Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is divided by the Vltava River. Many bridges connect both sides of the river in Prague and the best known of them is the Charles Bridge. To fully admire the views of the city, don’t miss a chance to go on boat trips in Prague along the Vltava River as here you can choose from Prague boat tours or use public ferry.
With 430 km of length, Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic. The river originates in the Bohemian Forest, the mountain range that is located on the borders with Germany and Austria. Vltava runs through the city of Prague for 31 kilometers and flows into the Elbe River near Mělník.
Best Boat Trips in Prague
When looking for the best boat trips in Prague, there are plenty of boat tours and you can choose one depending on your preferences such as the route and other inclusions.
Prague Boat Tours - River Cruises on Vltava River
Most of Prague boat tours are Vltava River cruises that are one of the activities favored by tourists visiting the Czech capital every day. Within the city, the boats are used not just like the mean of transport to travel between places but also to provide the unique experience of admiring Prague from the river.
You will find a good number of companies that offer Vltava River boat trips in Prague. Touring Prague on the boat is a nice way to see the city and you can easily book a boat tour on the river for the fantastic experience during your visit to the Bohemian capital.
There are many types of Prague boat tours available, from short rides just to see the city from the river, to day and night cruises with lunch or dinner that allow you to admire the city of Prague and its monuments while enjoying local delicacies.
We would recommend comparing different types of river cruises that could be taken during your stay in Prague.
1. Panoramic Vltava River Cruise
Panoramic Vltava River Cruise is the classic boat tour and you must do it at least once to get the beautiful views of Prague and its main attractions from the waters of the Vltava. The cruise lasts 1 hour and costs just from 16 Euro. The cruise begins and ends at the Pier 17 on the bank of the Vltava River. You will have a chance to admire Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Kampa Island and other highlights of Prague from the water on a popular boat trip. This river cruise is perfect for families with small children or anyone who wants to enjoy an unforgettable experience in just a short time.
2. Prague Historical River Cruise
Prague Historical River Cruise is another cruise that brings you to see Prague from a different perspective along the Vltava River. This tour departs from the Charles Bridge. You will embark a traditional canal boat and explore the waterways of old Prague while admiring the charming views and listen to the history of Prague. On this cruise you also get one drink that can be chosen from beer, soda, water, tea, coffee, or mulled wine during winter, and traditional gingerbread in winter or ice-cream in summer, as well as an entry ticket to Charles Bridge Museum.
3. Lunch Cruise on the Vltava River
Lunch Cruise on the Vltava River is a 2-hour cruise through the heart of Prague that combines a sightseeing tour with a buffet lunch. You’ll be welcomed on board with a traditional Czech aperitif to help you relax for the journey ahead. The boat sails along the Vltava River through the city’s historic center, passing landmarks such as the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Rudolfinum, the National Theater, the Dancing House, the Emmaus Monastery, Vyšehrad, the Podolí Waterworks and the historic Štvanice Power Station. There is also a live band on the boat playing music for the duration of the cruise as well. This boat tour is one of the most popular boat trips in Prague.
From boat rides on the river and traditional taverns in the heart of the historic center to the chic restaurants of Vinohrady, Prague offers a wide variety of great places to eat that are listed here: Best Restaurants to enjoy Czech Cuisine.
4. Prague Night Cruise
When choosing Prague Night Cruise, you will discover Prague by night on the luxurious Bohemian Rhapsody, the most modern boat in Prague. The cruise starts from the Čechův Bridge in Prague’s Old Town. You will enjoy a deluxe delicious buffet-style dinner during the cruise and admire the panoramic views of Prague Castle and other monuments illuminated at night.
Here is an overview of local dishes to try in Prague, as you can find the place for eating traditional Czech cuisine in Prague on practically every corner of the city.
5. Sightseeing Cruise to Devil's Channel
Sightseeing Cruise to Devil's Channel brings you on a fairytale journey to the Devil's Channel on a 45-minute cruise. The Devil's Channel is said to have been named in the 19th century after a woman of devilish character. Originally built as a millrace, today it divides Malá Strana from Kampa Island. You will cruise along the Vltava River to the Devil's Channel, enjoying views of Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge along the way and see medieval houses that seem to grow out of the water and listen to the clatter of the mill wheel as in days gone by. This cruise is one of the most unusual boat trips in Prague.
Prague is dynamic and vibrant, so discover the top things to do in Prague at night for an epic night out during your stay!
Prague Boat Ride to the Zoo
Boat Ride to the Zoo is a 7-hour tour that is especially recommended if you are travelling with kids. You will begin the tour with a cruise on the Vltava River and panoramic views of the entire city, passing by famous sights such as Dancing House, Žofín, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, and Charles Bridge. At the entrance to the zoo your guide will provide your admission ticket and the map that will help you plan your visit. Then you will have time to explore Prague Zoo and admire the variety of wild animals.
Boat Trips in Prague by Public Ferries
Apart from buses, trams and metro, Prague Public Transport system also includes ferries providing transportation across the Vltava River. This is an inexpensive way to navigate the Vltava. Although it is not the most popular form of transportation in the city, the ferry can help you shorten distances through the Vltava.
Prague Ferry Lines
There are 8 ferry lines in operation as follows:
- Ferry P1: Sedlec - Zámky
- Ferry P2: V Podbabě - Podhoří
- Ferry P3: Lihovar - Dvorce-Žluté lázně
- Ferry P4: Císařská louka - Kotevní
- Ferry P5: Císařská louka – Jiráskovo náměstí
- Ferry P6: Lahovičky - Nádraží Modřany
- Ferry P7: Pražská tržnice - Ostrov Štvanice - Rohanský ostrov
- Ferry P8: Císařský ostrov - Troja
Prague Ferry Ticket Price
All ferries are included in the city's transportation system and use the same tickets and passes. Prague public transport tickets are sold through yellow ticket vending machines (managed also in English), at ticket offices, Tabák/Trafika shops, some news-stands, and tourist information centers. You can also buy a ticket directly from the ferryman for 40 CZK.
By using public ferry, boat trips in Prague can be really affordable.
Prague public transport ticket prices:
- 30-minutes ticket: 24 CZK (Adults: 24 CZK, Children 6-15 years old: 12 CZK, Children under 6: free)
- 90-minutes ticket: 32 CZK (Adults: 32 CZK, Children 6-15 years: 16 CZK, Children under 6: free)
- 24-hour pass: 110 CZK (children 6-15 years: 55 CZK)
- 72-hour pass (72 hours): 310 CZK
Tips
Prague is one of the richest cities in Central Europe in terms of places to visit and the most important of them are found in our list of Prague Top Attractions.
If you have more time in Prague, it is worth spending a day(s) on one of the excursions from Prague.
Those who prefer to use public transportation in the city can check our guide to Prague Public Transportation.