Prague Doubles Price for Airport Express – Criticism of New Fare Policy

Transfers from the airport to the city centre have become more expensive: under the new fares introduced at the start of the year, the Airport Express in Prague now costs 200 crowns per person – twice as much as before. Critics describe it as a poor decision at the expense of tourists.

Those landing at Prague Airport and wishing to travel comfortably to the city centre now have to dig deeper into their pockets. The ticket for the so-called Airport Express, which connects the airport directly with the main railway station, was doubled from 100 to 200 crowns under the new fares from January 2026. For two people, this amounts to 400 crowns – roughly 16 euros.

The price increase has caused confusion and frustration. As YouTuber Janek Rubes shows in his latest video, the Airport Express runs only twice an hour and delivers passengers solely to Prague’s main station (Praha hlavní nádraží). Anyone wishing to continue to a hotel or another district requires an additional ticket for the tram or metro.

Video: Taxi is now CHEAPER than the Bus | Honest Guide Prague

Cheaper – and faster – locals use the Metro and bus 59

A significantly cheaper alternative exists: the regular bus 59 connects the airport with Metro line A every few minutes. With a 90-minute ticket costing around 50 crowns (about two euros), travellers can then use the entire network of the Prague Public Transport Company (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy) – including metro, trams, and other bus lines.

A day ticket for the entire public transport system also costs less than a single Airport Express transfer. The 200-crown fare applies exclusively to this one line.

Foto: Bus line 59 | Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy

Taxi a serious alternative to the Airport Express

The situation seems particularly paradoxical when compared to taxi prices. Through platforms such as Uber or Bolt, journeys from the airport to the city centre are often available for under 700 crowns. For two or three travelling together, a taxi can sometimes be cheaper than the bus – and takes passengers directly to their accommodation.

The fare increase is also having consequences online. On review platforms, travellers report longer waiting times and poor value for money. Since the doubling of the fare, the line’s rating has dropped noticeably.

Another point of criticism: many tourists specifically ask for the “Airport Express” at the ticket counter, unaware that bus 59 offers a cheaper connection. The term “Express” suggests speed and comfort – both of which are undermined by the timetable, the destination and cost.

Foto: Prague Airport

Discussion of strategy

According to sources within the transport company, the fare remains below the European average. Furthermore, the connection is mainly used by foreign visitors.

Critics see this as sending a problematic signal: while Prague has long been praised for its well-developed and affordable public transport network, the Airport Express creates the impression of a special “tourist line” with its own overpriced fare.