Prague Castle Ticket Prices & Options

Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle complex, stretching nearly 70,000 m² across a hilltop above the Vltava River. It draws over two million ticketed visitors every year, making it the single most visited attraction in the Czech Republic. But unlike most European landmarks, Prague Castle does not sell one straightforward entry ticket. Access is divided into circuits — bundles of buildings visited under a single purchase — and understanding how this system works before you arrive saves time and confusion at the gate.

This guide covers every Prague Castle admission price in 2026, what each circuit includes, who qualifies for reduced rates, what costs extra, and which option makes the most sense for your visit.

The Circuit System Explained

Prague Castle organises its paid attractions into circuits. Each circuit is a bundle of buildings and exhibition spaces covered by a single purchase, and every circuit ticket is valid for two consecutive days — useful if you want to spread your visit over two mornings without paying twice.

There are two main circuits as of 2026:

Main Circuit — 450 CZK adult / 300 CZK reduced / 950 CZK family This is the ticket most visitors should buy. It covers: – St. Vitus Cathedral (full interior: choir, St. Wenceslas Chapel, and royal crypt) – Old Royal Palace (Vladislav Hall, Riders’ Staircase, Bohemian Chancellery) – St. George’s Basilica – Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower

Permanent Exhibitions — 300 CZK adult / 200 CZK reduced Covers the castle’s collection and exhibition spaces: – Prague Castle Picture Gallery (Old Masters including Titian, Rubens, and Veronese) – Story of Prague Castle exhibition – Rosenberg Palace – Castle Guard Exhibition

Both circuits can be combined for full access, though the Main Circuit alone covers all essential highlights for a first visit.

Which Prague Castle Ticket Should I Buy?

The Main Circuit is the most popular option for a reason. It includes every iconic interior at Prague Castle and takes between three and six hours to explore fully. If you have limited time or are visiting for the first time, this is all you need.

The Permanent Exhibitions circuit is best appreciated by visitors returning to the castle who have already seen the main buildings, or those with a particular interest in archaeological collections, Old Masters paintings, and the detailed history of Czech royalty.

Prague Castle Ticket Prices 2026

At current exchange rates, 450 CZK is approximately €18 / £15 / $20. Prices are set by the Prague Castle administration and subject to change — always verify the latest rates at hrad.cz before your visit.

The family ticket covers two adults and up to five children under 16, making it considerably cheaper than buying individual tickets for larger families.

Who Qualifies for Reduced Admission

Concession pricing applies to: – Children and teenagers aged 6 to 15 – Full-time secondary school and university students up to 26 years old (valid student ID required) – Certain seniors — check current eligibility conditions at the ticket office on arrival

Children under 6 are admitted free of charge with no ticket needed.

Add-On Tickets and Extras

Two attractions inside the complex fall outside all circuits and require separate purchase:

St. Vitus Cathedral Great South Tower — 200 CZK adult / 150 CZK reduced Climbing 287 steep spiral steps brings you to a panoramic viewing gallery with unobstructed views across Prague. There is no lift. Tickets must be purchased at the castle ticket offices, not at the tower entrance.

Lobkowicz Palace — 290 CZK adult / 220 CZK reduced This privately owned baroque palace holds an extraordinary collection including original musical scores by Mozart and Beethoven and paintings by Canaletto and Brueghel. Entry includes a narrated audio guide. It is not affiliated with the main Prague Castle administration and is not included in any circuit. See our full guide to the Prague Castle & Lobkowicz Palace combo ticket.

Are Tickets Valid for Two Days?

A ticket purchased on Monday remains valid for entry to the covered buildings on Monday and Tuesday. This makes it possible to visit St. Vitus Cathedral on day one and return for the Old Royal Palace the following day without rushing. Each building can only be entered once per ticket — re-entry is not permitted.

What Is Free — No Ticket Needed

Several parts of the castle are always free regardless of circuits: – All four courtyards — free, 6am to 10pm daily – The castle gardens — free, open seasonally (approximately April to October) – The front section of St. Vitus Cathedral (limited access, occasionally closed) – Golden Lane after closing time — free after 5pm in summer, 4pm in winter – Hradčanské Square and all castle exteriors

For a complete breakdown of every free-access area, see our guide to Prague Castle free entry.

Should I Buy Tickets Online or On-Site?

You can buy tickets at the three information centres inside the castle — Second Courtyard, Third Courtyard, and Golden Lane entrance — or in advance online through hrad.cz or authorised booking platforms.

For a full guide to every purchase option, including what skip-the-line access actually means at this castle, see where and how to buy Prague Castle tickets.

For a fully guided experience with ticket logistics handled for you:

Prague Card and City Passes

The Prague Visitor Pass includes Prague Castle Main Circuit entry as part of a bundle covering over 70 attractions city-wide. If you are staying three or more days in Prague and visiting several paid sites, a city pass can offer worthwhile savings. It removes the ticket office queue but does not skip the individual building queues inside the castle.