Václav Havel Airport Prague is the capital’s international airport, named for the Czech writer and president. It’s a compact, single-terminal operation that makes arrivals and departures refreshingly straightforward. Major European hub airlines serve Prague through their home airports, including Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines, and you’ll find seasonal summer flights from New York on Delta. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings, and local favorite Smartwings round out the options.
But even the simplest airports have their quirks. Here’s our expert advice to navigate PRG like a pro.
Prague Airport terminals and layout
Prague Airport has terminals 1 and 2 for regular commercial flights, and they’re both in one L-shaped building. This setup makes taxi or ride-hailing drop-offs straightforward, though I always check which terminal I need when I have luggage to get dropped at the closest point.
Czechia is part of the Schengen Area, the joint border zone of 29 European countries. Most flights at Prague Airport are Schengen routes, and these use the newer terminal 2 with its C and D concourses (matching the gates on your boarding pass). Non-Schengen flights, including those to the US, UK and Ireland, use terminal 1 with A and B gates. All gates extend on short piers from the main terminal and are just a few gates long, so walks stay short wherever you’re headed.
Getting to and from Prague Airport
Once you’ve landed, the next puzzle is getting into the city. Luckily, you’ve got options that fit any budget or travel style, whether you’re heading downtown or venturing further into the country.
By public transit
Prague Airport doesn’t have its own Metro stop. The quick public transit route is bus 59 to Veleslavín station on Metro line A, then the Metro into town. It’s convenient and cheap, with the full-day transit pass covering the whole route. DPP runs both the bus and metro, and the combined journey into central Prague takes around 30-45 minutes. Veleslavín has escalators and elevators, though I’d consider a taxi or Uber if you have a lot of luggage.
Bus 59 is a modern, electric trolleybus that’s reasonably accessible for travelers with restricted mobility. You’ll need to buy a ticket before you board, and I think the PID Lítačka app is an easy way to do it. You can also use the ticket machines at the stop or the DPP counters in Arrivals.
By car, taxi and Uber
Prague Airport actively encourages Uber, which makes it my top recommendation for travelers with more than a carry-on. The familiar Uber app is an easy option, but the airport also offers self-service kiosks that take cards if your phone dies. You can even use the service counter to pay cash or get help. Pick-up points sit immediately in front of the arrivals halls in terminals 1 and 2.
By intercity bus
If you’re heading to another city in the Czech Republic or even a neighboring country, the intercity bus options are convenient and affordable. You’ll find them all in front of Terminal 1. While you can often buy tickets from the driver, I’d recommend booking in advance if you can.
RegioJet and FlixBus both have easy-to-use apps and connect the airport to cities like Karlovy Vary, Brno and even Krakow. For a quick trip to Brno, RegioJet now operates the direct service with multiple daily departures.
Security, immigration and airport procedures
Czechia checks passports on entry and exit as part of the Schengen Area. Most visitors from the US, Canada, Mexico and other Americas countries don’t need a visa in advance, but check the EU Schengen website for details (and stick to official sources, as visa scam pages are common). The Schengen 90/180 rule lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180 days. The website has a handy calculator to track this. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and be less than ten years old.
In my experience, security lines at this smaller airport are rarely a major issue. If you’re flying within the Schengen Area from Terminal 2, you can pre-book the FastTrack security shortcut for a fee starting at CZK 199, which lets you skip the regular lines. It’s available to all passengers, regardless of ticket type, and can be purchased online or at a self-service kiosk.
Airport lounges, Wi-Fi and amenities
Need to get online or just want a quiet place to relax? The airport has you covered. There’s a free Wi-Fi network called Prague Airport WiFi Free that’s easy to connect to.
Prague Airport has three lounges: one in terminal 1 and two in terminal 2. The MasterCard Lounge in terminal 1 (main terminal area towards the B gate pier) is my top pick. It’s solid for a non-airline lounge in Europe, with comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and showers. Many airlines use the MasterCard Lounge for business class passengers and frequent flyers. It’s also a Priority Pass lounge. Priority Pass cardholders can additionally access three bars and restaurants in terminal 1: Bottega Prosecco Bar & Caffe near gate B1, and Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant locations near B7 and A3.
Terminal 2 has two lounges: the Erste Premier Lounge and the FastTrack Lounge. Overall, the terminal areas are perfectly fine, and unless I have access through my airline, I don’t usually bother with the lounges. You can save your money for a crisp, cold pilsner at one of the airport bars instead.
Prague travel tips and airport shopping
Before you take off, here are a couple of final pro tips for handling your money and grabbing some authentic souvenirs without getting ripped off.
A word on currency
Czechia’s currency is the koruna (meaning “crown” in Czech). Skip the airport currency exchange desks and ATMs, as they’re generally overpriced. I use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to get into town via Uber or public transit, then withdraw a small amount from an ATM that partners with my bank. ČSOB, MONETA Money Bank, and UniCredit Bank have ATMs at the airport if you need cash immediately, though I’d still recommend waiting until you’re in the city center for better rates. Check with your bank for an ATM locator and fees, and know the current mid-market exchange rate (my go-to is xe.com) to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Last-minute souvenirs
Prague Airport has some solid last-minute souvenir options. For something lightweight and local, pick up a box of linden (lípa in Czech) tea. If you’re in Terminal 2, head to the Future is Local shop in pier D. I love this place. It showcases sustainably produced Czech goods, from bohemian glassware to handmade soaps.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
