What’s Changing in Prague for 2026? 🚋🛴🏰🐴
Ever wondered what’s actually changing in Prague for 2026? Fares, scooters, tours, and yep, even horse carriages! Stick around because this update will surprise you and will even save you some crowns. Let’s dive in!
Update 2026: Public Transport Fare Hike 🚋
Prague Public Transport New 2026 Tariff
Prague has just approved an increase in its public transport fares that will kick in starting January 2026. Paper single tickets are going up by about 25-30%, but app tickets will only rise by about 15-20%. If you buy tickets via SMS, those are going up the most—like 30-35%. The new tariff made e-tickets a better deal, so make sure to install the Lítačka app before you arrive in Prague.
Pro Tip💡: Don’t forget to activate your ticket 1-2 minutes before you get on a tram or metro, because if controllers catch you with an invalid ticket, you will be fined.
And watch out—fines are going up too. Paying on the spot will now cost 1,200 CZK (instead of 1,000), paying within 15 days will be 1,500, and if you don’t pay within that time, it jumps to 2,000 CZK. The fines can be paid online at the DPP e-shop or at the Prague Public Transit Company’s Central Dispatch Building the next day.
They also bumped up the fee for bringing big luggage or a dog on board—now it’s 23 CZK on the app and 25 CZK for paper tickets. But if you’ve got a ticket good for a day or more, one big bag or dog still rides free.
If you’re taking the Airport Express, get ready for the ticket cost to double from 100 to 200 CZK. We have previously addressed the disadvantages of the Airport Express for tourists, but unless you are staying near the Main train station, it isn’t a convenient option for traveling to and from the airport.
Prague funicular under recomstruction till May 2026
One last note about public transport: the Petřín funicular is scheduled to open in spring 2026 at the earliest. So if you want to catch some epic sunrises, you’ll probably have to walk up the hill for now. 🏞️
Scooters Are Out! 🛴🚫
Big news—Prague will ban shared electric scooters! 🎉 From January 2026, all scooters parked on Prague streets will be collected and taken to the waste yard. Everyone saw this coming—there were hundreds of injuries (minor and serious) caused by scooter drivers, and sadly one fatal accident recently. Most drivers were tourists, sometimes intoxicated. The accidents increased because users refused to follow traffic rules and rode on sidewalks (which is forbidden) trying to avoid those giant cobblestones. So long, scooters!
New Tours by 100 Spires City Tours 🏙️👟
We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new way to explore Prague. Our small group city highlights tours are designed for up to 15 travelers at a comfortable pace. No rushing, no stress—just pure exploration. Whether this is your first visit or you want to uncover hidden gems, this tour offers the perfect blend of local insight and friendly company.
We’ll be running these tours regularly, so don’t miss out! Visit realpragueguides.com and book your walk through the City of a Hundred Spires. Let’s explore Prague like never before—together! 🌟
Prague Castle Update 🏰
Great news for Prague Castle visitors! You no longer have to print e-tickets—you can save them on your phone. Progress has truly reached the medieval castle! But the info center still recommends buying tickets in person to avoid issues with unexpected closures.
Speaking of 2025, The Czech president introduced a new tradition of displaying Crown Jewels during St. Wenceslas Day. Although a great idea, the Old Royal Palace was closed for weeks beforehand, and those who bought interior tickets didn’t get refunds. It was a bit of a disaster, so if you visit in September, beware of irregular opening hours.
Short-Term Rentals Shake-Up 📜🏠
Insider news: starting May 2026, a new EU law will regulate short-term rentals. Hosts will have to register properties and acquire government-issued numbers, which must be displayed on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
This is a huge deal in Czechia because currently, there are almost no controls on short-term rentals. An estimated 130 million CZK is lost yearly due to dishonest taxpayers not registering their businesses or providing necessary data.
There are many cases of illegal rentals and renters breaking laws, but since the businesses aren’t registered, authorities can’t regulate them properly. This regulation may reduce the number of unregistered listings and force hosts to pay taxes. Tourists will probably have to register officially, similar to hotels, and prices could rise.
Equestrian News 🐴🚫
In the spirit of the year of the flaming horse, horse carriages are officially being banned in Prague.
A new monument called Semík was unveiled in Podolí, honoring a legendary horse that saved its owner by jumping off Vyšehrad fortress. The sculptor says it symbolizes a happy ending. 😂
What Else Is New?
The Arctic pavilion at Prague Zoo is scheduled to open soon. Finally, the adorable killing machines (polar bears) will have enough space to roam freely. 🐻❄️
Five Guys will open in Prague. 🍔
That’s it for now! Stay tuned for more updates and make sure your next Prague visit is the best yet! 🌍✨
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova, a Prague guide certified by the Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 8 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal opinions of the author and is not intended to discourage visitors to Prague from purchasing tickets to the attractions and tours mentioned above.