Autokar

Autokar is a term used in several Central and Eastern European languages to denote a motor coach—a long-distance passenger bus designed for touring and charter service. The word is formed from auto- and kar, and is cognate with the English autocar and other terms for coach buses.

In Polish, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, autokar refers to a coach bus intended for longer trips rather than urban transit. The distinction between autokar and autobus varies by country and context; in many cases, autokar implies greater seating comfort, larger luggage capacity, and sometimes onboard amenities, whereas autobus may refer to both intercity and urban buses.

Autokars are used by tour operators, travel agencies, schools, sports clubs, and other organizations for organized group travel, excursions, or charter services. They are typically powered by standard commercial bus chassis from manufacturers such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, or Iveco, and may include features like reclining seats, air conditioning, panoramic windows, and luggage compartments.

In practice, the word autokar is a regional term; outside of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, the term may be unfamiliar or replaced by autobus. The English-language equivalent in many contexts is autocar or coach.

See also: Autobus, Autocar.