Prague's biggest tram disruption in a decade begins this weekend

Starting this weekend, getting around Muzeum, Vinohrady, I.P. Pavlova, and the surrounding areas by tram will likely take longer.

Severe travel disruptions are set to begin in central Prague starting this Saturday, June 14, as construction kicks off on a major tram project connecting Vinohradská Street to the upper part of Wenceslas Square.

The tram line—called “Muzeum”—marks a key milestone in the city’s efforts to restore tram service to Wenceslas Square for the first time in 45 years.

Service between the busy I. P. Pavlova and Muzeum stops will be fully suspended and remain closed for the entire 20-month construction period (till about March 2027). The closure will impact a major transit corridor and cause delays across much of the city center, as indicated by the Prague Public Transit company.

In addition to the tram line construction, Prague’s Technical Road Administration (TSK) will demolish an unused underpass and bridge beneath Legerová Street. As a result, vehicle traffic in the area will be reduced to two lanes, with restrictions expected to remain in place until at least March 2026.

The line is part of a broader plan to create several new tram routes through central Prague. Two additional lines will cross Wenceslas Square—one connecting Vinohradská to Újezd via Vodičkova and Národní třída, and another linking Moskevská and Francouzská streets to Prague Castle and Strahov via Náměstí Republiky. A fourth line from Karlín and Masaryk Station to Strašnice is also under consideration.

"The new tram route will reduce congestion on Ječná Street and around the Karlovo náměstí intersection," said Filip Drápal, spokesperson for ROPID, the city’s transit coordinator. “It also improves diversion options in the case of emergencies downtown.”

Once completed, the new routes could shave up to 10 minutes off travel times between major districts such as Žižkov, Vinohrady, and Vršovice.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib emphasized accessibility improvements. “The current tram stops are not barrier-free and confusing. That will change significantly,” he said, noting new pedestrian crossings and modernized, wider platforms.

The Wenceslas Square track segment will cost CZK 1.24 billion. Additional work, including rebuilding tram lines on Vinohradská and Škrétova streets, is estimated at CZK 224.7 million, partially funded by EU subsidies. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2027.