Traveling by train is the best way to explore Slovakia, especially when visiting the country’s largest cities. Unfortunately, Slovak Railways does not offer single-day or weekly network tickets that would allow travelers to spend a week or two traveling by train across Slovakia without having to purchase a separate ticket for each segment. The exception is the “Slovak” network ticket, which is only available in July and August.
The Slovak ticket allows travel on ZSSK trains for either a week or a month, depending on the selected option. It is valid in second class on all trains operated by ZSSK within Slovakia, including on the Tatra Electric Railways lines and the cog railway between Štrba and Štrbské Pleso.
The best option for tourists is the SLOVAK TÝŽDEŇ ticket, valid for seven consecutive days. There are also discounted versions for seniors and youths under 26, but these require a special loyalty card issued by Slovak Railways. Such a card is also required to use the SLOVAK KLASIK ticket, which is valid for 31 days.
The SLOVAK TÝŽDEŇ ticket allows travelers to visit Slovakia’s top destinations at a very low price. In 2024, the ticket cost €29, which is a bargain—cheaper than a round-trip ticket from Bratislava to Košice.
SLOVAK TÝŽDEŇ ticket – Key Information:
– Valid for seven consecutive days in second class on Slovak Railways (ZSSK) trains.
– Valid only between July 1 and August 31.
– A seat reservation costing €1 is required for SuperCity trains.
– Ticket holders may travel in couchette or sleeper cars with an additional reservation.
– Valid on the Tatra Electric Railways.
– Valid on tourist trains launched by ZSSK.
– Not valid on RegioJet, Leo Express, or special trains.
How to Travel
Slovakia’s largest cities are located along the railway lines connecting Bratislava and Košice (one route via Žilina, the other via Zvolen) or near these lines. Tourists wishing to explore local rail lines should base themselves in one of the major railway hubs—such as Bratislava, Zvolen, Žilina, Poprad, Košice, or Vrútky—and organize day trips by train from there.
One issue is finding decent accommodation at a reasonable price. In recent years, accommodation costs in Slovakia have increased significantly. It’s not uncommon to find hotels or guesthouses charging €50 per night where hot water may be unavailable or only provided for a few hours a day. In some cities (Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica), student dormitories are available for rent during July and August, though they often offer low comfort and are several kilometers from the nearest train station.
Summer Train Travel in Slovakia – tips
The SLOVAK TÝŽDEŇ ticket is a very good deal, but train travel in Slovakia—especially in summer—comes with several downsides. Here are the key issues:
Many Slovaks and EU citizens are entitled to free travel on Slovak Railways. As a result, trains are often crowded, especially in summer when students travel extensively out of boredom.
July and August are extremely hot in Slovakia. Exploring in temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) in the shade is uncomfortable, as is riding non-air-conditioned trains.
There’s a significant risk of crime on trains in eastern Slovakia, particularly east of Košice. In the western part of the country, the rail lines near Myjava have a bad reputation.
Related articles:
Train travel in Slovakia – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Slovakia
