Taxis
Prague’s taxis are legendary for their bad reputation (see Safety section); nowadays things are changing for better as authorities are cracking on the system. Still if you need a ride it’s better to call a central dispatcher in advance instead of finding one on the street to be assured of safety.
There are lots of dependable and well regulated radio-taxi companies in Prague with English-speaking operators and courteous service. Your hotel will be happy to provide you with a number or arrange a taxi ride for you.
Local taxi rates are cheap: drop charge is 30Kč plus 25Kč per kilometer, and 5Kč per one minute of waiting time. The ride from airport to Prague center will cost you about 500Kč.
AAA Radio Taxi
233 113 311
www.aaataxi.cz
City Taxi
257 257 257
www.citytaxi.cz
Profi Taxi
244 114 411
www.profitaxi.cz
Rental Cars
If you are planning to stay just in Prague, renting a car is not a good idea considering restricted parking in the city center, difficult navigation and heavy traffic. When in Prague, walk or use Prague public transit system, which is efficient, safe and inexpensive and you can hop on the tram even after midnight.
However, driving is the perfect way of exploring the Czech countryside at you own pace. When planning your trip, note that driving times vary significantly depending on the type of road in the Czech province. Distance alone is not a sound indicator of the travel time. Multi-lane expressways connect major cities like Brno, Plzen, and Karlovy Vary; anywhere else roads may crawl though small towns and villages with restricted speed zones, or be under construction. Having a current detailed road map is a must when driving a car in the Czech Republic.
Unless you will stay in the country for more than 60 days, you don’t need any special driving documents. Otherwise, an international driver’s license (available from your local AAA for $10) is required . You must be over 18 to drive a car in the Czech Republic and must carry your driving license at all times, along with a vehicle registration card, and an ownership certificate or rental agreement. In the city the speed limit is 50km/h, while outside urban areas the speed limit is 90km/h and 130km/h on highways. Seatbelts are mandatory in the front and back seats. The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption , so even a single beer devoured before driving may potentially get you into trouble.
With a valid driving license and a credit card you can rent a car from any local and international rental car agencies. Some local Czech companies are quite reliable and can give you a better deal. Check the companies web sites below whether the company has an airport office in Prague.
Alimex
www.alimexcr.cz
ASAP Rent car
www.asap-rentcar.cz
Avis
www.avis.cz
Budget
www.budget.cz
Czechocar CS
www.czechocar.cz
Dvořak Rent a Car
www.dvorak-rentacar.cz
