in an excellent road atlas giving lots of detail.
In Hedgie's experience, the "Ceske Republika Autoatlas"
published by Geodezie Cs a.s. under the "Marco Polo" label is the best. The large format makes it
much easier to use than the pocket-sized atlases. The minute detail makes it much more
useful for exploring than an ordinary roadmap. Castles, hotels,
service stations, etc. all have their own icons. Even those who are "navigationally
challenged" can find their way with this! Ask for it by name in city center
bookstores or in some gas stations along freeways.
To the FAQ Page
Back to the Front Page
Inside Home = Login page