Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its charming architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. One of the best ways to explore the city is by using its efficient and widespread tram network. For both visitors and locals, understanding how to navigate and pay for tram rides is essential for smooth travel. This guide provides everything you need to know—from buying tram tickets to hopping on the historic tram.
Understanding Prague’s Tram System
Prague’s tram system is operated by Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy (DPP). With over 20 tram lines, it covers most of the metropolitan area and runs frequently from early morning until past midnight. Trams are not only reliable—they're also one of the most scenic ways to experience the city.
All tramway passenger coaches are visibly marked with the number of the line, and on the sides you can also find info tables with the most important stations on the route. Older coaches have plastic or metal information boards, while the more modern ones are equipped with electronic displays.
Night Trams in Prague
Even after the city’s main attractions have closed and the metro lines have stopped running, Prague’s trams keep the city moving through the night. Whether you’re arriving late, heading back from a night out, or simply enjoying the peaceful, illuminated streets, night trams are a safe and reliable option.
Night tram services operate daily from midnight to around 4:30 AM, covering most of the city. The routes are slightly different from daytime trams and are renumbered into the 90s range. For example:
- Tram 91, 92, 93... up to 99 replace daytime lines.
- They run at 30-minute intervals, so some waiting time is expected.
Prices of Tram Tickets
There are several types of tram tickets available in Prague:
- Short-term tickets: These are ideal for tourists. You can purchase tickets that are valid for 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, or 72 hours.
- Long-term passes: For longer stays or frequent commutes, monthly and yearly passes are available.
- Single-journey tickets: These are perfect for one-off travels across the city.
The ticket prices are shown in the table below:
All tickets must be validated at the start of your first journey to avoid fines.
Children under the age of 15 (including) can travel for free and don't need any tickets. However, they may be asked to provide an ID confirming their age.
Also, one adult accompanying a child under the age of 3 does not need a ticket.
Where to Buy Tram Tickets
Tram tickets in Prague can be purchased from a variety of locations:
- In tram: Probably the most convenient way is to buy the ticket right on the tram. Each tram in Prague has a small yellow vending machine (pictured above) where you can buy any type of ticket and pay with your contactless card or mobile phone.
- Ticket machines: Available at most tram stops. These machines accept coins, and some accept contactless credit/debit cards. For specific location, please see the map of ticket vending machines.
- Tabák (Tobacco) shops: Commonly found around the city, these shops sell various types of tram tickets.
- Online: Tickets can also be purchased online through the DPP website or via the PID Lítačka app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
- SMS Ticket: For a hassle-free purchase, send an SMS with a specific text to the number provided by DPP. This option is great for mobile users. The number for purchasing the ticket is 90206, and the text is DPT31 (30-minute ticket), DPT42 (90 minutes), DPT120 (24 hours), and DPT330 (72 hours). Please see the overview of the SMS texts and costs in the table below.
How to Pay for Your Tram Ticket
Payment options for tram tickets in Prague are versatile:
- Cash: Traditional but increasingly less common, cash is still accepted in many ticket vending machines and shops.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Many ticket machines and online platforms accept credit and debit cards.
- Mobile Payment: Through the PID Lítačka app or SMS, mobile payments are convenient and fast.
- Contactless Payments: Some vending machines at tram stops support contactless payments, including credit cards and mobile pay services.
Tips for Using Tram
- Always validate your ticket: Paper tickets must be stamped in the yellow validation machines immediately after boarding. Failure to validate = risk of a fine!
- Use the PID Lítačka app: This free app lets you buy digital tickets, plan routes, check live departure times, and filter for accessible trams. Super helpful for visitors.
- Check tram directions by the end station name: Trams display their final stop name on the front and sides. Make sure you're heading in the right direction by checking this before boarding.
- Keep your ticket handy: Ticket inspections happen randomly. Inspectors may be in plain clothes but must show ID. Fines are high, so keep your validated ticket or app open.
- Board and exit freely, but make space: Trams don’t have designated doors for entry or exit—use any door. But always step aside for passengers getting off before boarding.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to validate: The most common mistake is not validating the ticket. Avoid fines by always remembering to validate as soon as you board.
- Misunderstanding ticket validity: Understand whether your ticket is timed or based on the number of stops. The 30- and 90-minute tickets are not valid for the Petrin cable car.
Conclusion
Navigating Prague by tram is not only efficient but also a delightful way to explore the cityscape. With various convenient options to purchase and pay for tram tickets, you can enjoy seamless travel across this beautiful city. Whether you opt for a short-term ticket or a long-term pass, Prague’s tram system is designed to cater to your travel needs, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
By following this guide on how to pay for tram tickets in Prague, you’ll be well-equipped to travel like a local and enjoy all the sights and sounds that this historic city has to offer.
Our tip: Historic Tram
Our favourite tram is the number 41 and 42 which are historic trams. They run only during the weekend and bank holidays from 10 AM to 6 PM on a route from Vozovna Stresovice to Vystaviste.
You can get in at any of the stations, but keep in mind you need to get a special ticket for 100 CZK (€4.00) which you can get cashless right in the car. You can also purchase a whole day ticket for 400 CZK (€16.00) which is valid for both lines. Kids up to age of 5 can ride for free.
Check out the full route map below.
FAQs
The most common questions about riding the tram in Prague.
Simply board the tram through any door and make sure you have a valid ticket before or immediately after boarding. Trams run frequently and are a fast way to explore the city, especially around the historic center.
You can buy tickets at ticket machines at major stops (some accept cards), metro stations, newsstands, or via the official PID Lítačka mobile app. Some modern trams even have contactless payment terminals on board.
Yes! If you’re using a paper ticket, validate it in the yellow machine on the tram immediately after boarding. App-based and contactless tickets activate automatically.
The historic tram lines no. 41 and 42 run through key areas of the city center, including Prague Castle and Old Town. You can board it at major stops like Dlouhá třída, Náměstí Republiky, or Malostranská. A special ticket is required.
- Standard fares: 30 CZK for 30 minutes
- 40 CZK for 90 minutes
- 120 CZK for 24 hours
- 330 CZK for 72 hours
- Reduced fares are available for seniors (60+)
- Children under the age of 15 (including) ride for free
Yes! Prague has an integrated transport system, so one ticket works for trams, metro, buses, and even some ferries and funiculars—just be sure it’s still valid for your travel time.
Yes. Night trams operate from around midnight to 4:30 AM with line numbers starting with 9 (e.g., 91, 92…). They run every 20–30 minutes.
Most modern trams (especially low-floor types) are wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Schedules often indicate accessible vehicles.
Yes, small luggage and strollers are allowed for free. Just be mindful of other passengers during peak hours. Pets are also allowed, usually muzzled and leashed.
You can find official maps and schedules at tram stops, or online via the DPP (Dopravní podnik Praha) website or the PID Lítačka app, which also provides real-time updates and trip planning.
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