Quick info:
- IATA code: PRG
- ICAO code: LKPR
- Location: Prague 6 – Ruzyně (approx. 15 km from Prague city centre)
- Open: Nonstop
- Transport: Trolleybus 59 (from Nádraží Veleslavín metro station), bus 100 (from Zličín metro station), Airport Express (from Main Railway Station), taxi (Uber)
- Parking: Express (P1, P2), Comfortable covered (PC Comfort, PD Smart), cheaper (PA Smart)
- Terminals: T1 (Non-Schengen), T2 (Schengen), T3 (private and VIP flights)
Václav Havel Airport Prague is the largest international airport in the Czech Republic and the main gateway to the metropolis. It is located in the municipal district of Prague 6 – Ruzyně, which is why you may still encounter the names Prague – Ruzyně or Ruzyně Airport. For passengers, it offers clear Terminals 1 and 2, a wide range of services, and convenient transport connections to the city centre.
Article content:
- Václav Havel Airport Prague: basic identification and significance
- Prague Airport in numbers and context
- Transport: How to get to the city centre
- Parking
- Services and waiting for your flight
- Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
- Practical tips at the end
- Frequently asked questions about Václav Havel Airport Prague
Václav Havel Airport Prague: basic identification and significance
Before you set off, it's useful to have a quick overview of the codes, location, and role of Prague Airport in transport.
- Codes: IATA PRG, ICAO LKPR
- Location: Municipal district Prague 6 (Ruzyně); the largest international airport in the Czech Republic.
- Operation character: All civil air traffic – scheduled and unscheduled air operations.
- Contact: 24/7 passenger info line: +420 220 111 888; official website: prg.aero.
- Airport name: In 2012, it was renamed Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Why the airport is key for the region
The airport is a significant transport and economic hub for Prague and the entire country.
- Transport hub: Dense network of European and long-haul routes; high frequency of arrivals and departures and stable level of air traffic.
- Tourism: "Gateway" to the Czech Republic for several million passengers annually – crucial for tourism and business.
- Connection to the city: Fast connection to metro, train, and bus – Prague offers convenient transfers across the city.
Prague Airport in numbers and context
In this section, you will find the basic parameters of Prague Airport, terminal division, information on runways, key carriers, as well as brief historical milestones and current innovations in air traffic.
Geographical data and infrastructure
- Terminals: Terminal 1 (Non-Schengen), Terminal 2 (Schengen).
- Runways: Two main runways – 06/24 and 12/30 (usage according to wind direction and conditions).
- Airport area: Extensive airport area with facilities for passengers, cargo, and technical services; various types of aircraft, from regional to wide-body jets, are handled.
Key carriers and air traffic
- Airlines: Dozens of airlines operate at Václav Havel Airport Prague; for example: Smartwings, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, etc.
- Route network: Direct flights to major European hubs (Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, London, etc.) and selected long-haul destinations; scheduled and unscheduled air traffic is served.
History and interesting facts
- Beginnings: The airport was opened in 1937 in the Prague – Ruzyně locality and gradually developed with increasing air traffic.
- Renaming: On October 5, 2012, Prague-Ruzyně Airport was officially renamed Václav Havel Airport Prague.
- For aviation enthusiasts: Aircraft lovers will appreciate the viewing terraces in T1 and T2 and marked spots outside the airport area.
Did you know that… Václav Havel was a renowned playwright, essayist, and a key figure in the Velvet Revolution, who served as the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic?
Sustainability and innovation
- Emission reduction: Involvement in Airport Carbon Accreditation, target of carbon neutrality by 2030 and long-term outlook of Net Zero.
- Technology and services: Prague Airport Free Wi-Fi, modern passenger navigation, innovations in air traffic control and customer services.
Transport: How to get to the city centre
From the airport, you can reach the city centre by a combination of bus/trolleybus + metro, by direct Airport Express line, or individually by car or taxi.
Distance and time
- Distance: Approximately 17 km from Prague city centre (Prague 1).
- Travel time: By car usually 25–40 minutes depending on traffic; by public transport typically 30–40 minutes including metro transfer.
Public transport
- 59 → A (Nádraží Veleslavín) Usually the best option for the historical centre (Old Town/Lesser Town).
- 100 → B (Zličín) Suitable for journeys to Prague 5 and the vicinity of line B; frequent intervals.
- 191 → Anděl (B) Direct connection to Smíchov; practical outside peak hours.
- Night service: Lines 907 and 910 operate at night.
- Airport Express (AE): Direct line airport → Prague Main Railway Station (metro C and trains), intervals typically 30 minutes, approximate price around 100 CZK; different fare than PID.
Individual transport
- Taxi/Uber: Contracted taxi services are available in front of arrival halls T1 and T2; booking via app, kiosks or counters; price depends on route and traffic.
- Car: Connection to Evropská třída and the city ring road; travel times vary by time of day.
Parking
- Express parking (P1/P2 EXPRESS): Intended for very short stops directly in front of the terminals. Usually provides up to 10 minutes free (once every 24 hours). After that, a minute-based tariff applies (e.g., 15 minutes for 50 CZK). Ideal for dropping off or picking up passengers.
- Short-term parking (PC COMFORT/PCC): Parking for stays of a few hours, usually on the first floor of parking garages. The tariff is based on an hourly rate (e.g., 80 CZK/hour) and is suitable if you need to stay at the terminals for longer than 15 minutes but less than 24 hours.
- Long-term parking (PC COMFORT, PC PREMIUM and others): Parking for longer stays is available in covered and outdoor zones within the airport area. The most advantageous prices and guaranteed parking space are obtained exclusively by online reservation well in advance. You can save up to 50% compared to paying on site. We recommend checking the price list on the official website AeroParking.cz. Parking with fast charging is also available for electric car owners.
Services and waiting for your flight
Václav Havel Airport in Prague offers quality facilities for passengers: easy transfers, lounges, dining, and shopping.
Transfer potential
- Terminal connection: Terminal 1 and 2 are connected by a pedestrian corridor; transfers can be managed in approximately 10–15 minutes.
- Security: Terminal 2 has a central security check; in Terminal 1, checks take place at individual gates (after passport control for non-EU/Schengen flights).
- Fast track: Option for priority passage through security control – Security FastTrack or premium Private/Business Check-in (T2).
Did you know that… thanks to the gradual installation of new CT scanners, security checks are significantly simplified. The standard rule for liquids (max. 100 ml per bottle in a max. one-litre transparent bag) still applies to most checkpoints. However, in places equipped with new CT scanners (in Terminal 2), passengers can leave electronics and liquids in their luggage and may even carry 1 filled container with a volume of up to 2 litres. Always follow staff instructions for the specific control zone. For a quick overview of what you can and cannot take on board an aircraft, read the article in our advice section!
Lounges
- Terminal 1: Mastercard Lounge
- Terminal 2: Erste Premier Lounge and FastTrack Lounge
- VIP Service Club CONTINENTAL: Separate premium zone with individual care, available for both terminals.
Dining
- Fast food and restaurants: Mix of local and international concepts; in T1, the popular Runway Restaurant with views of arrivals and departures.
- Cafes and bakeries: In the public area and beyond security; commonly accept payment cards.
Shopping
- Duty Free and travel retail stores, souvenirs and accessories: Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, gifts, and local specialties.
- Practical shops: Pharmacy, drugstore, electronics, etc.
Basic amenities
- Wi-Fi: Unlimited Prague Airport Free Wi-Fi throughout the entire area.
- Currency exchange and ATMs: Available in both terminals.
- Luggage: Left luggage, luggage wrapping, lost and found.
Tip: Choose your new luggage at Bagalio! We offer a wide selection of hard-shell suitcases and soft-shell suitcases in all sizes, including carry-on luggage. For shorter trips, travel backpacks or cabin bags might also be useful.
Culture and art
- Short-term exhibitions: Photography, design, and aviation history topics in the public area and transit T1/T2; exhibitions are regularly rotated.
- Poesiomat: A "speaking" pillar with poetry in Terminal 2.
- Sculptures and installations: Aviation artefacts and art objects in interiors and exteriors; suitable for a short "walk" between transfers.
Tip: An up-to-date overview of exhibitions offered by Václav Havel Airport can be found on information boards at the terminals and on the official airport website.
Comfort for passengers with children and specific needs
Families with children and passengers with reduced mobility have access to adapted facilities and assistance at Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Children's play areas and family facilities
- Play zones: Children's play areas in both terminals; changing tables in restrooms.
- Free stroller rental: Strollers for small children (sitting) are available free of charge at visibly marked stations in various parts of the airport; they can be used for comfortable transfer up to the departure gate.
- Viewing terraces: T1 (entrance via Runway Restaurant) and T2 (seasonal sun loungers) – great for watching planes.
- Mobile game with aviation theme (for older children and teenagers): Download free games; they will shorten the wait before departure.
Tip: Vouchers for a flight simulator can be purchased online – an unusual gift and an intense experience; we recommend booking in advance.
Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)
- Assistance service: Free help with check-in, transfer between airport sections, and boarding/disembarking; we recommend booking at least 36 hours in advance (contacts are listed on the airport website).
- Barrier-free access: Lifts, accessible toilets, designated parking spaces; staff trained for assistance.
Accommodation nearby
- AeroRooms: Rooms directly at the airport – suitable for early departures/late arrivals or longer transfers.
- Hotels within walking distance or with shuttle: Courtyard by Marriott Prague Airport (between T1 and T2), Holiday Inn Prague Airport; other hotels within a short driving distance (a few kilometres from the airport).
Practical tips at the end
A summary of small tips to make your journey through Prague Airport more pleasant.
- Terminal 1 vs. 2: Verify your departure terminal (Non-Schengen/Schengen).
- Time buffer: During peak season and construction work on runways, expect longer queues.
- PID tickets: Ticket machines are located at bus stops in front of the terminals; a 90-minute ticket is usually sufficient for a journey to the city centre.
- Parking: Book long-term parking in advance; when dropping off or picking up passengers, allow for a short period of free parking. If you know that 10 minutes will not be enough, it is better to use short-term parking with an hourly rate.
Frequently asked questions about Václav Havel Airport Prague
Which airlines fly from Václav Havel Airport Prague?
You will most often encounter carriers such as Smartwings, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, Austrian, Eurowings, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, etc. The specific offer changes seasonally – always check with the carrier or on the official airport website.
Are there direct flights from Prague to major European hubs?
Usually yes – connections to airports in Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR/LGW), Istanbul (IST), Vienna (VIE), Munich (MUC), Zurich (ZRH), Warsaw (WAW), Copenhagen (CPH), etc., are typically available long-term. Specific times and frequencies vary by season and carrier.
How do I know which terminal I'm flying from (Terminal 1 vs. 2)?
The terminal division in Prague is based on Schengen: Terminal 2 = flights within Schengen; Terminal 1 = flights outside Schengen. The choice of carrier does not affect this.
How do I find out if there is a direct flight to my destination?
The fastest way is through the connection search engine on the airport website or directly with your chosen carrier. For less frequent destinations, expect seasonality and changes according to demand.
What other airports operate in the Czech Republic?
In addition to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), Brno–Tuřany (BRQ), Ostrava – Leoš Janáček (OSR), Pardubice (PED), Karlovy Vary (KLV), and České Budějovice (JCL) (especially seasonal/charter flights) are primarily used for regular or seasonal passenger traffic. The range of routes and frequency of connections changes continuously according to season and demand – always verify current information with the airport or carrier.
Do baggage rules differ by airline?
Yes. Each airline has its own limits and tariffs (carry-on/checked). Before purchasing a ticket, check dimensions, weight, and any fees; for transfers within a single reservation, baggage is usually checked through to the final destination.
Tip: A clear table with carry-on baggage limits for individual airlines is available for you in our advice section! Happy travels!
