Pardubice Airport (PED): Your Gateway to Eastern Bohemia – A Complete Guide for Travelers

Quick info:

• Airport codes: IATA: PED | ICAO: LKPD
• Location: Pardubice VI – Popkovice, approx. 4 km from the city center
• Opening hours: Terminal opens 3 hours before scheduled departure according to the flight schedule
• Transport: Direct public transport line no. 90 (from the main train station), taxi, car (D11, I/37)
• Parking: free – Kiss & Ride in front of the terminal (max. 20 min) + free car parks within the airport complex (approx. 100 m)

Planning a holiday and your departure point is Pardubice Airport? This smaller, yet modern air hub in Eastern Bohemia is gaining increasing popularity thanks to its accessibility, fast check-in, and relaxed atmosphere. In our article, we bring you current information that will make your journey easier from packing your suitcases to boarding the plane. Whether you're flying with Ryanair to Spain or with a travel agency to the sea, you'll find everything you need here.

Contents:

• Basic identification and significance of Pardubice Airport
• Why Pardubice Airport is key for the region
• The airport in numbers and context
• Key carriers and air traffic
• History and interesting facts
• Sustainability and innovation
• Transport: How to get to the city center and the airport
  • Distance and time
  • Public transport
  • Individual transport
• Parking: Overview of options
• Services and waiting for your flight
• Culture and art
• Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
  • Children's play areas and family facilities
  • Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
• Accommodation in the vicinity
• Tips for the end
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Basic identification and significance of Pardubice Airport

Pardubice International Airport is located on the southwestern edge of the city of Pardubice, specifically in the Popkovice district. It is one of the regional airports with a modern terminal (Jan Kašpar Terminal has been serving passengers since January 30, 2018), which was transformed from a purely military base. Today, it is a fully-fledged civil airport with mixed operations, serving not only the Pardubice Region but also the wider area including Hradec Králové and parts of Vysočina.

• Location: 4 km from the center of Pardubice.
• Type: Public international airport with civil and military operations.
• Significance: Regional transport hub for charter and regular flights.

Why Pardubice Airport is key for the region

Pardubice Airport plays an indispensable role in the region's transport infrastructure. For passengers from Central and Eastern Bohemia, it represents an attractive alternative to overcrowded Prague. Pardubice Airport offers the comfort of a smaller terminal where you won't get lost, and the stress of long queues is practically non-existent.

• Accessibility: Strategic location near the railway corridor.
• Tourism: A gateway for arriving foreign tourists and departing Czechs on holiday.
• Economy: A significant employer and engine of development for the Pardubice Region.

The airport in numbers and context

Although it is not among the giants, its parameters rank Pardubice Airport among fully equipped European ports capable of receiving large passenger aircraft.

• IATA/ICAO Code: PED / LKPD.
• Terminals: One modern Jan Kašpar Terminal.
• Division: The terminal is divided for flights to Schengen Area countries and non-Schengen Area countries.
• Runway: One runway 2,500 meters long and 75 meters wide.

Did you know that... Jan Kašpar, a native of Pardubice and a pioneer of Czech aviation, made his famous long-distance flight from Pardubice to Prague as early as 1911? This historic milestone, when he landed his Blériot XI aircraft in Velká Chuchle, lasted 92 minutes and forever put Pardubice on the map of aviation.

Key carriers and air traffic

The flight schedule changes throughout the year, with the busiest period at Pardubice Airport being the summer season. Regular routes are supplemented by a number of charter flights, provided for travel agencies.

• Ryanair: An Irish low-cost airline that operates regular flights.
• Smartwings: The main carrier for charters, flying to destinations such as Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
• Other carriers: Air connections are also provided by foreign carriers depending on the demand from travel agencies like Fischer or Exim Tours.

Tip: Due to the strict limits of some airlines, as an alternative to expensive checked luggage, many travelers have found a cabin backpack to be effective.

History and interesting facts

The history of aviation in the Pardubice region dates back deep into the past. The airport is associated with the name of aviation pioneer Jan Kašpar, after whom the new terminal is also named. Originally a purely military airport, it began opening to civil flights only in 1995.

• 1910/1911: Jan Kašpar made his famous flights in this region.
• 1995: Commencement of civil operations.
• 2018: The new Jan Kašpar Terminal was opened, significantly increasing passenger comfort.
• Unique feature: The airport still serves as a backup military airport, and military operations are a significant item in the airport's operations.

Sustainability and innovation

The operator of the civil part is East Bohemian Airport a.s. (owned by the statutory city of Pardubice and the Pardubice Region), which strives for modernization and an ecological approach. The new terminal was designed with energy efficiency in mind.

• Modernization: Continuous improvement of check-in technologies.
• Development: Plans for expanding services and cargo flights.

Transport: How to get to the city center and the airport

Transport to Pardubice Airport is very easy thanks to its connection to the dense public transport network and its proximity to the main railway corridor.

Distance and time

The airport is located only about 4 km from the center of Pardubice. By car, this journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

Public transport

For most passengers, the most advantageous option is a combination of train and bus. Traveling by train to Pardubice to the main train station is fast and comfortable from anywhere in the Czech Republic (Leo Express, RegioJet, České dráhy).

• Line 90: Direct public transport bus connection between "Hlavní nádraží" (Main Train Station) stop and "Letiště, terminál" (Airport, terminal) stop. Runs in conjunction with the flight schedule.
• Lines 8, 88, 23: Stop at "Letiště" (Airport) stop (near the military section), which is approximately 950 meters from the Jan Kašpar Terminal.
• Fare: Standard Pardubice public transport fare (can be paid by card in the vehicle).

Individual transport

If you prefer privacy, you can use taxi services or apps like Bolt/Uber, which operate in Pardubice.

• Taxi: Stand in front of the station or on call.
• Car: Easy access from the D11 motorway (from Prague) or road I/37 (from Hradec Králové).

Parking: Overview of options

One of the great advantages of smaller regional airports is parking. Parking at Pardubice Airport is undergoing changes, so always check the latest information on the website.

• Price: Parking at the airport is free. However, parking conditions may change, so we recommend verifying before your trip.
• Kiss & Ride: Short-term parking directly in front of the terminal for unloading luggage and passengers right at the entrance (max. 20 min).
• Reservation: Usually not necessary due to sufficient capacity of the parking area.

Services and waiting for your flight

Although the terminal is smaller, Pardubice Airport serves passengers with all basic comforts. You can make your wait for departures more pleasant in a modern environment.

• Check-in: Standard check-in at counters; for Ryanair, we recommend online check-in and just dropping off luggage.
• Wi-Fi: Free of charge, available under the name "Freenet".
• Lounges: VIP lounge for more demanding clientele with refreshments and privacy.
• Duty Free: Shop in the duty-free zone (after security control) offers perfumes, alcohol, and confectionery.
• Gastronomy: Smaller cafe/bistro offering sandwiches, coffee, and drinks.
• Basic facilities: Toilets, changing tables, vending machines for drinks.

Culture and art

The Jan Kašpar Terminal itself is an architecturally interesting building that refers to the aviation history of the region. Inside, you may encounter graphic elements reminiscent of the glorious era of early aviation in Pardubice.

• Architecture: Modern glass building with a clean and functional design.
• Inside, you will find graphic motifs reminiscent of the history of aviation.

Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs

Pardubice Airport is "family-friendly". Thanks to short distances, moving around the terminal is very easy even with a stroller.

Children's play areas and family facilities

• A smaller children's play area (in Gate 2) is available in the departure hall to keep the little ones entertained before boarding the plane.
• Changing tables can be found in the restrooms in both the public and non-public parts of the terminal.

Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

• Barrier-free access: The entire terminal is barrier-free.
• Assistance: Assistance service for PRM passengers can be ordered when booking a flight ticket or at the check-in counter. Staff will accompany you to the aircraft.

Accommodation in the vicinity

If you have an early morning departure, accommodation in Pardubice might be useful. Several options are available in the immediate vicinity of the airport (approx. 2–3 km).

• Hotel in the center: Wide range of hotels in the city center (e.g., Hotel Labe, Hotel Euro).
• Transport from the hotel: Most hotels will gladly order a taxi to the airport for you (approx. 10 min drive).

Tips for the end

To ensure your departure goes smoothly, we have a few tips for you. Remember that even at the smaller Pardubice Airport, security rules apply.

• Arrival: Be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, especially during the summer season when full Smartwings charters depart.
• Liquids: Prepare liquids in transparent bags (max 100 ml); checks here are thorough.
• Documents: Check the validity of your passport/ID card according to your destination (e.g., for Turkey or Egypt, a passport valid for 6 months).
• Luggage: Verify the size and weight limits of your airline (Ryanair has strict limits).

Tip: If you're unsure what luggage to buy, read our article How to choose a travel suitcase. For maximum protection of your belongings, we recommend durable hard-shell suitcases. For shorter trips, often only carry-on luggage is sufficient, but pay attention to dimensions – you can find out more in our guide Cabin luggage and its dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What regular routes fly from Pardubice?

Year-round, Ryanair operates routes to Alicante and Malaga in Spain. In season, other destinations are added (e.g., Girona or Palma de Mallorca).

Is parking at Pardubice Airport still free?

Yes, parking at Pardubice Airport remains free in 2025. The car park with sufficient capacity is located just a few meters from the terminal building. However, for certainty, we always recommend checking the current status on the airport's website.

How do I get from the main train station to the airport?

The fastest way is bus line no. 90, which takes you directly in front of the terminal. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

When does check-in open?

Check-in counters usually open 2 hours before departure.

Is the airport open non-stop?

The terminal generally opens 3 hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. It is not intended for overnight stays.

Have a pleasant journey from Pardubice from the Bagalio team!