New Prague Tunnel Bus Set to Cut Travel Times Between Kobylisy and Dejvická

The long-awaited so-called “Tunnel Bus” connection is close to becoming reality: During the summer, Prague’s new bus line 145 is set to begin operations and will for the first time run directly through the Blanka tunnel complex. The new route is expected to significantly speed up travel between Praha 8 and Praha 6 while also easing pressure on heavily used metro lines in the city centre.

The new line 145 will operate between Sídliště Čimice, Bohnice, Kobylisy and Dejvická. The connection is expected to be particularly attractive for commuters: According to current plans, the journey time between Kobylisy and Dejvická should take less than 20 minutes. This will create a fast alternative to the current metro journey via the city centre as well as to private car transport.

According to the city and transport planners, demand for a direct connection between Dejvická and Kobylisy has been high for years. Statistical data also confirms this: Even today, the connection between Dejvická metro station and Line C towards Kobylisy is among the busiest interchange routes in Prague.

Foto: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Prague’s transport councillor Jaromír Beránek described the project as an important step for the city’s public transport system. Almost eleven years after the opening of the Blanka tunnel, it will now for the first time also be used regularly by a municipal bus line. At the same time, Beránek announced that after the reconstruction of the Strahov tunnel is completed, additional express connections between other parts of the city could potentially follow.

The new line is intended not only to shorten travel times, but also to relieve pressure on the metro network in the centre. In particular, the central sections are already considered heavily congested, while adding further capacity is technically becoming increasingly difficult.

In future, line 145 will start in Sídliště Čimice and replace the current line 152 on the section to Kobyliské náměstí. The route will then continue via Nad Šutkou, Zenklova, V Holešovičkách and through the Blanka tunnel to Hradčanská and onwards to the final stop at Dejvická.

Foto: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

During peak hours, the new line is expected to operate at six-minute intervals. In the evenings and at weekends, longer intervals are planned. Due to regular nightly closures of the tunnel complex, the full route will only operate daily between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.

According to the city, no major construction work is required for the introduction of the new connection. Measures are mainly limited to new road markings, bus lanes and adjustments to traffic light systems. In addition, real-time information displays at stops will inform passengers about possible changes or tunnel closures.