PHOTO GALLERY: A first look at Prague's planned retro-futuristic train station

The Railway Administration received a building permit for its plans to create a modern transportation hub in Smíchov.

Raymond Johnston

Written by Raymond Johnston Published on 16.03.2023 13:00:00 (updated on 16.03.2023) Reading time: 1 minute

The rail station in Smíchov will undergo a transformation to make it into a 21st-century transportation hub. The Railway Administration obtained a valid building permit this week to start work on the planned terminal. 

The Smíchov Terminal will be near the planned Smíchov City project, which will create a new neighborhood on the site of the former Smíchov freight station. Visualizations released by the city showcase the stations futuristic charm:

Preservation of the existing building

The existing main hall of Smíchovské nádraží was built in the 1950s and features a distinctive social-realist style mural and lighting fixtures. These will be preserved since the building will be incorporated into the new structure, much like the current New Building of the National Museum (formerly the former Czechoslovak Federal Assembly), which placed a modern-style addition around an existing stock exchange building.

Original decor elements in Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Original decor elements in Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Cafe at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Cafe at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
The old building will be incorporated into the new Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
The old building will be incorporated into the new Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID

A modern transit hub

The station serves both regional and international trains. When completed, it will connect with an intercity bus terminal as well as the existing Smíchovské nádraží metro stop and tram lines. The nearby intercity bus terminal at Na Knížecí is already being phased out. The impact on train travel will be minimal during the planned work.

Overhead view of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Overhead view of Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
View of the platform from inside a train at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
View of the platform from inside a train at Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Platform at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Platform at Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Platform at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Platform at Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID

More about the station
Preparations should begin in about a month, but the main renovation work won’t start until next year.
Construction will be divided into stages, and the contractor for the first part will be selected soon. Part of the tracks will be demolished and the footbridge that allows access to Radlická Street dismantled.
Public transport connections will be strengthened until a new bridge is completed. The Railway Administration plans to announce the tender for the subsequent stage, which will include the main volume of construction work, next month.

A place to take a break and relax

The enlarged station will also include a cafe and bistro with outside seating, a Park+Ride lot for cars, and administrative offices.

Rooftop cafe at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: Railway Administration
Rooftop cafe at Smíchov Terminal. Photo: Railway Administration
Cafe at Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Cafe at Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Interior of Smíchov Terminal. Photo: PID
Exterior of Smíchovské nádraží. Photo: PID
Exterior of Smíchov Terminal seen from a tram window. Photo: PID
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