So once you decide to come to Prague there are several spots where you most probably start (and end) your visit. If you are not coming by car, most likely you will end up here: Václav Havel Airport Prague (Czech name Letiště Václava Havla), Main Train Station (Czech name Hlavní nádraží), Main Bus Terminal (Czech name Florenc).
It is really easy and comfy to get anywhere you need by local public transit. Well, some of you might not be fans of this kind of transportation...but...maybe after being scammed several times in a row by local taxi drivers you will change your mind. Unfortunatelly, this doesn´t happen rarely. Even to locals. It is quite a big shame and I believe there is a big and scary exclamation mark in your guide book as well. So hey! Public transit in Prague is cheap, reliable and surprisingly clean (in most cases)! So...
How to get out of the airport: get a ticket first. There is a local office in a terminal (it will be the spot with the longest line up). It is worth waiting for those who haven´t coins. Of course, it is possible to buy a ticket at the driver but you need to have an exact amount, otherwise you might get a very bad impression from our drivers. Seriously, they tend to be a bit cranky when answering the same question all the time ("Can I get a ticket? But I don´t have change..", grrrr). Once you have a ticket, wave bye bye to taxi drivers and go to the bus stop right in front of the terminal. Wait for bus number 119. This bus will take you to the nearest underground (metro) station called Dejvická. Dejvická is a terminal station for a green metro line called "A". Smoothness of your ride from airport to Dejvická depends on a traffic, however it shouldn´t take more than 30 minutes and cost 32 CZK (90 minutes ticket). From airport you can also take AE = Airport Express. A special express bus providing direct connection with downtown. In operation from 5:45 to 22:30. Intervals: 30 minutes. Price: 60 CZK.
How to get out of the Main Train Station: Good news first - Main train station is pretty much downtown, yay! And it is also underground (metro) stop of the red line called "C". Main Train Station in Czech = Hlavní nádraží. So depending on where your hotel is located, you can either take metro or tram which is nearby. Note: if you decide for a tram you need to pass so called "Sherwood" park (it refers to the place where the legendary Robin Hood is said to have lived). In general I wouldn´t say it is dangerous place. I usually go there, keeping eye on my belongings, walking slightly faster than usually...but most of the time it is just about impression and feelings as this is a freak show of Prague´s junkies, beggars, homeless people, etc...So no prejudice, just beware of this fact and watch out. Just in case.
Tips: During past few years of reconstruction, Main Train Station has became a modern transportation hub in a heart of the city. However, you can still take a glimpse into its past as the former Art Nouveau railway building still stands here, built between 1901 and 1909, designed by Czech architect Josef Fanta. So make sure you have couple of spare minutes for a visit - before you get on your next train.
How to get out of the Main Bus Terminal Florenc: Answer is - easily. There are two metro lines, yellow and red ("B" and "C") and couple of trams, so just get your ticket and enjoy your ride. If you are not too in a hurry for a shower, and instead you are hungry, stop by in Picky Jackdaw, a vegetarian restaurant located just a stone´s throw from Florenc. Restaurant combines quality vegetarian meals with occupation for people less-favored (mental illness) on the labor market under one roof and in one kitchen. The restaurant is owned by super cool Dutch guy, Filip Kavka Smiggels. Friendly atmosphere, good prices, non-smoking, kids welcome. Do a good deed and enjoy your meal!
Links worth adding to bookmarks: timetables, underground and trams schemes, zones, night operations, fares
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