Stuck on a layover at Prague Airport? While it’s not a destination airport, there are enough places to eat, rest, freshen up, and pass the time — and if your connection is long enough, even step out into the city. Whether you’re killing a few hours or settling in for a longer wait, here are several practical things to do at Prague Airport to make the time go by a little easier.
1. Enjoy a meal
Prague Airport offers a decent mix of sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go options, with a noticeable focus on Czech and Central European flavours. Traditional dishes such as goulash, schnitzel, and roast meats with dumplings appear on some menus, often paired with Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell or Budvar.
Restaurace Praha is a cafeteria-style option known for hearty local meals at relatively reasonable prices, while lighter or takeaway choices include Paul (French bakery items), Bread & Co, Fresherie, and UGO Fresh Bar for salads, juices, and wraps.
If you’re craving something familiar, international chains such as Burger King and Costa Coffee are available. A small number of food outlets operate overnight, though late-night availability can be limited and subject to change, so it’s best not to rely on full choice during overnight hours.
2. Lounge
Sometimes, an airport lounge is just what you need during a long layover: a one-stop-shop offering food and drinks, solid WiFi, news and TVs, and comfortable seating for working or relaxing, all for a single entry price. Shower facilities are available in most lounges as well! You don’t even have to be a Business or First Class flyer to get in most airport lounges here – simply pre-book a visit or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Pass some time browsing the airport’s mix of souvenir and practical shops. Several stores highlight Czech traditions, including Bohemian crystal, Prague Old Timer watches and clocks, and locally made skincare and cosmetics from Manufaktura. Blue Praha focuses on classic souvenirs, while a few international fashion boutiques offer window-shopping distractions.
A small Billa grocery store is handy for affordable snacks and edible souvenirs. You’ll also find duty-free shops, bookstores, convenience stores, and a few electronics retailers for last-minute needs.
4. Enjoy a Walk
If you’re feeling stiff after a flight, Prague Airport has designated walking routes designed to help passengers stretch their legs without leaving the terminal. These short walking paths are marked with distance indicators and pass through quieter parts of the airport, making them a simple way to move around, stay alert, or break up a long sit during a layover. Routes and availability can vary, so check airport signage or information screens for current details.
5. Take a shower
Feeling the need to freshen up? Pay-to-use shower facilities are available at the Rest & Fun Center in Terminal 1’s non-Schengen area, with towels and basic toiletries provided. In Terminal 2, a shower is available in Pier D and is generally free to use, though a refundable deposit may be required for access items.
Several airport lounges also include shower access with entry.
6. Tour the airport
If you book in advance, you can join a behind-the-scenes airport tour that typically includes areas such as the cargo zone and fire and rescue facilities. Tours last around two hours.
7. Visit the observation decks & aviation museum
For a low-key activity that doesn’t require advance planning, head to one of the airport’s observation decks to watch the action on the runway. The observation deck in Terminal 2 is paired with a small aviation museum featuring photographs, maps, documentaries, and historical exhibits focused on Czech aviation. It’s an easy way to pass time, especially if you enjoy planes or want a quieter break from shops and restaurants.
8. Go sightseeing
With a longer layover, you can head into Prague, one of Europe’s most compact and walkable capital cities. Plan on at least 7-8+ hours between flights to allow time for transit, sightseeing, and returning through security.
The Airport Express bus offers a direct connection to Prague’s main train station in about 35 minutes, while taxis are available outside the terminals and are usually faster, traffic permitting. Public buses also connect the airport with the city’s Metro system.
Once in the city center, head into Old Town on foot. Wander the twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. Watch the ornate Astronomical Clock strike, then pop into Tyn Church across Old Town Square. Walk across the Charles Bridge, spanning the Vltava River, and explore the cafes, bars, and shops of Mala Strana. Up the hill, visit Prague Castle, a sprawling complex that dates back centuries and today serves as the seat of the Czech government. St. Vitus Cathedral is the crown jewel. Sample a traditional Czech goulash with a locally-made pilsner beer for a meal.
Leave plenty of time to travel back to the airport, clear Security, and make that next flight! If you have extra time, TripAdvisor lists additional attractions and activities around Prague.
9. Public Art & Exhibitions
Throughout the terminals, you’ll come across rotating art displays, photography exhibitions, and small cultural installations highlighting Czech artists and themes. These exhibits are scattered rather than centralized, but they offer low-effort visual interest if you’re wandering the airport or looking for a quiet distraction between flights.
10. WiFi
Spend your layover attached to your device thanks to free, unlimited WiFi.
11. Sleep
Just want to sleep? Seating is plentiful, though most chairs have armrests. Terminal 2’s Rest Area has a few seats with footrests and is generally quieter than other parts of the airport. Some travellers also sleep on the floor, but cold temperatures and bright lighting make extra layers, a blanket, and an eye mask useful.
Prefer a proper bed? A small transit hotel in Terminal 1, Hotel Aero Rooms (formerly part of the Rest & Fun Center), offers a limited number of rooms. Day rooms are sometimes available without advance booking, while overnight stays typically require reservations. Additional hotels are located just across from the terminals. Full details are listed in our Prague Airport Guide. [ read more ]
Updated 15 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Prague Airport. Visit our Prague Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.