Prague Main Railway Station

Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) is not only the largest transport hub in the Czech Republic but also an impressive architectural landmark that bridges different eras.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a complex structure. The main passenger flow moves through the new hall (check-in hall), where ticket counters and shops are located; it sits on the same level as the metro and the park. To reach the platforms, you must go up via escalators or pass through tunnels. The historic building with its dome is located higher up, on the level of the Wilsonova thoroughfare. Navigation at the station is clear and duplicated in English, while electronic boards provide prompt information about departure tracks.

• Official Website: www.cd.cz (Czech Railways) or www.spravazeleznic.cz
• Information Phone: +420 221 111 122 (24-hour ČD info line)
• Address: Wilsonova 300/8, 120 00 Praha 2 - Vinohrady, Czech Republic
• Opening Hours: The station building is open daily from 03:30 to 00:30 (closed at night for a maintenance break)
• Luggage Storage: Automated lockers and a traditional luggage storage office are available (open from 06:00 to 23:00)
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility; an assistance service is available

Getting to Prague Main Station is very simple thanks to its location in the city centre. The most convenient method is the metro. The station Hlavní nádraží is located directly beneath the station building on the red line C. The exit from the metro leads directly into the main departure hall.

For those who prefer surface transport, trams (lines 5, 9, 15, 26) stop in front of the station, though the stop is a few minutes' walk through the park. If you are travelling from Václav Havel Airport, use the direct Airport Express (AE) bus, which runs every 30 minutes and stops right at the historic entrance on the upper level.

A walk from Wenceslas Square takes just 5–10 minutes, and from the Old Town Square, it is about 15–20 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt can drop you off at the entrance by the park or at the upper-level parking area.

The station's infrastructure offers everything necessary for a comfortable wait. In the main hall, there are ticket counters (including international ones) and numerous machines for self-service ticket purchase. Free Wi-Fi (network Free WiFi ČD) is available throughout the area, although the signal may be unstable in remote parts of the platforms.

For luggage storage, there are 24-hour automated lockers of various sizes (accepting coins and cards) and a manned luggage office. Passengers can use paid toilets and showers. For travellers with children, there is a mother and child room. Additionally, the station features a currency exchange office (please be mindful of the exchange rates), a pharmacy, and a bookstore. In the ČD Lounge waiting area, first-class passengers, pregnant women, and passengers with children under 10 years old can relax in a more comfortable setting.

It is difficult to go hungry at the Main Station. The new hall features a food court area with popular international fast-food chains such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC. For lovers of coffee and pastries, there are coffee shops like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and the Paul bakery. This is an excellent option for a quick snack before your train.

If you need to buy groceries for your journey, a large Billa supermarket is located on the lower level, where prices are standard city rates. For those seeking atmosphere, it is worth going up to the historic building to visit Fantova kavárna (Fanta Café) under the ancient dome — here you can enjoy coffee in interiors dating back to the early 20th century. The average cost in the fast-food outlets is around 150–200 CZK, while the café is slightly more expensive.

The history of the Main Station begins in 1871, when it was opened under the name Emperor Franz Joseph I Station. In the early 20th century, between 1901 and 1909, the building underwent a massive reconstruction in the Art Nouveau style designed by architect Josef Fanta. It was then that the famous high dome, stained glass windows, and sculptures appeared, which are considered a cultural monument today.

In the 1970s, due to the construction of the metro and the highway, a new underground terminal in the Brutalist style was built in front of the historic building, taking over the main function of passenger service. For a long time, the historic part was neglected, but a recent renovation has restored its former grandeur. Today, the station is a symbol of the connection between historical heritage and the modern dynamic life of Prague.

Arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes before your train departs. Platform numbers are usually announced and displayed on the boards 15–20 minutes before the train's arrival. Please pay attention: a platform may be divided into northern (S) and southern (J) sections, so follow the signs on the platform.

Regarding safety, it is worth remaining vigilant. As with any major railway station in Europe, pickpockets may operate here, especially in crowds during boarding. Do not leave your belongings unattended in the waiting hall. At night (from 00:30 to 03:30), the station closes for a technical break, and it is not permitted to remain inside the building, so staying overnight at the station is not possible.

Tickets for long-distance trains are best purchased online in advance to save money and guarantee a seat. If you have heavy luggage, use the elevators located in the central passageways, as not all exits to the platforms are equipped with working escalators for going up.