Getting Around Košice
Košice has a compact city centre that is mostly walkable on foot, with the main sights within easy reach. If you're staying in the suburbs or prefer not to walk, the city's public transport system operated by DPMK (Dopravný podnik mesta Košice) is cheap and efficient, with good connections throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Walkability
The city centre is small and navigable by foot, making it easy to explore on your own. All the main attractions are within walking distance of the central area.
Public Transport Network
Košice's public transport system includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Services generally run from 5:00 in the morning until 23:00 in the evening, with selected night bus services available outside these hours.
Trams
The tram network consists of numbered lines that provide regular service throughout the city. Regular trams numbered 2–9 run most of the day at intervals of 10–20 minutes. Additional tram lines (numbered R1-R8) connect different parts of the city to an industrial steel plant, though these run on irregular schedules and are of limited use to visitors.
Not all trams are wheelchair accessible. Check the schedule for a wheelchair symbol next to departures to identify services with a lower floor.
Buses
A large bus network serves the city and its suburbs. Express bus lines numbered 51–57 skip some stops and run mainly during rush hour. Most buses are wheelchair accessible.
Seven night bus lines (numbered N1 to N7) operate from 23:10 to 04:30, departing from Station Square (Staničné námestie) in the city centre. Night services run at hourly intervals, with extended 90-minute intervals after 01:00 on nights before a working day.
Trolleybuses
Two trolleybus lines (71 and 72) exist but do not currently see regular service.
Tickets and Fares
Tickets for public transport can be purchased in several ways. For foreign visitors, the most convenient option is using one of the available mobile apps. The website/app mhdke.sk is user-friendly and doesn't require installation.
Other ways to buy tickets include:
- Sales points (customer service offices and kiosks around the city)
- Vending machines at some stops
- Newsstands
- From drivers on vehicles
- By SMS (if you have a Slovak SIM card)
Sample adult ticket prices (as of August 2024) are €1 for a 30-minute ticket, €1.20 for a 60-minute ticket, €3.80 for a 24-hour ticket, and €12 for a 7-day ticket. Night bus tickets cost more, as do tickets purchased from drivers.
Tickets must be validated in a machine on the vehicle when first used, then you can travel and transfer as long as your ticket remains valid. Reduced fares apply for children, students, and seniors.
Electronic ticket cards are also available from sales points. These cards are loaded with credit and offer a small discount compared to paper tickets. Contactless smart cards from most Slovak public transport companies are accepted on validators. Virtual tickets can be purchased through third-party applications and offer season tickets for one, three, six, or twelve months.
Getting to the City from the Airport
Košice International Airport is located 6 km south of the city centre. Bus 23 connects the airport directly to the city centre, making it the most straightforward public transport option for arriving passengers.
If you're arriving from other regional airports with more flight options—such as those in Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, or Krakow—minibus services are organized between these cities and Košice. Companies offering these services include Cassoviaexpres (with service from Budapest and Vienna), Izijet (from Budapest), and Flixbus (though services are irregular and tickets sell out quickly).
Alternative Transport Links
Košice Railway Station (a 10-minute walk from the city centre) is a major transport hub with regular connections to other cities. The bus station is located adjacent to the railway station at the same address.