What types of discounts can you come across

All you need is an ISIC and you travel with a discount. This article shows how student fares work in Prague, how to navigate the fare system, and how to use your ISIC correctly.

First, it’s important to understand the types of student discounts available in Prague and the surrounding area, and what the differences are. The type you use determines the discount level your ISIC entitles you to.

Prague integrated transport (PID) includes urban public transport (operating within the city of Prague) and regional transport (covering the districts around Prague).

• For regional transport (trains and buses – PID zones 1–9), students under 26 are entitled to a 50% state discount. The ISIC card is fully accepted as proof of eligibility for this discount. You can find all the details about the 50% discount in this article.
• For transport within Prague (metro, trams, city buses – zones P+0+B), the 50% discount does not apply. Instead, students use the Junior a Student tariffs. Children under 15 are entitled to free travel in Prague. Student discounts apply only to long-term passes (one month or more). These discounts do not apply to short-term tickets. Detailed information about PID tariffs can be found on the PID website.

How to purchase a long-term public transport pass in Prague using an ISIC card

You can get a long-term public transport pass in Prague in several ways. It depends on whether you have a Lítačka chip card or use paper coupons.

Note – when purchasing a pass at PID sales points, ISIC cards issued by some non-Prague universities may not be accepted due to an incompatible chip with PID technology. ISIC cards issued by Prague universities are accepted.

When purchasing online via the e-shop or the PID Lítačka app, all ISIC cards issued in the Czech Republic are accepted — including those from universities, secondary schools, primary schools, and those purchased directly.

All the ways to get long-term PID transport passes:

With a Lítačka chip card:

1) Online via the PID Lítačka e-shop and mobile app 
Advantages:

• Any ISIC card can be used (all schools in the Czech Republic)
• Quick purchase via e-shop or mobile app
• Option to transfer the electronic pass to a bank card or ČD In Karta

Disadvantages:

• Online payment required

2) In person at PID sales points
Advantages:

• Option to pay in cash
• Option to transfer the electronic pass to a bank card or ČD In Karta

Disadvantages:

• ISIC cards from some non-Prague universities (MUNI, UTB, MENDELU, UPCE, VŠO, VŠPJ, OSU) cannot be used

With a paper PID pass:

1) Only in person at selected PID sales points
Advantages:

• Option to pay in cash
• No need to apply for a Lítačka card
• Issued on the spot with a PID pass form

Disadvantages::

• Cannot be uploaded to a Lítačka chip card
• Cannot be transferred to other identifiers (bank cards, In Karta)
• ISIC cards from some non-Prague universities (MUNI, UTB, MENDELU, UPCE, VŠO, VŠPJ, OSU) cannot be used

Detailed information about purchasing long-term passes can be found on the PID website.

Our recommendation

For a hassle-free and fast purchase of a discounted pass in Prague, we always recommend using the PID Lítačka e-shop or mobile app.

This way, you can be sure that no matter which school issued your ISIC, your student discount will always be accepted. Buying online also saves you time waiting in lines, and you’ll be able to easily renew your time-based tickets anytime.

You can also upload the purchased pass not only to your Lítačka card but also to your payment card or the Czech Railways In Karta. You only need to enter your ISIC once during registration, and then you don’t have to worry about anything else.

The ISIC card is accepted on Prague public transport for the duration of the school/academic year, but only during the period from 09/20xx to 10/20xx+1.

If you still have any questions about student fares, feel free to write to us at info@isic.cz, on Facebook at ISIC POINT, or on Instagram at ISIC_cze.

We wish you a safe journey with ISIC!