Václav Havel Prague Airport (PRG) Flights & Information

Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the gateway to Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. It is located 7 miles from the city center. PRG serves over 14 million passengers per year.

I’ve found this modern airport offers plenty of self-service options that make traveling through PRG a breeze. It is generally quick and easy to navigate.

Airlines serving Prague’s Václav Havel Airport

Around 70 airlines operate year-round or seasonal flights to and from PRG. PRG is the principal operating base of Czech airline Smartwings. Many European flagship airlines offer flights to PRG with connections around the world. Several low-cost carriers, including easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair and Wizz Air, offer cheap flights to and from Prague. Delta Air Lines offers seasonal flights between New York JFK and PRG. International carriers that provide flights to and from PRG include China Airlines, EL AL, Emirates, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.

Václav Havel Airport terminals

There are 2 commercial airline passenger terminals at PRG. Terminal 1 handles flights outside the Schengen Area, and Terminal 2 handles flights within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland.

Each terminal has two concourses: A, B and C, D. Terminal 1 has three levels, including the ground floor, and Terminal 2 has four. A building connects both terminals, making it easy to move between them.

Gates B10-B19 are located on Terminal 1's ground level (0). Arrivals and departures are on level 1, as are Gates B1-B9 and A1-A8. The hall connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is also accessible on this level. The upper level (2) has a food court.

In Terminal 2, Gates C12-C23 are on the ground level (0). Arrivals and Gates C2-C11 are on level 1. Departures and Gates D1-D6 are on level 2. Level 3 offers food and shopping.

A separate Terminal 3 at PRG exclusively serves charter and private flights. However, the Protocol Lounge is available for hire if you’d like to arrange a meeting at the airport between flights. You can get to Terminal 3 in less than ten minutes by bus or Uber.

Non-Schengen arrivals at Václav Havel Airport

When arriving on a flight outside the Schengen Zone in Terminal 1, you must clear immigration. The process is generally quick, though you may run into longer lines at immigration during the summer's peak travel season.

You must have a valid passport, which should be valid for at least six months. Travelers from some countries may also require a Schengen visa.

US citizens and others from countries with visa-free access to Europe should be mindful of the changing requirements. Starting in 2025, you must apply for and obtain an ETIAS entry permit before you travel through the Schengen Area.

Schengen arrivals at Václav Havel Airport

There’s no need to clear immigration while traveling through the Schengen zone in Terminal 2. You can head directly for the baggage carousels.

Baggage claim

The baggage carousels are on level 1 of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Monitors display which carousel will have the baggage for your flight. There are also airline help desks for lost luggage claims.

Transportation at PRG

There are public transport options from Václav Airport to Prague city center, but they require a combination of bus and metro connections. There is no direct metro service from the airport to the city, so it can take at least 40 minutes and up to an hour to reach the city center. Unless you’re already familiar with Prague or feeling adventurous, I wouldn’t advise going this route.

Taxis and Uber

Yellow Taxis are available outside the airport, but I recommend ensuring the driver hasn’t forgotten to turn the meter on. Otherwise, you may be overcharged.

Uber is the airport’s official taxi service at PRG. By booking an Uber, you can be sure of how much you will pay upfront. There are service kiosks at arrivals where you can order an Uber if you don’t have the Uber app and a service desk.

Car rental

Car rental facilities are in the parking garages across from Terminal 1 and 2. Several international companies offer cars, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt.

Driving in Prague is tricky, particularly finding any free parking spaces. The city is worth exploring on foot and has many public transport options, including the metro. You can also use Uber. I wouldn’t recommend renting a car unless you plan to drive out in the country.

Connecting overnight at PRG

If you are traveling through Prague Airport only for a connection that requires an overnight stay, you may want to consider staying at the AeroRooms located in the building connecting the terminals.

AeroRooms also offers rooms in the transit area past passport control in Terminal 1 and rents shower access if you need it. You can also find a room at the Courtyard by Marriott, just across both terminals near the parking garages.

Departures at Václav Havel Airport

Airline check-in desks, kiosks and baggage drop-off facilities are available at both terminals. Departure board screens at the terminal will show what desks you should use for your airline. You can head straight for security and passport control if you’ve pre-checked with your airline online and only travel with carry-on luggage.

I recommend checking whether your airline participates in self-service baggage drop, as it saves time in line. Self-service baggage drop stations are located at counters 111–118 in Terminal 1 and counters 284–295 in Terminal 2. Once checked in, you scan your boarding pass to enter the passport control and security area.

Check-in desks usually open 2 hours before the scheduled departure, though I recommend checking with your airline to confirm. If you get to the airport too soon, you’ll find plenty of shopping and food options before security.

If you are traveling through Terminal 2, Václav Havel Airport also offers a convenient Private Check-in Service. An agent handles everything while you relax in the FastTrack Lounge and will deliver your boarding passes there. You will be notified when you should head for your gate, and you will pass through a dedicated security screening line.

Shopping, food and lounges

There are many options for shopping, eating or enjoying an adult beverage at Václav Airport, both in the public area and past security and passport control. There are also several lounge options available.

Shopping

At both terminals of Václav Airport, you’ll find lots of shops where you can buy souvenirs, gifts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, and Duty-Free items. Many RELAY convenience stores sell essential items, newspapers and magazines throughout the airport.

One feature I like is a small Billa grocery store in Terminal 2's public area. It’s a great place to get a few things to tide you over before heading to your hotel. Remember that you cannot cross security with liquids if you stop in there to buy snacks before your flight.

Food and drinks

The airport also offers various restaurants, fast-food outlets, cafes and bars. You’ll find popular chains, including Burger King, Costa Coffee, KFC, Lavazza and Starbucks. I recommend giving the Runway Restaurant in the food court of Terminal 1 a shot. They have a great selection of local dishes, with cafeteria-style self-service.

Lounges at PRG

There are pay-for-access lounges at Václav Havel Airport that offer nice perks beyond a relaxing place to wait for your flight and complimentary food and beverages. Look for the Airport Lounges signs along the way.

In Terminal 1, the Master Card Lounge is located on the airside, after the passport control, on the first floor of Pier B. In addition to the standard lounge amenities, there are showers and a children’s play area.

Beyond the FastTrack Lounge in Terminal 2, you’ll also find The Erste Premier Lounge past security on the second level. You can enjoy the primary lounge services or book a private section of the VIP lounge.

The VIP treatment at PRG

Václav Havel has a VIP Service Club Continental facility close to the apron outside of Terminal 1 for those who want white-glove service at the airport. This service is similar to private jet fixed-base operations, with the affordability and convenience of flying on a commercial carrier.

The staff will help check you and your luggage in for your flight. You’ll clear security privately and get a ride out directly to the aircraft when it’s time to board. The service is also available for arrivals. You can customize the services you need when reserving a spot on the airport’s website, but you must book the service at least 24 hours in advance.

Other amenities at PRG

PRG has other complimentary amenities to help you pass the time, including a spacious relaxation zone past security in Terminal 2, between concourses C and D. I recommend it if you need to catch up on work, as there are comfortable seats, tables, and ample power outlets. There’s even a tiny library.

The airport offers unlimited Wi-Fi through the Prague Airport WiFi Free network.