The Prague Metro system is easy to navigate and consists of three lines: Line A (Green), Line B (Yellow), and Line C (Red). The metro operates daily from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight (24:00). The entire network, including all stops, can be seen on the official Prague Metro scheme. But to How to use Prague metro like a local you need to understand a few moments and rules.
Metro Basics and Transfer Stations
The Prague Metro has 61 stations. Three of these are transfer stations where two metro lines cross, allowing you to change lines easily:
- Můstek: Crosses Line A (Green) and Line B (Yellow).
- Muzeum: Crosses Line A (Green) and Line C (Red).
- Florenc: Crosses Line B (Yellow) and Line C (Red).
How to Use Prague Metro: Entrances and Signage
Metro station entrances are marked by a down-arrow sign colored according to the line you are entering.
- Some central stations, like Staroměstská and Malostranská (Line A), and Hlavní nádraží (Main Railway Station, Line C), have just one entrance/exit. Most stations, however, have multiple entrances.
- Near transfer stations, the metro sign will show two colors (e.g., Můstek may show more yellow or more green). The dominant color indicates which line’s platform you will access directly.
- For example, a green-signed Můstek entrance leads straight to Line A’s platform. A yellow-signed Můstek entrance leads straight to Line B’s platform. You can always transfer later, but this requires walking through a tunnel and using escalators.
Where and how to buy tickets for Prague Metro read here.
Navigating Transfers and Directions
How to Use Prague Metro: Changing Lines
If you need to change metro lines, head to the appropriate transfer station (Můstek, Muzeum, or Florenc).
- When you reach the platform, look for the “Transfer” sign (“Přestup” in Czech).
- Follow the arrows beneath this sign. They will lead you through tunnels, up or down stairs/escalators, and finally to the other line’s platform.
Tip: Transfer tunnels usually have multiple entry and exit points. You can use any of them; they will all lead you to the correct platform, just at different points along it.
Transfer tunnels have few entrances and few exits. You can use any. All of them will lead you to the platform just in different points of it.
Choosing Your Direction
To determine which direction to travel on the metro platform, use this simple trick:
- Every metro platform has a line scheme listing all stations.
- Your current station is marked with a white rectangle.
- Find your destination station on the scheme.
- If your destination is to the right of your current station on the map, take the train on the right-hand side of the platform. If it’s to the left, take the train on the left-hand side.
How to Use Prague Metro: Not Missing Your Stop
- Station names are announced multiple times via the radio system, but can be difficult to catch.
- Check the screens inside each train car. These screens display the name of the current station and the next station in both Czech and English, making it easy to track your journey.
Finding the Right Metro Exit
To ensure you exit the metro at the correct street or landmark:
- Check Information Boards: Look for the information boards on the platforms. They show details about nearby streets and directions.
- Use Exit Codes: Every exit is marked by the letter E and a number (e.g., E1, E2, E3).
- Digital apps (Google Maps, PID Lítačka, IDOS) use this numeration to guide you to the exact exit point.
- Follow Directional Signs: On the platform, initial tableaus will show which side to take for certain E-codes (e.g., “E1-E3 go left”). As you walk up, subsequent signs will use arrows, the E-code, and the names of the streets/directions to guide you to your specific exit.
Tableaus in a platform just show you which side you need to go.
Etiquette: Behaving in the Prague Metro
These unwritten rules are part of local culture and help you understand how to use Prague metro like a local, especially during peak hours:
- Escalator Rule: Always stand on the right side of the escalator. The left side must remain free for people who are in a hurry to walk up or down.
- Backpacks Off: Take your backpack off inside the metro car. When the vehicle is crowded, a backpack can take up the space of two people.
- Clear the Doors: After walking into the train, do not stop near the entrance. Move toward the center or ends of the vehicle.
- Step Out to Clear: If you must stand near the door, be ready to briefly step out onto the platform at every stop to allow others to exit and enter easily, then step back in.
