Travelling brings many different challenges. And if you use a wheelchair, or travel with a child in a stroller, the challenges are much bigger. Read about what to expect in the Czech Republic and how to enjoy your trip.
Arriving in the Czech Republic
By plane
Almost all international airlines land at the Václav Havel Airport in Prague. The airport is completely wheelchair accessible, including bathrooms. If you need to get up a staircase or over another barrier, you can use a lift or a platform. Get a taxi or use the city public transport to get to Prague, or to the train or bus station to travel further in the Czech Republic. The city public transport platforms are also prepared for travellers who need as few barriers as possible. The 100 and 119 low-deck buses are a cheap and trouble-free alternative to get to the metro stations in Zličín and Nádraží Veleslavín, which are also wheelchair accessible and equipped with lifts. Learn more about barrier-free travelling around Prague below.
By train, bus or car
Arriving by train or bus will be a bit more difficult than flying into Prague airport. Platforms are provided at trains on request to facilitate getting off when using a wheelchair. However, you need to first check in with the service provider and notify them of the train you will be on and where you will get off. Most train stations have been reconstructed and are now wheelchair accessible, including the main train stations in Prague, Brno, Olomouc and Ostrava.
Unfortunately, bus stations are a bit worse, and you need to find out all the important information with the operator before your trip. Major hubs are usually equipped with wheelchair accessible technology, but it is not the rule.
And what about travelling by car? Major roads have a dense network of petrol stations and rest areas, and most of those are also wheelchair accessible.
Travelling by public transport
Much has changed for the better in the past few years. City public transport is largely wheelchair accessible, and when not, there is almost always an option to manage your trip, for example, with the help of the driver.
Prague
Most tram and bus services have the low-deck option. All you need to do is to stand at the stop and wave at the driver. It is a sign that you want to get on. The driver can help you up and down with the platform. Before you get off, you need to press the blue button to notify the driver. However, not all the platforms are wheelchair accessible.
The construction of the Prague metro system started in the 1960s. Naturally, new stations are fully wheelchair accessible, but not all the older stations consider the needs of people travelling in wheelchairs or with strollers. Today, the older stations are also being remodelled and lifts and platforms are being installed, however, not all the stations have as yet been reconstructed. Within the broader centre of Prague, the stations at Hradčanská, Malostranská, Staroměstská, Náměstí Republiky, Křižíkova, Invalidovna, Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, and Karlovo náměstí ARE NOT equipped with lifts. You can get out of there with a stroller, using the escalators, however, if you are in a wheelchair, please, avoid those stations.
Brno, Olomouc and Ostrava
They are large cities with a dense network of public transport that ensures fast and comfortable travelling. Just like in Prague, most trams and buses have a low deck. Although not all the platforms are wheelchair accessible. When the road network is being fixed or reconstructed, it is always ensured that they are made accessible to both people in wheelchairs and parents with strollers. The general rule is, once again, to wave at the driver, who will be happy to assist you with getting on and off.
Trips without barriers
Historical landmarks are the greatest treasure of the Czech Republic. Medieval centres of towns, castles, and châteaux. In the past, accessibility was not considered and reckoned with. Therefore, many sites are difficult to access if you are in a wheelchair. However, when such sites are repaired and reconstructed, people in wheelchair and parents with strollers are considered, and the reconstruction is modified to meet everyone’s needs. Some of the wheelchair accessible landmarks are: the châteaux in Březnice, Častolovice, Děčín, Český Krumlov, the Kačina Château, the Kost or Český Šternberk castles, the château in Litomyšl, or the one in Třeboń. One gets quiet hungry when travelling, and accommodation is also required. Please make sure you check that the facility you have chosen is wheelchair accessible before you set off on your journey. Recently built hotels and restaurants are required to do so, so there should not be a problem, however, it is not a rule for older and historical facilities.
Contacts
Václav Havel Airport
Prague Integrated Transportation
+420 296 191 817
Brno City Transport Company
+420 543 174 317
Ostrava Transport Company
www.dpo.cz/travel/index-en.html
Olomouc City Transport Company
+420 585 533 111
Czech Railways
RegioJet (bus and train operator)
FlixBus (bus operator)