Prague Transport
Prague City Transport Fares
Travelling by city transport is only possible with a valid ticket. Passengers have to obtain their tickets before boarding the vehicle or entering the Metro system. Tickets can be bought at selected Metro stations or in Dopravni podnik Information Centers, hotels, at news stands, travel bureaus, department stores, etc. Single tickets can also be bought from the slot machines located at Metro stations or near some stops of surface transport. To see Prague properly, there is no alternative to walking, especially since much of the city center is off-limits to automobiles. And the walking couldn't be more pleasant-most of it along the beautiful bridges and cobblestone streets of the city's historic core. Before venturing out, however, be sure you have a good map.
By Bicycle
Though there are no special bike lanes in the city center and smooth streets are unheard of, Prague is a particularly fun city to bike in, when the crowds are thin. Vehicular traffic is limited in the center, where small, winding streets seem especially suited to two-wheeled vehicles. Surprisingly, few people take advantage of this opportunity; cyclists are largely limited to the few foreigners who have imported their own bikes. The city's ubiquitous cobblestones make mountain bikes the natural choice. Check with your hotel about a possible rental or try Cyklocentrum at Karlovo nám. 29, New Town and fax 02/294 312 www.cyklocentrum.cz
By Public Transportation
Prague's public transportation network is one of the few sound Communist-era legacies and is still remarkably affordable. In central Prague, metro (subway) stations abound. You can buy tickets from yellow coin-operated machines in metro stations or at most newsstands marked Tabák Or Trafika. Hold on to your validated ticket throughout your ride--you'll need to show it if a plainclothes ticket collector (be sure to check for his or her badge) asks you. If you're caught without a valid ticket, you'll be asked, and not so kindly, to pay a fine on the spot with all the locals looking on, shaking their heads in disgust. The fine is 200Kc on trams and the metro, double that on buses.
By Bus & Tram
The 24 electric tram (streetcar) lines run practically everywhere, and there's always another tram with the same number traveling back. You never have to hail trams, for they make every stop. The most popular trams, nos. 22 and 23 (the "tourist trams" and the "pickpocket express"), run past top sights like the National Theater and Prague Castle. Regular bus and tram service stops at midnight, after which selected routes run reduced schedules, usually only once per hour. Schedules are posted at stops. If you miss a night connection, expect a long wait for the next. Buses tend to be used only outside the older districts of Prague and have three-digit numbers. Both the buses and tram lines (which have two digits) begin their morning runs around 4:30am.
By Metro & Light Rail
Metro trains operate daily from 5am to midnight and run every 2 to 6 minutes. On the three lettered lines (A, B, and C, color coded green, yellow, and red, respectively) the most convenient central stations are Mustek, at the foot of Václavské námestí (Wenceslas Square); Staromestska, for Old Town Square and Charles Bridge; and Malostranská, serving Malá Strana and the Castle District. The Prague Metro network consists of 3 lines designated by letters and differentiated in colour: green colour (Skalka station - Dejvicka station), yellow colour (Cerny most station - Zlicin station), red colour (Nadrazi Holesovice station - Haje station), with transfers possible at Museum station (lines A and C), Mustek station (lines A and B), Florenc station (lines B and C). Metro operates daily from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.. The time interval between train departures is approximately 2 minutes during the rush hours and 4 to 10 minutes during off-peak hours.
By Car
Don't rent a car if you intend to visit only Prague. Most of the center of the city is closed to traffic, and it is best to stick to public transportation. The Czech Republic follows the usual Continental rules of the road. A right turn on red is permitted only when indicated by a green arrow. Signposts with yellow diamonds indicate a main road where drivers have the right of way. The speed limit is 110 kph (70 mph) on four-lane highways, 90 kph (55 mph) on open roads, and 60 kph (40 mph) in built-up areas. The fine for speeding is 300 Kc, payable on the spot. Seat belts are compulsory, and drinking before driving is absolutely prohibited. A permit is required to drive on expressways and other four-lane highways. Permits are sold at border crossings and some service stations.
In the Czech Republic your own driver's license is acceptable. An International Driver's Permit is a good idea; it is required in Slovakia for car rentals of more than one month and in the Czech Republic for rentals of over six months. It's available from the American or Canadian automobile associations, or, in the United Kingdom, from the AA or RAC.
By Taxi
Dishonest taxi drivers have been known to alter the meter and charge extra. This can be prevented by walking or taking the subway. In an honest cab, the meter will start at 10 Kc and increase by 12 Kc per kilometer (1/2-mile) or 1 Kc per minute at rest. Most rides within town should cost no more than 80 Kc-100 Kc. The best alternative is to phone for a taxi in advance. Some reputable firms are AAA Taxi ( 02/3399) and Sedop ( 02/6731-4184). Many firms have English-speaking operators.
