Prague’s public transport is one of the best in Europe. Clean, fast, reliable — and incredibly affordable. Whether you’re gliding past the historic streets on a tram, catching the metro to the castle district, or hopping on a bus to explore beyond the city center, Prague makes it easy to get around.
But there’s one thing every visitor needs to know: buying a ticket is not enough. You have to validate it properly — or risk a hefty fine.
A Costly Mistake: Learn from Others
A traveler recently shared their Prague story: they bought valid metro tickets for the whole family but didn’t know they had to validate them. They thought “valid ticket” meant genuine ticket — not “stamped ticket.” After just a couple of stops, transport inspectors showed up and issued fines totaling about 5,000 CZK (around $215 USD).
The stress of the moment, especially with luggage and family in tow, turned a simple mistake into an expensive lesson. Sadly, they’re not alone. Many visitors miss this crucial step, especially if they expect validation machines to be near the metro tracks — in Prague, they’re at the entrance to paid zones, like metro stations and inside trams and buses.
How to Avoid the Fine (and Travel Like a Local)
Here’s the good news: it’s easy to avoid this mistake once you know the system.
First, let’s talk about your ticket options:
| Ticket Type | Price (CZK) | Validity Period | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | 30 CZK | Travel for 30 minutes from activation | Short travels with longer break |
| 90 Minutes | 40 CZK | Travel for 90 minutes from activation | Longer travels or short travels with short break |
| Short-term (24 hours) | 120 CZK | Unlimited travel for 24 hours from activation | Quick city explorers |
| Medium-term (72 hours) | 330 CZK | Unlimited travel for 72 hours from activation | Long weekends |
| Monthly pass | 550 CZK | Unlimited travel for 30 days | Extended stays or frequent use |
✅ Best tip: Get your ticket on the official app PID Lítačka — it’s convenient, available in English, and works across metro, tram, bus, and even some trains in Prague.
➡️ Important: If you’re using the app, activate your ticket at least one minute before you enter public transport or cross into the paid metro zone. Inspectors check the activation time!
Step-by-Step: How to Validate Your Ticket (Physical Ticket Version)
- Buy your ticket — from yellow machines at metro stations, newsstands, or on the PID Lítačka app.
- Validate before travel:
- For paper tickets: find the yellow validation machines.
- In the metro: they’re at the station entrance, before escalators.
- On trams and buses: they’re inside the vehicle near the doors.
- Insert your ticket, and the machine will stamp the date and time. Done!
- For paper tickets: find the yellow validation machines.
- Keep your ticket handy: Inspectors make surprise checks. If your ticket is validated, you’re good to go.
What Happens If You Forget?
If you’re caught without a validated ticket — even if you bought one — you’re treated as a fare-dodger. Fines are around 1,500 CZK (~$65 USD) per person, and you’ll be asked to pay immediately (inspectors accept cards). There’s no negotiation, and language barriers won’t help.
So, save yourself the stress (and your crowns) by validating properly.
Final Thought: Travel Smart, Enjoy More
Prague’s transport system is an absolute joy — as long as you play by the rules. The tickets are affordable, the network is vast, and getting around the city becomes part of the experience.
Just remember: ticket + validation = smooth journey.
No stamp? No active ticket? Risk of a fine.
And we’d much rather you spend that money on coffee, pastries, or a riverside dinner at sunset. 🍻
Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your Prague adventure!