Prague Main station guide

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated October 2026 · 5 min read

Praha hlavní nádraží — Prague's main station, often just called "Hlavák" by locals — is both the country's busiest international rail gateway and one of Europe's more architecturally rewarding stations, with a restored Art Nouveau hall from 1909 sitting above the modern platforms. It's the arrival point for most international trains into the Czech capital, and it connects straight into the city's metro. Here's how to navigate it.

Layout: old hall above, modern platforms below

The station works on two distinct levels that don't always feel connected at first glance. The historic upper hall, designed by architect Josef Fanta and completed in 1909, is largely a heritage and retail space today rather than where you catch a train — it sits above the functional lower level and is worth walking through even if you don't need to. The platforms themselves are on the lower level, reached from the modern main concourse, with clear electronic departure boards in Czech and English. First-time arrivals sometimes head for the grand old hall expecting to find their platform there; if you're departing, look instead for the newer concourse signage pointing down to the tracks.

International departures

Hlavní nádraží is the hub for most of Czechia's international rail connections: direct trains run to Berlin and on into Germany, to Vienna and onward into Austria, and to Budapest via a route that also serves as one of the main links into Eastern Europe. Some of these routes are run by the state operator České dráhy (ČD), while others are open-access competitors like RegioJet, so it's worth checking which company's platform and check-in process applies to your specific train rather than assuming they're identical. Reservations aren't compulsory on every international service from Prague, but they're strongly recommended on busy summer routes and essential on any train with limited seating classes. Our Czechia by train guide covers ČD, RegioJet and Leo Express in more detail, and our Eastern Europe by train guide puts Prague's role in the wider regional network in context. If you're continuing to Vienna specifically, see our Prague to Vienna route guide.

Fantova Kavárna and the historic hall

Named after the station's architect, the Fantova Kavárna occupies the original entrance hall of the old station building, complete with its stained glass, ornate ironwork and the ticket windows once used for real bookings. It's a genuinely striking spot for a coffee before or after a journey, and one of the more atmospheric station cafés in Europe rather than a themed tourist trap — the room itself is the attraction as much as the coffee. It sits slightly apart from the working concourse below, so it's worth building a few extra minutes into your visit to find it rather than assuming it's directly on your route to the platform.

Luggage storage

A staffed left-luggage office operates at the station, generally on the lower level near the platforms, taking bags by the day and charging according to size. Coin and card-operated lockers supplement this at various points around the concourse. As with most staffed facilities, opening hours don't necessarily match the station's own round-the-clock operation, so if you're catching an early or very late train, check current hours in advance rather than assuming staffed storage will be available. Our general guide to left luggage at train stations covers how these services typically work across Europe.

Connecting to the metro

Hlavní nádraží has its own stop on metro line C (the red line), reached directly from the main concourse without needing to go outside. The station has two separate platform entrances depending on which direction you're travelling, so it's worth checking the direction signs before heading down rather than discovering you're on the wrong platform once you're already there. Line C connects onward to Muzeum, where you can change to line A, and to Florenc, where you can change to line B — a single ticket covers the whole journey including transfers. Our Prague public transport guide covers buying and validating tickets for the metro, trams and buses.

Taxis: a genuine word of caution

Prague's main station has a long-standing reputation for overpriced taxis targeting arriving tourists, particularly ranks right outside the main entrance. The safer options are to use a reputable ride-hailing app, walk to a taxi rank slightly away from the immediate station frontage, or simply take the metro if your destination is well connected — for most central Prague hotels, the metro or a short tram ride is both cheaper and just as fast as a taxi from here. This isn't a minor inconvenience: it's one of the most consistently reported tourist complaints about arriving in Prague by train, so it's worth planning around rather than hailing the first car you see.

Changing trains here

Domestic and international connections at Hlavní nádraží are generally straightforward, since most platforms are grouped together on the same lower level. Where it's worth allowing extra time is connecting onward by road: if your itinerary continues by car after Prague, our guide to driving in Czechia covers the vignette system and what to expect on Czech roads once you leave the station behind.

Frequently asked questions

Where do international trains from Prague depart?

Almost all of Czechia's international rail connections, including to Berlin, Vienna and Budapest, depart from Praha hlavní nádraží, run by either the state operator ČD or open-access competitors.

What is the Fantova Kavárna?

It's a café inside the station's original 1909 Art Nouveau entrance hall, named after architect Josef Fanta, and one of the more striking historic railway spaces in Europe.

How do I connect to the Prague metro from the main station?

The station has its own stop on metro line C, reached directly from the main concourse. Check the platform direction signs before descending, since there are two separate entrances depending on which way you're travelling.

Should I take a taxi from Prague's main station?

Be cautious — taxis right outside the station have a reputation for overcharging tourists. A ride-hailing app, a taxi rank slightly away from the entrance, or the metro are generally safer and cheaper options.