I have reserved a room at the Strahov Hostel in Prague which is west of the river I believe. We will have to catch our flight at 7:15am. So what is the best option as far as when and how to get to the airport? I'm the type to want to be there two hours early. Is this necessary at that time? How far is the airport from the actual city and when should we leave the hostel? Should I take a taxi or what? Call ahead? Thanks for any help.

Two hours early sounds a bit extreme -- it is not a large airport. Sometimes the lines, at least at Czech airlines counters, can be long and we once had an inexplicable tie-up at security. But I would hazard a guess that 1 hour before take-off would be adequate.

The taxi trip from Mala Strana -- I presume that is the location of the hostel, if it is near the Strakov monastery -- should take about 20-25 minutes. The cost is about 400 crowns.
(A taxi is really your only option, at that hour.)

The taxi company that I have used and that most on this board recommend is AAA. You should be able to reserve in advance.

agree - take a taxi from your hotel.

400Cr is less than $20.

If you are pressed for cash, you can take the E/W subway line (green?) to the western terminus, then catch the airport bus. (#Total travel time will be longer, but total cost will be about $2.

Don't recall the bus #, but just follow all the locals w/ their suitcase going the same way.

Thanks you so much. I think the taxi is the way to go.

I may not be recalling correctly but I believe that the desks at the airport did not open until 6:00 AM. We had a 7:15 flight too and also wanted to be there 2 hours early. We had to wait quite awhile until any of the check in stations were open. Don't forget that if you buy items, the VAT is refundable. Do it at the airport. There is a window for that after you have passed security. It is near the gates. 20-25 minutes by taxi is enough time from center city, e.g., Charles Bridge area. 400-600 crowns is about right for the fare. If you are more than two people make sure to tell the taxi company when ordering, otherwise they might send a small car.

The airport isn't that far from the city in Prague -- I think it's about 10 miles.

Just a "heads up",Strahov is not known for it's great hostels. I was assigned to stay there on my first trip to Praha, and never checked in. I think some buildings are better than others. Do you know exactly which place you're in?

Anyway, the good thing about Strahov is that you're close to the airport. Probably 15 minutes. Taxi is the only way to go, unless the airport mini vans run early in the morning. 1 hour check-in is fine. Flights within Europe generally check in 1 hour before, anyway. To the US, you are supposed to leave 2, but, like others have said, I don't think anyone will be there to check you in until 6!

all about Prague Airport can be found www.pragueairport.co.uk