Václav Havel Airport Prague (IATA code: PRG) is the Czech Republic’s main international airport, located approximately 17 kilometres northwest of the city centre in the Ruzyně district. It is a mid-sized European hub with two passenger terminals, straightforward arrivals procedures, and several options for reaching the city once you land.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive: which terminal handles your flight, how the arrivals process works, and what your realistic transfer options look like.
Airport Overview
Full name: Václav Havel Airport Prague (named after the Czech writer, dissident, and former president) IATA code: PRG Location: Ruzyně, Prague 6, approximately 17 km from Prague city centre Terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) Annual passengers: Approximately 17 to 19 million in recent years (pre-pandemic peak was 17.8 million in 2019; the airport has been rebuilding toward that level)
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2: Which Is Yours?
This is the first practical question for any arriving passenger, and the answer is straightforward.
Terminal 1 handles international flights from outside the Schengen Area. If you are flying from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the UAE, Israel, Turkey, or any other non-Schengen country, you will arrive at Terminal 1. T1 is also used by some non-Schengen European flights.
Terminal 2 handles Schengen flights, which means most intra-European flights from EU member states. If you are flying from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, or any other Schengen country, you will almost certainly arrive at Terminal 2.
The practical consequence is straightforward: the terminal determines where your driver or pick-up is waiting for you, and it determines whether you go through passport control on arrival. EU and Schengen citizens arriving at T1 pass through passport control; those arriving at T2 do not.
When you book a pre-booked private transfer, your terminal is automatically determined by your flight number. Your driver is positioned at the correct terminal before you land.
The Arrivals Hall
Both terminals have a single arrivals hall where passengers exit after collecting luggage and clearing any border or customs checks.
Terminal 1 Arrivals: Passengers exit through glass sliding doors into a single arrivals hall on the ground floor. The hall contains a currency exchange, an ATM, a small café, and a meeting area. Meet and greet drivers typically position themselves directly facing the arrivals doors, holding name boards. The hall is not large and your driver should be visible within a few steps of clearing the doors.
Terminal 2 Arrivals: Similar layout to T1, slightly more compact. Exit is also through sliding glass doors into a single arrivals level. Meet and greet drivers position themselves in the same way, name boards visible as you clear the doors.
Both halls have signage in Czech and English. Wayfinding within either terminal is not complicated.
How Long Does the Arrivals Process Take?
This depends primarily on whether you are arriving at Terminal 1 (with passport control) or Terminal 2 (without).
Terminal 2 (Schengen): From wheels down to the arrivals hall, allow approximately 20 to 35 minutes. Luggage reclaim at T2 is generally efficient. There is no passport control queue.
Terminal 1 (non-Schengen): From wheels down to the arrivals hall, allow approximately 30 to 50 minutes depending on queue length at passport control. EU citizens in the EU/EEA lane typically clear faster. Non-EU passport holders, including US and UK citizens, queue in the standard line, which can be longer during peak arrival periods (summer mornings, holiday Sundays). Budget 45 to 50 minutes to be safe if you have a connection or onward commitment.
For pre-booked transfers, none of this requires any action from you. Real-time flight tracking means your driver monitors your actual landing time and positions accordingly, accounting for typical clearance times at the relevant terminal.
Getting from the Airport to Prague: Your Options
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)
A pre-booked private transfer from Prague Airport Chauffeur works as follows: your driver monitors your flight, arrives at the terminal before you clear customs, and waits in the arrivals hall with a name board. You walk out, find your name, and go directly to the car. No queuing, no negotiation, no uncertainty about where the car is or what it will cost.
The price is fixed at booking for any address in Prague. Journey time to the city centre is approximately 25 to 40 minutes depending on your destination and traffic.
The full fleet is available: Sedan for solo travellers and couples, V-Class for families and groups, S-Class for VIP and executive arrivals, Minivan XL for larger groups. Free child seats on every booking.
Book your Prague airport transfer here.
Airport Express Bus (AE)
The Airport Express (AE) is a direct bus service operated by Prague Public Transport (DPP) running from both terminals to Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Railway Station) in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes and costs 100 CZK per person (as of 2026; check the DPP website for current pricing).
The AE stops at the main train station only, not at hotels or specific addresses. From the train station, you will need to take a metro, tram, or taxi to your final destination. For travellers staying in hotels not near the station, this adds a second leg to the journey.
The AE is a reasonable option for solo travellers with one bag who are comfortable navigating Czech public transport on arrival.
Metro (via Bus Line 119 or 100)
Prague has no direct metro connection to the airport. Bus line 119 connects both terminals to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station on Line A (green line), from which the city centre is approximately 10 to 15 minutes by metro. Bus 100 connects to Zličín station on Line B (yellow line).
The full bus and metro journey from the airport to the Old Town takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes including connections. Cost is a standard Prague public transport fare (currently 30 CZK for 30 minutes or 40 CZK for 90 minutes, requiring at least a 90-minute ticket for most airport journeys to the centre).
This is the cheapest option and works well for travellers who know Prague and are comfortable with public transport. With significant luggage or children, it is less practical.
Taxi from the Rank
Licensed taxis operate from the official taxi bays directly outside both terminals. The authorised airport taxi operators are FIX airport taxis and AAA Radiotaxi. FIX operates on a zone-based fixed tariff system; AAA operates on a meter.
A metered fare to the city centre runs approximately 600 to 850 CZK under normal conditions. Journey time is similar to a private transfer.
The main practical differences from a pre-booked service: no advance driver information, no flight tracking (if you have been delayed, you will queue at the rank like everyone else), and vehicle quality is variable. For a standard daytime journey as a solo traveller or couple, it is a legitimate option. For families, late-night arrivals, or business travellers with onward commitments, the rank adds an element of uncertainty that a pre-booked transfer removes.
Bolt and Uber
Both Bolt and Uber operate legally at Prague Airport. Pick-up is in the P1 car park structure, which requires a short walk from the arrivals hall with your luggage. Both apps provide an upfront price estimate before you confirm.
Surge pricing during busy periods can push the fare above the estimate shown at confirmation. Pick-up in the car park rather than the terminal entrance adds a small logistical step compared to a meet and greet service.
Practical Notes for Arrivals at PRG
Currency: The Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna (CZK). There is a currency exchange in both arrivals halls, though rates are generally better at banks in the city centre. ATMs are available in both terminals. Most taxis and transfer services accept card payment.
Mobile connectivity: Czech SIM cards are available in both terminals. EU roaming applies to travellers from EU member states. If you are arriving from outside the EU and need data from the moment you land, a Czech SIM or an international eSIM activated before travel is worth considering.
Luggage storage: Short-term luggage storage is available in both terminals for passengers with layovers or early arrivals. Prices are per item per hour or per day.
Airport information desk: Available in both arrivals halls and staffed by English-speaking personnel during normal operating hours.
Book Your Transfer from Prague Airport
Every Prague Airport Chauffeur booking includes a professional English-speaking driver, real-time flight tracking, meet and greet in the arrivals hall, complimentary water, and free child seats. Fixed price confirmed at booking.
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