Not sure which Prague public transport tickets to buy? In Prague, you don’t pay for distance — you pay for time.
👉 This means you can easily switch between metro, trams, and buses using the same ticket.
Prague’s system is simple once you understand it, but confusing for first-time visitors. This guide explains ticket types, prices, and the easiest ways to buy and use Prague transport tickets without confusion.
Prague Transport Ticket Types and Prices (2026)
Prague uses a time-based ticket system. Here are the main ticket types available:
### Short-Term Tickets
These are the most common tickets for tourists visiting Prague.
- 30 minutes – for short trips
- 90 minutes – best for most travel
- 24 hours – unlimited travel for one day
- 72 hours – best for 2–3 days
### Long-Term Passes
This type more efficient if you are staying in Prague more than 10 days. The biggest advantage (my opinion) you don’t need to warry about a lot of things. Like if ticket still valid, if you stamp it. I am keeping my card-pass in the valet. If you prefer electronic variant, you only need to have your mobile charged.
- 30-day pass
- 90-day pass
- long-term passes (half annual and longer)
These passes are Available as:
- Personal (with photo)
- Anonymous (transferable)
👉The same tickets—both short and long-term—are valid for Prague’s night transport.
Short-Term Prague Public Transport Tickets: Prices
Exist a three versions of short-term Prague public transport tickets:
- paper
- electronic/digital
- SMS. SMS tickets are only available for Czech phone numbers so, for tourists it is not an option.
The 2026 tariff emphasizes a “digital-first” approach. Buying through the PID Lítačka app is now the cheapest way to travel. The price difference is around 8%. In the table below you can see the current prices for transport tickets.
| Ticket Type | App Price | Paper | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 min | 36 CZK | 39 CZK | 42 CZK |
| 90 min | 46 CZK | 50 CZK | 55 CZK |
| 24h | 140 CZK | 150 CZK | 150 CZK |
| 72h | 340 CZK | 350 CZK | 350 CZK |
👉Longer tickets are usually cheaper per hour, but the best choice depends on how often you travel.
Long-Term Passes
If you are staying in Prague for 10 days or longer, stop buying daily tickets. Get a 30-day pass instead.
| Pass Type | Price (30 Days) | Best For | Requirement |
| Personal (Non-Transferable) | 550 CZK | Budget travelers | Online registration + Photo |
| Transferable (Anonymous) | 1,000 CZK | Convenience / Sharing | No registration needed |
How to get the 550 CZK price:
- Download the PID Lítačka app.
- Register and upload a digital photo (headshot).
- Once verified, buy the “Prague (P,0,B)” coupon in the app.
- Your phone is now your pass. No physical card is required.
Which Prague Public Transport Tickets Should You Choose?
- For the “Lazy” Tourist (Stay: 7+ days): Buy the 1,000 CZK Anonymous Pass. You can get it as a paper ticket at the Airport or any Metro Info Center. No photos, no registration, no apps. Just buy it and forget about tickets for a month. You can even give it to a friend when you leave.
👉 If you are arriving at Prague Airport, it is useful to know how to get to the city center by public transport. - For the “Budget” Backpacker (Stay: 4+ days): Spend 10 minutes on the PID Lítačka app. Upload a selfie, register your ID, and buy the 550 CZK Personal Pass. It pays for itself in just 4 days compared to buying daily tickets.
- For the “Weekend” Visitor (Stay: 1–3 days): Stick to the PID Lítačka app for single 36 CZK or 24-hour 140 CZK tickets. It’s cheaper than the paper machines (which charge 39 CZK / 150 CZK).
| Stay Duration | Cost using 72-HourTickets (App) | 30-Day Anonymous Pass | 30-Day Personal Pass | Your Best Move |
| 1–3 Days | 340 CZK | 1,000 CZK | 550 CZK | Use 24h or 72h App tickets. |
| 4–6 Days | 680 CZK | 1,000 CZK | 550 CZK | Personal 30-day is already cheaper! |
| 7–9 Days | 1,020 CZK | 1,000 CZK | 550 CZK | Anonymous 30-day is now cheaper. |
| 10+ Days | 1,360+ CZK | 1,000 CZK | 550 CZK | 30-day pass is a must. |
Where to Buy Prague Public Transport Tickets
- Ticket Machines: These are the large yellow boxes. You will see them at every metro station and many tram/bus stops.
- PID Information Centers: These are found in larger metro stations. They usually sell long-term monthly or quarterly passes. They do not typically sell regular short-term tickets.
- Railway Station Ticket Desks: You can buy any kind of ticket here. However, ticket machines are often right next to the metro entrance, which is usually faster and less stressful.
- Shops and Kiosks: Places like Trafika or Relay often sell tickets. You need to ask if they have them.
- In Czech, ask: “Máte jízdenky?”
- You will need to tell them which type you want (30 minutes or 90 minutes) and how many. Be prepared for potential language barriers.
- Inside Vehicles: Small, yellow self-service machines are located near the doors of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. These machines accept card payments only.
- Mobile App (PID Lítačka): This is a great, modern and the cheapest option if you are comfortable using apps.
Ticket Validation (Very Important!)
In Prague, buying a ticket is not enough — you must also validate it before you start your journey. Validation means activating your ticket so that the system (and inspectors) knows when your travel time begins.
How validation works
- Paper tickets:
Insert the ticket into a small yellow validation machine when you enter the metro, tram, or bus. The machine will print the date and time on the ticket. - Mobile app tickets (PID Lítačka):
You must manually activate the ticket in the app before travel. Be careful. The timer don’t starts immediately after activation. You need to activate a ticket one minutes before boarding. - Tickets bought inside vehicles (card machines):
These are automatically validated at the moment of purchase.
Why validation is important
👉 Your ticket is not valid without validation, even if you already paid for it. Ticket inspectors regularly check passengers, and fines are common.
- If your ticket is not validated → you can get a fine of up to 2,000 CZK
- Inspectors do not accept excuses like “I didn’t know”
All information about fines in Prague you could find in my article “Fine for Travelling Without a Ticket in Prague: Better No”
Important Tips for Prague Public Transport Tickets Validation
- Always validate your ticket before boarding
- Do not wait until inspection — it’s too late
- Make sure the time stamp is clearly printed on paper tickets
- Leave the vehicle before your ticket expires
Ticket Machines – What to Expect
1. Modern Touch-Screen Machines (Most Common)
These machines are easy to use. You can pay by card or with Czech coins.
- Choose Your Language: Look for the language icon (usually in the top right corner). Tap it and select your language from the menu.
- Make Your Selection: Choose the ticket type (30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, or 72 hours). Then select the number of tickets and any discount (if you qualify). You can also choose to print a receipt.
- Pay: Insert coins or use your payment card.
- Take Your Tickets: Wait a few seconds. The machine will print your tickets and drop them into the collection slot at the bottom.
❗ IMPORTANT: Tickets from this machine are NOT validated. You must put your new Prague Public Transport Tickets into a small yellow validator machine before you travel.
Did you know you can explore Prague by tram? You’ll find everything you need, including tram numbers and route maps, in my article: “Cheap Prague Sightseeing by Tram: Best Routes & Tips“.
2. Push-Button Machines (Old Style)
These are older and less common, mostly found at non-central stops. They are simple but have limitations.
- Payment: Coins only.
- The machine has buttons marked with the ticket type and cost. Press the button and put in the coins. The machine will print your ticket.
❗ IMPORTANT: Tickets from this machine are NOT validated. You must validate them before you travel.
3. Self-Service Card-Only Machines (Inside Vehicles or in Metro)
These small machines are inside buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You can also find them next to other machines in the metro.
- Payment: Card only.
- These tickets come already validated. The paid time starts counting immediately when you buy them.
👉 Be Careful: If you buy this ticket “just in case” for later, the time is already running out. Only buy this type of ticket right before you travel.
You are not sure how to use Prague metro? This article could help you to be more confident: “How to Use Prague Metro: Navigation and Rules“
Buying Prague Transport Tickets with PID Lítačka App
If you like apps, this is one of the easiest ways to get tickets:
- Download the PID Lítačka app (iOS or Android).
- Choose the type of ticket you want (30 min, 90 min, 24 hours, etc.).
- Important: you also need to choose when to validate the ticket. Options include:
- Immediately – your paid time starts as soon as you activate it.
- At a certain time – you can schedule the start for later.
- With additional actions – for example, connecting tickets or special options for certain transport lines.
- Activate it before travel – the QR code on your phone screen is your valid ticket.
💡 My personal tip: I usually activate tickets immediately when I’m ready to board. It’s simple and I never worry about forgetting. But if you’re planning ahead, scheduling the ticket for later can save a bit of stress.
Question/Answer about Prague Transport Tickets
Is the Petřín Funicular included? Only on 24-hour, 72-hour tickets, and Monthly passes. If you have a 30-minute or 90-minute ticket, you must buy a separate ticket at the funicular station.
Can I use one ticket for two people? No. Every passenger must have their own valid ticket or app activation. The only exception is the 1,000 CZK Transferable Pass, but even then, it only covers one person at a time.
Should I pay for luggage in Prague public transport? If your luggage or an animal in a carrier is smaller than 25 × 45 × 70 cm, you do not need to pay. If it is bigger (even if only one dimension is larger), you need to buy an extra ticket. The price is 25 CZK for a paper ticket and 23 CZK for an electronic ticket through the PID Lítačka app.
Do you need to validate Prague transport tickets?
Yes. Paper tickets must be validated in a machine, and mobile tickets must be activated in the app before travel.
Could be helpful for tourists: “How to Read Prague timetables for Trams and Buses”
Final Travel Tips for Prague Public Transport Tickets
- Buying in Advance: If you want several tickets for later, use the modern touch-screen or old push-button machines. They print non-validated Prague public transport tickets that you can keep in your pocket. Validate them one by one right before you board.
- On the Spot: If you are already inside the bus or tram without a ticket, the small, self-service machine (card-only) is your best choice.
- Personal Preference: The modern touch-screen machines at the metro are often the best choice. They accept cards, offer all ticket types, and the tickets are not yet validated, so you can save them for later.
