One of the best things about Prague is how easy it is to buy a Prague transport pass or ticket. But standing in front of several ticket machines can be confusing. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through all your options.
Main Places to Buy Tickets
Many places in the city sell public transport tickets. Remember this important rule: there are no separate tickets for the tram, bus, or metro. All transport uses the same Prague transport pass system. You can switch routes and change transport types with a single valid pass.
More about Prague public tickets you will find here.
Validation is Key!
To avoid a fine, your ticket must be valid. This means:
- It must have a date/time stamp.
- The prepaid travel time (e.g., 30 or 90 minutes) starts the moment you stamp the ticket.
❗ IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave the transport vehicle before your prepaid time ends. Inspectors might check your ticket, and if it’s expired, you will get a fine.
Main Places Selling a Prague Transport Pass:
- 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 option if you are comfortable using apps.
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 transport pass into a small yellow validator machine before you travel.
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.
Buying Prague Transport Pass/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.
SMS Tickets
Another option is to buy a ticket via SMS, but it has some limitations:
- You must have a Czech phone number.
- Next you send a text with a code to a special number (the code depends on the ticket type).
- You receive a confirmation SMS, which is your valid ticket.
👉 Personally, I find SMS tickets a bit tricky if you’re a tourist – most visitors don’t have a local phone number. Still, it’s good to know this option exists, especially for locals or long-term stays.
Final Travel Tips for Prague Transport Pass
- Buying in Advance: If you want several tickets for later, use the modern touch-screen or old push-button machines. They print non-validated 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.
