Prague Airport Terminals
Prague Airport, officially known as Václav Havel Airport Prague, is the main international gateway to the Czech Republic and a key hub in Central Europe. Located just 12 kilometers west of the city center, it has played a vital role in the region’s aviation history since its opening in 1937. The airport’s original terminal, designed by architect Adolf Benš, was awarded a gold medal at the 1937 International Exhibition of Arts and Technology in Paris for its innovative architecture—a legacy that continues to influence its modern facilities today.
Historical Background and Origins
The airport began operations as Prague–Ruzyně Airport, replacing the older Kbely airfield due to growing demand for civil aviation. The first flights landed in April 1937, and despite interruptions during World War II, the airport quickly resumed civilian operations post-war. Significant expansions occurred in the 1960s with the opening of the North Terminal (now Terminal 1), and again in the 1990s and 2000s, culminating in the addition of Terminal 2 in 2006.
Terminal Descriptions, Zones, and Levels
Prague Airport features two main passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1: Dedicated to flights outside the Schengen Area, including the UK, North America, Asia, and Africa. Opened in 1968 and extensively modernized in 1997, it includes concourses A and B. Terminal 1 is spacious, with clear signage and multiple levels for departures and arrivals.
- Terminal 2: Serves flights within the Schengen Area, mainly intra-European routes. Opened in 2006, it features modern design, efficient security, and concourses C and D. Both terminals are connected by a public area, making transfers straightforward.
Terminals 3 and 4 are used for private, charter, and VIP flights, with Terminal 4 being the oldest section, reserved for state visits and special occasions.
Shops, Restaurants, and VIP Lounges
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer a wide range of shops, including duty-free stores, fashion boutiques, and souvenir outlets. Travelers can find international brands as well as local Czech products. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, catering to all tastes—from fast food to traditional Czech cuisine and international options. Tip: Try a local pastry or Czech beer before your flight.
When dining at Prague Airport, consider trying the Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant in Terminal 1 for a taste of authentic Czech cuisine and beer in a relaxed setting. For quick coffee or snacks, Costa Coffee and Starbucks are convenient options available in both terminals. If you prefer international fast food, Burger King and KFC are also present.
For shopping, don’t miss the duty-free stores offering a wide range of local products such as Bohemian crystal, Czech garnet jewelry, and traditional souvenirs. Many shops also carry international brands, perfect for last-minute gifts or travel essentials.
VIP lounges are available in both terminals, providing a quiet and comfortable space with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, workstations, and shower facilities. Access is available for business class passengers, frequent flyers, or for a fee.
Detailed map of restaurants and shops
Most restaurants and shops operate from early morning until late evening, but some offer 24-hour service or vending machines for snacks and drinks, ideal for late-night or early-morning flights. Also, look out for vegan and vegetarian options at places like Marché Mövenpick and Bottega Prosecco Bar to suit different dietary preferences.
Popular Flights, Durations, and Airlines
Prague Airport’s most popular routes include flights to London (approx. 2 hours), Paris (1 hour 45 minutes), Frankfurt (1 hour 10 minutes), Amsterdam (1 hour 30 minutes), and Dubai (about 6 hours). These routes are operated by major airlines such as Czech Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. Tip: Book early for the best fares on popular European routes.
Services
Prague Airport provides a comprehensive range of passenger services:
- Information Desks: Multilingual staff available 24/7 in both main terminals.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport.
- Baggage Services: Lost and found, baggage wrapping, and storage.
- Family Facilities: Play areas for children, baby changing rooms, and family-friendly restrooms.
- Accessibility: Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including dedicated staff and accessible facilities.
- Transport Connections: Bus, Airport Express, taxi, shuttle, and car rental services are easily accessible from both terminals.
- Medical Services: On-site medical center for emergencies.
Use the airport’s mobile app for real-time flight updates, navigation, and exclusive offers in shops and restaurants.
Prague Airport continues to expand and modernize, with plans for new concourses and a future railway connection to the city center, ensuring it remains a leading airport in Central Europe.
Transfer between terminals
At Prague Airport, transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is straightforward and convenient, with no shuttle bus service available. The walking distance between the two terminals is approximately 8 to 10 minutes via a short connecting corridor. Terminal 1 handles flights outside the Schengen Area, while Terminal 2 serves flights within the Schengen Area.
For passengers transferring between flights on a single ticket or traveling with hand luggage only, it is possible to stay within the transit zone, making the transfer process smooth and typically taking no more than 15 minutes from deplaning to boarding the next flight. Passengers transferring from Schengen to Schengen flights remain within Terminal 2 without additional security checks. Transfers between Schengen and non-Schengen flights require passing through passport control and security checks when moving between terminals.
If checked baggage is not through-checked to the final destination, passengers must collect their luggage and re-check it at the appropriate terminal. Security checks differ slightly: Terminal 1 has security screening at each gate, while Terminal 2 has a central security checkpoint behind passport control.
Allow at least 30 minutes for transfers between terminals to comfortably navigate passport control and security procedures.