Slovakia has a well-developed railway network. Trains are the basic means of transport in Slovakia. Many social groups can travel for free (this may change in the future), trains run frequently, but are overcrowded, especially around Bratislava. Train travel in Slovakia is not as comfortable as in Western Europe but trains in Slovakia connects many popular tourist attractions.
Last updated: 2.01.2026
Traveling by train in Slovakia allows you to easily travel between the most important cities. The train does not reach everywhere, some tourist attractions can only be reached by bus, for example Čičmany. Main railway junctions are Bratislava, Žilina, Košice, Poprad, Zvolen a Nove Zamky. Trains in Slovakia run very often on main routes, but on many local routes there are a few trains a day.
In recent years, a large part of the rolling stock fleet has been replaced thanks to subsidies from European funds.
Table of contents:
1. Timetable and online shop
2. Types of the trains in Slovakia
3. The best tickets for tourists
4. The best starting points for train trips
5. Night trains
6. Railways in High Tatras
7. Funicular railway Stary Smokovec – Hriebenok
8. International trains
9. Most important train stations in Slovakia
10. What to see
1. Train travel in Slovakia – timetable and online shop
Almost all regular passenger trains in Slovakia are operated by Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK). In 2025 a new tariff was introduced – if you buy ticket at ticket office, you must pay surcharge 1 EUR. The fee for purchasing a ticket on trains is 3 euros and must be paid even at stations where the ticket office is not open.
There are no exceptions to the fee for standard travel tickets — it will apply to all regular tickets. However, it the surcharge is not apply to the purchase of free tickets for passengers aged 62 and over, or to reservations, sleeping car and couchette tickets, international tickets, and various other special tickets and services.
The fee will not be charged when purchasing a ticket electronically, that is, via the “Ideme vlakom” mobile app, the online e-shop, or via SMS.
Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko – official website
Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko – online shop. No additional fees.
Railway map of Slovakia (Wikipedia)
Czech private carriers RegioJet and Leo Express operate some of the long-distance trains between Czech Republic and Slovakia. Leo Express currently operates the railway line from Bratislava to Komarno.
Regiojet – private operator (trains and buses)
Leo Express – private operator
2. Types of the trains in Slovakia
Trains in Slovakia are divided into the following categories:
osobný vlak (Os) – local or regional train. Local trains stop at all stations. Various rolling stock – railbuses, modern diesel or electric multiple units, double-decker push-pull trainsets, on some routes passenger carriages hauled by a locomotive.
regional expres (REX) – regional train. The category probably applies to regional trains between main cities or cross-border regional trains.
zrýchlený vlak (Zr) – semi-fast train, mainly on the Zvolen – Banska Bystrica – Vrutky route. Trains stop at designated stops and are comprised usually of non-refurbished carriages.
rýchlik (R) – fast train. Many routes. It stop at designated stops only.
express (Ex) – express trains stop only at the most important stations, but the quality of the carriages is similar to fast trains.
eurocity (EC) – international trains with modern carriages.
supercity (SC) – Prague to Kosice train served by Czech Pendolino trainsets.
Intercity trains were withdrawn from mid-December 2024.
Slovakia by train – the best tickets for tourists
Slovak Railways do not offer year-round network tickets that would allow for cheap train travel across Slovakia. Since 2014, many people from Slovakia and European Union countries (such as students and seniors) have been entitled to free train travel in Slovakia after filling out a form at a ticket office.
Free train transport in Slovakia – conditions, information
Network tickets are available year-round within the Integrated Transport System in Bratislava and its region, as well as in the Žilina Region. These tickets allow travel on selected trains, city public transportation, and regional buses commissioned by local authorities. Currently, these tickets in East Slovakia are valid only on buses and city public transport but are not valid on trains. It may change in the future.
Travel by bus and train in Bratislava Region
Travel by bus and train in Žilina Region
Not all passengers are entitled to free traveling by train in Slovakia . The best offer for this group of passengers is Slovak network ticket valid only in July and August. The Slovak pass allows to travel as much as you want throughout Slovakia in 2nd class of the trains operated by Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko. The pass includes Tatra Electric Railways. If you want to travel in Supercity trains, you must pay a supplement.
There are two types of the Slovak pass:
– valid for 7 consecutive days
– valid for 31 consecutive days
In my opinion Slovak Tyzden (a ticket valid for seven consecutive days or until the last day of August.) is enough to visit the most important places in Slovakia that can be reached by train. Ticket is non-transferable, and it can be used only by the person to whom it was issued.
In recent years, a weekly ticket cost 49 euros.
Slovak ticket – a passenger’s guide
4. The best starting points for train trips
A popular way to explore Slovakia by train is to book accommodation near a railway station in a city with numerous train connections and organize day trips to nearby towns. The best suited for this purpose are the largest Slovak cities: Bratislava, Košice, Žilina as well as smaller cities that serve as railway hubs, making it easy to reach many interesting destinations in a short time, such as Zvolen and Poprad.
Below is a brief overview of suggested day trips from the most important Slovak cities.
Day train trips from Bratislava
Day train trips from Košice
Day train trips from Poprad
One challenge may be finding affordable accommodation with decent conditions in a private room. Accommodation prices in Slovakia are very high.
5. Train travel in Slovakia – night trains
Slovak Railways company runs night trains on domestic routes between Bratislava and Kosice and the city of Humenne. Additionally, international trains are available between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and seasonal night train connects Bratislava and Split in Croatia.
Night trains in Slovakia are comprised of seating carriages, couchettes and sleeping cars. Personally, I recommend to travel in a sleeper car – a supplements are relatively cheap and the journey is much more comfortable than in a seating carriage or a couchette.
Couchette compartments are mixed gender, but there are separate compartments with 4 berths for women in international transport. Passengers can choose between 4 or 6 berth compartments.
In sleeping cars there are separate compartments for men and women, but pairs or groups may travel together. There are 3-bed compartments, 2-bed comparments and single compartments (1st class).
Couchettes and sleeping cars are operated by Wagon Slovakia Košice (WGS)
The Slovak Railways have announced a plan to purchase new sleeper cars.
6. Railways in High Tatras
In the Slovak part of the Tatra mountains there is a narrow gauge railway network which consists of two connected lines:
Poprad – Starý Smokovec – Štrbské Pleso (29,1 km)
Starý Smokovec – Tatranská Lomnica (5,9 km)
The railway network is known as the Tatra ElectricRailway (Tatranská elektrická železnica).
At Štrbské Pleso, the railway connects to the Štrbské Pleso – Štrba rack railway.
At Starý Smokovec, the railway connects to the Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok funicular.
A separate tariff applies. Tickets must be validated before you boarding train. Seasonal railway passes are available, there are very cheap one-day, three-day, seven-day or monthly tickets.
All lines are single-track and electrified. Rolling stock fleet is modern but electric multiple units have no toilet on board. In July and August, heritage trains run on selected weekends.
Tatra Electric Railways – a passenger’s guide
7. Funicular railway Stary Smokovec – Hriebenok
There is an only one funicular railway in Slovakia. The funicular railway from Stary Smokovec to Hriebenok run as the part of the Tatra Electric Railways network.
The funicular is managed by Tatra Cableways (Tatranské lanové dráhy). The railway covers a distance of 1937 meters in 5 minutes. The funicular can transport 900 people per hour. The elevation difference between the starting and ending stations is 247 meters.
The railway was put into operation on December 16, 1908. Plans for the construction of the railway in this location appeared much earlier. Funicular was refurbished in 1967-1968. The rolling stock was replaced and route was shortened. After a disastrous windstorm in November 2004, the funicular was out of service for several months. In 2007, the railway was renovated, and the rolling stock was replaced.
8. Train travel in Slovakia – international trains
There are numerous long-distance and regional trains running between Slovakia and neighboring countries. International trains are operated by many railway operators from various countries.
Czech Republic
There are long-distance trains between most important cities in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Passengers can choose between daytime and overnight trains or between Ceske Drahy, Regiojet and Leo Express trains.
There are many discounts and promotional offers.
Slovak Railways – online shop.
Czech Railways – online shop
Regiojet – private operator, online shop
Leo Express – private operator, online shop
Hungary
There are many trains between Slovakia and Hungary. International trains between both countries run on the following routes:
Bratislava – Budapest
Kosice – Miskolc
Bratislava – Rajka (you can continue your journey to Gyor)
Tickets are not cheap anymore. The price is dynamic, depending on the train. It is worth buying tickets in advance.
Slovak Railways – online shop.
Hungarian Railways – online shop
It is also possible to travel from Kosice to Slovenske Nove Mesto, cross the border there on foot (3 km), and from Satoraljaujhely continue by train, e.g. to Miskolc or with a transfer to Tokaj.
There is a bus between Sturovo and Esztergom stations every two hours Taxi drivers charge many more for a ride between cities, which is worth it if 3-4 people take a taxi.
Austria
Trains from Bratislava to Vienna run every hour. Trains to Vienna mostly depart from Bratislava Petržalka Station, which is located in a different part of the city that main station.
In 2025 passenger trains between Bratislava Main Station and Vienna via Marchegg were reinstated.
There is a special tariff for Bratislava – Vienna trains – return tickets are relatively cheap. However, this does not apply to Railjet, Intercity and the Bratislava – Split night train.
Train from Bratislava to Zurich run once a day. The train provides direct access to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Feldkirch.
Trains between Vienna and Bratislava – a comprehensive guide
Croatia
The seasonal train from Bratislava to Split was cancelled.
Poland
Train transport between Poland and Slovakia leaves much to be desired. Direct long-distance trains run from Warsaw and Krakow to Bratislava and continue their journey to Budapest. If you want to travel to Zilina or Kosice, you need to get out in Bohumin, Czech Republic and change train. Long-distance train in Poland are operated by PKP Intercity
There are regional trains from Cadca or Skalite to Zwardon, Poland, operated by Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko. Regional trains from Zwardon to Katowice are operated by Polish regional railway operator Koleje Śląskie. You need to buy separate tickets for Slovak and Polish section.
Seasonal trains between Poland and Slovakia run on the following routes:
Poprad – Muszyna (weekends in winter and summer holidays) in cooperation with Koleje Małopolskie
Summer train between Sanok in Medzilaborce will temporarily suspended in 2026 due to modernisation of the railway tunnel between Poland and Slovakia.
Slovak Railways – online shop.
PKP Intercity – long-distance trains, online shop
Trains between Poland and Slovakia – a comprehensive guide
Ukraine
There is a daily train from Kosice to Mukatschevo. Passengers are carried by refurbished Slovak diesel railbus. There are plans to reinstate direct carriages to Lviv and Kyiv.
In 2025 one of the fast trains between Bratislava and Kosice was extended to Uzhorod.
9. Most important train stations in Slovakia
Train stations in Slovakia are usually neglected and unsafe. Most railway stations in Slovakia were built during the socialist era, and many historic stations were demolished. These stations mostly are ugly. The most beautiful station in Slovakia is located in Kiezmarok – charming town on the Poprad – Plavec route.
Bratislava hlavna stanica – main train station in Bratislava. The station is located not far from the city centre. It serves domestic regional and fast trains and international trains to Poland, Czech Republic and Budapest.
Bratislava train station – additional information
Bratislava Petrzalka – an important train station is located at Petržalka, the largest housing estate in Slovakia. It serves international trains between Bratislava and Vienna. Not large, but clean and wheelchair accessible station.
Bratislava Petrzalka train station – additional information
Kosice – train station in the centre of the second-largest city in Slovakia. Renovated, modern train station serves also as a shopping mall. It is located next to the bus station.
Kosice train station – additional information
Poprad-Tatry – an important railway junction. It serves domestic and international trains and Tatra Electric Railway. Clean, renovated, wheelchair accessible station.
Poprad-Tatry train station – additional information
Zilina – an important railway junction close to the border with Poland and Czech Republic. A reconstruction is underway. The station is famous for beautiful stained glasses depicting local heritage.
Presov – train station in third-largest city in Slovakia. Old, ugly, time travel to socialist era. It is a shame for the Slovak Railways and authorities of the city of Presov.
Related articles:
Railways in Europe by country
Narrow-gauge railways in Slovakia
Train travel in Slovakia – what to see
Slovakia is famous mainly for castles and its ruins. There are some tips for those, who plan to visit Slovakia first time and for short period. It’s only a basic plan. These places are reachable by train. There are much more tourist attractions in the country.
Bratislava – the capital of Slovakia, situated on the banks of the Danube River near the borders with Austria and Hungary. The city’s historic center is known for its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant squares. Key attractions include Bratislava Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and river, St. Martin’s Cathedral, the iconic UFO Observation Deck on the SNP Bridge, and the Primate’s Palace with its beautiful Hall of Mirrors. Bratislava also boasts lively cafés, museums, and a riverside promenade. A perfect starting point for train trips.
Trnava – a historic city in western Slovakia, often called the “Slovak Rome” due to its many churches and rich religious heritage. The city’s well-preserved old town features charming squares, medieval city walls, and numerous Baroque and Gothic churches, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Other highlights include the Town Tower, the University of Trnava, and lively cultural events that reflect the city’s academic and artistic traditions.
Trenčín – a nice city in western Slovakia, usually associated with dramatic hilltop castle overlooking the Váh River. Trenčín Castle, dating back to Roman times, is the city’s main attraction and offers panoramic views, museum exhibits, and medieval architecture. The charming old town features St. Nicholas Church, the Roman inscription on the castle rock, and picturesque streets with historic buildings and cafés. Trenčín also hosts cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
Košice – the second-largest city in Slovakia and the cultural and economic center of the country’s east. Its historic core is one of the best preserved in Slovakia, centered around the Main Street (Hlavná ulica). The city’s most famous landmark is St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Slovakia, along with St. Michael’s Chapel and the Urban Tower. Visitors can also enjoy the State Theatre, the Singing Fountain, numerous museums, and a lively café culture. Košice is a major tourist destination in eastern Slovakia.
Banská Štiavnica – a historic town in central Slovakia, nestled in the Štiavnica Mountains, and renowned for its rich mining heritage. The town’s well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Key attractions include the Old Castle and New Castle, the picturesque main square with the Holy Trinity Column, and the open-air Mining Museum that showcases the region’s silver and gold mining history. The town is also surrounded by scenic nature, including caldera lakes and hiking trails.
Kremnica – a small charming town in central Slovakia, famous for its medieval heritage and long-standing tradition of coin minting, including the Kremnica Mint, one of the oldest still-operating mints in the world. The town features well-preserved streets, charming squares, and landmarks such as Kremnica Castle, which houses a museum and offers panoramic views. Other attractions include the Church of St. Catherine, the Miner’s Museum, and nearby hiking trails in the surrounding hills.
Bardejov (optional) – a sleepy town in northeastern Slovakia with remarkably well-preserved medieval center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s main attractions include the beautiful Bardejov Town Square, surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings, the Church of St. Egidius, and the impressive town walls with fortified towers. Nearby, visitors can explore spa resorts in Bardejovské Kúpele, known for their healing mineral waters.
Prešov (optional) – a medium-sized city in eastern Slovakia with a colourful nice main square. The city’s main attractions include the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Old Town with its charming squares and historic buildings. Prešov also features several museums, cultural centers, and lively cafés. Prešov is well connected by train with Košice.
Žilina (optional) – an important railway junction in northwestern Slovakia, situated at the confluence of the Váh, Kysuca, and Rajčanka rivers. Key attractions include the Mariánske námestie (Marian Square) with its Renaissance and Baroque buildings, Budatín Castle near the Váh River, and the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. The nearby Malá Fatra National Park offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying scenic nature. My favourite city in Slovakia, especially if you wait for train.
Nitra (optional) – one of the oldest cities in Slovakia, located in the western part of the country, well-known for its rich history and religious heritage. The city’s main attraction is Nitra Castle, which houses the diocesan museum and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other highlights include St. Emmeram’s Cathedral, the historic old town with charming streets and squares, and the Zobor Hill area, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
