Parking in Prague is reaching a breaking point. The number of vehicles in the Czech capital continues to grow, yet the city’s parking infrastructure remains stuck in the past.

While major European cities are rolling out automated garages and shared parking systems, Prague is still debating its next steps.

Over the past decade, the number of registered passenger vehicles in Prague has surged by more than 150,000, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Yet almost no new public parking garages have been built to meet the rising demand.

“This situation is unsustainable,” said Adam Scheinherr, former Deputy Mayor for Transport. “The number of cars is increasing, but the infrastructure isn’t keeping up. Prague must begin systematic investment in parking.”

Some P+R (park and ride) lots are being developed on the outskirts of the city. However, central neighborhoods and key transport hubs, such as Václav Havel Airport, still lack comprehensive strategies.

Smart Cities, Smarter Parking

Cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Zurich have long embraced innovative parking models, including automated garages and shared-use spaces. These cities often partner with private developers and community groups to implement solutions that benefit both residents and commuters.

In Munich, for instance, the city co-finances semi-public garages in residential areas, allowing locals to become co-owners of parking spaces. The result is greater access to parking and a stronger sense of shared responsibility.

Prague’s Grassroots Approach Near the Airport

A new initiative near Václav Havel Airport may provide a glimpse of what Prague’s future could look like. Rather than being led by the city or a large developer, the project is driven by local residents and small investors who are responding directly to the area’s parking shortages.

This garage is not a traditional real estate development. Co-financing is central—investors can purchase shares in the building, owning individual parking spots. This model allows ordinary citizens to take part in reshaping public space while treating parking as a long-term investment.

The project has already received a building permit, and construction preparation is well underway. Smaller investors are funding the development, supported by a bank loan negotiated through the Chytrá nemovitost investment platform, which also opens the door to public participation.

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