Travelling in Slovakia can be smooth and stress-free when you know how to navigate public transport, buy tickets and follow traffic rules.
We have answered the frequently asked questions about travelling in Slovakia with the kind help of the Migration Information Centre of the International Organisation for Migration - MIC IOM.
For many travellers, Slovakia is still something of a hidden gem in the heart of Europe. Nestled between Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine, the country is not only easy to reach but also relatively simple to navigate once you arrive. It is connected to its neighbours by air, road and rail, and is part of the Schengen Area, which allows free movement to most other European countries. Whether you are coming for a short city break in Bratislava, a hiking adventure in the High Tatras, or to explore its many mediaeval towns, understanding how to travel to, and around, Slovakia can make your stay much smoother.
Open borders – with one exception
Since December 21, 2007, Slovakia has been part of the Schengen Area, which means that travellers arriving from Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland enjoy open borders without routine passport checks, which allows for seamless road and rail travel across Central Europe. It is worth noting, however, that travellers must still carry an internationally recognised form of ID, and that the Austrian authorities, in particular, often carry out checks on vehicles crossing from Slovakia into Austria.
The only exception is the border with Ukraine, which remains an external Schengen border. Here, passport and customs controls are still in force. Crossing points with Ukraine include Čierna nad Tisou (by train), Ubľa, Veľké Slemence (by foot) and Vyšné Nemecké. Air travel also counts as entering through an external Schengen border, meaning passengers flying in from outside the Schengen Zone undergo passport controls upon arriving at Slovak airports.
Slovakia has five international airports, offering connections to numerous major European centres. The largest and busiest is Bratislava Airport (BTS), which offers direct connections to many European cities, mainly via low-cost airlines. Its proximity to Vienna International Airport (VIE), located only about 60 kilometres away, provides travellers with an additional convenient entry point. In the east, Košice Airport (KSC) serves as the main hub, with regular flights to destinations such as London and Prague. Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) is particularly popular among winter sports enthusiasts, serving as the gateway to the High Tatras. The country also has two smaller regional airports, Žilina (ILZ) and Sliač (SLD), which handle a limited number of international flights. For the most current information on flight schedules and airport operations, visitors can check the airport websites.
Many visitors also fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE), located just across the border in Austria. Shuttle buses and trains connect Vienna and Bratislava in about an hour, making it one of the most popular routes into Slovakia.
By rail or road
Trains and buses remain the backbone of domestic and regional transport. Slovakia has a surprisingly dense and interconnected rail and bus network, making it easy to reach even small towns and villages. The state-owned rail operator Železničná Spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) runs most services, ranging from local passenger trains to faster Regional Express (REX) connections between major cities like Bratislava, Košice and Žilina. Tickets can be purchased at stations, online via zssk.sk, or directly from conductors on local trains. For REX trains it is advisable to make reservations, especially during peak travel times. Private operators such as RegioJet also run popular long-distance routes, often with modern trains and competitive prices.
Long-distance buses are reliable and sometimes faster than trains, particularly for cross-border connections. Domestic buses link towns and villages where trains may not operate. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver on regional routes, while long-distance tickets are available at stations or online. The comprehensive portal cp.sk is invaluable for checking timetables for both trains and buses.
Getting around cities
Public transport in Slovakia’s larger cities is well-organised and affordable. Bratislava, Košice, Prešov and Žilina operate networks of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Tickets must be purchased in advance from kiosks, vending machines, or via mobile apps, and validated when boarding. Unlike in some countries, tickets cannot usually be bought from the driver (except in smaller towns).
A comprehensive (albeit unofficial) source of information is imhd.sk, which provides detailed timetables, route maps, and fare details for public transport across Slovakia. For Bratislava specifically, the official dpb.sk site offers additional resources.
What to know while driving in Slovakia
For those who prefer driving, Slovakia’s rules are strict but clear. Drivers from EU and EEA countries may use their licences without restrictions. Visitors from countries that are signatories to the Geneva or Vienna Conventions can drive if they also hold an international licence.
For non-EU residents who settle in Slovakia, foreign licences are valid for 185 days from the granting of residence. After this, drivers must exchange their licence for a Slovak one. The process is handled by district police headquarters.
Traffic regulations are strictly enforced in Slovakia:
Traffic drives on the right-hand side.Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, and 130 km/h on highways. The urban speed limit area is marked by a sign bearing the name of the settlement, as you enter; it ends when you pass a sign with the name crossed out. The permitted blood alcohol level for drivers is zero – even a small amount can result in heavy fines or licence suspension.Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers.Headlights must be used all year, day and night.Winter tyres are required if roads are covered with snow or ice.Electronic vignettes must be purchased in order to use highways (some highway sections around cities are exempt). They must be purchased in advance, at www.eznamka.sk/en.
Cars must also carry a set of compulsory equipment: a warning triangle, a first aid kit, a reflective vest within easy reach of the driver, and a non-dismantling tire repair kit.
Insurance, registration and accidents
Driving in Slovakia as a foreigner requires paying attention to insurance, registration and accident procedures. Every vehicle must carry mandatory liability insurance, usually confirmed by an international "green card." Without valid proof of coverage, a foreign driver may be held personally responsible for damage until insurance is verified. Many visitors and long-term residents also choose comprehensive insurance for extra protection against theft, vandalism or natural disasters, while car rental companies usually include such coverage as part of their services.
According to International Organization for Migration (IOM) experts, traffic violations and road accidents involving foreigners are handled in the same way as those involving Slovak citizens. "From a legal perspective, there is no distinction between a Slovak and a foreign participant in traffic incidents – the same traffic rules and legal procedures apply," they noted.
When it comes to registering a foreign vehicle, the obligation arises after a person obtains residence in Slovakia or uses the vehicle long-term on Slovak territory. However, as IOM experts point out, a vehicle cannot be registered to a person holding temporary refuge status. For detailed instructions on how to register, the IOM recommends contacting the Department of Documents and Records of the Presidium of the Police Force of the Slovak Republic, available here.
In case of an accident, it is strongly recommended to call the police, especially if there is injury, major damage, or if a foreign vehicle is involved. Officers will check insurance documents, prepare an official accident report, and issue a certificate confirming the case was investigated – documents that are vital for later insurance claims. For minor collisions where both parties agree, a European Accident Statement may be sufficient, but caution is advised.
Useful tips
IOM experts also highlight several common legal misunderstandings that foreigners often encounter while driving or travelling in Slovakia.
These include:
The requirement to exchange one’s foreign driving licence for a Slovak one after settling in the country.Differences in parking policies, particularly between “permanent residence” for Slovak citizens and foreigners, which are regulated by different legal frameworks.Obtaining parking permits in Bratislava, which requires an in-person visit to the city office – especially relevant for people with temporary refuge.Purchasing a highway vignette, which is mandatory for all drivers regardless of nationality.Fines for public transport violations, which apply equally to everyone using local transit.