Prague Airport (Arriving from Non-EU or UK)
This page is for people arriving in Prague having travelled FROM a country that is NOT a Schengen Treaty member i.e. your country does NOT appear in the list below so, check it now. If the country that you are travelling from DOES appear in the list then click on my other Prague Airport page.

List of Schengen countries (or those countries to be accepted in 2008)

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland,
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Netherlands (Holland)
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Czech (landing and departing via Terminal 1 North until passport controls in Terminal North 2 are ended this year)


Prague Airport Guide - Fast Facts
  • Bus transport connections: Two public bus services linking with metro stations on the green and yellow lines and a private bus service linking to the red line at the Holesovice train station.
  • Average taxi price to the centre of town: 650kc plus or minus 100kc.
  • Average private transport price to the centre of town: 550kc
  • Largest Prague Airport carrier: Czech Airlines (CSA).
  • Number of Terminals: 3
  • Distance from city centre: 20km


Arriving at Prague Airport Terminal North 1

 You will have left a country that is not a Schengen Treaty member and your plane will have landed at a gate marked "A" or "B" or a bus has transferred you to the terminal. You enter the terminal main area (with all the shops etc). If you are in transit then flights to non-Schengen destinations leave from this terminal (the main transit ticket desk is in area "B"). Transit to Schengen countries requires you to use the transit entry into the Gate "C" area. People coming to Prague will follow the signs for baggage reclaim and pass through the main passport control in area "B". At passport control you will see three different signs; 1) All countries, 2) EU only, 3) EU Only but with Priority for diplomatic staff and flight crews. Generally the smallest queue is on the flight crew gate, you are entitled to pass through here but, you have to give way to diplomatic staff and flight crew. This is not a problem as they pass through very quickly. Don't be put off by the "visa states only" sign either as all gates will accept all people. In the luggage area the trolleys are free and plenty of them. The excess/oversize baggage area is on the right. If you checked a pram/push chair and did not receive it when you left the plane, it will be delivered to the oversize area.


The Arrivals Hall and Transfer Options at Prague Airport Terminal North 1

 The customs area leads to the exits right and left but, you end up on the same concourse. You emerge opposite Gate E (there is also an exit at the far end opposite Gate F but, it is not currently used). The bus/coach transport and accommodation desks are to the right. If you are using public transport, it's worth going to the DPP desk (third desk from the left) to get info on bus timetables and other useful info (Mon-Sun 0700 to 2200). You can also buy the transport tickets at this desk. If there is a long queue, look behind the stairs and you'll see the "Cedok" desk, this also sells transport tickets. On your far right is the entry to the new Terminal North 2 (there's a sushi restaurant, a McDonalds and a Post Office in the passage). The main Terminal North 1 restaurant, bar and departure area is to your left.
If you are a smoker then the main coffee bar in the area between Arrivals and Departures is the Pilsner Bar called "Meeting Point" where you can smoke inside the bar. If this is full then back along in the arrivals area is the "Bar in the Sky" where again you can smoke inside. Immediately outside the terminal is the pick-up point for CEDAZ transfer vans and AAA Public Taxis.

NOTE 1: If using AAA taxi or CEDAZ you do not have to book in advance. You are also told the cost of the transfer BEFORE you take the trip.
NOTE 2: Other options like private pickups are in the are in front of the short stay car park and bus options are in the second lane BEFORE the short stay car park. All options for transfer to the centre of Prague are at the bottom of this page.

The Prague Airport taxi services accept credit cards but, should you wish to change money, change as little as possible as the Travelex airport rate is quite low. The Prague airport changing offices are supported by the Czech Bank called CSOB. Remember that 2000kc and 1000kc notes are difficult for most people to change. Accept only 500kc notes or less. The AMEX offices in Wenceslas Square and Celetna will change their own T-cheques with 0% commission and a good rate. There are four ATM's (cashpoints) at Gate E arrivals. They all accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and EC. Only the Komercni Bank (KB) ATM supports American Express . To see how a Czech ATM operates take a look at the How to ...... guide. These machines regularly give only 2000kc and 1000kc notes and there is no bank at Prague airport.


Departing from Prague Airport Terminal North 1 and Parking options

 Note: if you are taking the 119 Bus from Dejvicka then it stops at Terminal 3 first (charters and government flights), then Terminal North 1 and finally Terminal North 2.

Unauthorised cars are no longer allowed to park directly on the Prague airport concourse unless you have a special access card. If you are dropping off then there is a ground level outside "short stay" car park to the right of the "overpass ramp" which is free for 15 minutes. Over this and it's 100kc per hour. If you are staying longer or you intend leaving your car for a few days then parking area "C" is where you should aim for (stay in the left lane - Parking "C" is the first Multi-Storey on the left). The speed limit close to the Prague airport is 40km. A recent option has appeared in the form of Go Parking (www.goparking.cz) which is located about 3km from the airport and runs a "shuttle by request" service (you ring them and they come for you). Prices are approximately half of the airport "C" car park. Parking options at the airport and tariffs can be found at the www.csl.cz website. Follow the link for Prague Ruzyne Airport.


Checking In

 As you enter the departure hall, the departure boards clearly show the flight numbers and check-in desk information. Luggage size and weight must comply with the airline requirements and your ticket allowance. Passengers with oversize or specialist luggage (like surfboards etc) are directed to a special area after checking in. Security restrictions are still in place regarding liquids i.e. you cannot take anything in your hand luggage greater than 100ml and anything like perfume, makeup, gel etc must be put in a sealed bag of not more than 1L volume. No sharp or dangerous items can be carried on board (listed at check-in).

The ticket offices are on the far side on the left and right of passport control. Czech Airlines usually operates a common check-in policy on desks 141 to 148 where a single queue is diverted to the next free desk. Business check-ins are usually on 141-143 and you can go there if they are empty. Easyjet flights check in on desks 111 to 118. Air France check-in desks are 171 to 177. Flights to the United States are at 181 to 189 which is over by the window on the right as you enter the Terminal North 1 departure area. As security is still quite tight for the US flights, my advice is to get here early or expect to queue.
If you have Hand Luggage Only you can check in at desk 110 or 130 or else use a business class check-in. Lufthansa and CSA e-ticket holders with hand luggage only can use the fast check-in machines (you need the booking code and the credit card used to make the booking).


Passport Control

 For EU passport holders, the quickest way through here is on the far right. Look at the digital display above the cubicles and if it says "EU" then EU citizens can use this gate. Donīt worry about the "diplomatic/disabled and flight crew" messages, this only means you have to give way to them. For all you others not EU, Iīm afraid that you cannot use these gates. If there happens to be a longer queue at the "EU Only" then EU citizens can always use the "All passports" section.


LIQUIDS - Difference between Terminals

 1) Terminal North 1 - You can bring liquids like water/juice etc as far as the departure gate but, not into the waiting area for the flight. All liquids not in correct volume or sealed bag must be discarded before going through xray and into the gate waiting area. Vending machines are used inside the waiting area.
2) Terminal North 2 (Schengen) - ALL liquids over 100ml and not in a sealed bag must be discarded BEFORE going through passport control. Any drink purchased after the xray check can be taken onboard the plane.


Prague Airport Terminal North 1 - Other Information

 Gates B10 to B17 are not on the main concourse. As you enter the main concourse with the moving pedestrian walkway, you'll see a sign on the left indicating that gates B10-17 are downstairs. Allow extra time to get through the security checks for these airport gates. Generally these gates are for regional city airports but not main hubs i.e. I've flown from here to Munich and Lyon. The other thing to expect is that you will be getting on a bus to go to your plane so allow for weather conditions.

Duty Free. Only Duty free for non-EU nationals. There's a reasonable selection of clothes and perfume shops. There are a couple of "local craft" shops selling puppets and dolls etc. The main duty free alcohol sales places are pretty well stocked but, if you are looking to buy alcohol, it's worth noting that the sizes of the bottles are generally small (20-50ml) or big (1L). The 75ml bottle is generally not stocked so buy this size in town.

Do not put loose change, keys, glasses, mobile phones etc into the plastic trays at the x-ray machine as you may forget them. Instead, put them into your carry-on bag as you will not forget that.

The Tax Free reclaim (not for EU) is next to the Excess Baggage office in the far left hand corner of the departure area opposite desk 111. There are also smaller offices in the "flight side" terminals.

There is now a Starbucks between entry doors A and B in the departure hall.

Luggage storage (60kc per piece per calendar day i.e. if you leave a case at 5pm Monday then your 60kc will be good until 5pm Tuesday) is located in the arrival hall opposite gate E.

Lost and Found office is next to the luggage storage area.

If you need a wheelchair then ask for it at check-in. You'll be escorted all the way to the plane or if you want, you can park yourself in one of the bars and a member of the staff will meet you there before the flight is called.

If you check in after 2130 and you want to eat, go to the restaurant between the arrival and departure areas. Prague airport restaurant on the flight side closes at 2130.

Power points
On the airport flight side i.e. on the other side of passport control, 220V sockets are located in most of the vertical columns which divide the glass of the departure gates. On the check-in side there are not many options.

The TN1 Prague Airport restaurant is split into three parts: the largest part is the no-smoking self service area. The waiter service restaurant is on the other side of the bar (1000 to 2130). The bar is the only place where you can smoke and I think it is the nicest place to get a cup of coffee if you are waiting for a flight. There is a Japanese Sushi bar and a creperie (with a small kids area) next to the restaurants.

Toilets are located at the far end of the departure hall (on your right as you walk in). Also located at the far end of the arrivals hall (downstairs and upstairs) and between the souvenir shop and restaurant between the two halls.

For posting those final postcards, you'll find the post box next to the papershop (on the check-in side) and you will want to use the righthand of the two options where it says "mezinarodni zasilky" which means international post. There is a post office in the passageway between Terminal North 1 and Terminal North 2.

FREE Internet. Well not absolutely free but, the Mattoni Bar (on the left by the window after you go through passport control) has four terminals which you can use for free after you have ordered a drink.

For travellers leaving Prague Airport on a Monday morning, the larger of the two newspaper shops (its next to Terminal North 1 arrival passport control) will still be selling Sunday newspapers.


Prague Airport Transfer Options
There is an English Language car/bus hire service run by an American here in Prague. Click Prague Airport Shuttle for details and prices. I recommend Prague Airport Shuttle because I have used them a few times over the years.

Prague Airport cars (these are taxi's that can only be hailed at the airport) are parked outside the arrival halls of both terminals and are clearly marked with "Passenger Transport" signs on the sides. These will charge between 150kc and 800kc (for most of Prague although travel to Pruhonice will cost 1200kc). Depending on what part of the the city you travel to most of the New Town is in the 650-700kc range and Mala Strana is currently 600kc (Jan 2008). For a price, just speak to the taxi supervisor rep inside the Arrivals area and tell them the name of your hotel. This info is also on the "stop" post outside on the road. You get a ticket with the details and 20% off the return trip.

CEDAZ (www.cedaz.cz) - regular shuttle. Vans run every 30 minutes from 0530 to 2130 between Prague airport and the city centre (Namesti Republiky - CSA office) for 120 Kc or as far as Dejvicka metro station for 90kc. Depending on the time of day, it takes about 30 minutes and the van is comfortable. Tickets are available from the Cedaz booths in both terminal arrival halls.

CEDAZ (www.cedaz.cz) - Hotel Transfer has three options:
1) Four people to one hotel (central Prague with luggage) for 480kc (Jan 2008).
2) Eight people i.e. a whole van to one hotel (central Prague with luggage) for 960kc.
3) One to Eight people i.e. a whole van to one hotel (outside central Prague with luggage) for 960kc.
You can make arrangements in advance or wait until you get to the airport as they allow extra vans. If you book a return journey (return must be paid in cash) then currently it costs 400kc (up to 4 people from central Prague) or 800kc (up to 8 people from central Prague or up to 4 people from outside central Prague).

Smart Shuttle (www.smartshuttle.net) is linked to the Smart Wings airline. Prices are similar to Cedaz. Only has booth in Terminal North 1.

AAA Taxi - Has booths in TN1 and TN2. Normal Prague city taxi service. These cars are gradually all being sprayed yellow for easy identification. Wenceslas Square for @550kc.

CITY Transport Authority (DPP) buses:
No.119 (approx every 15 minutes from 4:30 am to 11:30 pm) between Prague airport and metro station Dejvicka (green line - it takes about 20 minutes) suitable for metro stops in the centre like Mustek, Staromestska, Namesti Miru and Museum.
No.100 that goes from the airport to the yellow line station at Zlicin and takes 14 mins. This line is best for stops like Florenc (bus terminal), Andel (bus terminal), Namesti Republiky, Mustek, Narodni and Karlovo Namesti.
Do not forget to buy a 26Kc ticket from the news-stand, DPP desk or from the yellow machine at the bus stop. You should also buy and validate an 13kc ticket for any suitcase or large rucksack.
Note that if you buy a 24 hour pass or higher i.e. 3 day, 7 day etc then you do not need to buy a separate luggage ticket as you are allowed one over standard piece per pass. To get to the bus stops go out of Terminal North 1 Gate E and cross to the other side of the "short stay" car park. Warning: both bus routes attract pickpockets and especially pickpockect gangs of 5 or more who can create their own diversions and isolate people from luggage. This affects the 119 more than the 100 because it is usually more crowded etc. Click HERE for more information about using Public Transport. There is a How to ...... guide to finding bus and tram timetables. If you are going to Plzen or Brno then look at the website for Student Agency (www.studentagency.cz, currently Czech language site but, if you ring or email they speak English) for online seat reservation.

Prague Airport Express - This is an option for people who intend using public transport but, do not want to take the "pickpocket prone" 119. The Airport Express is not public. You pay @50kc to the driver and you are taken direct on a 35 minute trip to the Holesovice Train Station. This station connects to the Prague Metro system on the red line. Runs every 30 mins from 0915 to 2215. Stops are located outside of both terminals listed as "AE". There is no extra cost for luggage.

If you are arriving in Prague after 2300 then the last day-buses depart around 2350. After that the night bus 510 takes over and it only goes to the Divoka-Sarka tramstop. You then have to transfer to the 51 tram to get to Dejvicka and/or the centrum.

www.chauffeur.cz. Chauffeur.cz is a small company with a guy whose family has a long history in the taxi/chauffeur business.

www.mike-chauffeur.cz. Mike-chauffeur.cz is a small company offering taxi/chauffeur services that include Prague airport pickups.

Other Airport Transfer services.


Prague Airport Guide - Seasonal Note

 From November to March, Prague Airport has many days where snowfall causes one or more runways to be closed and flights delayed. From the UK it's worth NOT being booked on the first flights of the day i.e. 0800-1000 as these are guaranteed to be cancelled whilst Prague sorts itself out from overnight snowfall and in peak periods you will not get on another flight.


Prague Airport VIP and Business lounges

 All available options are listed at the www.prg.aero VIP Services page. These include regular lounge use, business meetings and equipment, renting parking places outside the terminals and the possibility of short term renting of "rest rooms" in the Terminal South (now known as Terminal 3) building.


Prague Airport Car Park "C"

 Whether you stay for 7 minutes or 7 days etc you can use the same car park. The fee is calculated at the time of payment. As a rule we've found that 7 days parking equates to about 2500kc. You must pay for your ticket before you return to your car and you have 20 minutes to exit. The parking payment machines are located at TN1 gates C and F at arrivals and gate A at departures. In TN2 they are at gate E. There is also a cash payment machine at the the pedestrian entry and close to the exit of the car parks. There are also "credit card" payment machines in the terminals and at the "C" pedestrian entry. There is a manual payment desk in the Parking "C" car hire area (24 hours) if the machines are not working and/or you need a receipt (also a good place to break a large bank note).


External Links

 PRAGUE AIRPORT - World airport guide (www.worldairportguide.com/Airports/prg/prg.asp)
PRAGUE AIRPORT - Official Airport Site covering all Czech Airports (www.csl.cz)
PRAGUE AIRPORT and Czech Airlines info (www.csa.cz) which also links to an online arrivals flight checker.