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).
