Prague's Václav Havel Airport has no direct rail connection to the city — unlike many European capitals, there is no metro line or train running to the terminal. Instead, you have a handful of well-established bus options and taxis, all of which work fine once you know which to use. The city centre is about 30–50 minutes away depending on which you take.
Why there is no train to Prague Airport
Plans for a rail link to Prague Airport have been discussed for years but, as of 2026, no train runs there. This surprises many visitors expecting the usual European airport rail connection. Do not look for a metro or train platform at the terminal — you will not find one. All public transport connections from the airport use buses.
Bus 119: the standard public-transport route
The most popular public-transport option is Bus 119, operated by the Prague Integrated Transport system (PID). It runs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Nádraží Veleslavín, which is a metro station on Line A (the green line). From there, the metro takes you quickly into the city: Dejvická, Hradčanská, Malostranská and Staroměstská (for Old Town Square) are all a few stops away.
The bus runs frequently — roughly every 7–10 minutes during the day, less often late at night. The journey to Nádraží Veleslavín takes about 15–20 minutes in normal traffic, and the metro adds a few more minutes depending on your destination. A standard PID ticket (valid for 90 minutes) covers both the bus and the metro. Buy tickets from machines at the airport bus stop or top up a card at the metro station. Validate your ticket immediately when you board the bus.
Bus 100: Zličín metro station alternative
A second bus, Bus 100, runs from the airport to Zličín, which is the western terminus of Metro Line B (the yellow line). If you are staying near Smíchov, Anděl or Florenc, Line B may suit you better than Line A. The journey is a similar length. Bus 100 runs less frequently than Bus 119, so check the timetable at the stop.
Airport Express (AE): direct to Prague Main Station
The Airport Express is a dedicated coach service that runs directly from the airport to Praha Hlavní Nádraží — Prague's main railway station — with an additional stop at Praha Holešovice. The journey to the main station takes about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. It runs roughly every 30 minutes during the day.
The Airport Express charges a slightly higher fare than a standard PID bus ticket, but the convenience of a direct ride to the main station — without changing to the metro — can be worth it, especially with luggage. Tickets are sold on board or at machines near the departures. If you are arriving by train from elsewhere in the Czech Republic or connecting to an international train, this is the logical choice.
Night buses
When regular bus services wind down in the late evening, night bus lines (Noční linky) continue to serve the airport. The main night connections run to Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), the heart of the city. They run roughly every 30–60 minutes during the night hours. Night buses use the same PID ticket system — buy before boarding or from the driver on some routes.
Taxi from Prague Airport
Official taxis in Prague are regulated, but the airport has historically been an area where unregulated drivers charge inflated fares. To avoid this:
- Use the official taxi ranks, where prices are metered and regulated.
- Alternatively, book via a reputable rideshare app before you arrive — several operate in Prague and show you the fare in advance.
- The journey to the city centre typically takes 25–40 minutes in normal traffic. Fares to the Old Town or Wenceslas Square are moderate by central European standards but higher than public transport.
Pre-booked private transfers with fixed fares are also available and can be particularly useful late at night or if you are arriving in a group.
Which option suits you?
- On a budget, heading to Old Town or Malá Strana: Bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then Metro Line A — cheap, frequent and reliable.
- Heading to Smíchov or anywhere on Metro Line B: Bus 100 to Zličín is the more direct route.
- Catching a train from Prague Main Station: the Airport Express drops you at the door.
- Arriving late, with heavy luggage, or in a group: a pre-booked taxi or rideshare is the comfortable option.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a metro or train directly to Prague Airport?
No. As of 2026, there is no direct metro line or train to the airport. Public transport uses buses that connect to the metro network. A rail link has been planned but is not yet built.
How long does Bus 119 take from the airport to the city centre?
The bus takes about 15–20 minutes to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, then a further 5–15 minutes by metro depending on your destination. Total journey to Old Town Square is typically around 35–45 minutes.
Can I buy a Prague public transport ticket at the airport?
Yes. Ticket machines are located at the bus stops outside the terminals. Buy a 90-minute or 24-hour ticket and validate it immediately when you board the bus.
What is the Airport Express and how does it differ from Bus 119?
The Airport Express (AE) is a direct coach service to Prague Main Station, costing a little more than a standard PID ticket and skipping the need to change to the metro. Bus 119 is cheaper but requires a metro connection at Nádraží Veleslavín.
Sources and further reading:
- Bus and metro timetables: Prague Integrated Transport (PID) official website.
- Václav Havel Airport Prague official ground transport information.