Czech Republic

Holidays by Destination Europe Czech Republic Getting Around 

Under 6s go free on public transport and 6-15 years pay half fare. There is a metro plus trams and buses. Given the complexities of tickets, the advice is generally to buy a pass for days when you will be using the system - available for 24 hours, three, or seven days.

A Prague Card, available from some tour operators, includes unlimited use of public transport for 3 consecutive days (72 hours), free entrance to more than 40 leading sights and places of interest and costs £16.50 per person.

There are also taxis, though these are widely rumoured to be driven by ex-secret police. Whether this is true or not, the drivers see little need to use the meter, particularly when carrying tourists. With a little planning and central accommodation it should be possible to get around without using them, thereby avoiding the choice between dangerous disagreement or serious ripoff. If you really need one phone AAA Taxis on 33113311.

Outside Prague the train system is old-fashioned by extensive. There are discount fares for 6-15s and each adult can take two under 6s free as long as they don't take more than one seat. There are also creche carriages on trains marked with a D on the timetable - exclusively for the use of those with children under 16.

Buses go almost everyone, often more swiftly than trains but at less useful times, designed as they are to cater to the working and school day.

Driving is no longer the pleasure it once was as car ownership is rocketing. On the other hand the price of car hire, which used to be close to £70 per day for even a small car if booked in advance, is now falling. Prices are lower if you hire from a local outfit, but these don't offer the backup of one of the bigger brands.