Home › Travel Guides › Europe Travel Guide › Slovakia › Getting around in Slovakia
Image gallery

Slovak Paradise

© Creative Commons / vigour

Getting around in Slovakia

Air: 

There is an extensive domestic flight network operated by Air Slovakia (GM) (www.airslovakia.sk). But since distances are not too great, it’s generally easier and better value to use the excellent bus and rail network.

Road: 

Cars drive on the right in Slovakia and drivers may have to pay tolls on some highways and express roads. Cars must have their lights on 24 hours a day from 15 October to the 15 March.

Roads are generally in good condition, but tend to be badly lit outside of the main towns and villages.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

The major routes run from Bratislava to Presov and Kosice, via Kralovany and Poprad. The network of roads and supporting services is dense and reliable. Roads are standardised as motorways, first-, second- and third-class metalled roads, and are generally in good condition, particularly on the main arteries. Motorways are equipped with emergency telephones every half a mile or less. The Slovakia emergency system provides a fast and reliable network of garages, tow trucks and medical services. Road signs comply with European standards.

Car hire: 

Self-drive cars may be pre-booked through the tourist office in main towns and resorts, or at Bratislava airport. Drivers must be over 18 (although some companies require the driver to be over 21). and have a valid international driving licence to book a car with most hire companies.

Taxi: 

These are available in all the main towns and are metered and cheap; higher fares are charged at night.

Bike: 

Slovakia's size and comparatively quiet roads make it relatively easy for visitors to get around under their own steam, either by car, motorbike or bicycle. Cycling in Slovakia is one of the best ways to see the sights through rolling countryside and forests and by the side of lakes, rivers and vineyards. Several companies offer mountain bike tours and it‘s possible to hire mountain or road bikes in all major cities.

Coach: 

Buses are more expensive than trains, although weekend bus fares are sharply reduced. Slovak Lines (tel: (2) 55 422 734; www.slovaklines.sk) is the country’s major bus service provider with connections to many domestic and international destinations.

Regulations: 

Seat belts are compulsory. The speed limit in towns is 60kph (37mph); outside towns 90kph (56mph); and on motorways 130kph (81mph).

Breakdown service: 

The emergency breakdown service number is 18123.

Documentation: 

Most hire companies require a valid international driving licence. If you are stopped by police you will also need to produce your passport or ID card and your car hire documents, including proof of valid insurance.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Buses, trolleybuses and trams exist in Bratislava and several other towns. All the cities operate flat-fare systems, and pre-purchase passes are available. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is usually required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service.

Rail: 

The rail network is operated by Railways of Slovakia (ZSR) (tel: (2) 2029 1111; www.zsr.sk). There are several daily express trains between Bratislava and main cities and resorts, although many of these routes have been reduced as of May 2011. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are charged for travel by express trains.

Rail passes: 

InterRail One-Country Pass: The pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within the Slovakia. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).

By water: 

The Danube is the main artery for transport by ship, which is operated by Slovak Shipping & Ports (tel: (2) 529 32 226; www.lod.sk). Cruises covering historic and tourist interests are also operated. There is also regular passenger transport on the Danube.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.