How to Get to Prague Castle — Transport & Directions

Prague Castle sits on a hill above the city and requires either a tram, a short metro journey, or an uphill walk to reach from the centre. The good news is that all options are straightforward, the castle is well-signed throughout the city, and public transport is cheap, frequent, and reliable. This guide covers every route — tram, metro, walking, taxi, and car — with specific directions, travel times, costs, and the practical 2026 tram track closure you need to know about.

2026 Tram Track Closure — Important Update

This closure affects the most commonly used tram stop for Prague Castle. From 21 March to 17 July 2026, use Pohořelec or Prašný most as your stop instead. Both still give you access to the castle — the walk is slightly longer but the route is clear and well-signed.

Option 1: By Tram — The Recommended Route

The tram is the most popular, most convenient, and most scenic way to reach Prague Castle. Tram 22 runs from Vinohradská through the city centre, crosses into Malá Strana, and climbs the hill toward the castle area. The ride itself — through narrow cobblestone streets, past Baroque townhouses, with views of the rooftops rising up to the castle — is a highlight of any Prague visit.

Tram 22 key boarding points: – Náměstí Republiky (Old Town) – Národní třída (New Town) – Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town) – Malostranská (metro interchange)

In normal conditions: Alight at Pražský hrad — turn left on exit, walk 5 minutes to the Second Courtyard entrance of Prague Castle.

21 March–17 July 2026: Alight at Pohořelec — walk gently downhill through Pohořelec Square to Hradčanské Square and the castle’s main entrance (approximately 10 minutes). Alternatively alight at Prašný most — walk uphill approximately 13 minutes to the castle.

Cost: Single 90-minute ticket 40 CZK (≈ €1.60). Valid on trams, buses, and metro within the 90-minute window — no separate purchase needed if transferring.

Tram 23 follows a similar route and is a good alternative when tram 22 is crowded. Tram 42 (the tourist nostalgic line) also serves the castle area seasonally.

Option 2: By Metro — Line A (Green Line)

The metro is the fastest way across the city and Line A runs through the historic centre. However, there is no metro stop directly at Prague Castle — you need to continue by tram or on foot from Malostranská.

From Malostranská metro, two options: 1. Tram transfer: Take tram 22 from Malostranská in the direction of the castle — one stop to Pražský hrad (or Pohořelec during the 2026 closure). Quickest overall. 2. Walk via Old Castle Stairs: From Malostranská, follow Pod Bruskou Street, turn left into the alley at the Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody), and climb to the Na Opyši gate. Scenic and atmospheric but steep — approximately 20 minutes.

Hradčanská station on the same Line A is an alternative, with a flat 10–15 minute walk to the castle through the Hradčany neighbourhood.

Ticket: Same 40 CZK ticket valid for 90 minutes on metro, tram, and bus.

Option 3: Walking — Three Main Routes

Route A — Via Charles Bridge and Nerudova Street (recommended) This is the classic approach and one of the great urban walks in Europe. From Old Town Square, walk west to Charles Bridge (15 minutes). Cross the bridge, continue through Malostranské náměstí, then climb Nerudova Street — the historic street of embassies and Baroque townhouses — which leads directly to Hradčanské Square and the castle’s main entrance. Total from Old Town Square: approximately 30–35 minutes. Moderately steep on Nerudova Street.

Route B — Via Old Castle Stairs from Malostranská A shorter but steeper approach. From Malostranská metro/tram stop, follow Pod Bruskou Street, turn left into Staré zámecké schody, and climb to the Na Opyši gate at the castle’s eastern end, near Lobkowicz Palace. Approximately 15–20 minutes from the station. Steep but offers excellent views over Malá Strana on the way up.

Route C — From Pohořelec (flat approach) Take tram 22 to Pohořelec (or walk from the northern part of the city) and approach from Hradčanské Square — the castle’s western entrance. This is the gentlest approach in terms of gradient. It also passes through Pohořelec, one of Prague’s quieter historic squares.

The Charles Bridge and Nerudova Street route is also covered as part of a guided walking tour — if you want stories and historical context explained along the way, the Old Town & Castle tour covers the full route with a local guide.

Option 4: By Taxi or Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-share apps (Uber, Bolt, Liftago) operate throughout Prague. You can be dropped off at Hradčanské Square directly in front of the castle’s main entrance, or at the Pražský hrad tram stop area. This eliminates all uphill walking and is practical for visitors with mobility difficulties or those travelling with heavy luggage.

Cost: Approximately 150–225 CZK (≈ €6–9) from the city centre, depending on your starting point and the size of vehicle. Uber and Bolt generally offer lower prices than hailed taxis.

Important: Traffic around Hradčany can be heavy in peak summer mornings. Allow extra time if taking a taxi between 9:00am and 11:00am on a summer weekend.

Option 5: By Car and Parking

Parking options near Prague Castle:

• Pohořelec area — approximately 20 CZK/hour, maximum 22 hours. A short walk to the castle’s main entrance. This is the most practical parking area for castle visitors.
• Písecká brána (near Royal Garden) — approximately 50 CZK/hour. Closer to the northern entrance via the Royal Garden (seasonal).
• U Prašného mostu Street — paid parking near the northern part of the castle.

Parking inside the castle complex itself is not available to the public. Do not park in residential streets without checking local restrictions.

Prague Castle Entrances

Prague Castle has three main visitor entrances, each requiring a slightly different approach:

Main Entrance — Matthias Gate, Hradčanské Square (west) The most popular and most photographed entrance. Recommended if arriving by tram to Pohořelec or walking via Nerudova Street.

Second Courtyard Entrance (north side) Best if arriving by tram to Pražský hrad (or Pohořelec during the 2026 closure). Five-minute walk and takes you directly into the ticketing area.

Na Opyši Gate (east) Best if walking up the Old Castle Stairs from Malostranská or visiting Lobkowicz Palace first. This is also the nearest entrance to Golden Lane.

Royal Garden Entrance (north, summer only) Access via tram to Královský letohrádek (closed 21 March–17 July 2026; use Prašný most instead). Leads through the garden to the northern side of the complex.