Metro of Prague

Metros in the Czech Republic: Prague

Prague is the capital and most important city of the Czech Republic, with a population of around 1.3 million inhabitants within the city and approximately 2.6 million in its metropolitan area. The city is also the capital of the Bohemia region and has established itself as one of the main urban and tourist centers in Central Europe.

Prague is known for its architectural styles that blend Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Throughout its history, Prague has been influenced by various empires and regimes. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, occupied by the Nazis during World War II, and later fell under Soviet influence until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. This rich historical heritage is reflected in the vast number of museums, galleries, theaters, and monuments that attract millions of tourists each year.

The historic center of Prague was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and since then, the city has positioned itself as one of the main tourist attractions in Europe. In fact, Prague is among the top five most visited cities in Europe.

The climate of Prague has average temperatures ranging between -1 and 3 °C during the winter months and between 13 and 18 °C in the warmer months.

The Prague Metro consists of three main lines, covering a total of 61 stations and running across 65.2 kilometers.

Since its inauguration in 1974, the Prague Metro has used different types of trains. Currently, two main models are in use. The first is the 81-71M train, a modernized version of the Soviet 81-71 train, which operates on lines A and B. These trains have a length of 96.11 meters. However, they have been progressively replaced by the Metro M1 model, developed in collaboration with ČKD, Siemens, and ADTranz, specifically designed for the Prague system. These trains are 96.66 meters long and can carry up to 1,464 passengers.

The annual ridership of the Prague Metro is approximately 589.2 million passengers, making it one of the busiest metro systems in Central Europe.

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The metro system is operated by the Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy (Prague Public Transport Company).

• Name: Prague Metro
• Total Length: 65.2 kilometers
• Track Gauge: 1,435 mm
• Number of Lines: 3
• Number of Stations: 61
• Maximum Speed: 80 km/h
• Website: www.dpp.cz
• Operator: Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy (Prague Public Transport Company)
• Daily Passengers: Around 1.6 million
• Year of Foundation: May 9, 1974

Brief History

The first initiatives to build an underground transport system in Prague date back to the late 19th century, specifically in 1898, with a project that aimed to connect Prague with Karlín and Podolí. This initial plan was revived in the 1920s with the "Metro Fast Track for Prague" project, led by engineers Vladimír List and Bohumil Belada.

The goal of the project was to establish four underground lines, but it never came to fruition. In the 1930s, the electric company proposed a new plan, which began construction with Line A in 1937. However, World War II halted the works. Although they resumed in the 1950s, the project was canceled again due to a lack of funding.

In the 1960s, the idea of a metro was abandoned and was no longer considered viable for Prague. However, the saturation of the tram system prompted the need for a new means of transport, which led to the construction of an underground tram. After more studies and surveys, it was finally decided to revert to the metro concept.

During the normalization period in Czechoslovakia, under Soviet influence, a metro was built with clear Soviet inspiration. Although its inauguration was initially planned for 1970, it finally took place in 1974 with the opening of Line C. The system continued to expand rapidly, with Line A opening in 1978 and Line B in 1985.

After the fall of communism, the pace of construction slowed, and the names of stations that referenced the previous regime were changed. Since 2004, several extensions of the existing lines have been inaugurated, and future expansions are planned to improve the system's coverage and capacity.

Lines and Stations

The Prague Metro has 61 stations distributed along 65.2 kilometers. Most stations are underground and are decorated with distinctive aluminum panels, making the metro one of the most visually appealing systems in Europe. The Prague Metro lines are designed to converge in the city center, facilitating connectivity between different areas. Generally, stations have a single platform serving both tracks, although some have separate platforms. The lines are divided as follows:

Line A

Line A was inaugurated in 1978 and has undergone several expansions, the last of which was completed in 2015. It currently spans 17.1 kilometers and has 17 stations. Its terminal stations are Nemocnice Motol and Depo Hostivař. The distinctive color of this line is green, and it runs from the northwest to the southeast of the city.

Line B

Line B, inaugurated in 1985, is the longest line in the Prague Metro system. Its last expansion took place in 1998, reaching a total length of 25.6 kilometers and 24 stations. The terminal stations are Zličín and Černý Most. This line, identified by the color yellow, connects the southwest with the northeast of the city.

Line C

Line C was the first to open in 1974. It crosses the city from north to south, with a route extending between the stations of Letňany and Háje. The last extension was completed in 2008, covering 22.4 kilometers and 20 stations. The color of Line C is red.

Connections with Other Systems

The Prague transportation system is integrated into the Prague Integrated Transport (PID), which includes metro, trams, commuter trains, buses, boats, and the Petřín funicular, along with a series of park-and-ride facilities.

The tram is one of the most important transport systems, alongside the metro. The tram network covers 142.4 kilometers of track and operates 25 daytime routes and 9 nighttime routes. It has been running on electric power since 1891, and in many cases, its routes run parallel to those of the metro, facilitating quick connections between the two modes of transport.

The commuter train system, known as Esko Prague, comprises 33 lines that connect Prague to its suburbs and surrounding areas, with a total of 235 stations.

Urban buses are also managed by the same company that operates the metro, Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy, a.s., although some routes are operated by other companies. Urban bus lines are identified with numbers ranging from 100 to 299, while suburban lines are numbered from 300 to 399. There are also night lines (951 to 960) and suburban lines (901 to 915).

The Petřín funicular connects the Malá Strana district to the Petřín Hill, offering a convenient and quick way to access this scenic area of the city.

Additionally, the integrated system includes ferries operating on the Vltava River. There are currently approximately five ferry routes connecting various parts of the city.

Finally, the Prague Integrated Transport system offers 25 park-and-ride facilities, some of which are supervised and require payment, while others have time-limited parking but are free of charge.

Airport Connections

The Václav Havel Prague International Airport is the main airport connecting Prague to both international and domestic destinations. Located about 17 kilometers from the city center, this airport was founded in 1937 and has undergone several expansions over the years. It currently handles over 17 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in Central Europe.

The airport currently does not have a direct connection to the Prague Metro. However, it is possible to access the metro network using the following bus lines:

• Bus Line 119: Connects the airport with Veleslavín station on metro line A. This is the most common and fastest way to access the metro network from the airport. Line 119 operates regularly, with intervals ranging from 7 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
• Bus Line 100: Connects the airport with Zličín station on metro line B. This option is recommended for those traveling to the southwestern areas of the city. The journey takes approximately 18 minutes.
• Airport Express (AE): This bus connects the airport with the main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží, where you can find the Hlavní nádraží station on metro line C. This service is fast and convenient for those who want to travel to the city center or take a train to other cities in the Czech Republic.

While there is no direct metro connection, the bus system provides easy access to different metro lines, facilitating transportation to and from the airport. In the future, an extension of metro line A to Václav Havel Airport has been proposed, although this project is still in the planning stage.

Operating Hours and Frequency

The Prague Metro operates approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., depending on the line and day of the week. Each metro line has specific start and end times, as well as varying frequencies throughout the day to accommodate passenger demand.

Line A

The first train on line A departs at 4:40 a.m. from Nemocnice Motol station. The last train on this line passes through Depo Hostivař station at 12:33 a.m. on weekdays. During weekdays, train frequency starts at 10-minute intervals but decreases to 5-minute intervals starting at 7:00 a.m., maintaining this interval until 10:00 a.m. After this time, it returns to 10-minute intervals until 2:00 p.m., when it adjusts to 7 minutes. In the afternoon, frequency varies between 6 and 5 minutes until 7:30 p.m., and after this time, it increases again to 10 minutes until closing time.

On weekends, line A starts with 10-minute intervals until 6:30 a.m., at which point it reduces to 7 minutes until 11:30 p.m. After this time, the frequency returns to 10-minute intervals until the service ends.

Line B

The first train on line B departs at 4:44 a.m. from Českomoravská station. The last train arrives at the terminal station Zličín at 12:46 a.m. on weekdays. This line has one of the most variable frequencies, starting with 10-minute intervals that decrease to 5 minutes at 5:30 a.m. and to 2 minutes starting at 7:00 a.m. Until 9:00 a.m., the frequency remains between 3 and 4 minutes, increasing progressively to 5 minutes in the afternoon and again to 7 minutes in the evening. After 11:00 p.m., the frequency returns to 10 minutes until closing time.

On Saturdays and Sundays, line B maintains a 10-minute frequency until 7:00 a.m., when it reduces to 8 minutes. During peak hours on Saturdays, it fluctuates between 6 and 8 minutes, returning to 10 minutes after 9:30 p.m. On Sundays, the frequency is 10 minutes until 10:00 a.m., decreasing to 7 minutes during the afternoon and returning to 10 minutes after 9:30 p.m.

Line C

Line C begins operations at 4:32 a.m. from Kačerov station. The last train arrives at the terminal stations Letňany and Háje at 12:39 a.m. from Monday to Friday. The train frequency is 10 minutes until 6:00 a.m., at which point it decreases to 4 minutes, and then to 2 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. For the rest of the day, intervals vary between 3 and 5 minutes until 7:30 p.m., after which it progressively increases to 10 minutes from 9:30 p.m. onwards.

On Saturdays, frequency is 10 minutes until 7:00 a.m., then reduces to 7 minutes and to 5 minutes from 8:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. After 9:45 p.m., the frequency returns to 10 minutes. On Sundays, line C operates with a frequency of 10 minutes until 9:45 a.m., and then changes to 7 minutes during the afternoon until 7:45 p.m., at which point it returns to 10 minutes until closing time.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

Fares for the various tickets that can be used on the Prague Metro are governed by the city's integrated transport system. Tickets are valid across all modes of transport within the system. The only noticeable difference is based on the location: an urban ticket has a different price compared to one that covers suburban routes.

There are two fare zones: the P zone, which includes all systems within the city of Prague, including ferries, the Petřín funicular, and some commuter train routes; and the 0 zone, which covers all peripheral areas, including several suburban train and bus routes. In any fare category, children under 6 years and seniors over 70 travel for free.

Prague Metro tickets are primarily based on the time spent within the system.

A basic ticket, which allows you to stay within the system for 90 minutes, costs 32 Czech crowns (1.44 USD).

For children aged 6 to 15 and seniors between 65 and 70 years, the price is 16 Czech crowns (0.72 USD).

There is also an option for short trips lasting a maximum of 30 minutes. The price for adults is 24 Czech crowns (1.08 USD), while for young people and seniors, it is 12 Czech crowns (0.54 USD).

Another option is to purchase multi-day tickets. The first option in this range is the 24-hour ticket, priced at 110 Czech crowns (4.93 USD) for adults, while the discounted fare is 55 Czech crowns (2.47 USD). The 72-hour ticket has a single fare of 310 Czech crowns (13.90 USD).

Additionally, users can buy a subscription card valid for all trips for 30 days, 90 days, 150 days, 300 days, or a year. You can view the official updated fares here.

With these fares, adults can travel with a child under 15 years old on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays free of charge. Students must provide appropriate identification to apply for their card. All these tickets are personalized, but there is also the option to purchase non-personalized tickets for these durations.

In this case, the monthly ticket costs 670 Czech crowns (30.75 USD), the 90-day ticket costs 1880 Czech crowns (84.31 USD), and the annual ticket costs 6100 Czech crowns (273.56 USD).

Finally, it is possible to travel with a dog, a bicycle, or a stroller with a baby at no additional cost. However, if you intend to carry additional luggage or an unoccupied stroller, you must pay a fare of 16 Czech crowns (0.72 USD).

Future Expansions

Although the Prague Metro has maintained its three main lines since its opening, numerous expansions have been made to extend the system to different parts of the city. Currently, the new Line D is under development, which will connect the city center to the southeastern part of Prague. This project includes 10 stations distributed along 10.5 kilometers and is scheduled to be completed in phases between 2023 and 2029.

Additionally, an extension of Line A has been planned to connect Nemocnice Motol station to the Václav Havel Airport. However, this project has not yet been approved and is expected to be carried out only once the airport’s railway connections with the national rail network are completed.

Moreover, a new Line E with a circular route is being considered, but it is still in the evaluation and preliminary design stage, without an estimated start date for construction.

Tips

Being in a foreign transportation system can be confusing if you don’t understand how it works. To avoid any inconvenience while using the Prague Metro, consider the following tips:

• The Prague Metro operates on a proof of payment system, meaning there are no turnstiles at the stations. Each user is responsible for purchasing a valid ticket and validating it before boarding the train. Frequent inspections are conducted to check tickets, and high fines are imposed if you do not have a valid ticket.
• Signage in Prague Metro stations is available in both Czech and English. Familiarize yourself with some basic words in these languages to facilitate navigation. Additionally, there are information panels and acoustic assistance for visually impaired people.
• As it is a high-traffic transport system, the metro can be a place prone to pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving them unattended at any time.

Interesting Facts

• The M1 Metro trains were specifically designed for the Prague Metro by ČKD and Siemens but were later adapted for other metro systems, such as the Maracaibo Metro in Venezuela.
• After the fall of the communist regime, the names of several stations that referenced communist personalities or events were changed. For example, "Lenin" station was renamed "Dejvická".
• The Prague Metro uses a unique typeface called Metron, created by Czech designer Jiří Rathouský.
• During the Velvet Revolution in 1989, metro stations became centers of protest and communication. As a result of these events, vandalism increased in the metro facilities, leading to a higher presence of graffiti on trains and stations.

What to See from the Prague Metro

Prague is a city that has become a dream destination for thousands of tourists. Especially after the Czech Republic joined the European Union, Prague started attracting many visitors who want to explore its rich history, traditional architecture, and an intriguing perspective of Central European cultures. The Prague Metro is a transport system that helps connect the city, and using it, you can see many important sites. Some of them are:

• Old Town Square: The most famous square in Prague is home to the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, as well as the famous Astronomical Clock and the Jan Hus Monument. To reach it, get off at Staroměstská station on line A and walk east.
• Museum of Communism: This museum documents the history of Czechoslovakia under the communist regime through objects, photographs, and historical documents. The nearest station is Náměstí Republiky on line B.
• Lego Museum: The largest Lego museum in Europe features over 2,500 models, including the Charles Bridge and a miniature National Museum. The nearest station is Můstek, on lines A and B.