For over a year now, Uber has held the official concession to operate contract taxi services at Václav Havel Airport Prague, valid until 25 September 2028. In theory, this should guarantee transparent, metered fares and protect foreign visitors from overcharging. Yet despite Uber’s presence—and even its exclusive right to pick up street-hail passengers at the terminal—many tourists still fall victim to overpriced rides from “official” airport taxis.

Note: To avoid this scam, either use the Uber app or pre-book a reliable Prague Airport Transfers service.

How the Scam Works

1. “Chasers” in the Arrivals Hall
   As soon as travelers exit the arrivals hall, they’re confronted by individuals wearing yellow reflective vests and carrying “Official Airport Taxi” signs or badges. These so-called dispatchers, or “chasers,” claim to represent the airport’s taxi service and direct passengers toward affiliated cars parked just out of sight.

2. Inflated Fares and Fake Receipts

   • Example 1: A journey that should cost around 650 CZK ends up billed at nearly 1 200 CZK. Tourists only discover the true overcharge when reviewing their credit-card statement—often double the expected fare.

   • Example 2: One driver issued a taximeter receipt showing 26 km traveled, when the real distance to the city center is just 17 km. The trip start time was altered on the bill to conceal delays.

“I also asked why the trips we observed usually cost around 1 500 CZK. It turns out there’s an unwritten pact among drivers to stick to a set fare—one taxi left the airport for 1 500 CZK, while my friend paid only 700 CZK. So what’s the going rate? From the airport to the city centre, the minimum charge is 950 CZK.”

1. Tampered Taximeters and “Turbo Boxes”
   Inside some taxis, journalists discovered small electronic “turbo boxes” wired to the dashboard—devices that can spike the meter reading either by percentage or by sudden bursts, then reset. Drivers sometimes cross out or obscure the original time stamp with their signature, making it hard to challenge the fare.

2. Organized Network
   Undercover reporting uncovered a well-structured syndicate:

   • Leadership: One or two bosses collect monthly “fees” from each driver.

   • Dispatchers: About a dozen chasers share in the spoils—earning ~100 CZK per “captured” passenger.

   • Drivers: Some 70–80 drivers, many in unmarked cars, remove magnetic taxi signs after pickup and enter/exit the express parking via secret passwords, avoiding parking fees.

Law Enforcement Response

A special unit of the Prague City Police—nicknamed Taxiteam—investigates airport overcharging roughly once a week, based on passenger tip-offs. Their actions include:

• Checking surveillance footage of express parking lots.

• Issuing fines for manipulated meters.

• Coordinating with airport security patrols.

Still, limited policing powers and the public nature of parking areas mean chasers often evade sanctions.

“Finally, the airport spokeswoman confirmed that Prague Airport has no official agreement with the so-called ‘chasers.’ Because they operate in public areas, the airport can only enforce its standard rules for arrival halls and parking lots. Security patrols monitor via CCTV, but once you’re in the express parking—public space—chasers can’t be removed. In fact, regulations explicitly ban soliciting passengers in terminal or adjacent areas without written consent. Meanwhile, at Hanič they’re paid in cash by taxi drivers for each customer they bring.”

Contractual Shortcomings

Despite Uber’s official role, audits reveal multiple breaches of the airport’s taxi-service contract:

• Non-registration: Passengers without the Uber app or account must still share personal data to get service, contrary to the “no-registration” clause.

• Operational Channels: Self-service kiosks and counters frequently malfunction or close outside peak hours.

• Driver Appearance & Language: Many drivers do not wear mandated uniforms or speak adequate English, violating service-quality requirements.

• Response Time: Guaranteed pickup within 10 – 15 minutes is not consistently met, forcing some tourists to use chasers.

Additionally, Uber drivers enjoy free airport parking—a privilege not extended to traditional taxi drivers, yet an expense ultimately borne by all passengers via higher rates.

Protect Yourself: Safe Alternatives

• Use the Uber App:

  • Pre-set your fare and driver identity before pickup.

  • Pay securely through the app—no hidden cash transactions.

• Pre-Book a Licensed Transfer Service:

  • Companies like AAA or Prague Airport Transfers guarantee fixed rates, professional drivers, and meet-and-greet service inside the terminal.

  • You’ll receive confirmation emails, driver contact details, and vehicle information in advance.

Conclusion

While Uber’s concession at Prague Airport was intended to curb rogue operators, organized groups of dispatchers and drivers continue to exploit visitors. Armed with knowledge—and by choosing licensed, prepaid services—you can ensure a fair, comfortable ride from the airport to your destination. Safe travels!