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). |
