Running up that hill: Prague halts funicular operation until mid-2026

Those who want to explore the top of Prague’s scenic Petřín Park will soon have to access this beloved spot by alternate means: funicular service is being canceled earlier than expected due to recent heavy rain and damage to the rail track. It is anticipated to open in the second quarter of 2026.

According to Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) technical director Jan Šurovský, the constantly shifting Petřín slope, and a faulty drainage system were the main factors in the track's deterioration. 

The recent heavy rainfall was the final blow, causing damage that would cost CZK 12 million to CZK 15 million to repair and would take one to one and a half months to complete. With a complete reconstruction on the horizon anyway, DPP has decided not to operate the cable car until then.

Both cable cars, which have been running since 1985, will be taken out of service in November and December for preparatory work before the reconstruction begins. New, roomier, more modern carriages with glass ceilings will take their place.

"We will do our best to maintain traffic with the existing cars on the existing track until then. The reconstruction of the track will most likely take 12 months, during which the cable car to Petřín will not run. After fitting and testing the new cars on the renovated line, we expect to resume operations during the second quarter of 2026," said Petr Witowski, CEO of DPP.

DPP has also confirmed plans to make all stations on the funicular route barrier-free.

Both current carriages will be moved to museums, where they will be restored and put on display. Meanwhile, DPP will start dismantling components and select a contractor for the reconstruction. 

But before the cable car bids farewell, DPP has organized special events for the public to visit and take a last ride. Guided tours of the upper station, including the engine room and driver's cabin, will be available on Saturdays in October for CZK 60. Visitors will also receive a special farewell ticket to mark the occasion. The tours will begin this Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, and can only be purchased online at the DPP Fanshop.

In 2023, the funicular was Prague’s second-most-visited tourist destination (trailing Prague Castle), with 1.9 million travelers. In 2021, the cable car won the accolade of being the most popular Czech attraction overall. The cable car runs through three stations: Újezd (at the bottom of the park), Nebozízek (in the middle), and Petřín (at the top). 

Following the shutdown you can access the park via bus or tram. Take buses 149, 143, 176, or 191 to Stadion Strahov or visit Petřín via tram 22, 23, 25 to Pohořelec or Malovanka. The 194 minibus runs to Petřín (Nemocnice pod Petřínem) on both sides of the river (Malostranská or Staroměstská).