New ferry service connects Prague’s Náplavka and Smíchov waterfronts

Unlike other ferries across the Vltava, this one is privately run by the firm Pražské Benátky, and the 20 CZK fare is not included on the Lítačka card or other municipal public transit tickets.

“We want to make the waterfront a center of life for the inhabitants of Prague. The embankments in these places will be full of programs during the summer, and I believe that people who spend the summer in Prague will enjoy it,” City Councilor Jan Chabr (United Force for Prague), responsible for city property, said.

The connection of the banks of the Rašínovo nábřeží on the New Town / Vyšehrad side and Hořejší nábřeží on the Smíchov side was one of the goals for Petr Hozman, who took over the position of curator of the embankment this year.

“I am really very happy that we managed to do this with [cooperation from] the management of Trade Centre Praha, Councilor Jan Chabr and the Prague ferry operators. Visitors to the embankments will be able to connect not only by walking along the reconstructed railway bridge but also by this ferry,” Hozman said.

“Hořejší nábřeží came to life primarily by opening the cubicles. Each has its own distinctive character and the ferry to this beautiful embankment will make the journey even easier. At the same time, a number of events are being prepared on Hořejší nábřeží, which will have various aspects. I can already tell you that you can look forward to an exhibition in Cubicle 17, which I am preparing with my colleagues and František Ortman, food events, craft markets or, for example, a parkour festival,” Hozman said.

The ferry departs from a ferry slip called Podskalí on the Rašínovo nábřeží side and goes to a slip called Smíchov on the Hořejší nábřeží side. Both slips are between the bridge Palackého most and the railway bridge.

The ferry travels back and fourth every 15 minutes, from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and Sundays, and from 7:30 am to 10 pm on Saturdays. There are 45 minute breaks at 2 pm and 7 pm. The 20 CZK fare is the same for adults, children, seniors, students, bikes and animals.

Zdeněk Bergman, owner of boat company Pražské Benátky, said that the name of the ferry, Šemík, relates to an old Czech legend. Šemík was a horse who jumped across the Vltava river carrying his master Horymír, who had been facing a death penalty. The jump from the cliffs of Vyšehrad injured the horse, who later died of his wounds. The supposed grave of the horse can be found in the town of Neumětely, near Beroun.

For people who don’t want the take the ferry to get from one side of Náplavka to the other, the walkway on the railway bridge and sidewalk on Palackého most are open.

A list of ferries that are included in Prague public transit tickets can be found on the Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) website.