Transfers from/to Prague

If you've travelled a lot, you know that transfers from the airport to the hotel and back are the least exciting part of visiting new places, so knowing all the information and booking a transfer in advance is the perfect way to save yourself some time to spend on enjoying yourself.

How do the airport transfers work? Very easy, when you arrive at the airport you are picked up by a minivan or van and taken to the city centre or your hotel, leaving you enough time to collect your luggage on arrival. Moreover, this service works any day and time of the week.

In the case of a shared transfer to and from Prague, you will be travelling in the vehicle with other tourists and you will have to make a few stops to drop off other people at their destinations. The advantage of shared transfers is that they are cheaper than private transfers, but they can take longer to get to your hotel. By road, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre of Prague from the airport.

About luggage

All vehicles have plenty of space for your luggage (although this is usually limited to one suitcase per person) and comfortable seats and air-conditioning to make the journey an enjoyable experience rather than the hassle of public transport.

Shared transfer back to the airport

On your return, your driver will pick you up from your hotel or meeting point at the agreed time (always in time for your flight) and you will head back to the airport, picking up other tourists on the way.

Private transfers are available for both outward and return journeys and work in a similar way to the shared transfer, except that in this case you do not share the vehicle with anyone outside your group and the driver will take you directly to your accommodation (or somewhere in the city centre if you prefer).

For the private transfer from Prague airport to your hotel, you will be met at the airport and taken directly to your hotel - the quickest and most convenient experience there is. On the way back, you can also take a private transfer from your hotel to Prague airport and finish your trip without any stress or worries.

Advantages of private transfer

The advantage of this option is that it is faster and, as the name suggests, private, as you won't have to wait for anyone or share the vehicle with anyone you don't know, but the price is usually higher unless your group is large enough to fill the vehicle. If this is your case and you are travelling in a group of 6 people, I recommend a private transfer so that you don't have to take several separate transfers.

Alex's Traveller Tip

With a shared or private transfer it takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre of Prague, whereas with the other means of transport it will take you at least 50 minutes.

Taxi

Taking a taxi to Prague from the airport is an easy way to get to the centre, but it is more expensive than a shuttle service and there is some risk that they will not take the fastest route. Also, be aware that many taxi drivers do not usually speak English or Spanish. If you decide to take a taxi, make sure you choose the official service associated with Vaclav Havel Airport, as they have a fixed fare for the journey.

Uber

Uber is legal and operates in the Czech Republic and Prague, so it's a good option for a comfortable ride from the airport to your hotel in the city centre. The only downside is that you will need to connect to the airport's WiFi, which is not always reliable, or use a prepaid card with data.

Bus + Metro

Buses to Prague from the airport stop at Terminal 1 (Exit D, E, F) and Terminal 2 (Exit C, D, E). If you are not sure where to go after landing, it is best to ask at the information desk. You can buy your ticket at the bus stop from the yellow ticket machine, but make sure you buy the 32 CZK (about 1.20€) ticket, which allows you to make a 90-minute journey.

The best combination, if you're heading downtown, is to get on bus 119 and get off at the last stop, Nadrazi Veleslavin, and take metro line A to the station closest to your hotel. With this option, it will take you about 50 minutes to get to the metro station.

Direct bus

In case you want direct transport to the city centre, you can take bus 100 to the Hlavni Nadrazi metro station. However, it is a bit more expensive at 60 CZK (about 2,25€) and you will have to buy the ticket directly from the driver. As with the last option, it will take you about 50 minutes to get to the centre. Note that these buses usually operate from 4.30am until 10pm.

Alex's Traveller Top

To get from the airport to Prague by public transport, I recommend downloading the 'IDOS' or 'Jizdni Rady' app, which will show you the best connections from your location to your destination.

Prague airport is open 24 hours, so in theory you can sleep there or arrive as early as you like for your flight. It's not really necessary if you book a transfer, but bear this in mind if you're taking public transport when leaving Prague.

It gets quite cold in summer at the airport because of the air conditioning, so if you anticipate having to wait inside for a while, make sure you pack a jumper in your backpack or handbag.

Also, the quietest area of the airport is the departures area of Terminal 2, if you want to take a nap. There's usually less hustle and bustle and you'll find plenty of room to sit, and if you want total peace and quiet, there's the Raiffeisenbank lounge with individual security checks, TV, WiFi, refreshments, tablets and even showers.

Once in Prague there is a wide range of activities to do, from walking its charming streets to organised excursions to explore the surrounding area. Here is an article I have written about Tours and excursions in Prague.

You can also take a river cruise, but if there is one thing you can't miss is a visit to the majestic castle. I leave you my practical guides so that, once you have organised how to get from the airport to the city centre, you can enjoy organising your getaway: Prague Cruises and Boat Tours y Prague Castle Tickets and Tours.