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Transportation & Reach
Public transport infrastructure consists of an integrated transport system of three metro lines (with 54 stations in total), trams, Prague Tram System (including the "nostalgic tram" no. 91), buses, a funicular to Petrín Hill and a chairlift at Prague Zoo. All services have a common ticketing system, and are run by Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy (The Capital City of Prague Transport Company).

By Air
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is the main gateway to the country, and people flying in enter the Czech Republic through Prague’s international airport, the Ruzyne International Airport. Ruzyne is connected to a number of European capitals by air, and is about 10 km from the city of Prague (you can cover that distance either by bus and metro, by the airport express minibus service, or by taxi).

Prague Ruzyne International Airport (PRG)

Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) north west of Prague.

By Train
If you’re coming to Prague on one of the international trains which pass through the city, you’ll have to disembark at any one of Prague’s numerous railway stations- fortunately, all are well connected by metro, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to your destination.

Ceské dráhy (CD) (tel: 9722 11111 or 41250 3113; website: www.cd.cz), manages Prague's railways and stations.

Rychlíck (also express and spìšný) trains only stop at major towns and cities. Osobnývlak are local trains that stop everywhere and average about 30kph (19mph). These trains are reliable and usually run on time. In many instances buses are faster due to their routes, but most trains are more comfortable.

The two main international terminals are Hlavní nádraží (main station), Wilsonova, Prague 2, and Nádraží Holešovice, Vrbenského, Prague 7. Masarykovo nádraží, Hybernská, Prague 1, is the station for trains to Moravia and Slovakia. Praha-Smíchov (Smíchovské nádraží), Prague 5, is the station for trains to the south of Bohemia, and Praha-Vysocany, Prague 5, for eastern Bohemia. All stations have lockers and 24-hour left-luggage facilities, while the international stations also have exchange facilities and tourist information services.

Rail services: Direct rail links connect Prague with more than 20 European cities, including Munich (journey time - 5 hours), Vienna (journey time - 4 hours 30 minutes), Berlin (journey time - 5 hours 30 minutes) and Paris (journey time - 10 hours). Seat reservations are strongly recommended on all services.

Transport to the city: The main station (Hlavní nádraží) is only a short walk from the city centre; however, the surrounding park can be very dangerous as it regularly attracts a variety of low life, especially after dark. It is therefore advisable for visitors to take the metro. Nádraží Holešovice (line B) and Smíchovské nádraží (line C) are on the metro, while tram 3 goes from the main station to Masarykovo nádraží.

By Road
Within the Czech Republic, all roads lead to Prague- there are plenty of trains and buses that connect the city to the rest of the country, so getting to the capital is fairly easy.

Getting Around
Prague is a relatively small city, and it’s quite easy- if you have a pair of good walking shoes and an accurate map- to get around on foot. It is one of best ways of making your way around the city, as much of Prague is off-limits to automobiles anyway. If you do need your own transport, you could rent a car from one of the local and international car rental companies that have offices in Prague. Remember, though, that petrol stations are few and far between in Prague and car thefts are unpleasantly common.

If you’d rather use public transport, Prague’s metro, bus and tram systems are fast and efficient- and have a good network. Most tickets are valid for an hour (do buy a ticket- if you’re caught travelling without one, the fines are pretty hefty), and day passes are available for buses and trams.

Prague’s taxi drivers are notorious for trying to rip off passengers; if you must take a taxi, avoid the ones in touristy areas like Wenceslas Square; instead, phone for a taxi from one of the more reputable companies.

Other:
Prague has a cheap and efficient public transport system consisting of an integrated network of buses, trams, metro and a funicular on Petrin Hill. The historic centre is compact and pedestrian-only, but trams offer an inexpensive way of seeing the rest of the city and there are plenty of metro stations in the centre. Tram lines criss-cross the centre and are the best way to get around, after the metro. Buses need rarely be used, as they tend to operate outside the centre and are more irregular. After midnight night trams and buses offer a limited service, usually every hour. Tickets are valid on all modes of public transport, but must be bought in advance and validated before each journey. A number of travel passes are also available; these are the best way to avoid the hassle of different single tickets and need only be stamped once at the start. Prague is inundated with dishonest, unregistered taxi drivers who attempt to rip off tourists. It's best to book taxis over the phone and demand a receipt for the fare before setting out. ProfiTaxi or AAA Taxi are the most reputable companies. A car is unnecessary since much of the city is pedestrianis .

There are three metro lines (A green, B yellow and C red) on the funky metro system, which is a tourist attraction in its own right with its mixture of futuristic and retro stations. There are three interchanges - Muzeum (A and C), Mùstek (A and B) and Florenc (B and C). Trains run at two-minute intervals 0500-2000 on weekdays and at five- to 10-minute intervals at all other times. A new station at Depo Hostivar opened in 2006 at the end of Line A.

Hotels & Accommodation
Prague’s hotels are, by and large, places that only those with deep pockets can afford, as there are some very fine luxury hotels located in restored palaces. Don’t be disheartened, though- there are budget options in the city, mainly in the form of private rooms or hostels. Based near the international railway station and the airport are accommodation agencies that can arrange for you to stay in private accommodation, at fairly reasonable rates - you could also stay with a family- a good way to experience Czech life at close quarters. There are a number of traveller’s hostels, as well as youth hostels, across the city, and while both may not be provide the height of luxury, but they at least provide you with a roof over your head. In addition, Karolinum (Prague University) rents out more than a thousand student rooms during the summer vacations, June to mid-September.