New carriages for Prague's Petřín funicular to be delivered this spring

Prague visitors and locals eager to ride the long-closed Petřín funicular will get their chance this spring. The city’s historic cable car has been out of service since September 2024 for a major reconstruction, and new carriages are now nearing completion in Switzerland.

The funicular’s operator, Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), expects the modernized line to welcome passengers during a trial run in the summer, following delivery of the new cars in April.

The Petřín funicular, which has carried riders since 1985, has been closed due to track deterioration worsened by heavy rains. Work on the half-kilometer line is now in its final stages. Concrete foundations and the track’s switch system are fully installed, and components of the new drive and control systems have already arrived in Prague.

Meanwhile, the new carriages, designed by Czech designer Anna Marešová, are being finalized in Olten, Switzerland. The exterior shells are painted and assembled, while technicians complete the interior, including wiring and control installations.

Once the cars arrive in Prague in April, DPP will conduct test runs without passengers to certify the system. Trial rides with visitors are expected to follow shortly afterward, giving locals and tourists a first look at the modernized vehicles.

DPP has also confirmed that all stations on the route will be fully accessible. The older carriages will be retired and moved to museums for restoration and display, preserving a piece of Prague’s transport history.

The Petřín funicular has long been a favorite for both tourists and residents, running between Újezd at the bottom, Nebozízek in the middle, and Petřín at the top. In 2023, it was Prague’s second-most-visited tourist attraction, drawing nearly 1.9 million riders.

During the closure, visitors have accessed the hill via buses, trams, or the 194 minibus, which connects both sides of the river. With the funicular’s return, Prague hopes to restore easier access to the popular park and observation points overlooking the city.

The reconstruction not only addresses the line’s long-term technical issues but also modernizes the ride experience. The upgraded vehicles feature larger interiors and glass ceilings, promising scenic views along the steep route. DPP officials are optimistic the line will operate smoothly and safely once service resumes.