Czech Railways passenger train at a station

Praha Holešovice Railway Station

Praha-Holešovice Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide — Prague Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Praha-Holešovice Railway Station (Nádraží Praha-Holešovice) is a pivotal transportation hub in Prague, seamlessly connecting international, regional, and local travelers to the city’s northern districts and beyond. Opened in 1985 to ease congestion at the central Praha hlavní nádraží, the station is a testament to late socialist-era architecture and urban planning. Today, it is not only a functional gateway but also a site of ongoing modernization, poised to play a central role in Prague’s sustainable urban future. This guide presents detailed information on the station’s history, practical visitor info (including visiting hours and ticketing), accessibility, nearby attractions, current modernization projects, and travel tips for making the most of your visit.

EC 176 train from Prague to Hamburg at Praha Holešovice station in 2005

EC 176 train from Praha to Hamburg at Praha Holešovice station in 2005/2006 timetable

Information board at Praha Holešovice station showing departure of EC 173 Vindobona train from Hamburg to Wien

Julius Fučík portrait on a commemorative plaque at Holešovice Rail Station in Prague

Snowy day in Prague Holesovice district on January 12, 2023

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice district on a winter day

Snowfall in Prague on an unseasonably snowy day

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice on January 12, 2023

Snowy day in Prague with fresh snow covering a street in holešovice district

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice district with buildings and street covered in snow

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice in winter 2023

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice district with buildings and cars covered in snow

Snowfall in Prague at Holešovice on January 12, 2023

Snowy day in Holešovice, Prague with snow-covered streets and buildings

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice neighborhood on a winter day

Snowfall in Prague on a day with bad weather

Snowfall in Holesovice district of Prague on a snowy day

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice on a winter day

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice neighborhood

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice district on January 12, 2023

Snowy day in Prague Holesovice district with snow-covered trees and buildings

Snowy day in Prague with heavy snowfall covering buildings and streets

Snowfall in Prague Holesovice on a cloudy winter day

Snow-covered streets in Prague Holesovice on a snowy day

Snowy day in Prague with snowfall covering the streets and buildings

Snowy day in Prague with snow covering ground and trees

Construction site in Praha Holešovice with cranes and buildings under development

View of Holešovice district in Prague with modern buildings and river

Nádraží Holešovice and surrounding area in Prague

Prague Holešovice train station with trains and platforms under a clear sky

Prague Holešovice Train Station exterior with trains and platform

Railway station Praha - Holešovice with tracks and platforms

Evening view of Holešovice district in Prague with residential buildings and greenery

History and Significance
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Station Facilities and Services
Transport Connections
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Ongoing Modernisation and Future Development
Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

History and Significance

Praha-Holešovice was inaugurated in 1985, designed to relieve pressure on the central station and to serve as the main terminus for international trains from Eastern Europe during the Cold War. Its utilitarian design reflects the pragmatic, functionalist style of late socialist Czechoslovakia (Wikipedia). Strategically located in Prague 7 on the Vltava’s northern bank, the station contributed significantly to the city’s growth by facilitating cross-border travel and linking new urban districts to the rail network (Wise Visitor).

In the decades following its opening, Praha-Holešovice became the terminus for express trains from Slovakia, Hungary, and other eastern countries, benefiting from its location outside the busy city center (Prague Experience). Integration with Prague’s Metro Line C and tram and bus lines further cemented its role as an accessible entry point for the city (Prague.org).

The 2010 Nové spojení (“new connection”) project allowed most international trains to continue directly to Praha hlavní nádraží, changing Holešovice’s role from terminus to a vital stop for northbound routes and regional services (Wikipedia). Recently, the station has become the focus of major urban regeneration initiatives, promising a modern, sustainable, and interconnected transport hub (Správa železnic; Expats.cz).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Station: Open daily from 4:30 AM to midnight.
Ticket Offices: Typically operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Facilities: Luggage storage and restrooms are accessible 24/7, though some retail and food outlets may have shorter hours.

Ticketing Services

Purchase Options: Buy tickets at staffed counters (domestic, international, and regional), automated machines (supporting multiple languages and payment types), or online via Czech Railways (České dráhy) and private operators such as RegioJet and Leo Express (cd.cz).
Public Transport: Integrated tickets for trams, buses, and metro are available, including PID (Prague Integrated Transport) tickets for local travel.
Tips: Book tickets in advance for international routes or during peak seasons. Combined transport and attraction passes can be purchased onsite.

Accessibility

Praha-Holešovice is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance paths, and accessible restrooms. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is available upon request.

Station Facilities and Services

Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating, digital departure boards, bilingual signage, and a lounge area with free Wi-Fi and charging points.
Restrooms: Modern and accessible; a small fee may apply.
Food & Retail: Cafés, bakeries, fast-food outlets, convenience stores, and newsstands are located on-site.
Luggage Storage: Self-service lockers (available 24/7), and a staffed office for oversized items.
Parking & Drop-Off: Short- and long-term parking, taxi stands, and drop-off zones are adjacent to the main entrance.
Information Desk: Multilingual staff offer travel information, maps, and assistance.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and device charging stations throughout the station.
Lost & Found: Available during business hours.
Security: CCTV, patrols, emergency points, and first aid services ensure a safe environment.

Transport Connections

Rail

International: Direct trains to Berlin, Dresden, Vienna, and Linz.
Regional: Frequent services to northern and western Bohemia.
Operators: Czech Railways (České dráhy), RegioJet, Leo Express (praguego.com).

Metro

Line C (Red): Nádraží Holešovice metro station connects directly to the city center, including Praha hlavní nádraží (three stops away) (prague.org).

Tram & Bus

Trams: Lines 6, 12, 17, and more serve the station.
Buses: Multiple routes connect to major Prague neighborhoods and attractions (PragueGo).

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Praha-Holešovice is a gateway to both modern culture and historic Prague:

DOX Centre for Contemporary Art: Modern exhibitions and installations.
Veletržní Palace (Trade Fair Palace): The National Gallery’s modern art collection.
Stromovka & Letná Parks: Expansive green spaces ideal for walks and panoramic city views.
Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště): Host to fairs and events.
Zoo, Botanical Garden, Troja Chateau: Accessible via direct bus connections.

Ongoing Modernisation and Future Development

Praha-Holešovice is the centerpiece of major redevelopment, designed to transform it into a state-of-the-art transport and community hub:

Bubny–Výstaviště Line: Double-tracking and electrification to improve efficiency and sustainability (Ministry of Transport).
Bubny-Zátory District: 240,000+ sqm mixed-use redevelopment, including public spaces, offices, homes, and retail (Expats.cz).
Integration: Enhanced connections between trains, metro, trams, and buses, including a new stop at Praha-Výstaviště and improved pedestrian access.
Urban Amenities: Addition of green spaces, retail, cultural venues such as the future Vltava Philharmonic Hall (Výstaviště Praha).
Technological Upgrades: Digital information systems, integrated ticketing, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Sustainability: Electrification, energy-efficient buildings, and eco-conscious lighting.

For more details and modernization updates, see Správa železnic and RailTech.

Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Tips

Arrive Early: Allow at least 20–30 minutes for purchasing tickets and navigating the station.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel mid-morning or early afternoon for a quieter experience.
Safety: The station is generally safe, but stay alert to pickpockets in crowded areas.
Currency: Most services accept cards, but carry some Czech koruna for small fees.
Luggage: Use secure lockers or the staffed office.
Families & Pets: Child-friendly facilities are available; pets are permitted if leashed or in carriers (some trains require pet tickets).

FAQ

Q: What are Praha-Holešovice’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 4:30 AM to midnight; ticket offices from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: At station counters, machines, online, or via mobile apps.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile paths, and assistance on request.

Q: Are there direct connections to Prague’s historical sites?
A: Yes, via metro, tram, or bus.

Q: Is free Wi-Fi available?
A: Yes, throughout the station.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Praha-Holešovice Railway Station stands at the intersection of Prague’s history and future—a dynamic hub supporting commuters, tourists, and international travelers. Its integration with the city’s transport network, comprehensive facilities, and ongoing modernization projects ensure comfort and connectivity. Whether you’re embarking on international travel, exploring nearby cultural sites, or navigating the city’s efficient public transport, Praha-Holešovice is an ideal starting point.