Even if you already know how to use city buses in Prague, the rules for Regional Buses in Czechia are a bit different. First of all, when waiting for a bus, people form a line. You must board the vehicle through the first door one by one.
How to Find the Right Platform
If you use an application, you can see the platform number or letter in the route information. Platforms are usually marked with letters, but sometimes with numbers. You can see these on signs where the routes are listed. You can look for your bus either by the route number or by the platform letter/number.
Tickets for Regional Buses in Czechia
You can buy tickets for regional buses in several ways:
- From the bus driver (this is the most common way).
- In the PID Lítačka app and then show your ticket on the screen to the driver.
- At Information Centres or “Jízdenky / Tickets / Fahrkarten” windows in metro stations.
The most common way to buy a ticket is from the driver. When you enter the bus, stop near the driver and tell them your destination. The driver will print your ticket and tell you the price. If you want to pay by card, the price will appear on the terminal. Both the ticket machine and the terminal are located next to the driver’s seat.
How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
The Prague Integrated Transport (PID) system uses zones. Prague is covered by zones P, 0, and B. The surrounding region is divided into zones 1–13. Your ticket must cover all the zones you travel through. Prices increase with the number of zones and travel time. If you already have a pass for Prague, tell the driver: “Mám Prahu” (I have Prague). They will only charge you for the extra zones outside the city.
More about PID zones read here.
in Czechia: Ticket Validation
- If you buy a ticket from the driver, it is already valid. You do not need to stamp it.
- If you buy a ticket in the app, make sure to activate it before you board the bus.
How to Buy a Ticket from the Driver
Important: In the Czech Republic, it is polite to greet people. When you meet a driver, say “Dobrý den” (Good day).
To get your ticket quickly, use this simple formula: [Destination] + [How many] + [Payment method]
- The stop/town: Usually, the name of the town is enough.
- The number of tickets: * jeden (one)
- dvakrát (two)
- třikrát (three)
- How you want to pay:
- By card → say “kartou”.
- By cash → say “hotově”.
Example: “Dobříš, dvakrát, kartou.”
If speaking is difficult, you can simply show your card or cash. Drivers understand this language too. The terminals are contactless, so paying is very quick. After you pay, take your printed ticket and find a seat.
If you choose to pay by card, the driver will activate the terminal and the amount will appear on the screen. The terminals are contactless, so paying is quick. Then, wait for the machine to print your ticket. You should take the ticket yourself from the slot (the driver usually does not hand it to you). Once you have your ticket, go inside the bus to find a seat.
Which Seats to Take
You can sit in any free seat on Regional Buses in Czechia. However, some seats have a different color (for example, red). These are priority seats for seniors or people with health problems. You can sit there, but you should give up your seat if someone who needs it boards the bus.
Regional Buses in Czechia: Request Stops (Na znamení)
Many regional bus stops are “on request”. If you are waiting at a stop, the driver will usually stop if they see you, but it is better to wave.
If you want to get off the bus, you must press the red “STOP” button. You can find these buttons on the poles inside the bus. Press the button early enough so the driver has time to slow down.
All timetables of Regional Buses in Czechia find here.
Extra Tips for Regional Travel
- Luggage and strollers: Small bags are free. Large suitcases or strollers may need an extra ticket.
- Transfers: You can use the same ticket for buses, trains, or the metro if the zones and time are still valid.
- Evening and weekends: Regional buses do not run as often in the evening or on weekends. Always check the timetable in advance.
Basic Bus Vocabulary
| Czech | English | Pronunciation (approximate) |
| Zastávka | Bus stop | za-stahv-ka |
| Na znamení | On request | na zna-me-nyee |
| Nástupiště | Platform | nah-stoo-pish-tye |
| Jízdenka | Ticket | yeez-den-ka |
| Řidič | Driver | rzhi-dich |
| Pásmo / Zóna | Zone | pahs-mo / zo-na |
| Příští zastávka | Next stop | przhee-shtee za-stahv-ka |
| Pozor | Attention / Caution | po-zor |
Quick Guide: Talking to the Driver
Use this simple “3-Word Formula” to get your ticket quickly:
- [Destination] + [How many] + [Payment method]
| Situation | What to say | What to do |
| Standard Trip | “Dobříš, jeden, kartou.” | Tap your card and take the ticket from the machine yourself. |
| Two/Three People | “Dobříš, dvakrat/trikrat, kartou.” | Wait for both tickets to print before moving. |
| Paying Cash | “Dobříš, jeden, hotově.” | Place your coins/banknote on the small tray. |
| With Prague Pass | “Dobříš, jeden, mám Prahu.” | Show your app or card first with Prague-ticket, then pay the lower price. |
Use Regional Buses in Czechia: Heading Back to Prague
When you are traveling from a village or town back to the city, the process is almost the same. However, there are two things to remember:
- Just say “Praha”: You do not need to name a specific street or station. Whether you get off at the first stop in Prague or stay until the final metro station, the price is the same.
- Mention your pass: This is the most important time to say “Mám Prahu” if you have a monthly or yearly pass. Since you are entering the city, the driver needs to know you already paid for the Prague zones.
The “Back to Prague” Formula:
“Praha, dvakrát, kartou.” (If you have a pass: “Praha, jeden, mám Prahu, kartou.”)
Signs You Will See
- Jízdenky / Tickets / Fahrkarten: The window where you can buy tickets in the metro.
- Informační středisko: Information Centre.
- Smluvní přepravní podmínky: Transport terms and conditions (usually a long text on the wall).
- Znamení k řidiči: The “Stop” button (literally: “Signal to the driver”).
