Getting to Prague

By Air

Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is located about 15 km from the city center. To reach the WINIR 2025 venue at VŠE or your accommodation, there are three options:

1) Public Transportation (~45–60 minutes to city center)

You have to take Bus 119 from Terminal 2, and from there.

• Option A: Continue to Nádraží Veleslavín and transfer to Metro Line A (direction: Depo Hostivař)
• Option B: Exit the bus at Divoká Šárka and take Tram 26 (direction: Staré Strašnice)

We suggest using Google Maps or the PID Lítačka app to find the best route to your accommodation.

2) Airport Express Bus: (~35 minutes) This direct bus connects the airport to Hlavní nádraží (Main Train Station), which is just a 5-minute walk from the conference venue. Departs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and tickets (~100 CZK) can be purchased on board. For schedules and more detailed information, please click here.

3) Uber / Bolt:  Both services operate at Prague Airport. Pick-up is from the Departures level of Terminal 2, so after exiting Arrivals, you’ll need to head upstairs. The fare to the city center is typically around 600–800 CZK (approximately 25–35 EUR), depending on traffic and time of day. You can request a ride through the app or use one of the booking kiosks inside the terminal.

By Train

Prague is well-connected by rail, especially from major cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest. All international trains arrive at Hlavní nádraží (Main Train Station), which is just a 5-minute walk from the WINIR 2025 venue at VŠE. It’s an easy and direct way to arrive right in the heart of the city.

By Bus

Long-distance bus companies such as FlixBus and RegioJet offer convenient and affordable routes to Prague. Buses arrive at the Florenc Bus Terminal, which is served by Metro Lines B and C. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute ride by metro or tram to the conference venue.

Things to See and Do in Your Free Time

While we’re planning a packed schedule full of academic sessions and social events during WINIR 2025, we know that many of you may want to explore Prague during your free time or even extend your stay before or after the conference. Here are some highlights to help you make the most of your visit:

In Prague:

• Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral – A must-see historic complex with impressive architecture and great views of the city.
• Charles Bridge – This iconic 14th-century bridge is always buzzing with people, street musicians, and local artists.
• Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock – The heart of Prague’s historic center, perfect for a casual stroll, photos, or a coffee break.
• Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – A rich historical area with synagogues, museums, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Please note: Jewish sites are closed during the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening).
• National Theatre / Rudolfinum – Great options if you’re interested in catching an evening performance of classical music, opera, or ballet.
• Petřín Hill – A peaceful green space ideal for walking or jogging, with panoramic views of the city.
• Letná Park / Riegrovy Sady – Great places to relax like a local. Both parks have open space, cafés, and popular beer gardens. Riegrovy Sady is just a short walk from the conference venue.
• Vyšehrad – A quieter alternative to the castle, this historic fortress offers lovely views, a big park, and a beautiful cemetery where famous Czechs are buried.

Additionally, Prague offers many family-friendly activities, including numerous public playgrounds throughout the city. Notable attractions for younger visitors include the Prague Zoo, the Czech National Museum for Children, and the National Agricultural Museum, which features interactive exhibits, a rooftop garden, and a play area. For those interested in a longer outing, IQlandia, a hands-on science center located in Liberec, is ideal for a full-day excursion.

Day Trips from Prague:

If you have time to explore beyond the city, here are some easy and rewarding day trips which are all accessible by train:

• Pilsen (Plzeň): Famous for its beer, this is where pilsner was born. You can tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, learn about the brewing process, and even sample a fresh pour.
• Kutná Hora: A UNESCO-listed town featuring the hauntingly unique Bone Church and the magnificent St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
• Karlštejn Castle: A majestic Gothic castle nestled in the countryside.
• Český Krumlov: A beautiful old town with a castle and winding streets with a fairy-tale charm. It takes a bit longer to get there (~2.5 hours), but it makes for a rewarding full-day trip.

Helpful Tips for Your Stay

• Currency: The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small shops, cafés, or market stalls.
• Language: Czech is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and most places you’ll visit as a tourist. A few polite Czech phrases are always appreciated, though!
• Safety: Prague is generally a very safe city, including at night. As with any major destination, just keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas like public transport or tourist hotspots.
• In Case of Emergency: We hope you won’t need them, but just in case.
  • General EU Emergency: 112
  • Medical Services: 155
  • Police: 158