How to survive Czech public transport: Words and phrases to know

As summer comes to an end, most of us return to our everyday routines. Vacations are over, schools are back in session, and the daily commute to work or university becomes part of life again.

If you use public transport in Czechia, it helps to know a few words and phrases that you’ll encounter almost every day.

A zastávka is where a bus or tram stops. You’ll hear announcements such as Příští zastávka… (“Next stop…”) or see signs such as autobusová zastávka (bus stop) and tramvajová zastávka (tram stop).

At first glance, stanice may seem similar to zastávka, but it’s used a little differently. It most commonly refers to a metro or railway station, while buses and trams stop at zastávky.

If you change from one mode of transport to another during your journey, you’ll make a přestup. Information boards and announcements often tell you which lines you can transfer to.

Some stops are na znamení, meaning the bus or tram will stop only if a passenger presses the stop button or someone is waiting at the stop.

These words refer to passengers getting off and boarding a vehicle. You may notice signs on the doors reading pouze výstup (“exit only”) or pouze nástup (“boarding only”).

The final stop on a route. When the driver announces that you’ve reached the konečná, it’s time to get off—the vehicle won’t continue any farther.

You can’t use Czech public transport without a valid jízdenka. Depending on the city, you can buy one from a ticket machine or through a mobile app, or even pay directly with your bank card.

Someone most passengers hope they won’t meet. A revizor checks whether you have a valid ticket. If you don’t, you may receive a fine.

A word that can quickly change your travel plans. A výluka is a temporary disruption to public transport, usually caused by roadwork, track maintenance or other repairs.

Finally, one of the most iconic announcements you’ll hear on Prague’s public transport is: “Ukončete prosím výstup a nástup, dveře se zavírají.” (“Please finish exiting and boarding. The doors are closing.”) You might hear it on your very next journey.

Do you want to speak Czech like a native? Study at ÚJOP UK!