Trains in Slovakia | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Slovakia's rail network connects all major regions but faces infrastructure gaps outside the main Bratislava–Kosice corridor
• Since 2025, buying tickets at the office costs EUR 1 extra and buying from the conductor costs EUR 3 extra
• The ZSSK zero-fare programme covers only Slovak citizens and permanent residents — tourists pay standard fares
• Modern CityElefant electric units and air-conditioned coaches coexist with older rolling stock on regional lines
• Children under 6 travel free; those aged 6–16 receive a 50% discount; senior citizens over 70 pay EUR 0.15 per 50 km
• PolishTrains allows booking Slovak rail tickets in Polish zloty without the need to register an account

What to travel with in a country like Slovakia? The train is a good alternative to the car, but it is worth being aware of the limitations. The Slovak railway is, on the one hand, a dense, practical network covering the country's main regions, but on the other hand, a system that is still struggling with infrastructure deficiencies and delayed modernisation. On routes between major cities (primarily Bratislava, Kosice, Žilina or Poprad) , trains run relatively frequently, providing decent comfort and the ability to travel without the need to book well in advance.

Problems begin outside the main routes, where timetables are sometimes limited, and older trainsets and the poor condition of stations may surprise travellers used to the standards familiar from Poland or the Czech Republic. There are still some routes where long gaps between courses make flexible trip planning difficult - it is worth taking this into account when planning day trips or journeys with a change of train.

Opting for the train? Slovakia from the carriage window is sure to delight you, but your travel experience will depend on the type of rolling stock you come across. Although modernisation is progressing and more and more routes are being served by comfortable electric units of the CityElefant era (EPJ 671) or refreshed carriages with air-conditioning, it is still possible to encounter motorised trains of a lower standard, which can be a nuisance on hot days.

Choosing trains in Slovakia? Here are some important tips

The best mode of transport in Slovakia? Trains that run at off-peak times. It's also worth making sure about seat availability on longer routes. As an additional burden for travellers, a charge for purchasing tickets at the ticket office (€1) and on board the train (€3), introduced in 2025, is designed to encourage the use of online channels.

An important convenience for travellers to Slovakia is the possibility to purchase tickets directly on the PolishTrains platform. The entire procedure is carried out with us in Polish and in Polish currency - you do not need to log into the systems of foreign carriers. What is more, you can make use of our Polish helpline - we will advise you on the choice of connection, explain the rules of seat reservation and support you in planning the return journey. Call us on +48 123 451 661 (payable at the operator's tariff) or make a priority call to +48 703 402 010 (the cost of the call is PLN 2.58 inc. VAT/minute).

The idea of free travel for selected social groups - a solution that has been in operation since November 2014 and was introduced by a decision of the Robert Fica government as part of a social policy - has been controversial for many years. Free trains in Slovakia include:

• children,

• pupils

• students up to the age of 26,

• pensioners and pensioners (including those over 62 years of age).

These persons can travel for free on ZSSK trains provided they have a special card entitling them to discounts. Free travel is only valid on domestic trains and only in second class. They do not apply on international trains and on sleeping and berth cars.

The scheme has had a side effect: it has sharply increased the number of travellers on the most popular sections, especially between Bratislava, Žilina and Košice, and this has led to permanent overcrowding of trainsets, reduced availability of seats and a deterioration in travel comfort during peak hours and at weekends. While the solution was intended to support mobility and improve the social situation, it actually increased the pressure on rolling stock and infrastructure, which were already in need of modernisation.

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Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) is the national carrier responsible for the operation of passenger trains, fast trains, express trains and some international trains.

It is ZSSK that is responsible for the core of national transport, managing the most important connections between the west and east of Slovakia. The carrier offers several categories of trains.

• Os - passenger train

• Zr - fast train

• R - fast train

• RJx - Regiojet Bratislava - Zurich train

• EX - express

• EC - Eurocity

• SC - Supercity

Intercity trains in Slovakia disappeared from the timetable in 2024. ZSSK aims to gradually replace the rolling stock, introducing modern coaches and multiple units, although the pace of modernisation still does not meet all needs.

ZSSK also offers special tickets, including the summer Slovak network ticket, available in July and August, as well as numerous regional solutions within integrated transport systems (IDS BK, IDŽK and IDS Východ). Travellers will also find it useful to be able to book seats in sleeping cars and couchettes, which can be purchased online with a surcharge. ZSSK also provides a number of solutions for cyclists and pet owners, although

Planning to travel by Slovak Rail train? Keep in mind:

• the load on popular trainsets, especially at weekends and holiday periods;

• the need to carefully check timetable indications;

• additional charges for purchasing a ticket at the ticket office or from the conductor introduced in 2025;

• large differences in travelcomfort depending on rolling stock type and train category;

• restrictions on the carriage of bicycles and animals, which may require advance booking or a surcharge.

It is worth knowing that the zero-fare programme, i.e. free rail travel, is only available to persons with Slovak citizenship or permanent residence in Slovakia. It covers, among others, children, pupils, students and senior citizens, but is not available to tourists from Poland. Those who do not meet the zero-fare conditions of the ZSSK can, however, benefit from a wide set of commercial concessions.

Children up to 6 years of age

• In 2nd class, travel is free without a ticket and without an additional card,

• In 1st class, two children can travel without a ticket per adult with a valid ticket; each additional child pays half price,

• On EuroCity trains, there is a €1 surcharge if the child uses a paid seat,

• In SuperCity, surcharges are: €1 in 2nd class and €3 in 1st class,

• On InterCity trains, children up to 6 years of age need a separate seat - at the lowest available supplement,

• Young children can only travel if accompanied by a person over 16 years of age.

Children 6-16 years

• A 50% discount applies in 2nd class and an approx. 25% discount in 1st class.

• In case of doubt, the conductor may ask for proof of age (with photo, date of birth).

• A surcharge of € 1 applies on EuroCity trains.

• On SuperCity: surcharge of €1 in 2nd class and €3 in 1st class.

• On InterCity, children 6-16 years of age must have a separate seat.

Pupils and students under 26 years of age

• In order to use the discounts for pupils and students, a BČK card (contactless card) is required, issued by Slovak schools or at the ZSSK ticket offices.

• The discount is 50% in 2nd class and 1st class with no restrictions on address or country of study.

• It is possible to buy student season tickets with a 60-70% discount (valid on Os, REX, R, Ex, EC, EN; surcharges apply on SC and IC).

• Discounts can also be applied on border sections. The age limit is the 26th birthday or the moment of completion of the second degree.

• On EuroCity, a €1 surcharge applies, on SuperCity €1 in 2nd class and €3 in 1st class,

• On InterCity, discounts also apply on the basis of a foreign ISIC card, so students from Poland can take advantage of this.

Seniors over 70 years of age

• There is a charge of €0.15 for every 50 km started in 2nd class.

• A discount of up to 25% applies in 1st class.

• On the lines of the Tatra Electric Railway and the cog railway, the fare is always € 0.50.

• An identity card with date of birth is required.

• Surcharges for seniors 70+ are: EC - €1; SuperCity - €1 in 2nd class, €3 in 1st class; InterCity - according to the price list.

Although ZSSK dominates the Slovak rail network, private carriers also play a significant role: primarily RegioJet and Leo Express, which operate international routes and selected domestic sections. What other trains in Slovakia are there to choose from?

RegioJet

This carrier, favoured by Polish tourists for its friendly pricing policy, comfortable carriages and extensive on-board services, offers direct connections between Prague, Žilina and Košice. It is one of the most popular choices among travellers from Poland changing trains in Bogumin or Český Těšín. RJ trains provide different classes of travel, including seats in Astra cars with multimedia screens, as well as a basic range of catering services. Prices are dynamic and dependent on occupancy, so buying in advance can significantly reduce the cost of the journey. RegioJet also offers cross-border connections on local sections, providing an attractive alternative to the ZSSK. If the destination of your upcoming holiday is Slovakia, the RegioJet train may be a good choice for you.

Discounts with RegioJet

RegioJet offers a wide range of concessions on domestic routes in Slovakia, including children, young people, students, seniors and people with disabilities.

• Children aged 0-5 travel free.

• Passengers aged 6-17 receive a 50% discount on presentation of proof of age.

• The same 50% discount can be used by students up to 25 years of age if they have a Slovak card, ZSSK card or international ISIC card.

• Seniors aged 65 and over receive a 15% discount.

• Those with a Slovak card ŤZP or ŤZP-S can expect a 60% discount, and their carers travel for free.

All discounts are only valid on Low Cost, Standard and Relax fares in 2nd class and only if the entire journey is on domestic transport in Slovakia.

Leo Express

This carrier operates on a smaller scale, but also operates between Prague and Kosice, offering journeys in modern Flirt vehicles. Journey comfort can be high, but the drawbacks of these trains are the lack of couchette cars and the absence of classic couchettes on the night course - limiting convenience for those planning longer journeys. Leo Express stops at Český Těšín, among others, so it is a popular choice for passengers travelling from southern Poland who are looking for connections to eastern Slovakia. The carrier uses a dynamic pricing system and flexible promotions, so it is worth monitoring the availability of train tickets to Slovakia with this particular carrier.

Discounts on Leo Express

There is no concessionary ticketing scheme on Leo Express Slovakian routes. Only cashback in leo-credits for Smile Club members is available.

Read more about international connections on PKP Intercity!

Is it possible to travel to Slovakia directly by train from Poland?

Yes. There are two direct international trains on the Poland-Slovakia route operated by PKP Intercity, which provide a convenient connection for travellers both from the south of the country and from central Poland. The first of these, IC 131 Batory, departs from Eastern Warsaw at 08:58, travelling via Katowice and arriving at Bratislava hlavná stanica station. The second, IC 407, also departs Eastern Warsaw at 19:39 and travels via Cracow. Tickets, available from around 125 PLN, can be conveniently purchased via the PolishTrains platform.

What are the best cities to choose as a base in Slovakia?

The most convenient bases for exploring Slovakia by train are the country's major railway hubs. Bratislava provides the best communication with Austria and the Czech Republic, Košice allows you to comfortably explore the eastern part of Slovakia, and Poprad is the ideal starting point for discovering the High Tatras. On the other hand, Žilina, Zvolen and Banská Bystrica are great starting points for smaller towns, mountain attractions and routes through picturesque valleys. So the choice of base depends mainly on the region you want to visit - all the cities mentioned guarantee good rail connections and easy access to the surrounding attractions.

How much do train tickets cost in Slovakia?

Train fares in Slovakia depend on the length of the journey and the category of train. Short regional journeys usually cost €2-6, while for longer routes, such as Bratislava - Košice, expect to pay around €20-25. The lowest prices are available when buying online, and additional savings can be made with integrated transport offers in the Bratislava and Žilina regions. It is worth bearing in mind the new fares effective from March 2025: €1 for buying a ticket at the ticket office and €3 if purchased from the conductor.