Accommodation
Since The Velvet Revolution of 1989 Prague has become more visited.
There are plenty of hotels, pensions, hostels and private accommodation
available. Number of stars does not usually correspond with international
regulations because the owners class their businesses by themselves.
Accommodation in a four stars hotel can be, therefore, cheaper
than living in a three stars hotel.
Thanks favourable value is sometimes better to find accommodation
further away from the centre because in comparison to other world
metropolises Prague is quite small and its public transport is
effective so you do not have to worry that you will spend most
of your time on trams and buses.
If you plan going to Prague in the high season (April to October),
around Christmas and New Year as well as for a weekend or at the
time of public holiday, you should book your accommodation ahead,
preferably by at least a few weeks.
Travelling
by plane
The modern city airport, Ruzynì, is situated about 20 km
northwest of the city centre. There are direct flights from most
major European cities.
Facilities in the main building include a 24-hour money exchange
office, a few ATMs, fast food places, several travel and accommodation
agencies, rental car companies, a post office. There is also a 24-hour
left luggage service in the Arrival Hall (the charge is about 40
Kè per piece of luggage).
Getting to the city centre:
Timetables are available at the airport information office in the
main hall or on www.dp-praha.cz.
Bus & Underground
Catch a bus No 119 or No 254 from the airport to Dejvická
metro station, then follow a green line (A) of underground railway
to the centre (stations Mùstek or Muzeum). The trip takes
about 45 minutes.
Bus & Tram
Bus No 100 will take you from the airport to Zlièín
– the underground terminal stop of the yellow line (B) that
leads to the town centre (Mùstek station).
Catch night bus No 510 (between midnight and 3.30) to the tram-bound
at Divoká Šárka, then go by tram No 51 to Dejvická
metro station or further to the city centre (Námìstí
Republiky, Wenceslas Square).
Minibus
There are vans operated by Cedaz running from the airport (6 am
– 9 pm) to Námìstí Republiky every 30
minutes for 90 Kè per person. Departure from Námìstí
Republiky is between 5.30 am and 9.30 pm. Transport to any place
of customer's wish within Prague is also possible: for 360 Kè
(1-4 persons), 720 Kè (5 and more persons).
Taxi
Depending on the destination, a trip to the city costs up to 700
Kè per 2-3 persons Before entering the car check the price
with the driver. It is not recommended to except a price over 700
Kè.
Travelling by train
Domestic services are provided by ÈD (Czech Railways). There
are number of daily connections to Prague from major European cities.
Train Stations: Hlavní nádraží
is the biggest and busiest railway station in Prague. There are
a 24 hour left-luggage service, food stalls, information and booking
offices.
Other train stations in Prague: Masarykovo nádraží,
Holešovice Station, Smíchov Station
A supplement for fast express trains (rychlík) has to be
paid. It is possible to buy plain tickets (jízdenka) or tickets
with reservation (místenka) for a seat, couchette or sleeper.
It is necessary to make a reservation on the train marked with boxed
or circled “R”, an “R” without a box means a
reservation is recommended.
Information on rail connections are available on Tel: 02 / 242 242
00 or online www.cdrail.cz
Travelling by car
Only people older than 18 are allowed to drive a car in the Czech
Republic. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory, children under the age
of 12 have to sit at the back. After a consumption of any alcohol
driving is illegal.
Most foreign driving licences are honoured, Australian and New Zealand
drivers should get an International Driving Licence.
If entering the Czech Republic by car you will need:
a valid driving licence
a vehicle registration card
a hire certification
Green Card (an international motoring certificate for insurance)
a highway sticker (can be purchased at the border).
Other items you will have to carry at all times are: a first-aid
kit, a set of replacement bulbs, a spare tire, red warning triangles.
The speed limit is:
130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways
90 km/h (56 mph) on dual and single carriageways
50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
Relaying on car in Prague is not advisable, as it is very difficult
to find a suitable parking place and break-ins are very common.
Only residents having a parking card can park their cars in the
central area of Prague. If you happen to visit Prague by car, the
best places to leave your car are guarded parking lots, especially
the underground ones. New or expensive cars are vulnerable to break-ins,
so do not leave anything valuable inside the car visible from outside,
including car radios. They get stolen quite often.
Travelling by coach
The city main bus terminal is Florenc situated on the eastern edge
of the New Town easily accessible by tube (yellow line B and red
line C) and trams. The majority of internal coaches are run by ÈSAD.
Information on bus connection is available on www.jizdnirady.cz
Numerous international coach services are run by Bohemia Euroexpress
International (Køižíkova 4-6, Prague 8 - Florenc,
Tel: 02 24814450, 24218680, www.bei.cz).
Generally, coach travel is cheap but long distance travelling can
be uncomfortable and slower than going by train or plane.
To make sure you get a seat it is advisable to obtain your tickets
in advance.
Travel Documents and Customs
A valid passport is a necessity when entering the Czech Republic.
To confirm visa requirements you are advised to contact the Czech
embassy or consulate before travelling.
Customs
allowances per person are 2l of wine, 1l spirits, 200 cigarettes
(100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g of tobacco) and goods up to the
value of 6 000 Kè for a person at the age over 15 (3000 Kè
for a person at the age up to 15).
