Prague Travel Tickets: Best Places To Buy

Prague's public transport system is highly integrated, cheap, and efficient. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at metro stations, inside trams and buses, and at major tram and bus stops. Tickets can also be purchased from ticket offices at many metro stations, at Tabák/Trafika stores, newsstands, and tourist information centres. Tickets are also available from Public Transport Information Centres at Prague Airport, Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, Můstek metro station, and Prague Main Railway Station.

Ticket machines at metro stations and stops

The ticket machines are easy to use and provide a flexible payment option. You can pay by cash, using Czech Crowns (CZK), or take advantage of contactless payments with your credit card or mobile device. The machines offer both full-price and half-price tickets, catering to different types of travellers.

When purchasing a ticket from a machine, it's important to remember that the ticket needs to be validated before use. For subway travel, validation is required before entering the paid subway area, which is usually marked by a white line on the ground. On buses and trams, validation should be done immediately after boarding. Proper validation is essential, as tickets that are not validated or are validated more than once will be considered invalid.

In addition to ticket machines, you can also find yellow or orange ticket machines at major tram and bus stops, as well as inside trams and buses. These machines offer similar payment options and provide a convenient way to purchase tickets on the go. Remember to board the vehicle through the correct door when purchasing a ticket via contactless payment, as failing to do so may result in a fine.

Ticket offices and information centres

• Prague Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2)
• Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (line A)
• Můstek metro station (lines A & B) (at the bottom of Wenceslas Square, by metro exit "28. října")
• Zlicin metro station (line B)
• Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží)

Ticket offices at metro stations and information centres operated by Dopravní podnik also sell long-term passes.

Other ticket-buying options

Short-term tickets can also be purchased from:

• Ticket machines at metro stations and inside trams, buses, and at major tram and bus stops
• On trams, urban buses, and trolleybuses (Prague transport)
• Suburban/regional buses
• The PID Lítačka mobile app
• Tabák/Trafika stores and newsstands
• By sending an SMS to 902 06 (if supported by your operator)

Long-term tickets can be purchased from:

• Ticket offices at metro stations
• The Prague Public Transit Central Office at Na Bojišti 5, Prague 2, near the I. P. Pavlova metro station
• Designated train ticket counters
• The Lítačka app

Ticket counters of the railway carrier České dráhy

When buying a ticket from a ticket counter of the railway carrier České dráhy, you can purchase all types of short-term tickets for Prague and the Central Bohemian region. These tickets are valid for up to 72 hours and can be used for an unlimited number of rides within that period. They can be used on all forms of transport within Prague, except for vintage routes K, 41, 42 and Airport express AE. They can also be used on the funicular to Petřín, which otherwise costs 60 CZK one-way.

When buying a ticket from a České dráhy ticket counter, be sure to ask for a PID ticket. Tickets from the ticket office are valid from the moment of purchase and do not need to be validated. Payment is possible in both cash and cards.

Stations with a České dráhy ticket counter include:

• Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží)
• Praha-Holešovice Railway Station (Nádraží Praha-Holešovice)

In addition to the ticket counters, you can also buy tickets on board trains operated by České dráhy. When buying a ticket from the conductor, remember to ask for a PID ticket. Tickets from the conductor are valid from the moment of purchase and do not need to be validated. However, if you are travelling from a station with an open ticket counter, the conductor may charge you a higher fare according to the České dráhy railway carrier's rates, so it is preferable to purchase your ticket at the ticket counter.

Trams, urban buses, trolleybuses and suburban/regional buses

Prague has an extensive and highly-rated public transport network, which includes trams, urban buses, trolleybuses, and suburban/regional buses.

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets for these modes of transport can be purchased in the following ways:

• Ticket machines at stops and in metro stations
• Ticket offices and information centres
• Ticket counters of the railway carrier České dráhy
• On-board ticket machines in trams, urban buses, and trolleybuses
• Directly from the driver on suburban/regional buses
• Via the PID Lítačka mobile app

Ticket Validation

It is important to note that tickets must be validated before use. Tickets purchased from on-board machines in trams, urban buses, and trolleybuses are automatically validated, while those bought from other sources must be stamped in a yellow ticket validation machine. This validation only needs to be done once, at the start of your journey.

Ticket Types and Pricing

The Prague Public Transport Network offers various ticket types, including 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, 72 hours, and one month. Ticket prices vary based on the duration and type of ticket, with discounted rates available for eligible passengers, such as seniors and students.

The PID Lítačka mobile app

When buying tickets through the app, you have three activation mode options: manual, immediate, and pre-planned. Choosing the manual option allows you to store your ticket in the app and activate it when needed, similar to buying a paper ticket in advance. If you select immediate activation, the ticket will be activated as soon as you purchase it and will become valid one minute later. With the pre-planned option, you can specify the time you want the ticket to be valid.

It's important to note that for security reasons, there is a one-minute activation period for tickets purchased through the app. During this time, the ticket is active, but not yet valid. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to activate your ticket well before you need to board your bus, tram, or enter the subway.

In addition to buying tickets, the PID Lítačka app also allows you to search for connections, pay for parking, and more. It provides a convenient way to manage your travel needs in Prague.

To use the app for long-term tickets, you will need to create a Lítačka account and purchase a long-term ticket. You can then associate the ticket with one of the following carriers:

• Lítačka plastic chip card
• Bank payment card

Frequently asked questions