Travel from Prague to Slovakia

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a popular tourist destination. Situated in the middle of Europe, Prague is a good gateway to explore the rest of Central Europe, with Slovakia being a great option to the East.

Several direct trains connect Prague with Bratislava and Kosice. While traveling to Bratislava or Western part of Slovakia, travel by train can be the optimal means of transport. Train travel in both countries is much cheaper than in Western Europe, quick and safe.

The train from Prague to Bratislava runs every two hours and takes about 5 hours, with the international EC and IC trains even faster and comfortable on a level comparable to trains anywhere in the world.

The train from Prague to Kosice (via Zilina and Poprad) takes roughly 10 hours and unless you want to enjoy the countryside and talk with fellow travelers it is recommended to take an overnight train with a couchette or bedroom. Please lock well the compartment door so your belongings are not robbed while you sleep, so passport control is the only hassle on your way. The earliest direct train departs from Prague around 7am, the last one shortly after midnight.

To avoid considerable fines, the train tickets must be always purchased before entering the train. For timetables and other important information please consult our Travel by train section.

Trying to run a bit cheaper than trains, the price is the only advantage of taking a bus, thus a favorite means of travel for students. Regular bus lines are provided by various Czech and Slovak companies from Prague to Bratislava and to Kosice, stopping at a few other major cities on the way. The tickets can be purchased in the booking office, usually at Prague Florenc bus station - doing so a few days before the departure is recommended.

Daily flights from Prague to Bratislava and from Prague to Kosice are provided by Slovakia's bargain operator SkyEurope (www.skyeurope.com) and by Czech Airlines (www.csa.cz).

The recommended route from Prague (D1) to Bratislava leads via Brno (D2 / E65) and the border crossing point is in Lanzhot/Brodske; while driving to Slovakia's mountains also go via Brno, but cross the borders at Stary Hrozenkov/Drietoma to continue via Trencin (E50) and Zilina on the highway.

Please realize that both countries, although once forming a federal state, nowadays use different currency: Czech crowns (CZK) in the Czech Republic and Slovak crowns (SKK) in Slovakia. There may be difficulties using a credit card outside of main working hours at the train or bus stations. Neither country is included into the Schengen area, so passport control still takes place at the borders.

Photo of the Prague castle courtesy of www.castles.info.