How to get around Slovakia
Navigating Slovakia is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Slovakia is possible by bus or train. Both options are generally affordable, though buses can sometimes be more direct, especially to smaller towns not served by the railway network.
Trains are a popular and budget-friendly choice. The national railway operator, Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK), runs a vast network connecting major cities like Bratislava, Košice, and Žilina.
While basic fares are low, around €0.50 per 100 km for an unreserved second-class seat, supplements are charged for express trains like InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) services. For example, a 200 km journey by train typically costs around €10.
As of May 2025, a new minimum fare of €1 per ticket applies to most passengers, ending a period of free travel for certain groups. Seat reservations are recommended for popular routes, especially during peak season, and often cost €1-€2.
Buses offer an extensive network throughout Slovakia and are often the cheapest way to travel, with prices around €2 for a 50 km ride. Tickets typically range from €0.70 to €0.90, depending on distance and availability.
Longer journeys, such as from Poprad to Bratislava, can cost around €31 for a roundtrip adult ticket by bus. Bus travel from Vienna to Bratislava averages €15 and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can generally purchase tickets from the driver, at bus stations, or online.
Travel Within Cities
Within Slovak cities, public transport primarily consists of trams, buses, and trolleybuses, which operate on a flat-fare system.
In Bratislava, tickets can be purchased for various time validities, such as 15 minutes (€0.70), 30 minutes (€0.90), or 60 minutes (€1.20). Day tickets are also available: 24-hour tickets cost €3.50, 72-hour tickets are €8.00, and 168-hour tickets are €11.40.
These tickets allow unlimited transfers within their validity period and are valid across all operators in the Bratislava integrated transport system, including local trains and regional buses within the Bratislava region. SMS tickets are an option in Bratislava and Košice for local mobile operators, costing around €1 for 70 minutes.
Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive in major cities. In Bratislava, the average base fare for a taxi is around €3.50, with prices per kilometer starting at €0.50. A 5 km trip in Bratislava could cost approximately €5, and a 10 km trip about €8.
Taxi prices can vary by city; for example, Košice offers more economical options with a basic fare starting around €5.00 and €1.00 per kilometer. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber are also available and offer comparable prices to local taxis.
