Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Slovakia! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Slovakia, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Slovakia Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Slovakia for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Slovakia currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Slovakia need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Slovakia Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Slovakia throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bratislava | -3° / 3° | -2° / 5° | 2° / 10° | 6° / 16° | 10° / 21° | 14° / 24° |
| Prešov | -5° / 0° | -4° / 2° | 0° / 8° | 4° / 14° | 9° / 20° | 11° / 23° |
| Žilina | -6° / 1° | -5° / 3° | -2° / 8° | 3° / 14° | 7° / 19° | 10° / 22° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bratislava | 16° / 27° | 15° / 26° | 11° / 21° | 6° / 15° | 2° / 8° | -1° / 3° |
| Prešov | 13° / 25° | 13° / 24° | 9° / 19° | 5° / 13° | 0° / 6° | -3° / 1° |
| Žilina | 12° / 24° | 11° / 23° | 8° / 19° | 4° / 13° | 0° / 6° | -4° / 1° |
When to visit
Summer is peak season in Slovakia, with the largest number of tourists enjoying the hot weather.
But the best time to visit Slovakia is in the Spring, where the weather is mostly consistent with pleasantly mild days, and the trees burst into blossom. Autumn is also a good time to visit, with clear weather and the changing foliage in heavily forested areas providing great scenery.
Getting around in Slovakia
Check train and bus timetables online at cp.atlas.sk.
Trains
Slovak Railways (ŽSR) run Rýchlik (fast) trains that stop at major towns, and Osobný (local) trains that stop everywhere. You can purchase tickets at the train station.
Trains from Vienna in Austria depart every hour to Bratislava, making it a convenient day trip if you’re staying in Vienna.
Buses
Buses, trams and trolleybuses in Slovakia run from around 4am to midnight. Bus tickets can be purchased at any newsagent or ticket machine at the bus stop. You will need coins to purchase a ticket from a ticket machine. Once you’ve boarded the bus, punch the ticket to avoid a fine. In Nitra and some other places, you can only purchase the ticket directly from the driver.
In Bratislava, a 15-minute ride costs around €0.70, and a 60-minute ride costs around €1.20. You can also purchase a day pass for €4, or 3-day pass for €9.
Taxis
Taxi ranks are normally located next to train and bus stations. From Bratislava centre to Bratislava airport, the fare is between €10-€15.
Luggage storage
In Bratislava, there are storage lockers located both in the main train station and the bus station, and the train station also has staffed luggage storage.
The staffed luggage storage is open from 6:15am to 7:30pm, and prices depend on the weight of the bag. but are normally around €1.50-€2.50 per bag per day. There are other stations that offer luggage storage as well, you can check the full list here.
Self-storage lockers can be found outside of the train station on platform 1, and are available 24/7. You can store your luggage for a maximum of 72 hours, and prices start from €2. The lockers only accept €1 and €2 coins.
The lockers in the bus station are free to use, but are intended for short-term storage only, as they will automatically unlock at midnight. They are located on floor -1 near the cash desks.
Note there is no luggage storage service at Bratislava Airport.
For other storage solutions, try Nannybag, LuggageHero or Radical Storage to see all of their locations and prices.
Further practical information for travelling in Slovakia
What language is mainly spoken in Slovakia?
Slovak is the official language of Slovakia, and around 25% of people speak some English.
What is the main currency of Slovakia?
The currency of Slovakia is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Slovakia?
If you need emergency services in Slovakia, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Slovakia?
You will need a Type C or E 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Slovakia. Slovakia operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Slovakia?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Slovakia.
Are public toilets free in Slovakia?
Generally, public toilets cost a small fee to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Slovakia?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Slovakia. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Slovakia?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to add a 10% tip to the total bill.
What is the drinking age in Slovakia?
The official drinking age in Slovakia is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Slovakia?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Slovakia, including the Adder snake, and bigger animals such as wolves, wild boars and brown bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
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Check out where else I’ve travelled in Central Europe!