Prague inaugurates new tram line near airport with ceremonial rides

From Monday, October 23, Divoká Šárka will no longer be the closest tram stop to Prague Airport. After more than a year of construction, four new stops will be opened to the public, culminating at Dědina.

As the new line between Divoká Šárka and Dědina is launched, Prague public transport company DPP is set to celebrate with festive tram rides. On Sunday, October 22, from 2 p.m., historic vehicles and modern trams will commence service. During this event, rides on these trams will be free of charge.

Vehicles available to ride for free during the event include Škoda 15T, T2, K2, T3, and T6 models. DPP also sold tickets to board the T3 Coupé sightseeing car, but quickly announced that all available seats for this coveted tram had sold out.

A full schedule of the free ceremonial rides, which run through about 6 p.m., can be found at the DPP website.

Regular operation of the new line will commence for general passengers as of Monday, October 23, 2023, with tram lines 20 and 26 being extended to Dědina. This 2.3-kilometer route includes five pairs of stops, turning off Divoká Šárka at Evropská Street, and following Vlastina Street towards the Dědina residential development, which is still under construction.

The addition of this tram line provides new transportation options for residents of Prague, significantly improving connectivity. The tram service includes three new stations between Divoká Šárka and Dědina: Vlastina, Sídliště Na Dědině, and Ciolkovského. For now, only tram lines 20 and 26 will run along this route.

The tram service's schedule will vary, with intervals ranging from four minutes during peak hours to ten minutes in the afternoon. On weekends, the tram schedule is set to maintain a 7.5-minute interval during the day.

The new line will have a significant impact on other existing bus lines, with adjustments to some routes and schedules for easier transfers and enhanced transportation options for passengers.

Although this extension will be a great improvement, plans are already in place to extend the tram line further from Dědina to OC Šestka, with construction expected to begin in 2027 at the earliest.

Ultimately, this line will be extended all the way to Prague Airport, bringing passengers to Terminals 3 and 4. The expansion will bring even more comprehensive tram service to this part of Prague, enhancing public transportation and connectivity in the area.

The tram network extension represents a significant development for Prague's transportation infrastructure and will offer residents and visitors a more convenient and efficient means of getting around the city.