Prague Metro is the fastest way to explore Prague in 2026, moving 1.1 million people daily across 3 color-coded lines in under 30 minutes. Clean, safe, and running every 2 minutes at peak hours, it connects Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and airport buses without traffic delays.
Updated May 2026: 30-minute tickets cost 39 CZK, 90-minute tickets 50 CZK, 24-hour tickets 150 CZK. Paper tickets must be validated once. Contactless cards auto-validate. This guide shows you exactly how to read the map, buy tickets, use transfers at Muzeum, Můstek, and Florenc, and avoid fines like a local.
After 12+ trips on Prague Metro myself, I can tell you it’s the backbone of Prague transport. While trams are scenic, Metro wins for speed. Line A hits Prague Castle in 8 min from Wenceslas Square. Line C gets you from Main Train Station to Old Town in 3 stops. For tourists, the trick is simple: learn the 3 transfer stations and you can reach 90% of attractions underground.
Overview of the Prague Metro System
The Prague Metro opened in 1974 and today forms the core of Prague’s integrated public transport. It works with Prague trams, Prague buses, Prague trains, and the Petřín Funicular under one PID ticket system.
Key facts about the Prague metro 2026:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1974 |
| Lines | A Green, B Yellow, C Red |
| Stations | 61 total. 3 transfer hubs |
| Network | 65.2 km underground |
| Frequency | 2-4 min peak, 4-10 min off-peak |
| Hours | 5:00 AM to midnight daily |
| Daily riders | 1.1 million passengers |
It is particularly useful for reaching districts outside the historic center and for connecting to other forms of public transportation.
Prague Metro Map and Network Layout
Understanding the Prague Metro Map makes navigating the system very easy. All 61 stations use the same color system as the map: green A, yellow B, red C. Direction signs show the terminal station, not just “north/south”.
Pro tip: If you’re new, screenshot the Official Prague Metro Map before your trip. The 3 transfer stations are where 80% of tourists get confused.
Each station uses the same colors shown on the Metro map, helping passengers quickly identify the correct line and direction.
The lines intersect at several central transfer stations, allowing passengers to move easily between different Metro routes.
➤ If you are new to the system, it helps to first understand the Prague Metro map and how the lines connect across the city.
Metro Lines and Main Stations
The metro network consists of three lines, each identified by a letter and color. Learning these lines will help visitors navigate the system with confidence.
| Line | Color | Route | Key Tourist Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line A | Green | Nemocnice Motol → Depo Hostivař | Malostranská, Staroměstská, Muzeum |
| Line B | Yellow | Zličín → Černý Most | Anděl, Florenc, Náměstí Republiky |
| Line C | Red | Letňany → Háje | Hlavní nádraží, Vyšehrad, Muzeum |
🟢 Prague Metro Line A – Green Line
Prague Metro Line A runs from Nemocnice Motol to Depo Hostivař.
Important stations on Line A include:
- Nádraží Veleslavín – connection to airport buses
- Malostranská – near Prague Castle and Malá Strana
- Staroměstská – close to Old Town Square
- Můstek – near Wenceslas Square
- Muzeum – transfer station to metro Line C
Line A is frequently used by tourists visiting Old Town and Prague Castle.
🟡 Prague Metro Line B – Yellow Line
Prague Metro Line B runs from Zličín to Černý Most and is the longest line of the Prague Metro.
Important stations on Line B include:
- Anděl – popular shopping and entertainment district
- Karlovo náměstí – near the Dancing House
- Národní třída – near the National Theatre
- Náměstí Republiky – close to Powder Tower
- Florenc – Prague Metro transfer station to Line C and central bus station
🔴 Prague Metro Line C – Red Line
Prague Metro Line C runs from Letňany to Háje.
Important stations on Line C include:
- Florenc – transfer to metro Line B
- Hlavní nádraží – Prague’s main railway station
- Muzeum – transfer to metro Line A
- Vyšehrad – near the historic Vyšehrad fortress
Line C is especially useful for travelers arriving by train or visiting major transport hubs.
How to Enter the Metro Station
Prague Metro entrances are easy to recognize and are marked by a large letter “M”, the universal sign for the Prague Metro.
Most metro stations are underground and can be accessed using:
- escalators
- elevators
- stairs
Inside a Metro station, clear signs show:
- Prague Metro line colors
- travel directions
- platform locations
Most stations are clean, modern, and well monitored, making the system comfortable and safe for visitors.
Buying Metro Tickets
The Prague Metro ticket system is integrated with Prague’s trams and buses. A single Metro ticket allows travel on all forms of public transportation within the selected time limit.
Common Prague Metro ticket options include:
| Ticket Duration | Paper Ticket | PID Lítačka App | SMS Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | 39 CZK | 36 CZK | 42 CZK |
| 90 Minutes | 50 CZK | 46 CZK | 55 CZK |
| 24 Hours | 150 CZK | 140 CZK | 150 CZK |
| 72 Hours | 350 CZK | 340 CZK | N/A |
Metro tickets can be purchased from:
- Ticket machines inside Metro stations
- Ticket machines at tram stops
- Prague public transport information centers
- Some convenience stores
Most metro ticket machines accept contactless credit or debit cards, making them convenient for tourists.
Validating Prague Metro Tickets
However, if you purchase a paper ticket, it must be validated before entering the metro platform.
Validation machines are usually located:
- at metro station entrances
- near escalators leading to the metro platforms
Insert the ticket into the yellow validation machine, which stamps the date and time. From that moment, the ticket becomes valid.
Important: Contactless cards don’t need validation. Tap once entering, tap once exiting on suburban lines. Inspectors fine 1,500 CZK for unvalidated paper tickets. Keep ticket/card ready until you exit.
Finding the Correct Metro Platform
Finding the correct platform in the metro system is simple once you understand the direction signs.
Follow these steps when using the metro:
- Identify the metro line letter and color.
- Check the terminal station name displayed on metro signs.
- Follow signs pointing toward that metro terminal station.
For example, at Kobylisy station on Line C, passengers must choose the correct platform based on the final destination shown on the signs: trains run in one direction toward Háje and in the other toward Letňany.
Once you understand the metro directions, navigating the system becomes very easy.
Metro Transfers
Transfers between metro lines are simple and clearly marked. Three stations serve as the main interchange points.
Muzeum – Metro Transfer Station
Transfer between:
- Metro Line A
- Metro Line C
This station is located at the top of Wenceslas Square.
Můstek – Metro Transfer Station
Transfer between:
- Metro Line A
- Metro Line B
The Můstek station is located between Old Town and Wenceslas Square.
Florenc – Metro Transfer Station
Transfer between:
- Metro Line B
- Metro Line C
Florenc metro station also connects to Prague’s central bus station.
Metro Operating Hours
The operating hours run daily from early morning until midnight.
Typical metro schedule:
- First metro trains: around 5:00 AM
- Last metro trains: around midnight
Metro train frequency:
- every 2–4 minutes during peak hours
- every 4–10 minutes during off-peak hours
After midnight, Prague night trams and night buses take over public transportation.
Prague Metro Safety and Travel Tips
The Prague Metro system is considered one of the safest transport systems in Europe. However, travelers should still follow basic safety precautions when using the metro.
Helpful travel tips:
- Stand on the right side of escalators
- Let passengers exit before boarding the metro train
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded metro stations
- Keep your ticket accessible for inspection
- Follow signs for easier navigation
Thanks to frequent trains and clear signage, the Prague Metro is one of the easiest transportation systems for tourists to use.
Avoid these mistakes too: see my guide on Things to Avoid in Prague so you don’t get caught by taxi scams or fake ticket inspectors.
Why Tourists Use the Metro
Prague Metro beats Prague taxis on speed + cost. For 39 CZK you cross Prague in 30 min. It connects Old Town, Wenceslas Square, Castle area, Main Train Station, and major bus stations without traffic stress.
Once you know lines A, B, C and the 3 transfers, Prague becomes a 30-minute city. Locals rely on it. Tourists who master it see twice as much per day.
Plan your next steps:
- Download PID Lítačka app for live Metro times + ticket purchase
- Flying in? See how to reach Václav Havel Airport Prague from Nádraží Veleslavín Line A
- Visiting Castle? Read how to walk from Malostranská Metro to Prague Castle in 5 min
Prague Metro is the city’s best-kept tourist secret. Use it right and you’ll skip taxis, skip traffic, and skip fines.
FAQ: Prague Metro for Tourists 2026
Yes if paper ticket. Insert it in yellow machines at station entrance once. Tap contactless card at turnstile = auto validation. Validate only once.
Yes until midnight. Stations are well-lit and monitored. After 00:30 use night trams 91-99. Avoid empty cars and keep bags close at Muzeum, Můstek, Florenc.
Line A Green. Get off at Malostranská station. Walk 5 minutes uphill through Malá Strana. Exit follows signs to “Pražský hrad”.
Yes. Prague uses one PID ticket system. A 30-minute or 90-minute ticket works on Metro, trams, buses, and the Petřín Funicular. Transfer as many times as you want within the time limit.
Only 32 of 61 stations have elevators in 2026. Newer stations like Nádraží Veleslavín and Bořislavka have them. Old Town stations like Staroměstská and Malostranská use escalators only. Check the PID Lítačka app for “bezbariérový přístup” before you go.
1,500 CZK if an inspector catches you without a valid ticket. You pay 800 CZK if you pay within 15 days. Inspectors wear normal clothes and check randomly. Always keep your paper ticket or tap your card until you exit the station.
Final Thoughts: Master Prague Metro in 10 Minutes
Prague Metro looks complex on the map, but it’s really just 3 lines and 3 transfers. Once you know that Line A is green for Castle + Old Town, Line B is yellow for shopping + buses, and Line C is red for trains + Vyšehrad, you can get anywhere.
For 50 CZK and 90 minutes, you can cross the whole city faster than any taxi. Validate once, stand right on escalators, and keep your ticket handy. Do that and inspectors, crowds, and wrong turns stop being a problem.
The Metro is why Prague feels so easy to visit in 2026. It’s clean, safe until midnight, and runs like clockwork. Tourists who learn it on day 1 see twice as much by day 3.
Transport Type: Metro (Subway)
City: Prague, Czech Republic
Metro Lines: A, B, C
Lines Colors: Green, Yellow, Red
Total Stations: 61
Network Length: Approx 65 km
Opening Year: 1974
Peak Hours Frequency
Off-Peak Frequency
