🏰 Prague Castle Tickets on the Day – Complete Guide for Last-Minute Visitors (2025)
🎟️ Can You Buy Tickets to Prague Castle on the Day of Your Visit?
Yes, you absolutely can. Prague Castle tickets are available for purchase on the day of your visit at several ticket counters located within the castle complex. There is no requirement to pre-book, and many visitors—especially those on spontaneous city breaks or arriving via cruise or bus tour—purchase tickets on-site without any issue.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind about availability, waiting times, peak season crowds, and what ticket options are best if you’re buying on the day.
📍 Where to Buy Tickets on the Day
There are several official ticket offices within the Prague Castle complex. These are clearly marked and typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to October) and until 4:00 PM in the off-season (November to March).
Main On-site Ticket Locations:
- Second Courtyard – Main Ticket Office
- Located near the main entrance via the Castle Steps or tram stop (Pražský hrad).
- This is the busiest office but has multiple windows open.
- Old Royal Palace Lobby Ticket Counter
- Quieter than the main office and very central if you’re already inside the complex.
- Golden Lane Ticket Booth
- Ideal for those entering through the east or arriving later in the day.
All counters accept Czech koruna (CZK), major credit cards, and some mobile payments.
🕒 Best Times to Buy Tickets on the Day
To avoid long queues at the ticket offices, it’s best to arrive at:
- Before 10:00 AM – Ideal for beating the tour groups and school excursions.
- After 3:00 PM – Crowds begin to thin, though some exhibits may start closing by 4:30 PM.
Note: While the Castle grounds are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, ticketed areas open around 9:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM in high season.
🎫 Ticket Options Available On-Site
When you purchase tickets on the day, you’ll choose from these primary options:
🅰️ Circuit A – Grand Tour
Includes:
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Old Royal Palace
- St. George’s Basilica
- Golden Lane
- Rosenberg Palace
- “Story of Prague Castle” Exhibition
Price:
- Adults: 450 CZK
- Students/Seniors: 300 CZK
- Children under 6: Free
🅱️ Circuit B – Popular & Shorter Tour
Includes:
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Old Royal Palace
- St. George’s Basilica
- Golden Lane
Price:
- Adults: 350 CZK
- Students/Seniors: 250–300 CZK
🅲 Circuit C / Short Visit Tickets
These may include individual access to:
- St. Vitus Cathedral (nave only)
- Story of Prague Castle exhibition
- South Tower (with panoramic city views)
Price: 100–250 CZK depending on the location
All tickets are valid for 2 calendar days, so you can return the next day to continue exploring.
🆚 Buying On the Day vs. Buying in Advance
| Feature | On the Day | In Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | ✅ Decide based on weather/time | ❌ Must pick a date/time |
| Lines | ❌ May be long in peak season | ✅ Skip ticket line |
| Best time slots | ❌ May miss guided slots | ✅ Guaranteed spot |
| App/QR ticket | ❌ Paper ticket from booth | ✅ Mobile ticket |
| Promo codes available | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Often on 3rd-party platforms |