Venue - Useful Info 
Congress Venue
Charles University (Universita Karlova)
Ovocný trh 3-5
Prague 1 - 116 36
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Located in Prague downtown (Staré Město), the University in Prague was founded by a charter issued on 7 April 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and King of the Romans, as the first Studium generale north of the Alps and east of Paris. Charles University is thus one of the oldest European universities. It was modelled on the universities in Bologna and Paris, and within a very short time it achieved international renown. It had four faculties: theology, liberal arts, law, and medicine. The academic community was comprised of teachers and students from the local area and further afield – but especially from the Central European region, for whom the University became an accessible and erudite Studium generale school. Charles’ son and successor Wenceslas (Václav) IV extended his influence over the University; in 1409 he issued the Kutná Hora Decree, by which he strengthened the status of Czech academic community members. Some of the masters and scholars left the Prague Studium generale in protest; this accentuated the University’s character as an institution with strong links to the Czech nation.
How to get there
Travelling by plane
The modern city airport, Ruzynì, is situated about 20 km northwest of the city centre. There are direct flights from most major European cities.
Facilities in the main building include a 24-hour money exchange office, a few ATMs, fast food places, several travel and accommodation agencies, rental car companies, a post office. There is also a 24-hour left luggage service in the Arrival Hall (the charge is about 40 Kè per piece of luggage).
Getting to the city centre
Timetables are available at the airport information office in the main hall or on www.dp-praha.cz.
Bus & Underground
Catch a bus No 119 or No 254 from the airport to Dejvická metro station, then follow a green line (A) of underground railway to the centre (stations Mùstek or Muzeum). The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Bus & Tram
Bus No 100 will take you from the airport to Zlièín – the underground terminal stop of the yellow line (B) that leads to the town centre (Mùstek station).
Catch night bus No 510 (between midnight and 3.30) to the tram-bound at Divoká Šárka, then go by tram No 51 to Dejvická metro station or further to the city centre (Námìstí Republiky, Wenceslas Square).
Minibus
There are vans operated by Cedaz running from the airport (6 am – 9 pm) to Námìstí Republiky every 30 minutes for 90 Kè per person. Departure from Námìstí Republiky is between 5.30 am and 9.30 pm. Transport to any place of customer's wish within Prague is also possible: for 360 Kè (1-4 persons), 720 Kè (5 and more persons).
Taxi
Depending on the destination, a trip to the city costs up to 700 Kè per 2-3 persons Before entering the car check the price with the driver. It is not recommended to except a price over 700 Kè.
Travelling by train
Domestic services are provided by ÈD (Czech Railways). There are number of daily connections to Prague from major European cities.
Train Stations: Hlavní nádraží is the biggest and busiest railway station in Prague. There are a 24 hour left-luggage service, food stalls, information and booking offices.
Other train stations in Prague: Masarykovo nádraží, Holešovice Station, Smíchov Station
A supplement for fast express trains (rychlík) has to be paid. It is possible to buy plain tickets (jízdenka) or tickets with reservation (místenka) for a seat, couchette or sleeper.
It is necessary to make a reservation on the train marked with boxed or circled “R”, an “R” without a box means a reservation is recommended.
Information on rail connections are available on Tel: 02 / 242 242 00 or online www.cdrail.cz
Travelling by car
Only people older than 18 are allowed to drive a car in the Czech Republic. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory, children under the age of 12 have to sit at the back. After a consumption of any alcohol driving is illegal.
Most foreign driving licences are honoured, Australian and New Zealand drivers should get an International Driving Licence.
If entering the Czech Republic by car you will need:
· a valid driving licence
· a vehicle registration card
· a hire certification
· Green Card (an international motoring certificate for insurance)
· a highway sticker (can be purchased at the border).
Other items you will have to carry at all times are: a first-aid kit, a set of replacement bulbs, a spare tire, red warning triangles.
The speed limit is:
· 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways
· 90 km/h (56 mph) on dual and single carriageways
· 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
Relaying on car in Prague is not advisable, as it is very difficult to find a suitable parking place and break-ins are very common. Only residents having a parking card can park their cars in the central area of Prague. If you happen to visit Prague by car, the best places to leave your car are guarded parking lots, especially the underground ones. New or expensive cars are vulnerable to break-ins, so do not leave anything valuable inside the car visible from outside, including car radios. They get stolen quite often.
Travelling by coach
The city main bus terminal is Florenc situated on the eastern edge of the New Town easily accessible by tube (yellow line B and red line C) and trams. The majority of internal coaches are run by ÈSAD. Information on bus connection is available on www.jizdnirady.cz
Numerous international coach services are run by Bohemia Euroexpress International (Køižíkova 4-6, Prague 8 - Florenc, Tel: 02 24814450, 24218680, www.bei.cz).
Generally, coach travel is cheap but long distance travelling can be uncomfortable and slower than going by train or plane.
To make sure you get a seat it is advisable to obtain your tickets in advance.
Travel Documents and Customs
A valid passport is a necessity when entering the Czech Republic. To confirm visa requirements you are advised to contact the Czech embassy or consulate before travelling.
Customs allowances per person are 2l of wine, 1l spirits, 200 cigarettes (100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g of tobacco) and goods up to the value of 6 000 Kè for a person at the age over 15 (3000 Kè for a person at the age up to 15).
