Travelling around Slovakia by train: planning a trip without a hire car

• Connections and departure times depend on your travel date and chosen route.
• When comparing timetables, consider your start and destination, transfers and preferred arrival time.
• For some destinations, the final leg may require another mode of transport or additional planning.
• Check bicycle transport and any other special conditions for the specific connection.

Start with the places you really want to visit. Bratislava, Trenčín, Žilina, Poprad, Prešov and Košice are all possible stops on a trip. Check the connections for your dates before settling on a fixed itinerary; a list of places does not mean there is a direct connection between any two destinations.

If you would also like to visit cities in central Slovakia, add Banská Bystrica to your search. Choose your starting point and destination, then compare journey times and transfers. The round-trip overview can help you combine rail travel with other ways of getting around.

Use an up-to-date journey planner and enter the exact date. Check the departure and arrival stations, transfer times and the last connection of the day. If you have tight transfers or several legs, allowing extra time may be wise. Timetables can change, so don’t rely on old screenshots or saved printouts when checking your departure.

If you want to take your bicycle, also check the conditions for each train. You can find advice on combining rail and cycling in the Slovakia cycling holidays. For maps and regional information, see the travel information and the overview of regions and landscapes.

Plan overnight stays around your actual arrival times. If your destination is some distance from the station, check in advance how to cover the last leg on foot or by another connection. For day trips, check the return journey on the same day so that you don’t plan only for the outbound trip.

The CP timetable planner lets you search for connections and departures. Check the details for your date and, if necessary, confirm important information with the relevant transport operator.

How do I check train connections in Slovakia?

Enter your starting point, destination and travel date in an up-to-date journey planner. Then check the transfers, departure station and arrival time for that specific connection.

Can I reach every destination without changing trains?

That depends on the places you choose and the timetable on your travel date. Don’t assume there is a direct connection until you have confirmed it in the current journey planner.

How much time should I allow for a transfer?

There is no single transfer time that works for every station and connection. Check the specific transfer and allow enough time if you have luggage, don’t know the station or are making several journey legs.

Can I take my bicycle on the train?

Conditions vary by connection. Check space, whether a reservation is required and the transport rules before making firm plans to travel with your bicycle.