Discover Prague Main Railway Station

Your Gateway to the City

Prague Main Railway Station features seven fully covered platforms, each with two tracks. These wide, high platforms allow for step-free boarding on low-floor trains.
Platforms are numbered 1 to 7, with „S“ for the northern part (north in Czech is “sever”) and „J“ for the southern part (south in Czech is “jih”). Platform 1 has additional divisions: 1, 1a (southern track), and 1b (northern track). Long platforms can host two trains at the same time, so keep an eye on the departure boards.

: Prague Main Railway Station

Three wide underpasses connect the platforms to the main hall, with exits via stairs, escalators or lifts. The entire station is wheelchair accessible. You can go directly to the Main Station Metro (Hlavní nádraží) in the main entrance hall. Upstairs, above the main hall, there are connections to buses heading to Václav Havel Prague Airport.

You’ll find card-accepted facilities, including barrier-free toilets and showers. During the day, the station buzzes with shops, self-service kiosks, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. However, at night, services are limited, and there isn’t even a coffee machine available.

Open all night, the station remains well-lit and populated, ensuring safety but making sleep difficult.
The ticket offices are located downstairs in the main hall, and station security maintains order.

: Prague Main Railway Station – main entrance

Access to the station

: The main entrance to the hall of the Prague Main Railway Station is through an unsightly park. You can go via the park also to the tram platform or continue on foot to transfer to the train at Masarykovo nádraží (Masaryk Train Station, 10 minutes on foot).

: In the entrance hall there is the Main Station Metro (Hlavní nádraží). It is reason, why most passengers arrive at Prague’s Main Railway Station by metro. Tickets for city transport can be conveniently bought with a card or coins in machines.

: The overall impression of the station gets worse sharply as soon as you step out of the hall into the park. Homeless people sit and lie on park benches.

: Parking at the Prague Main Railway Station: drive along Wilsonova Street, stay in the lane next to the station. There is a turnoff for paid parking right behind the station building.

: A big advantage of this stand is the barrier-free access to the first platform. Lifts lead from the 1st platform to the next platform and to the hall station.

: Thanks to the first platform, you can easily reach both the next platforms and the station hall.

Check-in hall

Restaurants, fast food, small shops, self-service (longer queues)

a) Check-in hall – ground floor

: There is a direct access to the ground floor of the main hall of the station both from the metro station and from the park in front of the station. There are shops in the main hall, restaurants on both sides and a double departure board at the front.

: If you already have a ticket, take the lift or the moving walkway up towards the platforms.

: The ticket offices of individual carriers are located on the lower ground floor of the main hall.

: On the lower ground floor right in the middle, you’ll find the České Dráhy (ČD – Czech Railways) cash desks. RegioJet ticket offices are to the left and right, LEO Express is on the left, and Arriva ticket offices are on the far left.

b) Check-in Hall – Upstairs

: Take the lift or the moving walkway to the second floor. Below you there are the ticket offices of individual carriers.

: On the upper floor of the departure hall, you’ll find departure boards.

: The upper floor of the departure hall also hosts smaller shops, fast-food outlets and cafes, though seating is limited.

Ticket offices

There are several passenger rail carriers in the Czech Republic. The largest of them are České dráhy and RegioJet. Their trains also go abroad. Other carriers are, for example, Leo express and Arriva. You must always buy a ticket from the relevant carrier. RegioJet trains are mandatorily reserved.
České dráhy and RegioJet they have got lounge (better waiting room) too.
Simplified time tickets can be used to travel by train in Prague. These are valid on trains, subways, trams and city buses too.

Arriva

: The Arriva ticket office is on the ground floor on the left.

: There is also a small waiting room.

České dráhy

You can also buy a Česká dráhy train ticket using their website or your mobile phone in the app Můj vlak (My Train) application.

: České dráhy has a ticket office in the middle of the hall on the lower ground floor.

: Ticket office Česke drahy is on the lower ground floor. The room does not serve as a waiting room.

: There are many ticket offices divided for local and long-distance lines, for 1st class and 2nd class. There is also information.

Leo express

: The carrier Leo express, for example, runs between Prague and Ostrava. The Leo express ticket office is on the ground floor, on the right. Open every day from half past eight to eight in the evening.

: You can buy a drink or a souvenir in the Leo shop.

RegioJet

: RegioJet has two waiting rooms + ticket offices at the main station. The first is on the right on the ground floor of the hall, near the escalators. The second and larger waiting room is up the stairs to the left, near the north underpass.

: The waiting room is available to ticket holders one hour before the regular departure of the train. Tickets are checked at the reception. Inside there are seats, wifi, air conditioning, newspapers and magazines. There is free coffee and water.

Way to the platforms

From the main hall, three parallel underpasses lead to all platforms.

The underpass on the left is marked with the letter „S“ for northern „severní“ (north in Czech). The underpass on the right is marked as southern with the letter „J“ for „jižní“ (south in Czech). If the departure board indicates „S“ or „J“ for the platform where the train is located, use the corresponding underpass. If the departure board does not specify „S“ or „J“ for your platform, any underpass will do. You can also move from the north to the south part of the platform easily.

Clear signage guides you to the platforms, with departure boards and platform numbers prominently displayed. Large screens in the underpasses show upcoming train departures from all platforms, making it easy for transferring passengers to find their next train without returning to the main hall.

: The exit from the underpass is via stairs, escalators or lifts. The entire station is wheelchair accessible and barrier free.

: The left underpass, marked „S“ (sever – north), is the only one that goes through to Prague Žižkov district.

: The middle underpass has the largest departure boards. Passengers gather here, waiting for their platform numbers to appear on the board.

: The right underpass is marked „J“ (jih – south). The „J“ and „S“ markings are used on the departure boards along with the platform numbers.

: The entire station is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and ramps available for use.

Underpass to Prague Žižkov district

The left underpass, marked „S“ (sever – north), is the only one that goes through to Prague Žižkov district.

: The „S“ station underpass leads from the station hall under the platform to behind the Railway Station to Seifertova Street and Winston Churchill Square. The underpass is wheelchair accessible.

: Access to the underpass of the Prague Main Railway Station from the Žižkov district.

: The wide underpasses connect the Žižkov district and platforms to the main hall. In the underpass there are departure boards too.

: The underpass through the train station leads only through the northern underpass marked „S“.

Platforms

The main hall of Prague Main Station, its platforms, and all three underpasses are clean and safe.

Platform 1

Platform 1 is especially long and wide, with most of its length covered by a roof. This platform is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Easily navigate your way from the station hall to Platform 1 through three clearly marked underpasses. Smaller departure boards are also in the underpasses for your convenience.

: Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

: Platform 1 offers wheelchair accessibility from the left northern “S” underpass. This underpass provides stairs, escalators, and lifts for a smooth transition to the platform. Enjoy easy boarding with high platforms for low-floor trains.

: Stay informed with departure boards on the platform and announcements in English for international connections.

: Long platform 1 is sheltered under a beautiful historical roof. Both ends extend beyond the arch construction, blending history with modernity.

Enjoy the spaciousness of platform 1, equipped with multiple departure boards and benches.
While there are no services directly on the platform, the station main hall is just a short walk away for all you need.

Platform 1A

: Platform 1A is on the right side of the station building. Take the first platform on the right. Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the right „J“ underpasses.

: There are two „frontal“ tracks at platform 1A.

: Platform 1A is short. Smaller departure boards are also in the platform for your convenience.

: Platform 1A is under the roof, there are benches and departure boards too.

Platform 1B

: Platform 1B is to the left of the station building. Take the first platform on the left.

: Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train on the platform 1B.

: Platform 1B offers wheelchair accessibility from the left northern “S” underpass. This underpass provides stairs and lifts for a smooth transition to the platform.

: Enjoy easy boarding with high platform 1B for low-floor trains.

Platform 2

Platform 2 is especially long and wide, with most of its length covered by a roof. This platform is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Prague Main Railway Station: Platform 2 is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Long platform 2 is sheltered under a beautiful historical roof. Bur both ends extend beyond the arch construction, blending history with modernity.

: Easily navigate your way from the station hall to Platform 2 through three clearly marked underpasses. Smaller departure boards are also in the underpasses for your convenience.

: Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

: Platform 2 offers wheelchair accessibility from the left northern “S” underpass.

: Enjoy the spaciousness of platform 2, equipped with multiple departure boards and benches. While there are no services directly on the platform, the station main hall is just a short walk away for all you need.

Platform 3

Stay informed with departure boards on the platform and announcements in English for international connections.

: Platform 3 is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Easily navigate your way from the station hall to Platform 3 through three clearly marked underpasses. Smaller departure boards are also in the underpasses for your convenience.

: Platform 3 is especially long and wide, with most of its length covered by a roof. Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses. Wheelchair accessibility is from the left northern “S” underpass.

: Enjoy the spaciousness of platform 3, equipped with multiple departure boards and benches. While there are no services directly on the platform, the station main hall is just a short walk away for all you need.

Platform 4

: Easily navigate your way from the station hall to Platform 4 through three clearly marked underpasses. Smaller departure boards are also in the underpasses for your convenience.

: Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

: Platform 4 offers wheelchair accessibility too from the left northern “S” underpass. Enjoy easy boarding with high platforms for low-floor trains.

: Enjoy the spaciousness of platform 4, equipped with multiple departure boards and benches. While there are no services directly on the platform, the station main hall is just a short walk away for all you need.

: Long platform 4 is sheltered under a beautiful historical roof. Both ends extend beyond the arch construction, blending history with modernity.

Platform 5

This platform 5 is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards
to ensure you find the correct train.

: Easily navigate your way from the station hall to Platform 5 through three clearly marked underpasses. Smaller departure boards are also in the underpasses for your convenience.

: Access the platform 5 effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

: The platform 5 is accessible for people with disabilities from the northern “S“ underpass. A long ramp for wheelchair users leads up from the underpass. The stairs are on the other side.

: Long platform 5 is sheltered under a beautiful historical roof. Both ends extend beyond the modernity construction.

Platform 6

: This platform 6 is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Access the platforms effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

: Stay informed with departure boards on the platform and announcements in English for international connections.

: The platform 6 is accessible for people with disabilities from the northern “S“ underpass. A long ramp for wheelchair users leads up from the underpass. The stairs are on the other side.

: Long platform 6 is sheltered under a modern roof.

Platform 7

Stay informed with departure boards on the platform and announcements in English for international connections.

: Platform 7 is so extensive that two trains can stop there simultaneously. Pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you find the correct train.

: Enjoy the spaciousness of platform 7, equipped with multiple departure boards and benches. While there are no services directly on the platform, the station main hall is just a short walk away for all you need.

: The platform 7 is accessible for people with disabilities from the northern “S“ underpass. A long ramp for wheelchair users leads up from the underpass. The stairs are on the other side.

: Access the platform 7 effortlessly via stairs and escalators from the middle and right „J“ underpasses.

Luggage storage in the Prague

There are three luggage storages in Prague at the Main Railway Station:

a) on the left in the check-in hall – ground floor

: The largest luggage storage is on the left on the lower ground floor. If you come from the north „S“ underpass from the train, it is on your right hand side.

: Each row of luggage storages has its own card payment terminal.

: Luggage storage in Prague Main Railway Station.

: The payment terminal communicates with you in several languages.

b) luggage storage with service

: The luggage storage with service is at the beginning of the southern „J“ underpass. If you leave from the platform, take the left underpath.

: 48 / 5 000 The luggage storage is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

c) storage close at the exit from the station hall

: The yellow self-service luggage storage is near the exit of the station hall.

: The shelves are of several sizes, even for a bicycle too.

: At this luggage storage, you must go to the payment terminal first. If you happen to see an open cabinet, do not use it under any circumstances. Do not put things in it. All lockers are to be closed and locked upon arrival.

: Prepare your payment card, mobile or your email address. The instructions on the screen are also in English.

: Estimate the size of your luggage.

: In the next step, enter your phone number or email address to which they will send you an opening code. After receiving the code, tap it on the terminal and the locker will open. You can see the locker number on the right side of the screen.

Bus from the station to Prague airport

Upstairs, above the main hall, there are connections to buses heading to Václav Havel Prague Airport.

There is a direct Airport Express (AE) bus line.
The bus stop is upstairs by the station. Access is wheelchair accessible. This bus line is the fastest and cheapest connection from the Prague Main Railway Station to the Prague Airport. All buses of the AE line are low-floor with extended space for luggage.

Airport Express

A ticket for the Airport Express bus costs 100 CZK for an adult and half for a child. Children under six years travel for free. Luggage up to a size of 90 x 60 x 40 cm is transported free of charge too. In addition, a baby carriage, animals in a box, a pair of skis, a snowboard and bicycles are transported free of charge too.

Tickets for the Airport Express (AP) bus are sold directly with the driver (you can pay in cash or by card), in the station hall in the ticket offices close the entrance to the subway, in the airport hall and at the České dráhy ticket offices.

: From the platform or from the station hall, take the middle underpass. The journey on the bus line towards the Prague airport is initially the same as the journey to the 1st platform.

: Take the stairs to the 1st platform. Watch blue and white images of a bus with an airplane.

: Be careful when traveling from platform 1 towards the airport. There’s a pair of stairs. If you really need barrier-free access, you must use the northern (S) underpass from which the elevators lead up.

: At the top of 1st platform, enter the historic building. Follow the blue-white signs towards the airport.

: On your way to the bus line to airport, you will pass the famous „Fanta cafe“…

: Orientation signs will guide you to the outer doors leading out to the bus station.

: Here is the Airport Express bus stop in the direction of Václav Havel Airport – Prague.

: New large-capacity buses run from Prague’s main train station to the airport.

: People with baby carriage and wheelchairs have space on the bus too.

Waiting room of higher quality ČD Lounge

České dráhy has a higher-quality waiting room at Prague’s Main Railway Station too. The waiting room is intended only for passengers who have a ČD ticket and this ticket is for an express, a couchette or a sleeper train. Access is possible one hour before scheduled departure.
The main advantage of the ČD Lounge waiting room is comfort, internet and free coffee. You can use a computer and a black and white printer too.

: The České dráhy Lounge waiting room is located on the left in the hall on the lower ground floor. Near the escalators towards the north „S“ underpass.

: When entering the waiting room, you must show a valid ticket at the reception desk.

: In the waiting room you can have water, tea or coffee with milk.

Waiting room RegioJet lounge

The waiting room is intended for all passengers who have a valid RegioJet train ticket. You can enter one hour before the scheduled departure of the train.

: The RegioJet waiting room is on the left in the hall by the northern „S“ underpass. RegioJet trains usually depart from the northern part of the station.

: When entering, you must show your Regiojet train ticket. If you don’t have a ticket, you can buy it here.

: There are over a hundred seats in the waiting room. There are also plugs for 230 V and USB. The busy corridor of the station is behind glass. That’s why it’s quiet inside.

: In the waiting room there are departure boards with RegioJet trains. In the middle of the lounge is a piano that plays itself and creates a relaxed atmosphere.

: Sparkling and still water and coffee from several types of coffee machines are available.

: You can make your own coffee to your taste. There is sugar, milk, water.

: If you take coffee with you on the train, there are cups with plastic cup lids. If you drink it in the waiting room, use a ceramic cup. There is also a sink next to the coffee machine.

: There is also a self-service ice cream maker. There are also toilets in the waiting room 🙂

Prague Main Train Station – Map

Plan of Prague Main Railway Station. Clicking on the image will open a PDF file in a new window.

Praha hlavní nádraží plánek – klikni pro zobrazení v PDF

Diagram of the Prague Main Train Station transport hub

Clicking on the image will open a PDF file in a new window.

Snack-bar and restaurant

At Prague Main Train Station, there are many shops where you can buy pastries, drinks, and packaged food. Additionally, there are fast food outlets offering take-away meals for the train or for sitting down. There are also cafés and two traditional restaurants. However, these are more expensive and require more time. Both are located at the beginning of the hall and are opposite each other on opposite sides of the vestibule. Here is a review of just some of the restaurants.

Potrefená husa

The restaurant „Potrefená Husa“ is on the left side at the beginning of the station hall. They offer a cheaper lunch menu until three o’clock, but there are only two dishes to choose from, and by half-past two, the cheaper pasta was already unavailable. You can purchase a soup with the lunch menu. I ordered a traditional Czech dish, „Šípková“ sauce with meat and dumplings. The food was good, as was the beer. The service was fast. However, the price for the lunch menu seems a bit high to me. Moreover, if I compare it with other establishments of the „Potrefená Husa“ chain, I have had better meals in this price range.

: Because the restaurant is not very large, they also have an outdoor seating area accessible only from the inside. The outdoor area is covered and heated.

: A traditional Czech dish, „Šípková“ sauce with meat and dumplings.

Burger King at Prague main train station

Traditional restaurants usually offer better and tastier food, but most travelers do not have that much time. Therefore, they buy packaged food or go to fast food outlets. Upstairs in the hall, near the departure boards, is „Burger King.“

: Burger King is located upstairs, in the middle of the hall where the departure boards are. It is almost impossible to miss.

: At the entrance, there are four touch ordering panels. However, you can also place your order directly at the counter. Our repeated experience is that the waiting time is short, and the food is served quickly.

: I usually order my food to go, but I start eating in the restaurant if there is an available seat. I took the photo of the empty restaurant before ten o’clock at night when they were closing.

: It is clean here, and you can calmly sit at a table or on a „bar“ stool.

Summary

Positive

Prague Main Railway Station (Prague hlavní nádraží) is the modern station with wide, high, and clear platforms.
Access to the station and platforms is wheelchair accessible.
There are large information panels and departure boards.
Despite the number of people, the station is clean.
I like the selection of shops and fast-foods, although they are a bit more expensive.
I also appreciate the possibility to take a shower, which is especially useful in the summer heat.
The entire vestibule is lit up overnight as if it were daytime, so even if you are traveling early in the morning or waiting for a connection after arriving in Prague, it is comfortable.

Negative

For my taste, there are too many people at the station. All the benches are usually occupied.
When you travel at night or early in the morning, the food shops are closed, and there is nowhere to sit.
The station is really large, so the walk from the metro to the platform can take several minutes.
And then there’s the dirty park in front of the station, which is really terrible.