Prague Airport Express Cost in 2026
Prague Airport Express Cost in 2026
I landed in Prague at the beginning of February 2026 expecting a smooth and affordable journey into the city centre. Instead, I was greeted with a surprise: the Prague airport express cost had doubled. The Airport Express bus, which used to cost 100 CZK, now costs 200 CZK per person. That change alone completely alters the value of this service, and if you are planning a trip this year, you need to know about it.
As of February 2026, the Prague airport express cost is 200 CZK per person, which is roughly €8. For a couple, that means 400 CZK. For a family of four, you are looking at 800 CZK just to reach the main train station. When I did the maths standing outside the terminal, I quickly realised that this was no longer the obvious choice.
The February 2026 Price Increase
This update is important. The price change is recent. As of February 2026, the bus company has officially doubled the Airport Express fare from 100 CZK to 200 CZK. If you travelled to Prague before 2026, your expectations about cost will no longer apply.
At 200 CZK per person, the Prague airport express cost is now four times more expensive than a standard 90-minute public transport ticket. That is a dramatic difference for a service that does not offer dramatically better performance.
The Airport Express bus only runs twice per hour. When I arrived, I had to wait in the cold for the next departure. In winter conditions, that is not ideal. The bus also travels through normal traffic, which means it is not truly express in terms of speed.
The biggest limitation is where it actually takes you. The Airport Express goes only to Praha hlavní nádraží, the main train station. If your hotel is not near the station, you will still need to buy another ticket or transfer to another form of transport. That makes the Prague airport express cost even harder to justify.
Where the Airport Express Drops You
Many visitors assume that the Airport Express bus drops them in the heart of the Old Town. It does not. It drops you at the main train station, which sits beside a major road and busy junction.
If your accommodation is in Old Town, Malá Strana, Vinohrady, or any of Prague’s other central neighbourhoods, you will still have a walk or additional transport ahead of you. That means more time and potentially more money.
For solo travellers who want a direct link to the main train station, the Airport Express might still make sense. But for most people heading to hotels, apartments, or Airbnbs across the city, there are better options in 2026.
The Cheapest Way From Prague Airport in 2026
The best value option I found in February 2026 was Bus 59 combined with the metro. This is part of Prague’s regular public transport network, and it is dramatically cheaper.
Bus 59 runs frequently, approximately every few minutes. It connects the airport with the metro system quickly and efficiently. From there, you can reach almost any part of the city.
A standard 90-minute public transport ticket costs around 40 CZK. That ticket allows unlimited transfers between buses, trams, and metro lines within the time limit. Compared to the Prague airport express cost of 200 CZK, this is a huge difference.
In practical terms, the journey time using Bus 59 and the metro is similar to the Airport Express. You are not sacrificing much time, but you are saving a significant amount of money.
For a solo traveller, this is easily the best option in 2026. It is reliable, well signposted, and integrated into Google Maps and other navigation apps. If you are comfortable using public transport, this should be your default choice.
Is the Airport Express Ever Worth It?
After trying it myself, I struggled to justify the new Prague airport express cost.
The bus runs only twice per hour. It only goes to one destination. It is affected by traffic. It does not include further travel within the city. And at 200 CZK per person, it is no longer a budget-friendly option.
If you are travelling alone and your final destination is right next to the main train station, then it might still be convenient. In that very specific situation, the higher price may be acceptable.
However, for most travellers, especially those staying elsewhere in Prague, the Airport Express no longer represents good value in 2026.
When a Taxi Is Actually Cheaper
One of the most surprising things I discovered in February 2026 was that for two or more people, a taxi can be cheaper than the Airport Express.
At 200 CZK per person, two people pay 400 CZK. Three people pay 600 CZK. Four people pay 800 CZK.
When I checked Uber and Bolt at the airport, prices into central Prague were often under 700 CZK. Sometimes they were closer to 600 CZK, depending on demand and time of day.
That means two people may pay about the same for a taxi as for the Airport Express. Three people can often save money by sharing a taxi. Four people will almost certainly find a taxi cheaper per person than the Airport Express.
On top of that, the taxi takes you directly to your hotel. There is no need to transfer. No additional ticket. No dragging luggage across busy roads near the train station.
In winter conditions, that comfort makes a difference. When I stepped into a warm car rather than waiting for a bus, it was an easy decision.
In 2026, if you are travelling as a couple or group, always check Uber or Bolt before committing to the Airport Express. The Prague airport express cost has shifted the balance strongly in favour of ride-hailing apps.
Comparing All Your Options in 2026
Here is how I would summarise the main transport options from Prague Airport as of February 2026.
Bus 59 plus metro is the cheapest option at around 40 CZK per person. It runs frequently, is reliable, and works well for solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors.
The Airport Express bus costs 200 CZK per person, only goes to the main train station, runs less frequently, and offers poor value compared to alternatives.
Uber or Bolt typically cost between 600 and 800 CZK per car, take you directly to your accommodation, and are often cheaper per person for groups of two or more.
Official airport taxi services are available outside the terminal and are convenient, but you should always confirm the price before accepting the ride.
One option you should avoid entirely is unsolicited drivers inside the terminal offering rides. Stick to official taxis or recognised apps.
My Recommendation After Visiting in February 2026
If I land in Prague again tomorrow, here is what I would do.
If travelling alone with light luggage, I would take Bus 59 and transfer to the metro. It is cheap, efficient, and easy to navigate.
If travelling with one other person, I would immediately check Uber or Bolt. If the fare is reasonable, I would take the taxi. The difference in cost compared to the Prague airport express cost is small, and the comfort and direct drop-off are worth it.
If travelling as a group of three or four, I would not even consider the Airport Express. A shared taxi is almost always better value in 2026.
The price doubling to 200 CZK has fundamentally changed the equation. What used to be a simple and reasonably priced direct bus is now significantly more expensive without offering significantly more benefit.
Prague remains one of Europe’s most beautiful and accessible cities. Getting from the airport to the centre should not be complicated or expensive. With the right choice in 2026, it still does not have to be.