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| Prague
Getting Around |
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Public
Transport
Prague’s efficient and inexpensive transport system is run
by Dopravní
podnik Prahy–DP (Prague Public Transit Company) (telephone:
(02) 9619 1817).The network includes the trams, metro, buses and
the funicular on Petrín Hill. Public transport
is an integrated 24-hour system – daytime services run 05:00–24:00,
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), Mùstek (A and B) and Florenc
(B and C). Trains run at two-minute intervals 05:00–20:00
on weekdays and at five- to ten-minute intervals at other times.
Tickets (jízdenky) need to be purchased
in advance and stamped on entering trams and buses and the transport
area of the metro. These are valid for all forms of public
transport and can be bought at station ticket machines,
most tobacconists, information centres and any shops displaying
the red and yellow DP sticker. Two tickets are available. The Kè8
ticket allows one ride with 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 Kè12 ticket is valid on
all types of transport, including transfers, for one hour at peak
times or 90 minutes at all other times. The on-the-spot fine for
travelling without a ticket is Kè400.
A funicular railway (lanovka) runs every 10 to
15 minutes 09:15–20:45, carrying passengers from Újezd
in the Lesser Town to the top of Petrín Hill. Tickets cost
Kè12.
Travel passes cost Kè70
for 24 hours, Kè180 for three days, Kè250 for a week
and Kè280 for 15 days. A tourist version of the three-day
pass, the Tourist Pass, costing Kè690, also allows entrance
to 42 tourist attractions (see Tourist Information).
Taxis<
Many taxi firms are run by organised crime, unregistered drivers
are widespread and many of the horror stories about exorbitant fares
are true and all too frequent. Taxis are best avoided
at all times, especially at taxi ranks. For those who do wish to
take the risk, ProfiTaxi (telephone: (02) 6131 4151), with English-speaking
drivers, are usually safe.
Limousines
Chauffer-driven Mercedes are available for hire from Prague
Limousines, Psohlavcù 1498, Prague 4 (telephone:
07776 37707; e-mail: dispo@praguelimousines.cz),
Car Service,
Palác Vltava, Revoluèní, Prague 1 (telephone:
(02) 2482 6262; fax: (02) 2482 6261; e-mail: info@limousineservis.cz)
and Limousine
Car Spiritka, Sušická 21, Prague 6 (telephone: (02)
2431 4857; e-mail: travel@beourguest-limousines.com).
Prices start from about Kè800 per hour.
Driving in the City
Cobbled streets and erratic drivers all contribute to make driving
in Prague an unpleasant experience. The historic centre
of the city is pedestrianised. Parking
is a major problem and it is usually best for tourists
to leave the car in the hotel car park and use
public transport.
To discourage driving in the centre of the city, the transport authority
has set up a series of parking lots with direct links to the metro.
Car Hire
Car hire is expensive in Prague and not really necessary other than
for trips out-of-town. Those looking to hire a car should book before
arriving, which will guarantee availability and avoid language difficulties.
Drivers must be over 21 years and must have held a full
driving licence for at least a year. A national driving licence
and an International Driving Permit, a passport
and a credit card for the deposit are required.
Car hire is available at Ruzynì airport, Èedok, American
Express offices and many of the larger hotels.
Major companies include:
 Avis,
Klimentská 46, Prague 1 (telephone: (02) 2185 1225)
Budget,
Èistovická 100, Prague 6 (telephone: (02) 3532 5713;
fax: (02) 3532 5711)
Hertz,
Karlovo námìstí 28, Prague 2 (telephone: (02)
2223 1010 or 2010 2424 (reservation centre)
Local companies include Ceník
Royal Rent Opetalova, Prague 1 (telephone: (02) 2224 7515) and
Toscar, Novovysoèanská
2a, Prague 9 (telephone: (02) 6631 5586; e-mail: info@toscar.cz).
Local companies charge about Kè900 per day, while international
companies’ rates are much higher, about Kè2200.
Bicycle Hire
With high pollution levels, unsympathetic drivers and a lack of
cycle lanes, cycling in Prague is not recommended. Bicycle hire
and group tours of Prague are available in the summer from City
Bike, Králodvorská 5 (telephone: 07761 80284;
email: citybike@pragueonline.cz)
located not far from the Old Town Square. |
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