Everything You Should Know About Funicular to Petřín

Petřín Funicular (Lanová dráha) is one of the favorite attractions in the Czech Republic and also one of the most visited. In one direction, it transports approximately 1,400 people per hour; annually, it is up to 2 million people. It provides transport to the top of Petřín Hill, from where there are beautiful views of the historical centre of Prague, the Prague Castle complex, the Strahov Monastery, and the Vltava River with the Charles Bridge. In addition, Petřín is a green oasis in the heart of the city, inviting visitors for walks, picnics, as well as history and entertainment. In 2024, the funicular was closed and is currently undergoing a complete upgrade. It will be reopened in summer 2026. Beautiful new fully glazed cabins will be available so that visitors can enjoy the surrounding views to the maximum.

The funicular is essentially a compromise between an elevator and a train. It hangs on a cable and at the same time runs on rails. It has two cars and moves at a speed of 4 metres per second. The total track length is 510 metres and it overcomes a height difference of 130 metres. That is as if you were climbing to the top of a 43-storey skyscraper! The journey uphill is just a short trip – it takes approximately 3 minutes. The funicular has no driver; the entire operation is controlled automatically from the engine room at the top station. There sits an operator who supervises the safe operation of the funicular. There are, of course, cameras in the cars, so the operator has an overview of everything that is happening.

The single ticket price is 60 CZK; tickets can be purchased from a ticket machine at the funicular station. If you wish to travel back, it is necessary to buy a new ticket. The funicular is part of the Prague Integrated Transport, so if you purchase a 24-hour or 72-hour public transport ticket, the funicular is included in the price and you do not need to buy an additional ticket. As in public transport, children under 15 years of age and seniors over 65 travel free of charge if they prove their age with an identity document (ID for EU citizens or a passport for other visitors). More information about Prague public transport tickets https://praguebnb.com/prague-public-transport/

The funicular operates all year round. It runs daily from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (in winter – November to March only until 11:00 PM).

Intervals are 10 minutes in the high season and 15 minutes in the low season, so you do not have to worry about a long wait.

The funicular has 3 stops – the lower station Újezd, the intermediate station Nebozízek, and the top station Petřín.

It is important to know that the funicular may have temporary closures due to weather conditions or maintenance (which usually takes place in spring and autumn). Therefore, it is advisable to check the current status on the official website of the Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy ( Prague Public Transit Company) before your visit. https://www.dpp.cz/en/entertainment-and-experience/funicular-to-petrin

The lower station of the funicular is called Újezd, and the best way to get there is by tram numbers 9, 12, 15, 20, and 22. Get off at the Újezd stop and transfer to the funicular. You can also reach the funicular on foot from Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square); the walk takes approximately 11 minutes.

Petřín Hill is one of the most beautiful and popular places in Prague. It is a large green hill located close to the historic city centre, offering a peaceful escape from the busy streets below.

Petřín is famous for its parks, gardens, and orchards, making it an ideal place for walks, picnics, and relaxation. In spring, nearly 800 fruit trees bloom, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.

One of the main attractions on Petřín is the Petřín Lookout Tower, often compared to a small Eiffel Tower, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Prague. Another popular site is the Petřín Mirror Maze, which is especially popular with families and children. Visitors interested in astronomy can explore the Štefánik Observatory.

Petřín is also a romantic place traditionally associated with lovers, particularly on May 1st, when couples come here as part of a long-standing Czech tradition.

Thanks to its beautiful views, historical landmarks, peaceful atmosphere, and variety of attractions, Petřín is definitely worth visiting for anyone coming to Prague.

Petřín is most beautiful when the fruit trees are in bloom (there are almost 800 of them) – this is usually at the turn of March and April.

Romantic Petřín is traditionally also a place for lovers – according to tradition, couples in love go there on May 1st. In the past, they kissed under a blooming cherry tree to confirm their love. Today, cherry trees bloom much earlier, but you will see many couples in love on Petřín in every season. If you are planning to propose to your partner, Petřín is certainly one of the best places in Prague for this purpose.

If you are interested in space, do not miss the Štefánik Observatory. You can combine a visit to the observatory with views of the sunset or night-time Prague. The Petřín Funicular runs until late in the evening.

Have a picnic on Petřín with a beautiful view of Prague, or visit one of the Petřín restaurants – for example Nebozízek Restaurant or Petřínské terasy.

If you have travelled to Prague with children, they will be delighted by Petřín. A ride on the Petřín Funicular is an experience in itself. Small children will appreciate the beautiful children’s playground at the foot of the funicular. Older children will love the Petřín Mirror Maze, the Štefánik Observatory, and the Petřín Lookout.

There are several alternative ways. You can, of course, walk directly from Újezd; this route is steep and physically demanding, but it offers beautiful views of Prague.

A longer but gentler route starts from the Pohořelec tram stop (tram no. 22). Get off there and walk through the Strahov Monastery and Petřín Park.

Another and the least demanding option (a flat route) is to take a bus to the Koleje Strahov or Stadion Strahov stops. Both stops are in close proximity to the Great Strahov Stadium. From the stadium, you can then easily reach the Petřín Lookout Tower.

The funicular passes through the Hunger Wall, which was commissioned by the Czech king and emperor Charles IV between 1360 and 1362. It got its name from a legend according to which the ruler employed the poor during its construction to protect them from famine. The wall formed part of the medieval fortifications of the city.

In 1890, the idea of building a funicular to Petřín was conceived, together with the project to build the Petřín Lookout Tower. This intention, which was meant to make access to the lookout tower easier for the people of Prague, was realized. Finally, on July 25, 1891, the funicular started operating.

The very first funicular was water-powered – this idea was proposed in 1890 by two engineers. Approximately 3,600 litres of water were filled into the car at the upper station so that it would outweigh the car below. The funicular driver then only applied the brakes. The water sometimes dried up in summer, and then people had to walk up the hill.

The operation was interrupted for a longer period by the First World War. In 1931, a major reconstruction took place. Above all, the funicular was converted to electric power. The track was extended to the current 510 metres. The funicular received new cars resembling the trams of that time. It reopened in 1932 and was already capable of transporting up to 2,600 people per hour.

In this form, it operated until 1965 with only a decline during the Second World War and shortly after it. In that time the chief operator reported that the tracks were separating. At that time, two-thirds of the track were destroyed due to a landslide caused by prolonged rain and underground springs. The funicular was closed for a long time.

The funicular started operating again only after a twenty-year break in 1985, already as part of the city’s public transport system. Apart from occasional closures due to maintenance or reconstruction, it has been transporting visitors to the top of Petřín to this day.