Slovak Rail | PolishTrains
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Slovak Rail (Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko, abbreviated ZSSK) is Slovakia's national rail carrier, combining modernity, reliability and the tradition of rail travel. It transports thousands of passengers daily on domestic and international routes, offering comfortable travel conditions, punctuality and access to modern services. You can buy ZSSK tickets on PolishTrains without creating an account – the ticket is sent by e-mail and SMS. In addition to daytime IC and EC services, the carrier offers night trains with couchettes and sleeping cars, as well as the Motorail service, which transports cars by train. You can check the current timetable for any day, including the next ZSSK departures, in the PolishTrains journey planner. With its extensive network of connections, Slovak Rail is one of the pillars of public transport in Central Europe - facilitating both daily commuting and long-distance tourist travel.
At a glance
You can buy a ticket even just before departure – the entire transaction on PolishTrains takes a few minutes, and confirmation is sent immediately by e-mail and SMS. You can check and buy a ticket for ZSSK trains in the PolishTrains journey planner – without creating an account, in Polish zloty. Tickets are available up to 30 days before departure. Simply enter the route and date, choose a service and pay. * Operator: Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) – Slovakia’s national railway carrier
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Domestic routes: Bratysława-Koszyce (approx. 5 hours), Bratysława-Poprad-Tatry (approx. 4 hours), Bratysława-Preszów, Koszyce-Cierna nad Tisou
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International services: Poland (Kraków, Katowice, Warsaw), the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Ukraine; seasonal services to Poland operated in cooperation with POLREGIO and Koleje Małopolskie
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Train categories: Os, REX, Zr (regional), R, Ex (long-distance), IC, EC (premium), EN (night)
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Night trains: Bratysława-Koszyce, Praga-Koszyce and Humenné-Bratysława routes; seated places, couchettes or sleeping cars
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Motorail: transport of cars and motorbikes on the Bratysława-Humenné route; book online or at ticket offices in advance
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Ticket purchase: on PolishTrains up to 30 days before departure; discounts include students with ISIC (-51%), seniors (-30%) and children under 4 (-100%) ### At a glance
- ZSSK operates a national network covering six train categories from local Os trains to premium EuroCity and EuroNight services
- The Bratislava–Kosice route takes around 5 hours and is one of the most popular domestic connections
- EuroNight overnight trains offer seats, couchettes and full sleeping compartments with breakfast included
- The Motorail service carries cars and motorcycles on the Bratislava–Humenné overnight route
- InterCity and EuroCity trains feature Wi-Fi, 230 V sockets, dining options and facilities for reduced mobility passengers
- ISIC card holders receive a 51% discount; children under 4 travel free on all ZSSK services If you need help from a consultant or are planning a group journey, contact us:
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Booking form – complete it online without creating an account
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E-mail – describe the route, date and number of passengers
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Telephone – a consultant will help you choose a service and fare
After purchase, the ticket is sent by e-mail and SMS. *30 minutes before departure, you receive a reminder with a link – you do not have to search through your inbox. You can check the refund and exchange rules on the PolishTrains website.
Slovak Rail - Slovak railways
The national carrier Slovak Rail (ZSSK) operates a diverse network of services, including both local and long-distance trains, which also operate beyond Slovakia's borders.
Osobný vlak (Os) are trains that stop at essentially all stations and stops, serving mainly regional connections. Detailed rules for carrying luggage, bicycles and animals depend on the train category and route – before travelling, check the detailed luggage rules on the PolishTrains help page. Regionálny express (REX) and Zrýchlený vlak (Zr) are faster regional trains, providing access between major cities with a limited number of stops.
Longer distances are covered by Rýchlik (R) and Expres (Ex) - long-distance trains that form the backbone of ZSSK's domestic services. The highest standard is offered by InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC) and EuroNight (EN), providing fast and comfortable domestic and international travel, including to the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria and Hungary. You can find the rules for carrying a dog in a carrier in the information available when buying a ticket on PolishTrains.
Modern rolling stock and travel comfort
ZSSK's fleet consists of both modern multiple units - electric and diesel - and modernised coaches running on national and international routes. In recent years, the carrier has introduced vehicles from manufacturers such as Stadler equipped with quieter drives, air conditioning and an energy recuperation system to reduce power consumption.
On InterCity and EuroCity trains, travellers have 230V sockets, Wi-Fi, tables, modern vacuum toilets and space for bicycles. Family areas are available on many trainsets, as well as facilities for people with reduced mobility, including low-floor entrances.
Catering facilities are available on board selected trains - either in dining cars or via mobile catering. On EuroNight overnight trains, passengers can choose between a seat, couchette or full sleeping compartment with bedding and breakfast included in the ticket price.
Routes and connections
The Slovak Rail network covers the whole of Slovakia - from Bratislava to Košice and from Poprad to Banská Bystrica . The most popular national routes are:
🚆Bratislava**- Košice**, operated by R or Ex trains in about 5 hours,
🚆Bratislava**- Poprad-Tatry**, a connection ideal for tourists heading to the mountains. Takes about 4 hours and is served by Ex category trains.
🚆Bratislava**- Prešov**, connecting two major Slovak cities,
🚆Košice**- Cierna nad Tisou** - route leading towards the border with Ukraine.
International calls
Slovak Rail operates an extensive network of international connections, linking Slovakia with most of the neighbouring countries of Central Europe . The Slovak carrier's trains run regularly to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Ukraine, providing quick and convenient access to both capital cities and popular tourist destinations.
ZSSK maintains regular connections to Poland, including Cracow, Katowice and Warsaw. During the summer season, connections are also launched: Medzilaborce - Sanok, Medzilaborce - Rzeszów (in cooperation with POLREGIO) and Poprad-Tatry - Muszyna (in cooperation with Małopolska Railways).
Travel comfortably on an overnight train
😴Slovak Rail offers the possibility to travel comfortably after dark with night connections operated by REX, R and RR category trains. Daily services provide convenient connections on the routes** Bratislava - Košice, Prague - Košice or Humenné - Bratislava**, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep while travelling through Slovakia and neighbouring countries.
There is a choice of seated compartments, couchettes and sleeping cars, allowing you to tailor your journey to your individual preferences and budget. All night carriages are air-conditioned and, in the case of sleeping cars , passengers can expect a hygiene kit, hot drinks and a light breakfast. With overnight trains, you can save time and accommodation costs while gaining the unique experience of travelling through the picturesque regions of Slovakia in the comfort of your own compartment.
Take the car on board the train
Slovak Rail allows cars and motorbikes to be transported on selected routes as part of the Motorail service, allowing you to travel comfortably by train and then continue your journey in your own vehicle. The most popular motorail route is Bratislava - Humenné, served daily by a night train. Cars and motorbikes are transported in special carriages and passengers can rest in comfortable compartments during this time. You can buy tickets on PolishTrains without creating an account, in Polish zloty, with access to student, senior and family discounts. It is possible to order a seat for a vehicle online or at ticket offices, although it is advisable to do so in advance due to the limited number of seats. The service is particularly attractive for those travelling long distances, planning a holiday in the mountains or wishing to avoid driving for hours. Prices depend on the route and the weight of the vehicle and range from €39 to €249 - a detailed list can be found on the carrier's website.
Slovak Rail and PolishTrains
You can buy tickets for ZSSK trains on PolishTrains without registering, in Polish zloty. Travellers planning a trip to Slovakia can easily plan their route through the PolishTrains platform, which provides the opportunity to purchase tickets for Slovak Rail trains. The service provides up-to-date information on routes, transfers and departure times, and a helpline can be contacted in Polish if necessary. You can buy tickets on PolishTrains without creating an account, in Polish zloty, with access to student, senior and family discounts. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days before the departure of the train. ZSKK also provides special offers for senior citizens from Slovakia and other EU countries (including free travel, on the basis of an identity document), as well as student discounts for ISIC card holders .
Thanks to this cooperation, travel in Slovakia or to neighbouring countries becomes fast, simple and safe.
