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Czech Republic (CZ)

Czech Republic is a landlocked Central European parliamentary republic of 14 regions, home to the fairy-tale spires of Prague — one of Europe's best-preserved medieval capitals — as well as world-famous Bohemian crystal and glasswork, the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a thriving startup and tech scene anchored in Prague and Brno, and one of the lowest unemployment rates and most stable economies in the EU.

Capital: Prague
Region: Europe
Language: Czech
Currency: CZK (Kč)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)
Emergency: 112
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Getting Around

Transport options for living in Czech Republic.

Public Transport Overview

Czech public transport is excellent value and well integrated, especially in Prague. Prague's metro, tram, and bus network (operated by DPP — Dopravní podnik Praha) is one of the most efficient in Europe. The PID (Pražská integrovaná doprava — Prague Integrated Transport) system covers Prague and the surrounding Central Bohemia region. Brno has its own system (DPMB — Dopravní podnik města Brna). Contactless payments and the Lítačka app/card are widely used. Tickets must be validated before travel.

Main operators:
DPP (Dopravní podnik Praha) — Prague metro, tram, and busDPMB (Dopravní podnik města Brna) — Brno tram and busPID (Pražská integrovaná doprava) — Prague Integrated Transport regional systemČeské dráhy (ČD) — national rail operatorRegioJet — private rail and bus operatorFlixBus — international and intercity busLeo Express — private rail operatorICOM transport, Arriva — regional bus services

🎫 Transit Passes

Lítačka (Prague transit pass) CZK 550/month, CZK 1,480/quarter, CZK 3,700/annual (adults 2026)

All DPP services (metro, tram, bus, funicular) and PID zones within Prague. Annual pass also covers much of Central Bohemia region.

💡 The Lítačka card is the smartest option for regular Prague residents. Available via the Lítačka app (most convenient) or from DPP service centres. Monthly pass for Prague zones P+0+B is best for city dwellers. Under-26 and senior discounts available.
Single ticket (jízdenka) CZK 36 (30-minute) / CZK 46 (90-minute) via PID Lítačka app — raised January 2026; paper tickets higher at CZK 39/50

Single journey within Prague DPP network with time limit

💡 Purchase at metro stations, tobacco shops (trafiky), via contactless bank card at metro validators, or via PID Lítačka app. Must be validated (označit) before travel. Airport bus ticket included in standard 90-minute ticket.
Brno MHD pass ~CZK 550/month (Brno city zones, 2026; confirm at dpmb.cz)

All DPMB trams, trolleybuses, and buses within Brno city zones

💡 Available via DPMB app or at service points. Brno also integrates with regional IDS JMK bus/train network.
ČD In Karta (Czech Railways loyalty card) From CZK 590/year

Discount card for Czech Railways (České dráhy) giving 25–50% off train tickets

💡 In Karta 25 (25% off) and In Karta 50 (50% off, requires minimum annual spend). Excellent for regular train travellers. Regional trains (regionální vlaky) are cheap even without the card.

Taxi & Rideshare

Bolt and Uber are the recommended taxi/rideshare apps in Prague — clearly metered, reliable, and much cheaper than traditional taxi companies. Always use an app-based service. Licensed Prague taxis must display metered rates. Taxi scams are common near tourist attractions, railway stations, and the airport (see scam warnings). AAA Taxi (14014) and Liftago are reputable local alternatives.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

BlaBlaCar is popular for intercity travel between Czech cities and to neighbouring countries. Bolt and Uber operate in Prague and Brno. Bolt Food, Wolt, and Dáme Jídlo are the main food delivery platforms.

Cycling

Prague is increasingly cycling-friendly with growing dedicated cycle paths, though the hilly terrain and cobblestones can be challenging. Brno and many smaller Czech cities have good cycling infrastructure. Nextbike operates bike-sharing in Prague and several other cities. Cycling routes in Czech countryside (particularly Moravia and Bohemian Switzerland) are excellent.

Intercity Trains

České dráhy (ČD) operates the national rail network connecting Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, and other cities. RegioJet and Leo Express offer competitive pricing on major routes (Prague–Brno: from CZK 149–199, ~2.5 hours). EC (EuroCity) and IC trains are faster. Tickets bookable online at cd.cz, regiojet.cz, and leoexpress.cz. Trains are generally reliable and comfortable. European rail passes (Interrail, Eurail) valid.

Driving

Czech Republic requires a dálniční známka (motorway vignette) for all vehicles using motorways (dálnice). Electronic vignette since 2021 — purchase at gas stations, SAZKA lottery shops, or online at edalnice.cz. Annual: CZK 2,570; 10-day: CZK 300; 30-day: CZK 480 (all raised January 2026). Driving on a motorway without valid vignette results in fines up to CZK 10,000. Czech roads are generally good. Right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Zero alcohol tolerance for drivers.

Airports

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the main international airport, located 17km west of the city centre. AE (Airport Express) bus to Dejvická metro station: CZK 100, ~35 minutes. Bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro: CZK 40 standard ticket. Taxi/Bolt from centre: CZK 400–600 depending on traffic. Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ) serves South Moravia with European connections.