If you’re planning a trip to Prague, you might be wondering whether it’s cheaper to take an Uber or a traditional taxi. Both options have their pros and cons, and the answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel habits.
Uber vs. Taxi in Prague: A Cost Comparison
Uber Pricing in Prague
Uber is available in Prague and has become a popular option for tourists and locals alike. The base fare for an Uber ride in Prague is CZK 40 (approximately $1.80 USD), which includes the first kilometer of the ride. After that, passengers are charged CZK 12 ($0.54 USD) per kilometer.
Additional Fees
In addition to the base fare and distance-based fee, there are a few other fees that may be added to your Uber ride in Prague:
- A wait time fee of CZK 2 ($0.09 USD) per minute if your driver has to wait more than two minutes at your pick-up location
- A cancellation fee of CZK 40 ($1.80 USD) if you cancel your ride after five minutes of requesting it
- An airport surcharge of CZK 50 ($2.25 USD) for rides to or from Václav Havel Airport Prague
Taxi Pricing in Prague
Taxis are also readily available in Prague and can be hailed on the street or requested by phone or through an app. The fares for taxis are regulated by law, with a starting rate of CZK 40 (approximately $1.80 USD) and a distance-based rate of CZK 28 ($1.26 USD) per kilometer.
Like Uber, there are additional fees that may be added to your taxi fare in Prague:
- A waiting fee of CZK 6 ($0.27 USD) per minute if your driver has to wait more than one minute at your pick-up location
- An airport surcharge of CZK 60 ($2.70 USD) for rides to or from Václav Havel Airport Prague
- A night rate surcharge of CZK 28 ($1.26 USD) per kilometer between the hours of 10pm and 6am
So, Which is Cheaper: Uber or Taxi?
Short Distances
For short distances within Prague’s city center, both Uber and taxi fares are relatively cheap and comparable. However, if you’re looking to save a few cents, Uber may be the better option since their base fare is slightly lower than that of taxis.
Long Distances
If you’re planning on taking a longer trip outside of the city center, such as to the airport or to a nearby town, it’s likely that an Uber ride will be cheaper than a taxi ride due to their lower distance-based fee.
Rush Hour and Night Rates
It’s also worth noting that both Uber and taxis have additional fees during rush hour and at night. However, these fees are generally similar for both services.
The Bottom Line:
In general, Uber and taxi prices in Prague are relatively similar. Both services have similar base fares and distance-based fees, as well as additional fees for wait times and airport surcharges. However, for longer trips outside of the city center where the distance-based fee becomes more important, Uber is likely to be cheaper than a traditional taxi.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – if you’re already used to using Uber and prefer the convenience and ease of their app, then stick with that. But if you prefer the reliability and familiarity of traditional taxis, then that’s also a great option.