The metro was built during the period between the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution. It was part of the Soviet plan to appease citizens that were dissatisfied with the deterioration in the quality of life.
The tram lines are shown in brown and the metro lines in color on this map. The Charles River (shown in blue) is central in Prague, but as you can see from the tram and metro systems, there is more focus of activity on the eastern side of the river.
The tram, bus and metro systems are linked together allowing one ticket to be valid on all three systems of transport. There are various tickets available, including extended day passes for tourists or one-ride passes. One ticket is either 8kc for a 15 minute ride without transfers, or 12kc for an hour and a half of travel with as many transfers as desired.
The airport can be reached on the bus line. It is ten kilometers from the city center. There are also many taxis in Prague, but they have unregulated prices and tourists are forewarned to agree on a price for their ride with the driver before they get in the car.
Tourists are encouraged to use public transport rather than taxis or rental cars. Because Prague is a medeival city, there is not room for many cars within the city. Furthermore, tourists trying to drive in the city would face a complex system with many one-way streets, no-turns, pedestrian zones and not enough parking. Though most tourists and residents use public transportation, there are traffic and parking problems. Since 1989, a further problem of car theft has arisen for car-owners or car-renters. The rate of auto theft has increased 440% since 1989, demonstrating a negative side effect of capitalism. Since Prague is interested in promoting tourism, it's important that it not develop a reputation as a place where one might get robbed or cheated. However, Prague has a ways to go before it is as stable as other tourist destinations.
Return to Prague's Physical Landscape