Prague Castle tickets
Prague Castle is famous for being the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 sq. meters (750,000 sq. ft).
It is a massive castle complex located in Prague, Czech Republic, and serves as the official residence of the Czech President.
This castle houses the Crown Jewels, relics of Bohemian kings, valuable Christian relics, art masterpieces, and historical records.
Owing to its huge size and structure, Prague Castle attracts 1.4 million people a year from around 192 countries, with up to 3.7 million traveling through its grounds.
Before your visit, here’s all you need to know: how to choose the best Prague Castle tickets, where to go, what to anticipate, and much more.
Quick Overview
Castle Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
Historical Building Timings:
April 1 – October 31: 9 am – 5 pm
November 1 – March 31: 9 am – 4 pm
Last Entry: 30 minutes before
Time Needed: Half a day
Best Time: Early morning/Late afternoon
Must Experience: Churches, Halls, Gardens, and Palaces
Location: Prague Castle is situated on a hill overlooking the charming Vltava River. The castle complex covers a large area, and its distinctive spires and towers make it a visible landmark.
Get Directions
Ticket Cost: €18
Nearest Metro Station: Malostranská
Nearest Tram Station: Pohořelec and Pražský hrad
What to Expect at Prague Castle?
Prague Castle is an ancient symbol of the Czech lands and has been developing uninterruptedly throughout the past eleven centuries.
Visitors here can learn about the castle’s history, which includes Romanesque-style buildings from the 10th century and Gothic modifications in the 14th century.
You can start visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Royal Summer Palace, and the Ballgame Hall.
Don’t miss the permanent exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle,” which provides a comprehensive insight into the history of the castle complex.
It tells the tale of the main castle and the people associated with it, from famous artists, builders, architects, and scientists to craftsmen and servants.
Conclude your visit by exploring the Royal Gardens, including the Ledeburg Garden, Kolovrat Garden, Small Fürstenberg Garden, and Small and Large Palffy Gardens.
The gardens are also home to several architectural marvels, such as the Royal Summer Palace and the Ballgame Hall, adding to their visual splendor.
Read our What Not to Miss Inside Prague Castle article and plan your visit accordingly.
Where to Buy Prague Castle Tickets?
You have two options for purchasing tickets to Prague Castle: buy them on the day of your visit or secure them online in advance.
Prague Castle is a popular attraction, with 5,479 tourists visiting it daily, which means there will be long waiting lines and maybe tickets will sell out.
That’s why we recommend you buy your Prague Castle tickets online to get priority entrance and avoid waiting for 1 to 2 hours in the queue.
Another benefit is that you can plan your trip for the rest of the day, combining it with other sightseeing in Prague.
Info: You cannot book through the official Prague Castle website. But you can purchase standard Prague Castle tickets using this link.
Tickets are the same price as at the castle ticket office, and you can cancel them up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you are not worried about the long lines, you can get the ticket on-site at the Information Center of Prague Castle.
It is located in the 3rd and 2nd courtyards of the Old Royal Palace and the Picture Gallery. There are also two ticket offices in Golden Lane.
Why Purchase Prague Castle Tickets Online?
- Purchasing Prague Castle tickets online boosts your chances of getting a spot, especially in busy peak seasons (July and August).
- Prague Castle is a popular destination, and guided tours sell out rapidly; reserving early helps to avoid last-minute disappointment.
- Online platforms allow you to browse available dates and times and select your preferred option.
- It will help you compare prices and get the best offers on Prague Castle guided tours or combo tickets that are unavailable on-site.
- You can also buy Prague Castle tickets without physically queuing or visiting the ticket office, which saves you time.
- Prague Castle online tickets also offer more flexible ticket options, allowing you to reschedule, cancel or modify your booking.
It should be noted that not all areas of the Prague Castle complex require a ticket. So you can visit some portions for free.
But you need admission tickets to enter St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Golden Lane, and the Lobkowicz Palace.
News: Prague Castle tickets are valid for two days and provide one-time access to each historic building.
How to Buy Tickets for Prague Castle
Visit the Prague Castle booking page, select your travel date and participants, and complete your reservation.
You will receive your e-ticket in your email within 48 hours of confirmation.
On the day of your visit, meet up with your ticket representative on your chosen date and time to collect your Prague Castle skip-the-line tickets.
Once you get them, you’ll simply enter the famous attraction without waiting and enter Prague Castle.
At the entrance, you will receive guidelines and a map of the best way to explore the castle’s grounds at your own pace.
How Much Do Tickets for Prague Castle Cost?
There are a variety of Prague Castle tickets available at reasonable prices, making it easy to choose which one to purchase.
The most popular and basic admission to Prague Castle costs 445 CZK (€18) for adults (16+ years) and 99 CZK (€4) for children aged 6 to 15.
Infants under 5 years old can enter for free.
For a smooth self-guided tour, you can also add the Prague Castle audio guide by paying an extra 99 CZK (€4).
Another option is a Prague Castle guided tour that costs 866 CZK (€35) for adults aged 16 to 65 years.
Children aged 6 to 15 years and seniors over 66 years old are entitled to a discounted price of 643 CZK (€26).
If you want a more private experience, you can book a private tour for up to 4 participants, costing up to 1657 CZK (€67) per person.
Admission to Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace costs 470 CZK (€19) for adult tickets and a reduced price of 272 CZK (€11) for kids, seniors, and students.
Most Popular Prague Castle Ticket Prices
| Types of Tickets | Adult Prices |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Entry Ticket | 445 CZK (€18) |
| 2.5-hour Guided Tour | 866 CZK (€35) |
| Private Tour | 1657 CZK (€67) |
| Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace | 470 CZK (€19) |
| Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock | 396 CZK (€16) |
| The Prague Cool Pass | 1311 CZK (€53) |
Types of Prague Castle Tickets
Whether you are traveling with your family, partner or alone, there are numerous Prague Castle tickets available for you online, which can be a little confusing.
That’s why we’ve gathered the best Prague Castle ticket deals.
Take a look at the Prague Castle ticket options below and decide which one best suits you.
1. Prague Castle Entrance Tickets
A Prague Castle entry ticket is the most affordable option to access Prague Castle and skip the lines at the entrance.
This Prague Castle circuit ticket gives you fast-track access to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, and the Golden Lane.
But remember, you will still need to pass through security checks just like other visitors and have your bags scanned for security reasons.
Do not worry; the lines will be shorter and faster than at the ticket counter.
If you want to learn about the interior in detail, some boards explain the basics, but if you don’t want to do that, you can get an audioguide with your tickets.
It will take you around 3 to 4 hours to explore Prague Castle fully.
Prague Castle Ticket Price
(Without Audio Guide)
| Visitors’ Age | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16+ years) | 445 CZK (€18) |
| Child ticket (6 to 15 years) | 99 CZK (€4) |
| Infant ticket (up to 5 years) | Free |
(With Audio Guide)
| Visitors’ Age | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16+ years) | 546 CZK (€22) |
| Child ticket (6 to 15 years) | 99 CZK (€4) |
2. Prague Castle Guided Tour
The Prague Castle complex is home to various attractions and plenty of history, so it can be difficult to cover all of it alone.
So, having a knowledgeable and local guide with you will obviously make a lot of difference.
Hence, booking a Prague Castle guided tour is a great idea for visitors who want to get the most out of their visit.
A guided tour will provide you with a detailed overview of the history of Prague Castle and take you through the different attractions inside the castle.
It is possible to book a tour guide at the castle, but there are some downsides to it, like organizing the tour, waiting for the availability and more.
We recommend booking a 2.5-hour tour of the castle with an expert guide online in your preferred language.
This will help you skip the long lines outside the castle and get the full return of your money.
Prague Castle Tour Price
| Visitors’ Age | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16+ years) | 869 CZK (€35) |
| Child ticket (6 to 15 years) | 621 CZK (€25) |
| Infant ticket (up to 5 years) | 621 CZK (€25) |
Upgrade your ticket
If you are traveling with your family and want a more personalized experience, you can also book a private tour of Prague Castle.
It is limited to 4 people with an expert guide for just 1657 CZK (€67) per person.
3. Lobkowicz Palace and Prague Castle
How about visiting Prague Castle and its private museum, Lobkowicz, together with an expert guide?
Lobkowicz Palace is a privately owned building home to Europe’s largest and oldest private art collection, including paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.
Visiting both Lobkowicz Palace and Prague Castle together is convenient, as they are located in the same area and can be visited in one day.
You can book guided tours for both Lobkowicz Palace and Prague Castle, which provide a more in-depth and informative experience.
This ticket includes an informative and entertaining tour with an audio guide read by Lobkowicz family members.
This self-guided tour also includes five of Prague’s most important sites, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, the Old Royal Palace, and St. George’s Basilica.
This combo ticket suits various types of travelers, including history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, families with children, and solo travelers.
Combo Price
| Visitors’ Age | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16 to 59 years) | 472 CZK (€19) |
| Youth ticket (7 to 15 years) | 273 CZK (€11) |
| Child ticket (up to 6 years) | 273 CZK (€11) |
| Senior ticket (60+ years) | 273 CZK (€11) |
| Student ticket (with ID) | 273 CZK (€11) |
4. Prague Cool Pass
If you plan to explore every attraction on a long trip to Prague, you might want to consider purchasing a Prague City Pass.
This handy tourist pass provides you with free entry to 70+ attractions and museums around Prague at a much lower price than you’d pay for individual tickets.
In this pass, you will cover attractions like Prague Castle, the National Museum, the Charles Bridge Museum, the Jewish Museum and more.
Not only this, you can also enjoy a Vitava River evening river cruise with an audio guide available in 8 different languages.
The card also includes a free sightseeing tour and will spoil you with various options to fill your time in the city.
Prague Castle Pass Price
| Day Pass | Adult (17+ years) | Child (upto 16 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | 1365 CZK (€55) | 943 CZK (€38) |
| 2-Day | 1986 CZK (€80) | 1217 CZK (€49) |
| 3-Day | 2533 CZK (€102) | 1688 CZK (€68) |
| 4-Day | 2632 CZK (€106) | 1837 CZK (€74) |
| 5-Day | 2731 CZK (€110) | 1986 CZK (€80) |
| 6-Day | 2930 CZK (€118) | 2085 CZK (€84) |
5. Prague Castle Combo Tickets
Visiting the Prague Castle is amazing, but why stop there?
Combo tickets let you experience two cool things in one day, and they’re way cheaper than buying separate tickets.
Think of savings of up to 5 to 10%!
Plus, after spending your time at Prague Castle (which takes about 2 hours or half a day), you’ll have the perfect way to spend the rest of your day.
It’s ideal for families or friends who want to go on a fun adventure together.
Here’s the best part: combo ticket prices start at just 596 CZK (€24). That’s way less than paying for everything separately.
Some of our most popular combo tickets with Prague Castle entry are:
Which Prague Castle Ticket is Best for you?
If you’re short on time, we recommend you buy a basic Prague Castle entry ticket to skip the lines and explore at your own pace.
You can also get an optional audio guide to learn more about the castle and its history.
If you’re on a budget, you can get a mobile guide ticket that won’t break the bank. You can still skip the lines and explore the castle while learning about its history.
If you’re a history enthusiast, you can get a Prague Castle guided tour ticket to dive deep into the castle’s secrets with a knowledgeable guide.
You can choose your language and soak up fascinating stories for two hours while skipping the long lines.
Booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, is recommended to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
Prague Castle for Free
Prague Castle offers a mix of free and paid areas. The public courtyards and gardens are free to visit.
Still, a ticket is required to enter many of the sites within Prague Castle, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
However, Golden Lane is free to access after closing time, but you won’t be able to access the houses.
Also, free tours are available that cover the free areas of the castle, such as the historical courtyards, the Neo-Gothic part of the Cathedral of St. Vitus, and the Golden Lane (after 4 or 5 pm depending on the season).
During the summer, you can also enjoy free access to the royal gardens.
Therefore, while some parts of Prague Castle are free to visit, a ticket is required to enter the exhibitions and certain areas.
Free Entry for ‘Qualified’ Travelers
Tourists who meet certain criteria can enter Prague Castle for free. They are –
1. Children aged six years and below
2. Nursery school students and their teacher
4. Tourists with different abilities and a verified disability card
3. EU-licensed tour guides with clients who have booked tickets
Prague Castle Virtual Tour
What’s the Best Time to Visit Prague Castle?
You’ll find Prague Castle is quietest in the morning, so we recommend getting there before the buildings open so you can explore the grounds before entering.
Prague is extremely busy from June to September, and the castle is also at its busiest.
Instead, consider visiting in the spring or fall, when the city is less crowded and the weather is still pleasant.
Avoiding crowds is not the only factor influencing when to visit, as certain seasons provide a more complete experience at Prague Castle.
The low season for tourism in Prague is during the winter, but it is not the best time to visit because parts of the castle, such as the castle gardens, are closed to the public.
Read our article on when to visit Prague Castle for more detailed information.
How to Reach Prague Castle
Finding your way to Prague Castle when visiting the city shouldn’t be difficult, as the large hilltop complex is hard to miss.
But you still may be wondering what the best way to get there is, so we’ll cover the options for getting there by public transport.
Of course, the best route will always depend on where in the city you’re coming from.
Read our article on how to reach Prague Castle from anywhere in the city.
Restaurants Nearby
Enjoy traditional Czech and international food served in relaxing settings with a spectacular panoramic view of Prague.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prague Castle Tickets
-
Do I need to purchase a Prague Castle ticket in advance?
It is strongly advised that you purchase your Prague Castle ticket in advance.
Purchasing your Prague Castle tickets ahead of time will give you priority access and save you time waiting in line.
One important advantage of purchasing tickets in advance is that you may better organize the remainder of your trip and additional excursions in Prague.
-
How much is a ticket to Prague Castle?
The most popular and basic admission to Prague Castle costs 445 CZK (€18) for adults (16+ years) and 99 CZK (€4) for children aged 6 to 15.
Infants under 5 years old can enter for free.
For a smooth self-guided tour, you can also add the Prague Castle audio guide by paying an extra 99 CZK (€4).
-
How to book tickets to Prague Castle?
Tickets can be purchased at the Information Centers of Prague Castle, located in the second and third courtyards of the castle.
Tickets can also be bought online through various platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tiqets.
-
Why should I book Prague Castle tickets online?
Booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, is recommended to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
Additionally, purchasing tickets online and in advance allows for priority entrance, enabling visitors to plan their visit and avoid crowds and long queues at the castle.
-
What do Prague Castle tickets include?
A basic ticket grants you access to the precincts of Prague Castle. You can explore the courtyards and popular areas, like St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and St. George’s Basilica.
Several bundle options for Prague Castle admission with other attractions like Lobkowicz Palace offer a broader cultural experience.
-
Are discounts available on Prague Castle tickets?
Children aged 6 to 15 years and seniors over 66 years old are entitled to a discounted price.
Consider combining your Prague Castle visit with other attractions like Lobkowicz Palace. Some combo tickets bundle discounted entry fees for multiple sights.
-
Can I get skip-the-line tickets for Prague Castle?
Yes, you can purchase skip-the-line Prague Castle tickets online.
These tickets grant you priority entrance, allowing you to breeze past the general queue and into the castle grounds. -
How do I access the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, and the Golden Lane inside Prague Castle?
An entry ticket to Prague Castle includes access to all these areas. You can even book a guided tour to explore them with an expert guide.
-
Do Prague Castle tickets allow entry into the Lobkowicz Palace?
You can book a combo ticket to Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace.
This combo ticket gives you access to five key sites in Prague Castle and the highlights of Lobkowicz Palace, with an audio guide narrated by the Lobkowicz family. -
Are guided tours available for Prague Castle?
Yes, small group and private group tours are available to explore Prague Castle.
You can also book a 2.5-hour guided tour of Prague Castle and choose the option based on your own requirements. -
What is the cancellation policy for Prague Castle tickets?
You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel your tickets at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit.
You won’t receive a refund if you cancel within 24 hours or after the scheduled visit.
-
What are the Prague Castle opening hours?
Prague Castle Grounds:
– Summer (April 1 – October 31): 6 am – 10 pm
– Winter (November 1 – March 31): 6 am – 6 pmHistorical Buildings (St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane):
– Summer (April 1 – October 31): 9 am – 5 pm
– Winter (November 1 – March 31): 9 am – 4 pmSt. Vitus Cathedral:
– Last entrance: 4.40 pm in summer, 3.40 pm in winter.Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral:
– Summer (April 1 – October 31): 10 am – 6 pm
– Winter (November 1 – March 31): 10 am – 5 pm
– Entrance: 5.30 pm in summer, 4.30 pm in winter. -
How long does it take to complete a Prague Castle tour?
Exploring at your own pace can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on your interest level and how detailed you want to be.
Guided tours typically last 2-3 hours and follow a set itinerary with commentary from a guide.
Some specialized tours like the “Lobkowicz Palace and Prague Castle Combo” might take longer, closer to 4-5 hours.
-
Why is Prague Castle so famous?
Prague Castle is one of the most significant and famous sites in the Czech Republic.
It has a rich history, with a fort being established on the site in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the first Christian prince of Bohemia.
Over the centuries, it has been the seat of the head of state for the Czech Republic and the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire.
The castle complex has witnessed over 1000 years of construction and reconstruction, with almost every major architectural style of the past millennium represented there.
-
Is Prague Castle free to visit?
Prague Castle is not entirely free to visit, but some parts of it are free of charge.
The castle grounds, including the courtyards, gardens, and deer moat, are open for free, and visitors do not need any tickets to enter. -
Is Prague Castle the largest castle in the world?
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
It occupies an area of almost 70,000 square meters (750,000 square feet), at about 570 meters (1,870 feet) in length and an average of about 130 meters (430 feet) wide.
The enormous castle complex has an area of approximately 753,473 square feet.
-
Is it worth visiting Prague Castle?
Visiting Prague Castle is definitely worth it, as it is one of the most significant sites in the Czech Republic and offers a rich historical and cultural experience.
-
Who lives in Prague Castle today?
The castle serves as the official office of the Czech president, with dedicated areas for administrative tasks and hosting dignitaries. It’s not their personal residence, though.
-
What is the dress code for Prague Castle?
Prague Castle has no strict dress code, but it’s always best to dress respectfully when visiting historical and cultural sites. Read More.
-
What’s inside Prague Castle?
St. Vitus Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece with stained glass windows and intricate sculptures, it’s the spiritual heart of the Castle.
Old Royal Palace: It’s the former seat of Bohemian kings, with its grand Vladislav Hall and the fascinating story of Czech monarchs.
Golden Lane: There are tiny, colorful houses where alchemists, goldsmiths, and even Kafka once lived, offering a glimpse into daily life centuries ago.
Daliborka Tower: Climb the tower for stunning city views and learn about the dark history of prisoners held in its depths.
-
Which parts of Prague Castle are free?
Prague Castle’s vast grounds offer a mix of free and ticketed areas, allowing you to explore its history and beauty even without purchasing a tickets
Featured Image: Adisa / Getty Images Pro