Where to find ticket offices in Brno station

Brno Main Station is located right in the city center. The main ticket hall is situated on the ground floor of the historic building. You will see several glass-fronted counters labeled with the ČD logo. These counters handle domestic and international bookings for the national carrier. There is also a separate area for RegioJet, a popular private train company.

If you are in a hurry, look for the self-service machines. Blue machines belong to Czech Railways and are found throughout the hall. Yellow machines are for the IDS JMK transport card and regional tickets. These are often located near the platform entrances and the underpass. Always check the screen for English language options before starting.

The station can be crowded during the morning rush. It is best to arrive 15 minutes early if you need a physical counter. For general tourist information, you can visit the Visit Czechia portal. They provide maps and local transport advice for new visitors. The station layout is logical, but the underpass can be confusing at first.

Step-by-step guide to buying train tickets

Buying a ticket in person is straightforward if you follow these steps. Most staff at the international counters speak English. If you use a machine, the interface is very similar to other European systems. Here is the exact process to follow at the station.

1. Locate the Ticket Hall: Enter the main station building from Nádražní street. Go to the central hall where the large departure boards are located. Typical cost: Free to enter. Time: 2 minutes. Common mistake: Going to the smaller suburban platforms first.
2. Select Your Operator: Choose between ČD (blue) or RegioJet (yellow/black) based on your destination. Most places to visit near Brno are served by ČD. Time: 1 minute. Common mistake: Buying a ČD ticket for a RegioJet train.
3. Use the Ticket Machine: Select the English flag on the touch screen. Enter your destination and choose the next available train. Typical cost: 50–300 CZK for local trips. Time: 3 minutes. Common mistake: Forgetting to select 'Return' if you are coming back the same day.
4. Complete Payment: Insert your credit card or cash into the machine slots. Most machines accept contactless payments and mobile wallets. Time: 1 minute. Common mistake: Using large banknotes (over 500 CZK) in older machines.
5. Collect and Validate: Take your printed ticket and receipt. Most national tickets do not need validation, but regional IDS JMK tickets might. Time: 1 minute. Common mistake: Leaving the ticket in the machine slot.

• Before you go checklist:
• Check the train number on the departure board.
• Have your passport or ID ready for international trips.
• Carry some small Czech Koruna coins for older machines.
• Download the Můj vlak app as a digital backup.

Understanding ticket types for regional travel

Brno uses an integrated system called IDS JMK for regional travel. This system covers trains, buses, and trams in the South Moravia region. If you are taking scenic train rides in South Moravia, an IDS ticket is often cheapest. These tickets are based on zones rather than specific train lines. You can buy these at the yellow machines or via the Poseidon app.

For longer distances, like Prague or Vienna, you need a national or international ticket. These are sold by Czech Railways (ČD) or private companies like RegioJet. It is usually cheaper to buy these tickets online in advance. However, buying them at the station is fine for last-minute travel. Just ensure you are at the correct counter for your specific operator.

If you are traveling within the city limits, you can use the local transport authority (DPMB) tickets. These are valid for trams and buses that stop right outside the station. You can tap your credit card on the yellow terminals inside the trams. This is the easiest way to reach your hotel after arriving at the station. Always keep your ticket until you exit the station or vehicle.

Common troubleshooting and station tips

Even experienced travelers can face issues at Brno station. The most common problem is the machine not accepting a specific credit card. If this happens, try a different machine or go to the staffed counter. Staffed counters always accept major international cards and cash. Be aware that some older machines only take coins.

Another issue is understanding the platform numbers. In Brno, platforms are divided into sectors (e.g., 1A, 1B). Make sure you check the departure board for the correct sector. If your train is delayed, the boards will update in real-time. Do not rely solely on your printed ticket for the platform number.

• Troubleshooting common problems:
• Machine language won't change: Reset the screen and wait 10 seconds.
• Card declined: Use the 'Contactless' reader instead of the chip slot.
• Missed the train: Go to the ČD center to see if your ticket is valid for the next one.
• Language barrier: Use Google Translate or show your destination on your phone.
• Queue is too long: Use the blue ČD self-service machines located near the platforms.
• Ticket didn't print: Take a photo of the screen and go to the info desk.
• Platform changed: Listen for announcements; they are often repeated in English for main lines.