More connections and larger buses to Košice Airport

Starting April 1, 2026, the City of Košice, in cooperation with Košice municipal transport company (DPMK), will significantly improve service and passenger comfort on the route from the city center to Košice Airport and back.

In total, the number of trips on line 23 will increase to 52 on weekdays and 29 on weekends. This represents an increase of up to 11 percent on weekdays and nearly one-third on weekends. At the same time, transport capacity has increased by 25 percent, as high-capacity articulated buses have begun operating to the airport in place of standard buses.

The new schedule for line 23 ensures connections to as many scheduled flights from Bratislava and abroad as possible and also takes into account the departures and arrivals of 850 scheduled charter flights to 17 destinations, primarily coastal ones.

Mayor pleased with Košice’s growing connectivity and the success of the Bratislava route

Košice Mayor Jaroslav Polaček announced that, in response to public demand, service on the new route between Košice and Bratislava was expanded in October 2025. The Košice Municipal Transport Company (DPMK) subsequently split 23 into two sections. This improved connections not only to the airport but also to the industrial park, where direct routes were introduced from the Ťahanovce and Dargovských Hrdinov neighborhoods.

“We are seeing a further expansion of service, not only through increased frequency but also through larger bus capacity. This is due to the steadily growing interest among passengers in flying to and from Košice, which I am very pleased about. The airport regularly announces new routes and works closely with us and DPMK to ensure efficient and practical transportation. We communicate very well with each other and are also preparing other new features for passengers, such as the installation of information boards in the departure hall displaying bus departure and arrival times. “We also want to conduct a survey on passengers’ willingness to use public transportation instead of their own cars and taxis,” said the mayor.

The mayor also highlighted the significant benefits of the new route between Bratislava and Košice, which has not only sped up travel between Slovakia’s two largest cities but, from the city administration’s perspective, has also significantly streamlined the handling of official matters at government agencies in Bratislava. This also ensures the city’s continued development.

Airport Director Thomas Dworschak Praises Cooperation with City Officials and DPMK

Thomas Dworschak, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Košice Airport, praised the discussions with city officials and the prompt response from DPMK, which led to an increase in the frequency and capacity of transit services to the airport.

“This is very good news for the city’s residents as well, because it will ensure much better connections to us and to the city center. In connection with the introduction of the summer flight schedule, I’m also pleased to see improved public transportation connections to early morning and late evening flights.”

DPMK saw an increase in revenue from ticket sales at the airport

DPMK Acting CEO Roman Danko added that since the launch of the regular Bratislava–Košice route, they have seen a one-quarter increase in the number of passengers on Route 23. He illustrated this with the example of the ticket vending machine at Košice Airport, where, for instance, February sales were 2.5 times higher than during the same period last year. He also mentioned the planned information boards, which are expected to include the option to purchase tickets via a QR code. 

“In addition to increasing the capacity of buses to and from the airport, we have also implemented other changes. We have updated the bus schedule in line with the summer flight schedule to ensure that flights to and from Bratislava, in particular, have a guaranteed connection to public transportation. At the same time, we have adjusted the schedule for other arrivals and departures from the airport to ensure comfortable and faster transportation for passengers. In addition, the N3 bus from Šaca will transport passengers from the last evening flight, departing from the airport toward Staničné námestie shortly before midnight. “We will also respond appropriately if necessary or in the event of further changes to the flight schedule,” he stated.

TS a foto: Magistrát mesta Košice