If you travel to Prague by plane, the first thing you are going to see is, of course, Prague Airport. Václav Havel Airport Prague (formerly called Prague Ruzyně International Airport) is not only a significant international travel crossroads but has also had a symbolical meaning to all Czechs since 2012.

Passengers can choose from 60 regular airlines, connecting Prague directly to about 165 destinations around the world. The most popular airlines operating in Prague are Alitalia, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, easyJet, Emirates, Finnair, Germanwings, Iberia, Jet2, Korean Air, LOT, Norwegian, Ryanair, SWISS, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Vueling, and Wizz Air. There are five cargo carriers operating on a regular basis at Prague Airport, along with tens of other companies that provide charter flights.

Prague Airport is located 19 kilometers west of the city center and employs over 2,700 people, while over 14,000 are employed by companies operating at the airport or linked to its operation. The IATA (International Air Transport Association) airport code is PRG.

Over one million passengers use the airport every month, which is approximately equal to the number of people living in Prague. The Airport has three terminals, two of them dealing with both international and domestic departures and arrivals, and the third one serving general and business aviation.

History

Prague–Ruzyně Airport began to operate on 5 April 1937, but aviation has a much longer, decorated history in the Czech Republic. The country (at that time called Czechoslovakia) was already considered to be one of the leading European pioneers of civil aviation, and its history started at the military airport in Prague – Kbely in 1919. And that is without mentioning the “non-civil” aviation history of Bohemia.

In 2012 the former Prague Ruzyně International Airport was named after the former Czech president Václav Havel, who had died the previous year. One of the most internationally renowned and adored Czech personalities, Havel was a writer, philosopher, dissident, and statesman, who deservedly became a symbol of the Velvet Revolution and the famous events that led to Communism being finally toppled in Czechoslovakia in 1989. It was the wish of the general public to name the airport after Václav Havel.

Transport

The public transport to the airport (and of course from it, too) is covered by the buses of PIT (Prague Integrated Transport), completed with a special AE bus (Airport Express). You can, for example, take bus number 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, or bus 100 to Zličín metro station.

If you want a bit more comfort you can use Uber Airport which serves as an official airport taxi service. The ride will cost your around (€30). Alternatively, you can also take a shared shuttle which is only €17 per person and makes sense if you travel solo.

Honest Tip: Welcome Pickups

To get from the Prague Airport to the city center we recommend using Welcome Pickups service. For almost the same price as a regular taxi (€33), you will get a private driver with excellent English and knowledge of Prague. The driver will be also waiting for you with the welcome sign at the terminal exit.

Parking at the Airport

There are several parking options right at the airport, differentiated by distance to the terminals and price. The P₁ EXPRESS and P₂ EXPRESS lots are located directly in front of the terminals and are intended for picking up or dropping off passengers. The first 10 minutes are free, but each additional 15 minutes costs 100 CZK (€4).

For short-term parking, you can use P_C COMFORT, which is only 80 CZK (€3) per hour. For long-term parking, we recommend using P_A SMART, which costs 149 CZK per day.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are three 4-star hotels close to the airport (Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Ramada) and a Rest & Fun Center directly at the airport. Checkout time in all hotels is very convenient at 12 PM.

The best and also most expensive option is the Courtyard by Marriott. The prices for one night in a double room start at 3,900 CZK (€156), but you can expect excellent service, as shown by the hotel’s 8.7 rating, and the closest location to the airport out of all three hotels, just 200 meters. Room size is 24 m².

The Ramada is the cheapest one, with a rating of 7.7 according to Booking.com, and prices of 2,700 CZK (€108) per night for a double room. Compared to the others, it is located a little far out, at terminal 3 which is 1.6 kilometers from other terminals. The room size is only 18 m².

One night in a double room at the Holiday Inn costs 2,500 CZK (€100). The hotel’s rating is 8.4 and it is just 300 meters from arrival and departure terminals (walking distance). Room size is 25 m².

Honest Tips: AeroRooms

AeroRooms are located right at the airport (between Terminal 1 and 2) and offer a mix between a private lounge and a hotel. The rooms are fairly basic but have everything you need. The main advantage is the unbeatable location.

You can book a day stay (from 11 AM to 5 PM) for 1,200 CZK (€48), or an overnight stay for 2,400 CZK (€96). If you have an early morning flight, this is a perfect choice. The 24/7 restaurant Runway is just a few steps away. The only disadvantage is the limited number of rooms, so it’s best to book in advance.

Services

There are also numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops of all kinds, and many services are provided specifically for families with children. Activities for babies and children include, but are not limited to, merchandise for children, restaurants offering children’s menu, children’s corners, and rooms for parents traveling with children. These are all labeled with the Mr. B mascot so parents can easily find them. Prague Airport is also quite often the venue of various exhibitions and other events. These consist of displays of photos of the Airport’s history or public conferences on the topic of aviation, but also many other cultural events.

All kinds of services usually available at top contemporary airports are of course also present and offered at Václav Havel Airport. These include currency exchange transactions, travel insurance, information services (about flights and also Prague in general), luggage packing, short- and long-term parking, free WiFi (SSID prg.aero-free), a post office, a pharmacy, car rental, mobile phone operator services, a smoking area (terminal 1, baggage claim area), a prayer room (terminal 2, departures), and pretty much anything you can think of that you might need at an airport.

Map

Indoor map including all the businesses and services is available at Google Maps. You can also download the PDF version.

Live Webcam

Below is a live webcam feed of the runway at Prague’s airport, on which you can watch planes landing and taking off. You can also listen to the communication between the pilots and control tower.

Conclusion: A Well-organized Gateway

Prague Airport is a modern, well-organized gateway that makes traveling to and from the Czech capital easy and convenient. With clear signage, efficient transport links, and a wide range of services, it caters to both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Whether you’re arriving for a holiday, departing on business, or just passing through, you’ll find everything you need—from comfortable lounges and practical amenities to quick connections into the city center.

Five Honest Tips for Using Prague Airport

1. ‍Purchase a Prague City Pass if you plan to use public transport during your stay—it covers airport buses and all city trams, buses, and metro lines, saving you time and money.‍
2. Try the Runway restaurant, operated by the airport and located just steps from the terminals. It offers a variety of food and snacks at great prices, with meals starting from 150 CZK—stop by for a convenient bite before your flight.‍
3. Double-check your terminal (Terminal 1 for non-Schengen, Terminal 2 for Schengen flights) to avoid last-minute confusion and unnecessary walking—always confirm your departure point ahead of time.‍
4. Book airport services in advance, such as AeroRooms or long-term parking, especially during busy travel periods, as availability can be limited—secure your spot early for peace of mind.‍
5. Arrive early for your flight—give yourself enough time for check-in and security. At least 60 minutes before boarding if you have only cabin luggage, and at least 2 hours in advance if you need to check in baggage.