Are you used to buying public transportation tickets at the familiar yellow ticket machines right at the stops? We need to warn you: they won’t be working in the coming days.
From October 8 to 11, 2026, Dopravný podnik Bratislava has temporarily shut down all yellow ticket machines throughout the city. The reason is the urgent reprogramming of the machines to accommodate the new, reduced fare. Starting Monday, October 12, as part of government decisions, the city and suburban transit network will switch to a temporary 50% fare reduction, so the terminals are being prepared to issue tickets at the new rates. You can find details about routes and trips on our transport page.
Where to Buy Tickets While the Yellow Ticket Machines Are Down
The temporary unavailability of the yellow ticket machines does not mean you’ll have to ride without a ticket. Alternative sales channels are fully operational in the city, allowing you to easily purchase both single-ride tickets and passes.
- Red bus stop ticket machines: The modernized red machines are operating as usual and are available 24/7. You can use them to buy paper tickets and even recharge or purchase new prepaid tickets (known as “električenky”).
- TAPni sa system: The easiest way for bank card holders. Simply tap your payment card on the validator directly on the vehicle.
- Mobile app and SMS: You can purchase tickets through the official IDS BK app or via standard text messages (SMS).
- Company ticket offices and partners: The company’s ticket offices and the PNS network of retail partners continue to operate.
What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Fare Reduction
A six-month—or rather, monthly—promotion featuring a 50% reduction in the base fare will begin on Monday, October 12, and run through November 10, 2026. During this period, standard tickets (such as 30-minute or 60-minute tickets) will cost half as much.
Please note: transit officials advise against buying large quantities of paper tickets at the old prices in advance, as there will be no refunds or compensation after the promotional period ends. The yellow ticket machines will resume full operation immediately after the configuration is complete—starting Monday, October 12. More details on the situation are available at imhd.sk.
