Getting Started: Tickets and Basic Routes

Brno has an excellent integrated transport system managed by DPMB. To start your journey, you need a valid ticket for zones 100 and 101. These zones cover the entire city, including the valley. You can buy a paper ticket at yellow machines found at major stops. Most travelers now prefer the "Pípni a jeď" (Tap and Go) system.

With Tap and Go, you simply tap your contactless card when you board. You must tap again when you exit if your journey is under 15 minutes. For longer trips to the valley, the system automatically calculates the best fare. A standard 60-minute ticket costs around 25 to 30 CZK in 2026. Always check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for the latest price updates.

The main hub for this trip is Stará osada. It is a large terminal where many trams and buses meet. You can reach Stará osada easily from the city center using tram 2 or 3. Once you arrive at this hub, look for the digital displays. These screens show real-time departures for buses heading to the Líšeň district.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Valley

Reaching the valley requires a simple transfer. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth trip without getting lost. The total travel time from the center is usually about 30 to 40 minutes.

1. Step 1: Buy Your Ticket. Purchase a 60-minute ticket or use your credit card on board. Typical cost is 25-30 CZK. Do this at the Main Station (Hlavní nádraží). A common mistake is forgetting to validate paper tickets in the yellow slots.
2. Step 2: Take Tram 2 or 3. Board at the Main Station heading toward Stará osada. This part of the trip takes about 10 minutes. Ensure you are on the correct platform by checking the direction sign.
3. Step 3: Transfer to Bus 55. At Stará osada, walk to the bus platforms. Bus 55 is the most direct line to the valley. This bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes during the day.
4. Step 4: Exit at Mariánské údolí. Stay on the bus until the very last stop. The stop is located right at the entrance to the nature area. Typical time for this bus leg is 15 minutes.

• Checklist:
• Contactless payment card or 30 CZK in change.
• Comfortable walking shoes for the trails.
• A charged phone for checking schedules.
• Water and snacks (though there are kiosks on site).
• A downloaded map of hiking trails in Mariánské údolí.

Choosing Your Route: A Decision Guide

There are several ways to reach the valley depending on your needs. If you are in a hurry, bus 55 from Stará osada is the winner. It has the fewest stops and runs most frequently. It is the best choice for families with strollers or those with limited time.

If you want a more scenic view of the Líšeň district, try bus 45. This route takes slightly longer but passes through different neighborhoods. It is a good alternative if you are staying in the northern part of the city. You can find more information about quiet places in Brno that these routes pass through.

On weekends, bus frequency might decrease slightly. Always check the schedule if you plan to stay late. If you are traveling from the airport area, bus 78 is your best bet. It connects the southern parts of Brno directly to the Líšeň entrance. Use this guide to decide: If you are at the Main Station, take the tram to bus 55. If you are near the airport, take bus 78.

Troubleshooting Your Journey

Even with a good plan, small issues can happen on public transport. One common problem is boarding the wrong bus at Stará osada. There are many platforms, so always double-check the number on the front of the bus. If you get on bus 58 by mistake, you will end up in a different part of Líšeň.

Another issue is ticket validation for groups. If you use one card for multiple people, you must select this on the terminal. Failure to do so might result in a fine during an inspection. Inspectors frequently check tickets on routes heading to popular nature spots. For more tourist tips, visit the Go To Brno portal.

• Common Problems:
• Missing the last bus back to the center (usually around midnight).
• Not tapping off when using the short-trip fare.
• Confusing the "Mariánské údolí" stop with "Líšeň, hřbitov".
• Buses being crowded during sunny summer weekends.
• Difficulty finding the ticket machine at smaller stops.
• Language barriers with older bus drivers.
• Unexpected road construction causing temporary bus diversions.