Tatra Electric Railways (Tatranské elektrické železnice) is a network of railway lines that greatly facilitates travel between spas, resorts, and hiking trails at the foot of the High Tatras.
The network consists of narrow-gauge lines with a track gauge of 1000 mm:
Poprad-Tatry – Starý Smokovec – Štrbské Pleso (29.110 km)
Starý Smokovec – Tatranská Lomnica (5.983 km)
Cog railway Štrba – Štrbské Pleso
The Tatra Electric Railways lines were gradually opened between 1908 and 1912. Interestingly, during the planning stage, there was an idea to connect the railway to Zakopane (Poland) via Morskie Oko (Lysá Poľana)
Last updated: 26.05.2025
Key information for tourists:
It is possible to transfer from long-distance trains to the Tatra Electric Railways at the Poprad-Tatry station. The platform for the Tatra trains is located on the upper level of the station. The trains are equipped to carry persons with disabilities, bicycles, and skis, but do not have toilets. There are lifts between lower and upper level of the Poprad-Tatry Station.
Trains run hourly, and the ride is well worth it for the views.
Tickets for the Tatra Electric Railways can be purchased at most accommodation facilities and tourist information points in the High Tatras, as well as at the ticket office at Poprad-Tatry station, online, or via SMS. There are single-use and time-based tickets. During summer, holders of Slovak network tickets can also travel on these trains.
Single ticket prices depend on the length of the journey.
There are also network tickets available. In May 2025, ticket prices increased significantly. At the time of writing, the network ticket prices were as follows:
24-hour ticket – €6
3-day ticket – €12
Weekly ticket – €16
Monthly ticket – €18
You can purchase an additional 24-hour ticket for luggage or bicycle transport (€2.50).
Network tickets for the Tatra Electric Railways are also valid on trains running on the Poprad-Tatry – Studený Potok – Tatranská Lomnica route.
Tickets must be validated immediately after boarding the train.
On summer weekends, vintage trains that were long withdrawn from regular service operate on some routes.
From Tatranská Lomnica, you can return to Poprad by standard-gauge train. A transfer to the electric railway is also possible at the Štrba station.
Related articles:
Train travel in Slovakia – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Slovakia
