Prague Central Station – a historic railway station

Those who travel to Prague by train will get off here – Prague Central Station – Praha hlavní nádrazí. It is the largest passenger railway station in the Czech Republic and the most important railway station in Prague.

Trains are arriving from Germany, France, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Austria. But also many connections between the most important, large cities as well as regional routes within the Czech Republic call at the central station in Prague.

Prague metro line C connects the railway station with the city. The entrance to the metro station is located directly in the station building. There are tram and bus stops within easy walking distance of the station. There is also a bus connection to Prague Airport from Prague Central Station.

Arrival in Prague

We like travelling to Prague by train. The connection from Berlin is very easy, there is a direct connection.

Arrival in Prague has been laid back and easy, swimming with the constant current of arriving passengers, we quickly reached the exit of the station. Unfortunately, the bus and tram connections are not signposted. Therefore it is advisable to check out the exact place of departure beforehand.

Tip: Tickets for the tram are not sold on the train. They can be picked up at the station.

Luggage storage

There are plenty of lockers and luggage storage. We used the luggage storage and were quickly served by friendly staff.

On a second visit, we went to the large room with the lockers. There are lockers of different sizes in several rows labelled with letters. The lockers are booked via terminals on the rows.

We hadn’t tried this type of luggage compartment booking before and I was admittedly quite surprised that there was a translation into English. A mobile phone and a credit card are required for the booking. We took a few photos during the booking process. I particularly wanted to have the luggage compartment number and the QR code saved. Not that there would suddenly be problems when we picked up our luggage.

But my worries were unfounded. Collecting my suitcase turned out to be easier than booking the locker.

Tip:
When we booked the locker before 10am, it was very empty and we were able to go through the process at our leisure. I collected my suitcase again at around 12 noon. There were long queues at the terminals trying to get one of the few empty lockers. I was happily allowed to go first, as a much sought-after space had become available. Nevertheless, you should plan some time and not pick up your luggage too close to the departure time.

Our departure

When you leave Prague again by train, you will not find the number of your platform on your ticket. Large boards in the entrance hall display the platforms about 20 minutes prior to departure. Whenever a platform gets announced, a stream of people is set in motion causing small traffic jams at the escalators to the tracks. But do not worry, it is not far from the entrance hall to the platforms and you will reach the train in time.

Prague Central Station

Entering from the parking area into the lower level of the station you will find boutiques and shops. A large bookstore in the middle hall on the second floor is especially beautiful. The second entrance lies higher up the road and is also characterised by shops and fast food restaurants.

If you have some time before the departure of your train, use it to visit the historic area of the station. From the main hall, a staircase leads up into a really impressive hall (signposted). The hall and its dome are beautifully restored and the atmosphere is quieter than in the busy main hall. Here you will find yourself in an Art Nouveau hall with large, coloured glass windows. The dome is decorated with Czech coats of arms and some statues of women. The Latin words right in the middle of it proclaim: “Praga mater urbanum” (Prague the mother of cities).

This area used to be a cafe, but today everything is empty. Walking from the escalator in the other direction shows more emptiness, a changing room, a wall with boards and the lounge for first class passengers (also empty!).

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