The Prague Funicular is also known as the Petřín Funicular (Lanová dráha na Petřín). This is because it travels over the hill of the same name above Malá Strana.
The funicular, while going through alternating periods of good fortune, has been in operation since 1891. It consists of two cabins that, climbing the slope of Petrin Hill, cover 510 meters in the space of just four minutes.
There is no other way to reach the top of the mound, unless the idea of climbing it on foot appeals to you.
In this post we find out together what the hours are, how often the funicular runs and where you catch it, a brief history of this attraction, and what to see once you get to the bottom.
Tour of the Petrin Funicular, Petrin Hill and Petrin Tower in Prague
Discover the enchanting Petřín Hill, an oasis of nature and serenity in the heart of Prague. Tickets include. Optional: admission to the Petrin observation tower, Prague’s Eiffel Tower.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before.
Petrin funicular railway: technical information
- Length of the track: 510 meters
- Number of stops: 3 (one lower station, one upper station and one midway station)
- Number of carriages: 2
- Elevation: 130 meters
- Maximum slope: 29.8%
- Speed: 4 m/ S
Prague funicular railway: timetable
The Petřín funicular operates daily from 9 am to 11:30 pm. It is also easily accessible to tourists without their own means of transport: they only need to take the streetcar and stop at the Ujezd stop.
On average, the cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to reach one’s destination without straining one’s schedule.
The route consists of three different stations.
Ticket prices
The ticket required to use the funicular is also accepted on other public transportation and is valid for 90 minutes and costs 60 CZK (about €2.50) for a one-way trip.
What to see on Petřín Hill
Photo by Karl Köhler on Unsplash
Why climb the hill in Petřín? First of all, so that you can take a closer look at the beautiful observation tower that towers proudly from its summit. It is a scale replica of the better-known Eiffel Tower.
Then there is the not-to-be-missed Mirror Maze, perfect for entertaining both children and adults who have never lost the desire to play.
Also mandatory stops are theastronomical observatory and the Strahov Monastery. While you’re there, we suggest you check out the Petřín Gardens as well.
A brief history of the Petřín funicular railway
The Petřín Funicular was opened on July 25, 1891, using a water-based propulsion system.
However, due to World War I, it stopped operating in 1916.
Later, in 1932, a new, longer line with electric propulsion and a different gauge was opened and operated during World War II.
In 1965, due to landslides in the Petřín area and loss of track, service was suspended until it was restored in 1985.
Since then, the funicular has been integrated into the regular public transportation system.
Interesting facts about the Petřín funicular railway
The cable car, known as lanová dráha na Petřín in Czech, is now electrically powered.
When it opened in 1891, the drop was overcome using hydroelectric power.
Trains were equipped with water tanks, filled at the upper station and emptied at the lower station.
During the ascent, the trains were moved by the weight of the descending carriages.
In the 1960s, the water tanks were removed , and since 1985 the trains have been powered exclusively by electricity.
A final tip
The funicular runs until 11:30 pm.
Traveling at night is particularly exciting and atmospheric, as during those hours almost no one uses the funicular, allowing you to fully enjoy the spectacular view of Prague Castle, beautifully illuminated.
Without a doubt, it is a romantic experience not to be missed!
Frequently asked questions
To get to the Petrin funicular, take streetcar 12, 15, 20 or 22 to the Ujzed stop. Go up the stairs to a tree-lined avenue, which is located at the foot of Petrin Hill; the funicular station is right there. The funicular then runs the Újezd – Nebozízek – Petřín route.
The ticket cost is CZK 60 for a one-way trip. However, the funicular is included in Prague’s public transportation network, so 24-hour, 72-hour and 1-month ticket holders can take the ride for free. To reach the base of the Petrin funicular, take a streetcar to the Ujezd stop and then walk a short distance.
Petrin Tower is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and 10 p.m. in summer. The ticket to the Petrin Tower costs 220 CZK plus the elevator fee of 150 CZK. The family ticket costs 440 CZK.
The funicular has three stops: Újezd (at the bottom of the hill), Nebozízek (the middle station), and Petřín (at the top of the hill). The funicular operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with an interval of 15 to 20 minutes.
The funicular is the easiest and most popular way to reach the top of Petrin Hill and the eponymous watchtower.
Petrin funicular, Petrin Hill and Petrin Tower tours in Prague
Discover the enchanting Petřín Hill, an oasis of nature and serenity in the heart of Prague. Tickets include. Optional: admission to the Petrin observation tower, Prague’s Eiffel Tower.
You can cancel your visit up to the day before.
Cover photo by Pmk58 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link.
