Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is 17 km west of the city centre and handles almost all international traffic to the Czech Republic. It is compact and easy, as long as you know which of the two terminals you are using and how you are getting into town. This guide covers arrivals, departures and everything in between.
The quick answer
Terminal 1 serves flights outside the Schengen area (UK, USA, Middle East, Asia, Türkiye); Terminal 2 serves Schengen flights (most of Europe). The terminals are joined by a covered walkway. Arrive 2 hours before a Schengen flight and 3 hours before a long-haul one. Into the city, a private transfer takes 20 to 40 minutes for a fixed 750 CZK; the bus and metro take 45 to 60 minutes.
Arrivals
- Passport control: only at Terminal 1 (non-Schengen). Queues are longest when several long-haul flights land together in the early afternoon.
- Baggage and customs: straightforward; the green channel leads into the public arrivals hall.
- Meeting point: drivers with name signs wait in the public arrivals hall directly after the exit from customs, at both terminals. If you have booked a transfer, that is where you look. The driver has your flight number and tracks the arrival, so a delay costs nothing.
- Cash and SIM cards: ATMs are in both arrival halls; use a bank ATM rather than the exchange offices. A SIM card kiosk is at Terminal 2.
Departures
- Check-in: counters open 2 to 3 hours before departure; self-service kiosks and bag drops for most major airlines.
- Security: Terminal 2 security is centralised and usually quick; Terminal 1 has passport control after security, so allow the extra time.
- Lounges: at both terminals after security, accessible with business class tickets, some cards and paid entry.
- VAT refunds: customs stamp in the departures hall before security at Terminal 1, then the refund office airside.
- Timing from the city: 20 to 40 minutes by car depending on the hour; the morning rush hour into the city does not affect the outbound direction much, the evening one does. A private transfer picks you up at the hotel at a time calculated from your flight.
Getting to and from the airport
| Option | Time to centre | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 20–40 min | 750 CZK fixed per sedan (up to 4) | door to door, Meet & Greet, flight monitored |
| Airport Express bus | about 35 min to main station | separate ticket | then metro or taxi to the hotel |
| Bus 59 + metro A | 45–60 min | standard public transport ticket | escalators with luggage |
| Taxi rank | 25–40 min | metered, varies | use only the official rank |
Full comparison: Prague Airport to city centre.
Parking and car hire
Short-term car parks are in front of both terminals, long-term parking a shuttle ride away, and the car hire desks are in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 and the parking building. If you are only visiting Prague and one or two day trips, a driver is usually cheaper and simpler than a hire car.
Onward from Prague Airport
Private transfers also run directly from the airport to other cities: Vienna, Dresden, Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov, with the driver meeting you in the arrivals hall.
Get an instant fixed price in the booking form — the quote you see is the price you pay, for the whole car.