Construction of Prague's Terminal Smíchov approved, to be built by 2030

Prague's long-awaited Terminál Smíchov is one step closer to reality, with the city now holding an official construction permit. The extensive redevelopment will create a state-of-the-art transportation hub by 2030, integrating metro, train, bus, and tram connections.

The project includes a P+R parking lot, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian-friendly spaces, all designed to ease commuter traffic in the busy Smíchov district. Developed by A69 Architects, Terminál Smíchov will also preserve the functionalist-style Smíchovské nádraží railway hall designed by Ladislav Žák and Jan Zázvorka in the 1950s.

“After years of hard work, we have the valid construction permit, and nothing stands in the way of beginning construction,” Prague city councilor Adam Scheinherr wrote on social media this weekend.

The central feature of the Terminál Smíchov redevelopment is a new station that will be built above the existing railway platforms, accommodating both long-distance and commuter buses. This new terminal will alleviate congestion in surrounding streets, particularly the busy Na Knížecí Street, and streamline connections to the rest of the city.

Another major component of the project is the addition of a P+R parking facility, which will provide up to 1,000 parking spaces, addressing the need for more park-and-ride capacity. The new development will also introduce a dedicated B+R bicycle parking area, capable of hosting 1,000 bicycles, to promote sustainable commuting options.

In addition to the transport upgrades, the terminal will feature new pedestrian areas, green spaces, and better access to the metro, with an upgraded, barrier-free entrance.

The project will include the revitalization of the historical train hall from the 1950s, preserving its iconic architectural features while adding commercial spaces and facilities for travelers. This will further enhance the station's functionality, making it not only a transit hub but also a space for shopping and leisure.

The redevelopment of Terminál Smíchov is part of a broader vision to revitalize the entire Smíchov area. While the transport terminal will enhance connectivity, it’s also set to transform the surrounding urban environment.

The project is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with a new public square in front of the station, new tram and bus stops, and wider, safer sidewalks. The area will also include more green spaces, improving the overall aesthetics and quality of life for locals.

The nearby Smíchov City development will also reshape the district. New office buildings, residential complexes, and public spaces are under construction as part of a concurrent redevelopment project.

A highlight of this transformation will be Madeleine Albright Boulevard, a new pedestrian street named after the Prague-born former U.S. Secretary of State. The boulevard was visited last year by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Albright’s daughter Katie.