Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is in Prague’s historic center, and it works best as a “walk-in” destination: public transport brings you close, and you finish on foot. For most first-time visitors, the best overall choice is the metro to Staroměstská (or Můstek/Náměstí Republiky if that’s a simpler connection from your hotel), followed by a short walk. Staroměstská is the most straightforward anchor for the square, while Můstek and Náměstí Republiky are excellent backups if your route is more direct. The key thing to know is that the square itself is treated as a pedestrian zone, so neither buses nor cars normally enter it; you’ll always approach from surrounding streets.
How to get to Old Town Square by Train
In Prague, “train” for getting around the city usually means the metro. It is the most time-predictable option because it runs independently of street traffic, which matters in the center where congestion and crowds can slow surface travel. Prague’s integrated transport system describes the metro as the backbone of city public transport, operating daily from early morning to midnight, with frequent service.
For Old Town Square, your goal is not to reach the square itself by rail (you can’t), but to choose a station that minimizes walking and keeps the final approach simple. The most practical stations are:
- Staroměstská: commonly used as the closest “Old Town” station for the square-area walk.
- Můstek: useful if you’re starting from the newer center (around Wenceslas Square) or transferring easily.
- Náměstí Republiky: convenient if you’re coming from areas that connect well to that side of the center.
All three stations appear on the official station lists for Prague’s metro network, making them dependable anchors you’ll also see in signage and route planners.
How to choose between them:
- Choose Staroměstská if you want the shortest, most intuitive walk to the Old Town core.
- Choose Můstek if it gives you a simpler route with fewer changes.
- Choose Náměstí Republiky if your accommodation or arrival point naturally connects there.
If you’re traveling with luggage, metro is still workable, but it can feel cramped in peak periods. In that case, consider metro most of the way, then a short taxi ride for the final stretch (or travel outside rush times when possible).
How to get to Old Town Square by Bus
In central Prague, trams often function as the “best bus alternative” for visitors because they are frequent, well-connected, and stay above ground (which many first-timers find easier for orientation). Even if you think of your choice as “bus,” it’s worth mentally upgrading that to “tram first, bus second” for the inner city.
For Old Town Square specifically, the most important concept is that surface transport stops around the Old Town rather than inside it. The square is treated as a pedestrian zone and transportation is excluded from it, so you’ll arrive at a nearby stop and walk the last few minutes.
When trams are a great fit:
- You want to avoid metro stairs or underground navigation
- You prefer seeing the city as you move (helpful for staying oriented)
- You’re doing short hops within central Prague
When buses (or trams) are less ideal:
- You want the most consistent travel time at peak traffic moments (metro usually wins)
- You’re carrying very bulky luggage during busy hours (crowding can make boarding awkward)
A practical way to use surface transport for Old Town Square is to aim for a stop that lands you on the edge of the historic core, then walk in. This is usually smoother than trying to “arrive at the square,” which isn’t how the area is designed for vehicles.
How to get to Old Town Square by Taxi
A taxi is the simplest “no-thinking” option if you’re traveling as a group, dealing with bad weather, or carrying bags. It can also be a smart choice late at night if you want a direct ride back to your accommodation.
The main limitation is geography: Old Town Square is in a pedestrian-focused area, and the square itself is not a vehicle-through zone. In practice, taxis drop you on nearby streets and you walk the final minutes.
This isn’t a drawback so much as a normal feature of visiting Prague’s historic center—everyone approaches on foot at the end.
Taxi tends to be best when:
- You want maximum comfort and minimum navigation
- You’re traveling with 2–4 people and can split the fare
- You have mobility concerns and want to reduce walking distance as much as possible
Taxi tends to be less ideal when:
- You’re budget-focused (public transport is far cheaper)
- You need fully predictable timing during busy periods (metro is usually more reliable)
If you plan to use taxis from the airport, note that Prague Airport describes its official airport taxi service as “Uber Airport,” which is positioned as the official taxi option at the airport.
How to get to Old Town Square by From the Airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is not directly on the metro network, so airport-to-center travel is usually a two-stage plan: airport connection to a metro or rail hub, then metro/tram/taxi into the Old Town area, followed by a short walk.
For most visitors, the best-value and often fastest public-transport option is the 59 trolleybus to Nádraží Veleslavín, then transfer to Metro Line A toward the center. Prague Airport explicitly recommends trolleybus 59 as the fastest public-transport way to reach the city center by connecting to Metro Line A, and it notes travel time of roughly 15 minutes for the trolleybus segment. From the metro, you choose the station that gives you the simplest final walk (often Staroměstská, but Můstek can be convenient depending on your onward connection).
Two solid alternatives:
- Bus 100 to Zličín, then Metro Line B: also listed by the airport as an airport-to-metro connection, with a similar airport-to-station travel time on the bus segment.
- Airport Express (AE) to Prague Main Railway Station: Prague City Tourism describes AE as a special direct connection between the airport and the Main Railway Station with low-floor buses and extended luggage storage space, stopping right in front of the station building.
- This is especially comfortable if you prefer a single airport bus into a major hub, then a short metro ride toward Old Town.
Taxi from the airport is the most comfortable option with luggage. Prague City Tourism lists Uber Airport as one of the airport transport options, and the airport itself presents Uber Airport as the official taxi service.
It minimizes transfers and keeps the trip simple—just remember you’ll still finish with a short walk near Old Town Square because the square is a pedestrian zone.
Comparison Table
| Option | Cost level | Convenience | Speed | Luggage friendliness | Best use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (metro) | Low | High | Fast and predictable | Medium | Most visitors; best for reliable timing into the center; easy to pair with a short walk |
| Bus (tram/bus) | Low | Medium to high | Medium (traffic/crowds vary) | Medium | Above-ground travel; good for short central hops; approach the Old Town edge then walk |
| Taxi | High | Very high | Variable | High | Groups, bad weather, late-night returns; drop-off nearby then short walk |
| From the Airport | Medium (public) to high (taxi) | Medium to very high | Medium | Medium to high | 59 + metro for value; AE for easy luggage-friendly hub transfer; taxi for comfort |
FAQ
Q: Can I arrive directly at Old Town Square by bus or taxi?
A: Not usually. The square is treated as a pedestrian zone, so vehicles typically drop you nearby and you walk in.
Q: Which metro station is best for Old Town Square?
A: Staroměstská is the most intuitive anchor for the Old Town core, but Můstek and Náměstí Republiky can be better if they simplify your route.
Q: Is tram or metro better?
A: Choose metro for the most predictable timing. Choose tram if you prefer above-ground travel and don’t mind slightly more variability.
Q: What’s the easiest airport transfer for first-time visitors?
A: The airport recommends trolleybus 59 to Veleslavín, then Metro Line A toward the center; it’s a common “best value” choice.
Q: What’s the most comfortable airport option with luggage?
A: Airport Express (AE) is designed with extra luggage space and takes you to the main station hub, or you can take the official airport taxi service (Uber Airport) for door-to-nearby convenience.
Sources:
Prague City Tourism (https://prague.eu)
Václav Havel Airport Prague (https://prg.aero)
Prague Integrated Transport / Prague Public Transit operator information (https://pid.cz)
