Until recently, rising fuel prices made many Ukrainians in Slovakia (Slovensko) think twice before taking a car trip. Now the Slovak government offers a good alternative: from October 12, 2026, the cost of travel on suburban buses and city public transport (MHD — mestská hromadná doprava, city public transport) in regional centers will be reduced by 50%. This decision continues the initiative that started on October 1, 2026, with reduced prices for train tickets.
Where and for whom will the discounts apply?
The 50% discount applies to all passengers who pay the full fare. It covers all suburban buses operated by self-governing regions (samosprávne kraje) and city public transport in major Slovak cities.
Specifically, this concerns:
- Bratislava
- Košice
- Prešov
- Žilina
- Banská Bystrica
- Nitra
- Trenčín
- Trnava
The discount will apply to all payment methods available in the system, including monthly passes. Existing benefits for students, pensioners, and other citizen categories remain unchanged. If you often use public transport, this is a great chance to save. More information about transport connections can be found on our Transport page.
Why did the government take this step?
The decision to reduce fares is a direct response to the sharp rise in fuel prices, which significantly affects the budgets of Slovak households and Ukrainians living here. The government's goal is to encourage people to give up private cars in favor of public transport, reducing financial pressure on family budgets.
Transport Minister Jozef Raj emphasized that the government kept its promise to make travel cheaper not only on trains but also on buses and MHD. He also noted that this decision resulted from quick agreements with all regional governors and mayors of regional cities.
Financial support and future plans
The total amount of compensation the state will allocate to self-governing regions and cities to cover lost ticket revenue is €12.8 million. The largest sum — nearly €3.5 million — will go to Bratislava. This complements the earlier decision to reduce second-class train fares on ZSSK trains by 50% from October 1, 2026, which cost the state €5.3 million.
The government plans to review this decision monthly, analyzing the fuel market situation. If necessary, the discounts will be extended. This shows a flexible approach to supporting the population amid economic challenges.
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