Cheap flights to Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Travel Guide

There’s no shortage of things to see in Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic. The city of a hundred spires welcomes visitors each year for a walk through the medieval streets that tell a thousand stories. Flights to Prague land travelers in a city graced with traces of a Gothic and Renaissance past, while the streets and alleys tell stories of Nazi and Soviet invasions. Prague flights are packed full of travelers anxious to get a glimpse of “Golden Prague” and partake in adventures in ancient courtyards and castles.

For the budget-conscious traveler, grab a cheap flight to Prague and enjoy traditional eats and cocktails in Prague’s gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes. No matter what the reason is for flying to Prague, there is something for every visitor in this medieval city. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

What’s the weather like in Prague?

Booking a cheap flight to Prague during the summer months could be tricky, because it’s an ideal summer vacation getaway with its comfortable, mild summers that tend to hover below 70 degrees (Fahrenheit). Freezing temperatures and blustery weather will hit Prague come winter, but snow suits Prague and adds extra charm to the city’s timeless beauty.

When is the best time to fly to Prague?

As one of the world’s most picturesque cities, Prague makes for a stunning backdrop to any vacation in any time of year. Snow and rain, though they prove to be packing nuisances for travelers, only enhance the Gothic charm of Old Town. Prague has a calendar fit to burst of fabulous events that keep tourists booking flights all year round such as the Prague International marathon in May, Prague Fringe in June and St Nicholas Eve in early December. Here are some details on when the best time to fly to this beautiful city is, and what periods you may want to avoid if you can.

Peak Season:

Prague isn't renowned for its sun and high temperatures, and the weather can swiftly change without much notice. However, late spring, into summer, and early fall is generally considered the peak season as the natural beauty of Prague blooms and beckons to visitors from around the globe. Late spring and summer also sees the most rain in the city, with July is plagued as the rainiest month of the year. May offers the Prague Spring Classical Music Festival and during the month of June revelers can enjoy the United Islands of Prague which sees the Vltava Riverfront full of laughter and merry making at the various concerts and beer stands available. Flights to Prague during the peak season can be expensive so book in advance to save money on your flight tickets. Christmas is a hugely popular time, so you will struggle to find cheap flights to Prague then. There is a beautiful Christmas market leading up to the big day and the square is boldly lit up and decorated.

Off Season:

Late fall and into winter – with the exception of Christmas time - is considered the off season in Prague as the temperatures start to drop and snow becomes a real threat. In February, many of Prague’s prime attractions are closed due to the lull in tourist traffic. With that said, it may be best to book your Prague cheap flight for a late winter visit, however, you may not be able to check out a couple of Prague’s medieval structures. The harsh winter light and dreary weather – if you can manage it - are actually ideal conditions for appreciating the sharp angles of Prague’s architecture and the intimacy of the city’s interiors.

When is the best time to book a flight to Prague?

Depending on when you want to travel, you should always book your flights in advance to save the most money. Easter, Christmas and the peak summer months make cheap flights to Prague a lot harder to find, so if you're flexible with your dates you have a much higher chance of saving money. Cheap flights to Prague are normally readily available from around late September onwards due to school terms restarting and the peak tourist season coming to an end, so flights then can sometimes be booked just a few weeks before. If you can, try to sit on the left side of the plane to get views of the city as you land.

How long is the flight to Prague?

When flying from Atlanta to the city of Prague in the Czech Republic directly, expect to spend just over ten hours in the air. Flights from New York City tend to take just under nine hours, while travelers departing from Los Angeles typically spend twelve and a half hours on their planes. If you leave from Seattle, the usual flight time runs just under eleven hours.

Which airlines fly to Prague?

When planning flights to Prague, Czech Republic, you have plenty of airline choices. Some U.S. carriers who offer flights to the city include Delta, United and American Airlines. Many European and Asian airlines also provide flights from the U.S., such as Air France, Czech Airlines, airBaltic, Aeroloft and China Eastern.

What should you pack for a flight to Prague?

Before leaving for your trip to the Czech Republic, be sure to make copies of all your travel documents, personal identification and necessary prescriptions. Also, take along some cash just in case you find yourself in an area that doesn't accept credit or debit cards. This also helps prevent complications should you lose your luggage in transit.

First and foremost, be sure to pack some sturdy, comfortable shoes as travelers typically spend lots of time walking when exploring this historic city. The older parts of the city tend to have lots of hills and streets covered in cobblestone, making supportive footwear a must. You might also want to invest in a money belt to prevent distractions with bags while taking photos or enjoying the scenery.

If you travel to Prague in the fall or winter, expect cooler weather paired with chances of rain. Temperatures begin dipping into the 50’s (Fahrenheit) in September, and they gradually lower to the 20’s and 30’s in December and January. This makes it imperative to take along clothing that keeps you toasty in chilly to cold weather, such as clothing appropriate for layering over thermals, a heavy coat, warm socks, boots, gloves and a toboggan or hat.

Cool to mild spring weather makes light clothing you can layer a must due to shifting temperatures. Summer tends to be warmer, with some July days hitting the 70’s. When traveling in the summer, take along clothing appropriate for balmy weather, such as shorts, skirts, T-shirts and light blouses, but you should also pack a light jacket and slacks if you want to check out the city's nightlife. Since summer's typically rainy, it's also a good idea to bring some waterproof shoes and an umbrella.

Getting to and around the city of Prague

Flights to Prague arrive at Václav Havel Airport (PRG), formerly known as Prague Ruzyne International Airport, which is located around 10 miles northwest of the city. There is no direct metro line connecting the airport to the city, which leaves only a taxi or bus services. A taxi is a lot more money; Prague in general is expensive so trying to pinch a few pennies when you land is advisable. The most convenient option is to get the Airport Express Bus or public bus to the city. If you need to connect at the train station then the Airport Express Bus is the best option, otherwise speak with the bus driver for the best option to get to your accommodation or the city center. You can also get a bus to the metro line and continue from there although the Airport Express bus to the train station, and then from there to the city center is the more common choice. Public buses have regular services to all areas of Prague, however they are only advised for those who know the city well. Same can be said for renting a car. Lastly, Cedaz minibus shuttles leave regularly for the city center and can drop passengers off at hotels throughout the city.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore the city, you will find that Prague is very accessible across a number of transportation methods. You can take buses, trams, trains or metros to get to your destination. Best of all, they all offer tourist passes that will save you money. You must validate your ticket when you board the tram or subway, unless you want a hefty fine. Before you travel via taxi, prepare yourself to bargain for a fare rate, which can be very difficult with the language barrier. Renting a car is also option if you plan on venturing a bit beyond the city.

What are some things to do in Prague?

Established in the 9th century, Prague has a long, interesting history reflected in its numerous tourist destinations. A key point of interest particularly is Prague Castle, the original settlement founded by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty. Situated in the same spot for over 1,000 years, this sprawling complex is the largest of its kind in the world and houses the Czech president in addition to serving as a huge drawer for sightseers. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts numerous buildings with diverse styles, including everything from Romanesque additions to Gothic structures, mostly due to continual renovations its undergone throughout the past millennium.

Old Town Square pulls in visitors with gorgeous architecture dating from the 12th century when this part of town served as the main marketplace. High points in some of these buildings provide you with amazing views of the city, and here, you can also view the renowned Prague Astronomical Clock and monuments to figures from the city's past.

Lots of restaurants and coffee shops in Old Town make great spots to kick back and people watch and rest your feet before heading across the Charles Bridge. Built in 1357, this bridge connecting Old Town to Lesser Town features 30 statues of saints that date between 1683 and 1928. Numerous street vendors and tourists crowd this bridge during peak hours, so some suggest visiting at dawn or dusk to peacefully take in the historic ambiance.

Once you cross the bridge to Lesser Town, explore St. Nicholas Church, which was completed as it stands today in 1755. Boasting stunning baroque architecture, this church plays host to a number of intricate frescoes, including the largest in Europe, and classic-era sculptures. Here, you can also find an over 4,000-pipe organ once played by Mozart, and the church holds over 200 concerts per year, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy hearing it.

If you'd rather enjoy a more modern scene, check out the National Theater. This building sits near the end of the Legion Bridge, and like other attractions in the city, boasts incredible architecture even if you don't go inside to enjoy the ballet, opera or theater productions. While downtown, be sure to stop for a photo op at the Dancing House. Though this place isn't open to the public, it's worth a stop just to check out the unique design, which began in 1922 and completed in 1996.

Tips for your stay in Prague

• A trip to Prague is incomplete without a leisurely walk through Old Town. The pristine buildings and churches of the main square are exquisite for a daytime stroll, but at night, the street lamps cast an otherworldly glow. The Astrological Clock at Old Town Hall Tower draws crowds every hour on the hour for the appearance of the 12 (mechanical) Apostles which encircle the face of the clock, and is undeniably one of Old Town’s star attractions.
• Prague is a city filled with unique bars that are as different as the club-goers and creative types who frequent them. Usudu is popular with out-of-towners for its cavernous qualities. The bar doesn’t look like much at first when you walk inside, but follow those in the know down the narrow staircase to discover an ancient wine cellar with a good selection over a hundred feet beneath the cobblestone streets of Old Town.
• Stop in at Cross Club over in the Holesovice district. You’ll know you’re there when you see what appears to be the aftermath of a major car wreck out front. The junkyard statues and installations that cover the grounds of Cross Club only add to the edginess of the venue, which is only enhanced by the live music acts that pass through Cross Club every night of the week.
• The streets of Prague’s Jewish Quarter provide visitors with a glimpse into Prague’s past. Though a painful reminder of the persecution Prague’s Jewish population has faced while living in the former ghetto, there are countless monuments and places of historical significance in this district, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, Pinkas Synagogue, and Jewish Town Hall. Read up on the Jewish Quarter on your flight to Prague with a Franz Kafka novel, or rent a DVD to watch in-flight. The celebrated Czech writer and Prague native is interred in the Jewish Quarter’s New Jewish Cemetery. The history is intense, but also illuminating and will add to your visit of the Jewish Quarter.
• Just a short train ride away from the center of Prague is Kutna Hora, an unassuming industrial town and home to one of the Czech Republic’s most unusual tourist attractions. Kostnice Sedlec is a small chapel decorated entirely with the remains of its cemetery’s former occupants. The chandelier dangling from the ceiling is constructed from each bone of the human body, and stacked skulls make for eerie wall ornaments. This bone church is one that’s not to be missed.

Finding Flights from Prague

When arriving or departing from Prague, most travelers patronize the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague. From here, you can fly to just about anywhere in the world, on airlines such as Delta, United, American Airlines, Turkish Air, Lufthansa and Ukrainian International. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Prague.

You can reach this airport via metro lines A and B or take metro line C via the Prague Main train station. The bus stop drops you either terminal 1 or 2 for easy access to departing flights. Automats in city bus stops and cash payment to bus drivers make it simple to get to Vaclav Havel Airport Prague in time to catch your flight back to the United States, or wherever it is you are going.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Prague airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.