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AIR: Czech Airlines (OK) operates an extensive domestic service.
There are regular domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava,
Brno and Karlovy Vary.
RIVER: Navigable waterways can be found in the country and
the main river ports are located at Prague, Ústí nad Labem and Decín.
RAIL: The rail network is operated by Czech Railways (Ceské Drahy, see
above). There are several daily express trains between Prague and main cities
and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are
low, but supplements are payable for travel by express trains.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 31mph
(50kph) in built-up areas, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas
and 80mph (130kph) on motorways.
Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak Republic)
via Brno. Users of the Czech motorways have to buy a vignette (season ticket)
which costs approximately Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is now
available at approximately Kc100.
Bus: The extensive bus network
mostly covers areas
not accessible by rail and is efficient and comfortable. Buses are mostly
run by
the State Bus Company. See online for timetables (website: www.vlak-bus.cz).
Car hire: Self-drive cars may be hired through Avis, Hertz
and other companies. Seat belts are compulsory and drinking
is absolutely
prohibited.
Many petrol
stations open 24 hours. There is a road emergency service available
by calling 154. Documentation: A valid national driving licence.
If this has no photocard,
an International Driving Permit is also required.
URBAN: Public transport is excellent. See online (website:
www.dp-praha.cz) for timetables and other information on transport
in Prague.
There is a
metro service
in Prague that runs from 0500-0000. Three flat fares are charged. There
are also tram and bus services (for which tickets must be purchased
in advance
from tobacconist
shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centres or travel agents).
Night trams and buses run from 0000-0430 in Prague.
Buses, trolleybuses
and trams
also exist in Brno, Ostrava, Plzen and several other towns. Most
services run from
0430-0000. All the cities operate flat-fare systems and tourist passes
can be purchased in advance that are valid for a number of journeys.
Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on
entering the tram or bus.
A separate
ticket is required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare
evasion. Blue
badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service.
Taxis
are available in all the main towns and are metered, higher
fares
are charged at night.
For further information about public transport in Prague contact
the Czech Tourist
Authority
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