Prague's Florenc bus station to get new temporary look amid lengthy renovation

Prague’s main intercity bus hub at Florenc is set to receive a new temporary passenger hall designed to improve conditions for travelers during the long-term transformation of the area into a new development.

The winning design, selected through an architectural competition, envisions a modular and partially demountable structure that will serve passengers for up to two decades while wider redevelopment plans for the site are completed.

The project is part of the broader Florenc 21 urban development strategy, which aims to reshape the large brownfield area between Masaryk Railway Station, the Florenc bus terminal, and the Negrelli Viaduct into a new mixed-use neighborhood.

The new hall is not intended as a permanent landmark but as a functional interim structure that will support bus operations during extensive construction in the surrounding area over the next two decades.

According to developer Penta Real Estate, which is involved in the project, the winning proposal stood out for its combination of architectural quality, practicality, and sensitivity to its surroundings, particularly the historic Negrelli Viaduct.

Officials also emphasized that the structure is designed with sustainability in mind, including the possibility of disassembly and relocation if future transport planning requires it.

The modular concept was developed by the Prague-based studio Upstructure, which designed a lightweight steel framework into which separate service and retail units are integrated. The geometry of the site and passenger flow determined both the structural grid and roof shape, according to the design team.

Florenc is one of the busiest transport nodes in Prague, serving domestic and international bus routes. However, the current facilities are widely seen as outdated and in need of modernization.

The new terminal is expected to improve passenger comfort and functionality while maintaining operations during the broader redevelopment of the area.

The architectural competition was evaluated by a professional jury under the rules of the Czech Chamber of Architects. Entries were assessed based on architectural quality, operational efficiency, sustainability, and the potential for future reuse of the structure.

The Florenc project is closely tied to long-term infrastructure and urban planning changes in Prague, including future rail and public transport developments.

Planned upgrades include a new railway stop and a project intended to improve rail access toward Václav Havel Airport Prague. The final transport concept for the area is still being developed by the Railway Administration in coordination with city transport planners.

At the same time, Prague is working with ROPID, the city’s public transport organizer, on a broader concept for long-distance bus transport, which will influence the final design and function of the new hub.

The redevelopment also includes plans to activate public space beneath the Negrelli Viaduct, with proposals for cultural, community, and commercial use intended to help integrate the area into the surrounding city fabric.

The Florenc redevelopment is expected to unfold over many years, with estimates suggesting the full transformation of the area could take up to two decades. In the meantime, the temporary bus terminal is intended to bridge the gap between current transport demands and the future vision of a modern, mixed-use urban district.