Public transport fares to rise between Prague and Central Bohemia next year

Public transport fares between Prague and the Central Bohemian Region could increase significantly starting January 2026, according to a recent proposal. The Central Bohemian Region has officially recommended raising prices by up to 30 percent for paper tickets and 20 percent for electronic ones to address rising operational costs.

The proposed adjustments come as part of efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Prague Integrated Transport system (PID) amid rising expenses and decreasing fare revenue coverage. The fare changes, if approved, would mark the first increase since 2022 and aim to encourage passengers to use digital ticketing to speed up boarding.

On May 22, the Central Bohemian Region council recommended to regional representatives a fare increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. Paper ticket prices would rise by 30 percent, while electronic ticket prices—purchased via the PID Lítačka app—would increase by 20 percent. This difference intends to incentivize passengers to use digital channels for ticket purchase, which would streamline operations.

The region highlighted that the costs of providing public transport services are growing rapidly. Expenses for transport coverage are projected to reach CZK 5.2 billion in 2026, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. At the same time, fare revenue covers a shrinking share of costs—29.1 percent in 2025, down from 31.8 percent in 2024.

Petr Borecký, the regional councillor responsible for public transport and mobility, stated that the current tariff no longer reflects this reality. Over the past four years, the cost of ensuring transport services has risen nearly 30 percent.

"Public transport should remain high-quality, accessible and reliable. But it cannot function without adequate funding," Borecký said. "If we want to continue renewing vehicles, introducing zero-emission technologies and developing infrastructure, we must proceed with adjusting fares." 

Under the Central Bohemian Region's proposal, a commonly used 30-minute paper ticket for three tariff zones—typical for trips between Prague and surrounding areas—would increase from 30 CZK to 39 CZK, while the electronic version would rise to 36 CZK. Longer journeys, covering more tariff zones, would see corresponding hikes.

Monthly and annual season tickets will also become more expensive, with paper versions rising by 25 percent and electronic ones by 20 percent.

According to Novinky.cz, the proposed fare increases in the Central Bohemian Region would also impact travel within Prague in PID zones 0 and B that include buses and trains that service suburban areas.

For these zones, the price of a 30-minute journey in Prague would increase from CZK 30 to CZK 39 for a paper ticket and CZK 36 for an electronic ticket, while the cost of a 60-minute ride would increase from CZK 40 to CZK 50 for a paper ticket and CZK 46 for an electronic one.

The proposed changes would generate around CZK 375 million annually, aiming to keep fare revenues covering roughly 35 percent of operating costs. The plan also includes new ticket products, such as group fares and first-class supplements on certain train lines, as well as a future mechanism to automatically adjust fares in line with inflation.

While Prague and Central Bohemian Region authorities have yet to finalize approval, the proposal is scheduled for discussion by regional assemblies in early June. If approved, the new fares could take effect from Jan. 1, 2026.