Travel to Slovakia
Flying to Slovakia
Slovakia's main international airports are Bratislava (BTS) in the west and Košice (KSC) in the east, with Poprad-Tatry (TAT) serving the High Tatras. Bratislava has direct flights to a growing range of European destinations, including London, Rome, Barcelona, Milan, Athens and Warsaw, as well as several destinations beyond Europe. Routes and frequencies vary seasonally.
Vienna International Airport (VIE), around 50km (31 miles) west of Bratislava, is also widely used by travellers visiting Slovakia. It has a much larger international network, with direct bus connections between the airport and Bratislava.
Flight times:
From London to Bratislava: 2 hours 15 minutes (direct).
Travel by rail
Slovakia has good international rail connections with neighbouring countries. Direct trains link Bratislava with Vienna, Prague and Budapest, while other international services connect Slovak cities with destinations including the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland. Bratislava hlavná stanica is the capital's main railway station; some services to and from Vienna also use Bratislava-Petržalka station.
International tickets can be purchased through Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) and the relevant foreign railway operators. Reservations are compulsory on some long-distance services but not on all international trains.
Rail passes:
Interrail passes are available for European residents, while Eurail passes are available for residents of countries outside Europe. Both can be used for rail travel in Slovakia and for international journeys to participating countries. Seat reservations and supplements may be required on some international and long-distance services.
Driving to Slovakia
Slovakia shares land borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. Motorways and main roads provide straightforward connections from neighbouring countries, with Bratislava particularly close to Vienna. Slovakia is part of the Schengen Area, although travellers should carry valid travel documents as temporary internal border controls may occasionally be introduced.
International coaches connect Bratislava with cities including Vienna, Prague and Budapest, with services to other destinations across Central and Western Europe. Bratislava's main coach terminal is Nivy bus station (Autobusová stanica Nivy), close to the city centre. Direct coaches also connect Bratislava with Vienna International Airport.
Getting to Slovakia by boat
The Danube provides an international passenger route into Bratislava from Vienna. The Twin City Liner operates a high-speed catamaran between central Vienna and central Bratislava, with service varying by season. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
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