Public transportation in Prague works really well, is cheap, and the different means available are on time and well connected. Whether you go by metro or opt for the bus, streetcar or funicular, the ticket is always the same. Remember that the validity of the ticket begins after you stamp it. A nice incentive for Prague residents who want to leave their cars at home or for tourists who decide to tour the city. If you need to get off one vehicle and onto another to reach your destination, you will simply need to keep your ticket.
The tickets
Tickets allow you to travel indifferently on different types of public transportation. However, it will be necessary to choose the ticket that best suits your needs: there are time tickets and passes.
Individual timed tickets
Buying a single timed ticket means you can use the vehicle for 30 or 90 minutes. The 90-minute tickets are perfect for those who need to move from the city to the airport (and vice versa), the 30-minute tickets for moving downtown. The maximum expected outlay per unit is in the worst case scenario 1.20 euros, to just 60 cents if you qualify for the reduced band (6-15 years or 60-70 years) or zero (0-6 years or 70 years and over).
For the discount reserved for children under six and seniors over 70, it is sufficient to show ID. Instead, seniors between 60 and 70 will have to get a card from DDP (Dopravní podnik hlavního mesta Prahy), Prague’s transportation company. If you are a passing tourist, decide for yourself whether it is worth it.
Tourist Passes
Tourist passes may be valid for 24 or 72 hours in their short form, for one or more months when the stay extends over long periods of time. Again, it is possible to fall within or outside the bands entitled to the reduced price as described above.
The expected outlay for a 24-hour pass is 4 euros (2 euros for those entitled to the reduction). The price of a three-day pass is 11.50 euros for everyone. A monthly pass costs about 20 euros. There is a very small surcharge if traveling with large luggage or empty strollers in tow.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy tickets at the ticket machines (you will recognize them by the yellow color) or at newsstands or ticket offices at subway stops.
