Cab drivers can't cheat you if you know what the fare is suposed to be approximately. Have been to Prague 3 times and took cabs a lot. Only one (not from the train station or to the airport) tried to cheat me - and he didn;t get away with it.

If you prefer a private car service that's fine - but cabs are really not a problem.

> LOL kappa, I have been here since 2003!

Ok with a different name I guess ;-) Actually I too have been here longer than at TA, perhaps from about 2001 or 2. Ok then maybe Unclegus is the only "immigrant" here from over there ;-)

Ok, I saw your profile. You have always been ChrisinPrague since 2003. I just didn't notice your name I guess. (I was kappa - and others before that - before kappa1 but had a log-in problem like some other posters in 2008)

I have been a member here for over a year,but I still post over on TA.It is good that people can pass on their knowledge on both websites and I have found both places an excellent source of information.

Some Prague hotels will arrange a free private car pick-up if you are staying long enough e.g. 5-7 days. Ours did after I asked. Renting a car to Vienna can be expensive because of out of country drop off fees so make sure you are aware of those add ons. I agree with the suggeston of joannyc about considering a bus to Vienna for the reasons she states. We did that and it was fine. We did not find the terminal "scary." Old and somewhat run down yes, but "scary" is subjective. Our bus to Vienna was fine, taking about 20 minutes or so longer than the train. We were dropped off in the center of Vienna near the City Hall, not at the Vienna bus terminal which was convenient. It was also very cheap.

I agree with basingstoke2 that the bus terminal is not scary (yes, it is old and worn)... and I was a solo female traveler. Used the bus to go to/from Terezin and to Cesky Krumlov. No problems!

thank you all for your very helpful replies, we'll make our transportation plans based on the information you've provided. We would like to rent a car to make stops between Prague & Vienna whenever we see something of interest, so thank you also for the note regarding places to see from Joannyc & the festival from unclegus

mitchesu you might consider hiring a car and driver.It may be less than the rental fee and drop off charge, some companies are quite happy to stop along the way.

If you're staying by Staropramen (Old Town) I would deninetely just grab a taxi from the airport. Really no brainer and I believe they're very particular which cabs can pick you up so there's not that much room for scam. Don't pay more than 40 euro for that trip, but I even doubt they'll ask for more; I've done that several times, the price is the same every time. I'm sure it could be a problem once you're hailing a taxi in town but I've never used a cab there since the subway and tram systems are just great.