How to use Public Transport System in Bratislava?

The Public Transport System (Mestská Hromadná Doprava - MHD) in Bratislava consists of buses ("autobus"), trolleybuses ("trolejbus" - looks like a bus, but takes electric power from overhead power lines) and trams ("električka / elektricka"). There is no subway ("metro"), although it has been a subject of municipal discussions for over 20 years.

The network is relatively dense and most lines operate between 5am and midnight. During the night, there are special night lines, but they are not very frequent.

If you want to travel by public transport, you have to buy a ticket before the ride. The drivers do not sell the tickets. The ticket dispensers are missing on some stops, so you are well advised to stock up with all necessary tickets in advance. For example, if you expect to change busses before you get to your destination, then buy both tickets before you start your journey.

You should mark your ticket as soon as you get in. The marking device is operating the whole time except when the controllers get on board. The controller gives a small magnetic stick to the driver, who inserts it into the on-board computer. In this case, about 15 seconds after the doors are closed, the marking devices stops operating and noone is able to mark their ticket. The controllers then walk through the vehicle and ask for a valid ticket. If you do not have a valid ticket, then it is your problem how you weasel out of this situation. You may have to pay up to 1400 Sk (~35€).

Separate fare must also be paid for a dog or any larfe piece of luggage, and of course, don't forget to check whether you have all the necessary tickets for all members of your family before the ride.

There are different tickets for rides of various duration: 10 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. The first one is good if you travel only by one line without changing. The official time needed to get from one stop to another is always written on the diagrams at the stop. This stated time is binding for the controller and even traffic jams do not affect it. If you change the line, then the total time is accounted. So if your first ride takes 3 minutes and the second ride 5 minutes and you have to wait 6 minutes for the second line, then the 10-minutes ticket won't enough.

For tourists expecting to use public transport more frequently, or wish to avoid the minefield, which we have just described, a 24-hours or 48-hours ticket is a better choice. It allows you to travel as much as you wish by all forms of transport.

People living, working and studying in Bratislava prefer to buy special tickets for one month, three months or even one year.

Because the prices and conditions are changing relatively often, it is always good to check them on the unofficial site for public urban transport in Bratislava, www.imhd.sk. This is also the place to find the best connection at any time of the day between two places in the Slovak capital city.