This guide explains how to use Prague Metro: when to validate your ticket and when not to, how to choose the right platform and direction, how to change lines, and how to find the exit you need. It also covers the signs you will see at stations and a few simple habits for traveling comfortably alongside other passengers.
Metro Basics and Transfer Stations
Prague Metro has three lines, each identified by a letter and a color:
- Line A — green
- Line B — yellow
- Line C — red
An important part of learning how to use Prague Metro is understanding where you can change lines. There are three transfer stations:
- Můstek: Change between Lines A and B.
- Muzeum: Change between Lines A and C.
- Florenc: Change between Lines B and C.
If your route shows Můstek A and Můstek B, these are the platforms for two different lines within the same station. They are connected by underground passages, so you do not need to go outside to change lines. The same principle applies at Muzeum and Florenc.
Metro entrances are marked by a stylized downward-arrow symbol. Look for the line’s letter and color to identify which line you can access.
For a downloadable metro map and maps of the streets around stations, visit the official Prague transport maps page.
In Google Maps or another journey planner, A, B, and C identify metro lines, not tram routes. If a station is shown with two letters, such as A/B, A/C, or B/C, it serves both lines, and you can change between them there.
Before You Enter the Metro Platform
Your ticket must already be valid before you enter the paid area, usually marked by a white line near the yellow validators before the main escalators or stairs.
- Paper ticket requiring validation: Stamp it once in a yellow validator before entering. If you already stamped it on a bus, tram, or earlier metro journey, do not stamp it again.
- PID Lítačka ticket: Activate it and wait until the app shows that it is valid before entering.
If your ticket remains valid until the end of your journey, you do not need another ticket when changing metro lines—or switching between the metro, trams, and regular city buses.
Do not stamp a paper ticket twice: the second stamp make the validation details unreadable and lead to a fine.
For more information about ticket inspections and penalties, read Prague public transport fines.
For help choosing and buying a ticket, see Prague Public Transport Tickets.
How to Choose the Right Metro Direction
Metro directions are identified by the terminal station—the last stop in that direction. You do not need to travel all the way there; its name simply tells you which way the train goes.
To choose the right train, find your current station and the station where you need to get off on the platform’s line map. If you need to change lines, look for your transfer station first.
How to Read the Platform Map
The photo below shows Můstek on Line A. Your current station is marked above the map with “You are here.”
When facing the sign shown in this photo:
- Staroměstská is to the right of Můstek. Use the right-hand side of the platform, toward Nemocnice Motol.
- Muzeum is to the left of Můstek. Use the left-hand side, toward Depo Hostivař.
Most Prague metro stations have one central platform with tracks on both sides, so the same platform gives you access to trains in both directions.
However, stations such as Hlavní nádraží and Vyšehrad have separate platforms for each direction. Check the direction signs before taking the stairs or escalator to a platform. On Line C, look for Letňany or Háje, depending on where you need to go.
During the journey, listen for station announcements and check the station names on the platform when the train stops. Use the route map inside the train to follow your progress.
How to Change Metro Lines
When you arrive at your transfer station—Můstek, Muzeum, or Florenc—get off the train and follow signs showing the letter and color of the line you need. The signs may include “Přestup,” meaning “Transfer,” or simply a line letter and an arrow.
Follow the arrows through the connecting passages. The route may include stairs or escalators, and changing lines involves walking inside the station.
Stay inside the station and follow the transfer signs rather than the street-exit signs. When you reach the other line’s platform, check the direction again before boarding.
Finding the Right Metro Exit
Some Prague metro stations have several exits leading to different streets. Before leaving the platform, look for your street, landmark, or connecting transport on the exit signs. Exits are marked with E and a number. In the first photo, follow the left arrow for E1–E3 toward Plynární Street, or the right arrow for E4–E6 toward Partyzánská Street.
The symbols show what you can reach in each direction:
- Tram and bus symbols indicate connections toward the destinations listed beside them.
- The train symbol points toward Praha-Holešovice railway station.
- The orange symbols indicate facilities such as escalators, stairs, wheelchair access, and toilets.
- P+R indicates a park-and-ride parking lot.
Keep following the signs as you walk. Platform signs show which way to start; signs farther along the passage help you find your specific exit.
In the second photo, E1–E3 are to the left, toward Plynární and Argentinská streets and the listed tram and bus connections. The red metro symbol and upward-pointing arrow show the way back toward the metro platforms, straight ahead.
Etiquette: How to Use the Prague Metro Like a Local
A few simple habits help everyone board, leave the train, and travel comfortably—especially during rush hour.
- Let passengers get off first: Wait beside the doors, leaving space for people to exit before you board.
- Keep doorways clear: Once inside, move farther into the carriage so others can board.
- Take your backpack off when it is crowded: Hold it close to you or place it between your feet without blocking the aisle.
- Step aside for exiting passengers: If you are blocking the door of a crowded train, you may need to step briefly onto the platform. Let people off, then get back in.
- Offer your seat to someone who needs it: This includes older passengers, pregnant passengers, and people with disabilities or injuries.
- Keep noise low: Use headphones and avoid playing music or videos aloud.
Using the Escalators
People in Prague usually stand on the right, leaving the left side clear for those walking. Keep your bags close so they do not block the way.
Hold the handrail, take care when stepping on or off, and do not run. When traveling with a young child, hold their hand.
