A few years ago, the Žilina region introduced an integrated transport system that allows travel throughout the region by buses, trolleybuses, and trains using a single ticket (Integrovaná doprava Žilinského kraja). Integrated tickets significantly simplify travel for tourists who want to visit as many places as possible in just a few days. Importantly, these tickets are available year-round, unlike the nationwide Slovak summer train tickets described in another article, which are only available in July and August.
24-Hour and 72-Hour Network Tickets for Tourists
Tourists can purchase 24-hour and 72-hour network tickets. This is a very convenient solution since integrated transport systems are divided into fare zones. Understanding how the ticket price is calculated and which ticket to buy when a train or bus passes through more than two zones can be very difficult for tourists visiting the region for the first time.
The network ticket allows travel throughout the Žilina region. It is also valid on local public transport in Žilina, Čadca, and Martin.
Network ticket prices as of June 2025:
24-hour ticket – €8
72-hour ticket – €22
With an IDS ŽK network ticket, passengers can travel on buses and trains operated by:
– SAD Žilina (Slovak Bus Transport Žilina)
– ZSSK (Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko – Slovak Railways) (with restrictions explained below)
– DPMŽ (Public Transport Company of the City of Žilina)
– ARRIVA Liorbus
– DPMM (Public Transport Company of the City of Martin)
The IDS ŽK network ticket is valid on the following Slovak Railways (ZSSK) routes:
S1: Žilina – Predmier (Os and REX trains)
S2: Žilina – Čadca – Skalité-Serafínov (Os trains)
S21: Čadca – Makov (Os trains)
S3: Žilina – Vrútky – Šútovo-Ratkovo (Os and REX trains)
S4: Žilina – Rajec (Os trains)
S5: Vrútky – Martin – Turčianske Teplice – Horná Štubňa (Os trains)
S51: Horná Štubňa – Sklené pri Handlovej (Os trains)
S52: Horná Štubňa – Turček (Os trains)
Train Categories:
Os (Osobný vlak) – local train, stops at all stations and railway stops
REX (Regional Express) – stops at selected stations only
Important: The IDS ŽK network ticket is not valid on fast trains (R), express trains (Ex), or SuperCity trains.
Example Excursions Using the IDS ŽK Ticket:
Plan a day trip from Žilina to the open-air museum in Čičmany. Take a train from Žilina to Rajec, then transfer to a bus to the village of Čičmany.
Another option is to take a train from Žilina to Čadca, and from there, a bus to one of the stops in the village Nová Bystrica, where the Museum of the Kysuce Village with a narrow-gauge railway is located (travel time: 40–50 minutes).
www.idzk.sk – official website; up-to-date information.
Related articles:
Train travel in Slovakia – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Slovakia
