PHOTO GALLERY: How Prague's main train station could look in the next decade

Prague’s main train station, Hlavní nádraží, is set for a sweeping transformation that will reshape both the look and function of the country’s busiest transport hub, city planners announced this week.

Described as “one of the most extensive infrastructure efforts” in Czech history, an overhaul is greatly needed: the current facility is operating at full capacity, and the upgrade will allow for more trains and smoother operation. The long-term plan also includes a direct train link between the main station and Prague Airport.

With planning underway and initial decisions expected by year’s end, the full redevelopment is likely to span the next decade. The gallery below offers a first look at the proposed redesign, which includes a new check-in hall, a redesigned station forecourt, a modern railway tunnel, and a new urban district above the existing tracks.

With up to 100,000 people using the station daily, city officials say it’s crucial to evaluate each architect’s proposal carefully. “We want to understand the real impact of each option before making long-term decisions,” said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček.

Three development scenarios are currently in the works, each offering different layouts, transport options, and uses. These proposals will be assessed for cost, capacity, and long-term benefits before a final plan is selected.

The project also faces preservation challenges, particularly regarding the 1970s departure hall, which may receive monument status and restrict structural changes. Protection could also extend to nearby infrastructure, including the road above the hall.