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Getting Around Prague
Public Transport
| Prague's inexpensive and efficient transport system is run by Dopravni podnik hl. m. Prahy (DP) (tel: (02) 2264 0103), website: www.dp-praha.cz). The network includes the metro, trams, buses and the funicular on Petrin Hill. Public transport is an integrated 24-hour system; daytime services run from 0500 to 0000 when night trams and buses take over. There are three metro lines (A green, B yellow and C red). There are three interchanges: Muzeum (A and C), Mustek (A and B) and Florenc (B and C). Trains run at 2-minute intervals 0500-2000 weekdays, and at 5-10-minute intervals at all other times.
Tickets (jizdenky) must be purchased in advance and stamped on entering trams and buses and the transport area of the metro. They are valid for all forms of public transport and can be purchased at station ticket machines, most tobacconists, information centres, and any shops displaying the red and yellow DP sticker. Two tickets are available: the CZK 8 ticket allows one ride of up to four stops on the metro or a 15-minute ride above ground without transfers (not valid on night buses, the funicular or historical tram), the CZK 12 ticket is valid on all forms of transport - including transfers - for one hour at peak times or 90 minutes at all other times. Passes cost CZK 70 for 24-hours, CZK 180 for three-days, CZK 250 for a week and CZK 280 for 15-days. A tourist version of the three-day pass costing CZK 480 also allows entrance to 42 tourist attractions. The on-the-spot fine for travelling without a valid ticket is CZK 500.
The funicular railway (lanovka) runs every 10-15 minutes 0915-2045, carrying passengers from Ujezd in the Lesser Town to the top of Petrin Hill. Tickets cost CZK 10.
Taxis
Many taxi firms are controlled by organised crime, unregistered drivers are widespread and most of the horror stories about exorbitant fares are true - and all too frequent. Taxis are best avoided at all times, especially at taxi ranks. However, for those who do wish to take the risk, ProfiTaxi (tel: (02) 2213 5551) whose drivers speak English, are usually safe. Expect to pay CZK 30 for a street pick up and CZK 25 for a call up. Fares are charged at around CZK 22 per kilometre. Officially licenced cabs are required by law to have a meter, if the driver refuses to switch it on - find another cab.
Driving in the City
Cobbled streets, tram lines and erratic drivers all contribute to making driving an unpleasant experience, the historic centre of the city is pedestrianised. Parking is a major problem and it is usually best to leave the car in the secure hotel car park and use public transport. Illegally parked cars will either be clamped or towed away, with retrieval costing at least CZK 1000 (tel: 158). There are three parking zones: yellow, for stays of up to two hours (CZK 40 per hour); green, for stays up to six hours (CZK 30 per hour), and blue which is for residents and businesses only. Cars should be locked and alarmed, valuables or radios should not be on display inside.
To discourage driving in the centre of the city the city transport authority has established a series of parking lots with direct links to the underground. Indicated by a P+R (park and ride) sign, lots are guarded and charge a flat rate of CZK 10, these include: Praha 4, Hrncirska (C-line, Opatov station); Praha 5, Radlicka (B-line, Radlicka station); Praha 5, Zlicin (B-line, Zlicin station); Praha 7, Holesovice Railway Station (C-line, Nadrazi Holesovice station); Praha 9, Chlumecka (B-line, Rajska zahrada and Cerny most stations) and Praha 10, V Rybnickach (A-line, Skalka station).
Bicycle Hire
With a combination of high pollution, unsympathetic drivers and no cycle lanes, cycling in Prague is not recommended and bicycle hire is almost non-existent.
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