Prague InternationalAirport is a modern facility, capable of offering travelers a large number of services and moreover not even very far from the city.
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague consists of three terminals. The first is used for embarkations and disembarkations between non-Schengen countries. The second, on the other hand, is the most modern airport in the entire facility. Arrivals and departures to and from European Union countries are handled here. Finally, the third terminal is entirely dedicated to private, cargo and charter flights.
From the airport to Prague
Once you get off your plane you will clearly need to ensure your arrival in the city. Prague airport offers several solutions in this regard: it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
The city bus
If you do not want to spend a lot of money to get to your accommodation you can opt for the use of public transportation, buses above all. Of course, this is not the absolute most convenient solution, but all in all it still works. However, put into account the possibility of having to take connections with lots of luggage in tow or having to board cars that may be particularly crowded.
That said, be aware that several lines come to the airport. The 100 and 119 are normally the most frequently used ones also because they lead directly to the railroad or city metro. In both cases, the ticket should cost a little more than a euro and be readily available at so-called public transportation information points. Be aware, however, that these offices, located near the first two terminals and in the arrival halls, are not always accessible: in fact, you will find someone ready to serve you only during the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. time slot.
What to do then if your flight lands outside this time frame? Don’t worry: there are also vending machines inside the airport or, in the worst case scenario, you can buy your ticket in the car clearly paying a little more than expected and always in cash. But back to our lines. The number 100 is mostly suitable for getting to parts of the city crossed by the metro B, the 119, on the other hand, is ideal for reaching all the locations lapped by the metro A line or even the historic center.
Finally, we have not mentioned the 510 bus. It is especially useful for overnight stops since the route covered by this vehicle is not covered during daylight hours. You will again have to take several connections, but in the end you will still reach the city relatively quickly.
The shuttle
As is the case at most airports, you can rely on the shuttle bus service in Prague. Within about thirty minutes off-peak and an hour at most in case of confusion and overabundance of stops, it will take you right in front of the hotel you have chosen for your stay. You will travel comfortably and without the need to take connections. Your ticket will cost about a dozen euros.
Wanting to use this service, the suggestion is to check on the Internet even before departure whether your hotel offers shuttle travel. If so, better to book online for access on the bus for the outward and return journeys. You will be sure to travel together with your friends and family and, if the group has the right numbers, you can also get group discounts.
You will recognize your minivan easily: in fact, the driver will hold signs bearing your names. Be careful: shuttles are often shared with other tour groups: so look carefully among the names listed. Finally, some companies also include in the package the possibility of Wi-Fi as well as the benefit of a few bottles of water and very useful maps of Prague.
The special bus: the airport express
And to conclude the chapter on buses, let’s also talk about theAirport Express. It runs the route from the airport to the Hlavni Nadrazi station, Prague’s main station. This is bordered by the C line of the metro. The small bus is certainly more convenient than the city buses. The ticket in this case will cost about a couple of euros and service is provided from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Traveling by car
If the bus is really not for you, then consider using a private car, obviously for hire and complete with a driver in tow. Renting a car that will drive a maximum of four people from the airport to the hotel costs just under thirty euros. Of course, you will be boarding a very normal car and thus entering traffic without benefiting from any express lanes, but you will have quickly solved the problem of arriving in the city.
Alternatively, you can take a cab, but know from the outset that you will spend more. To avoid unpleasant hassles always check that the car is firmly marked “Taxi” and that the driver has placed in plain view both the name of the company he works for and his license number. Before leaving then agree on the price: this way it will be difficult to skim once you reach your destination.
Perhaps it is from this point of view safer to use the vehicles of Prague Airport Transfers, that is, cabs that operate at a fixed rate. Normally these sedans can accommodate 4 passengers and their luggage and move around the city for twenty euros or so.
If you are not easily satisfied instead opt for luxury cars: they will be exclusively at your service. Upon request in the passenger compartment you will find drinks, decorations, flowers and whatnot. You can also choose the car by going for elite cars such as Limousine. Of course, get it out of your head that you will solve the transportation problem with about 20 euros. Normally in this case you will spend about eighty euros or even a little more if you have extra requests.
Useful tips
If you are still planning your itinerary, know that under no circumstances will you be able to get directly to the train or subway from the airport. To have access to these means of transportation you will necessarily have to travel by bus or cab.
Beware of these cars: if you find that the driver takes the ring road, know that the catch is just around the corner. There is in fact a direct route leading from the airport into the city. Diverting to the highway therefore only serves to waste more time and make the meter run. Before boarding therefore also agree on the route to be taken.
Finally, also beware of the exchange offices at the airport: the rates charged are always inconvenient for the tourist. Better therefore to change euros into koruna by taking advantage of the ATMs on site.
