Cars & Transportation Slovakia

Urban Transport

Buses: The main type of public transportation in most Slovak cities. Bus routes cover both central areas and remote parts of cities. In Bratislava, the largest urban transport network in the country, buses are complemented by trams and trolleybuses. 

Trams: Operate in major cities such as Bratislava and Košice. Tram lines provide fast and convenient transportation on main routes. 

Trolleybuses: An environmentally friendly type of transport found in Bratislava and some other cities. Trolleybus lines complement bus and tram routes, providing additional coverage for urban areas. 

Intercity Transport

Trains: Slovakia's railway network connects most cities and regions of the country; it offers passenger transportation with various categories of trains, including regional and express routes. 

Intercity Buses: Bus connections between cities in Slovakia are provided, as well as international routes to neighboring countries. 

Integrated Transportation Systems

In some regions, such as the Bratislava region, an integrated transportation system (IDS BK) operates, combining various types of transport – buses, trams, trolleybuses, and trains. Unified tickets allow passengers to use multiple types of transport without needing to purchase separate tickets for each. 

Night Transport

In major cities such as Bratislava and Košice, night bus routes operate, providing transportation services at night. Night lines are usually indicated by the letter "N" before the route number and run at intervals of about an hour. 

Air Transport

International Air Transport: Slovakia has several international airports that provide access to major destinations in Europe and beyond: 

Milan Rastislav Štefánik International Airport (Bratislava) – the largest and busiest airport in the country. Flights are operated to major European cities including London, Vienna, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Prague, and others. 

Košice Airport provides connections to eastern Slovakia. Flights to Vienna, Prague, London, and other European cities. 

Poprad-Tatry Airport is located near the High Tatras. It specializes in tourist destinations, especially in the winter season.

Žilina Airport – a smaller airport that serves regional flights.

Features of International Connections

Popular Destinations: Slovakia has well-established flights with neighboring countries: Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Germany. 

Proximity to Vienna (Austria): Many Slovak residents use Vienna International Airport, which is only 60 km from Bratislava and is connected by regular bus and train routes.

Domestic Air Transport

Limited Routes: Domestic air transport in Slovakia is poorly developed due to the compact size of the country and the well-developed network of railways and roads.

Seasonal Flights: Popular in the winter period, especially for tourists heading to the Tatras.

Methods of Ticket Purchase

Ticket Machines: Most public transport stops have machines where tickets can be purchased. They usually accept coins and bank cards. 

Kiosks and Newsstands: In many cities, tickets are sold at newsstands and specialized sales points. 

Mobile Applications: In major cities such as Bratislava, mobile applications are available for purchasing electronic tickets. This allows tickets to be purchased online and used directly from a mobile device. 

SMS Tickets: In some cities, a ticket can be purchased by sending an SMS to a specific number. For example, in Bratislava, sending a message to number 1100 allows you to receive a ticket valid for 70 minutes. 

Purchase from the Driver: In some cases, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, however, this is not always possible and may be more expensive. It is recommended to confirm the possibility of such a purchase in advance. 

Types of Tickets

Single-use Tickets: Valid for a specific period (e.g., 15, 30, 60 minutes) and allow transfers between different modes of transport within this time frame.

Daily and Multi-day Tickets: Provide unlimited travel for 24, 48, 72 hours or a week. Ideal for tourists and those planning to use transport actively.

Season Tickets: Valid for a longer period (month, quarter, year) and often require a special card. Suitable for permanent residents and those who frequently use transport.

Features of Ticket Usage

Ticket Validation: When boarding a vehicle, a paper ticket must be validated in a special validator. Electronic tickets are activated automatically upon purchase.

Ticket Inspections: Random inspections are conducted by controllers in transport. Fines for fare evasion can be significant, so it is important to always have a valid ticket.

Discounts and Concessions: Children, students, pensioners, and other categories of citizens may be entitled to discounts or free travel. Appropriate documents must be presented for this.

Taxis

Taxi Services: In major cities like Bratislava and Košice, several taxi companies operate. Popular services include HOPIN and Bolt, which offer convenient mobile apps for ordering taxis.

Payment: Most taxis accept both cash and bank cards. When ordering through an app, payment can be made automatically with a linked card.

Car Sharing

Availability: Car-sharing services are gradually developing in Slovakia, especially in Bratislava. Companies like HoppyGo offer short-term car rentals through mobile apps.

Terms of Use: To rent a car, you need to register in the app, provide a driver's license, and a bank card. Payment usually depends on the time of use and the distance traveled.

Scooter and Bicycle Rental

Electric Scooters: In major cities, electric scooter rental services such as Bolt and Tier are available. Scooters can be found on city streets, unlocked with a mobile app, and used for short trips.

Bicycles: Bicycle rental systems, like Slovnaft BAjk in Bratislava, allow renting a bicycle for a certain time. Rental stations are located in different parts of the city, which is convenient for moving around.

Usage Features

Registration: To use car sharing, scooter, or bicycle rentals, you need to download the relevant app, register, and link payment details.

Traffic Rules: Users must comply with local traffic rules. For example, when using scooters, it is recommended to ride on bike lanes and park them in designated areas.

Age Restrictions: Renting cars and electric scooters usually requires a minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license.

In Slovakia, it is possible to live comfortably without your own car thanks to a developed public transport system and alternative ways of moving around.

In Slovakia, foreigners can obtain a local driver's license in two ways: exchanging an existing foreign license for a Slovak one or completing a full driving course in a driving school followed by passing exams.

Exchange of Foreign Driver's License for a Slovak One

If you have a valid driver's license issued in a country that has signed the Geneva or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, and you have a residence permit or permanent residency in Slovakia, you must exchange it for a Slovak one.

Timeframes: After obtaining a residence permit or permanent residency, you must reside in Slovakia for at least 185 days. Within 60 days after this period, you need to apply to the police station at your place of residence to exchange the driver's license. After verification, you will be issued a Slovak driver's license, and the foreign one will be sent back to the country of issue.

Required documents:

- A valid foreign driver's license and its official translation into Slovak.

- Confirmation from the competent authority of the issuing country about the validity of the driver's license.

- A valid residence permit or permanent residency.

- A medical certificate of fitness to drive a vehicle.

- An application in the prescribed form. 

Obtaining a driver's license through a driving school

If you do not have a driver's license or cannot exchange an existing one, you need to undergo training in a Slovak driving school (usually 3–5 months); pass the internal exams of the driving school; pass the state exams (theoretical test and practical driving).

Requirements:

- Age: at least 17 years for category B.

- A valid residence permit.

- A medical certificate of fitness to drive a vehicle. 

Cost:

- A standard training course costs about 1000 euros.

- Accelerated or individual courses may cost 1500–2000 euros. 

Notes: Training and exams are conducted in Slovak; some driving schools may offer training in English.

Car registration: If you plan to bring a car from abroad, you need to go through the customs clearance and registration procedure. If you have a residence permit in Slovakia, you can import personal belongings, including a car, duty-free, provided that it has been in your possession for at least one year before importation. After importing the car, it needs to be registered at the local police department. For this, you will need the car documents, confirmation of tax and fee payments, and passing a technical inspection.

Insurance: In Slovakia, compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance is required. The cost of insurance depends on the type of car, its age, and other factors. 

Taxes and fees

Transport tax: Car owners are required to pay transport tax, the amount depending on the engine power and age of the vehicle. 

Traffic rules

Speed limits: In populated areas — 50 km/h, outside — 90 km/h, on highways — 130 km/h. 

Alcohol: The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.0‰. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Lighting devices: Low beam headlights must be on around the clock. 

Seat belts: Required for both the driver and all passengers. 

Use of mobile phones: Prohibited without a hands-free system. 

Toll roads

Vignettes: For traveling on highways, it is required to purchase an electronic vignette. The cost depends on its validity period (10 days, month, year). 

Technical inspection

Frequency: New cars undergo the first technical inspection four years after registration, then every two years. For cars older than eight years, inspection is conducted annually.

Parking

Paid zones: Paid parking zones operate in city centers. Payment can be made through parking meters or mobile applications.

In Slovakia, adherence to traffic rules is strictly monitored, and significant fines and sanctions are provided for their violation. Below are the main types of violations and corresponding penalties.

Speeding

In populated areas

  - Exceeding up to 20 km/h: fine up to 50 euros.

  - Exceeding by 21–50 km/h: fine from 50 to 250 euros.

  - Exceeding by more than 50 km/h: fine from 250 to 800 euros.

Outside populated areas

  - Exceeding up to 30 km/h: fine up to 50 euros.

  - Exceeding by 31–60 km/h: fine from 50 to 250 euros.

  - Exceeding by more than 60 km/h: fine from 250 to 800 euros.

Driving under the influence of alcohol

The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.0‰.

When alcohol is detected in the driver's blood:

  - Fine from 200 to 1000 euros.

  - Revocation of driver's license from 1 to 5 years.

Using a mobile phone while driving: Fine up to 100 euros.

Not wearing a seat belt: Fine up to 50 euros.

Running a red light: Fine up to 300 euros.

Improper parking: Fine up to 50 euros.

Lack of mandatory equipment: Lack of a first aid kit, warning triangle, or reflective vest: fine up to 50 euros.

Violation of overtaking rules: Fine up to 200 euros.

Driving without a valid driver's license: Fine up to 300 euros.

Refusal to undergo a test for alcohol or drugs: Fine up to 1300 euros and revocation of driving license for up to 5 years.

Please note that in the case of serious offenses, such as driving under the heavy influence of alcohol or exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h, the case may be referred to court, which can lead to stricter penalties, including imprisonment.

Payment of fines

Payment at the place of violation

Cash: When stopped by the police for a violation, you can pay the fine directly on site with cash. The police officer will issue a receipt confirming the payment.

Bank card: Many patrols are equipped with mobile terminals allowing you to pay the fine by bank card.

Payment by bank transfer

Details: If you receive a fine notification, it will include bank details for payment.

International transfer: Foreign citizens can make the payment via an international bank transfer. It is important to include the correct details and payment purpose for the fine to be credited correctly.

Online payment: Some fines can be paid through the official portal of the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia (https://www.minv.sk). You will need the case or fine number and a bank card for this.

Payment at a bank or post office

Banks: You can visit any bank branch in Slovakia and pay the fine using the provided details.

Post office: The Slovak postal service also offers services for accepting fine payments.

Recommendations for foreign citizens

Timely payment: Pay the fine within the established deadlines to avoid additional sanctions or an increase in the fine amount.

Saving receipts: After payment, be sure to save the receipt or payment confirmation. This may be needed in case of questions or disputes.

Consultation: If you have difficulties with payment or understanding the procedure, it is recommended to contact the local police station or your country's consulate in Slovakia for clarification.

Vehicle registration

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicle owners and is carried out at the police station in your place of residence.

Required documents:

- Completed vehicle registration application form.

- Part I and II registration certificate.

- Document proving vehicle purchase (invoice or sales contract).

- Valid motor vehicle liability insurance policy.

- Valid identification document (passport or residence permit).

- If the owner is a legal entity, an extract from the commercial register or certificate of business registration is required.

- Document confirming the vehicle inspection by an expert (check of chassis and engine numbers).

- Cards confirming the passage of technical and environmental inspections.

Procedure:

1. Gather the necessary documents.

2. Visit the police station in your place of residence.

3. Submit the application and provide all required documents.

4. Pay registration fees.

5. Receive new registration documents and license plates.

Timeframes: A new vehicle must be registered within 15 days from the date of purchase. 

Technical inspection

The technical inspection is conducted to check the technical condition of the vehicle and its compliance with safety requirements.

Frequency

New vehicles: first inspection 4 years after registration, then every 2 years.

Vehicles over 8 years old: annually.

Procedure:

1. Schedule a technical inspection at an accredited technical control station.

2. Present the vehicle for inspection.

3. After successful completion, receive the supporting documents and windshield stickers.

Cost: The cost of the technical inspection varies depending on the type of vehicle and the station, but usually amounts to about 50–60 euros. 

Notes

When registering a used car purchased in Slovakia, you need to visit the police together with the seller to formalize the transfer of ownership.

If the car was purchased in another region, new license plates will be required.

- Mandatory civil liability insurance (PZP) must be arranged before registering the car.

Use of foreign cars

Short-term stay: Foreign citizens temporarily staying in Slovakia (e.g., tourists) can use cars with foreign registration without the need to re-register them. However, the vehicle must have valid registration in the country of origin and mandatory insurance valid in Slovakia.

Long-term stay: If the car owner plans to stay in Slovakia for more than 6 months or has a residence permit, it is necessary to register the vehicle with local authorities. This is because, after 6 months, a car with foreign registration is considered a permanent resident of the country.

The procedure for foreign registration depends on the country of origin of the car:

Cars from European Union countries: Since Slovakia is a member of the EU, customs duties on cars from other EU countries do not apply.

 Required documents:

    - Completed vehicle registration application.

    - Registration certificate from the country of origin.

    - Sales contract or other document confirming ownership.

    - Certificate of conformity or confirmation of technical characteristics.

    - Proof of VAT payment if the car is new (less than 6 months from the first registration or less than 6,000 km mileage).

    - Valid mandatory civil liability insurance policy.

  Procedure:

    1. Conduct a technical inspection and environmental control at an accredited station.

    2. Gather the necessary documents.

    3. Submit the application to the police department at the place of residence.

    4. Pay the registration fees.

    5. Obtain Slovak license plates and registration certificate.

Cars from non-EU countries: It is necessary to undergo customs clearance and pay the appropriate duties and taxes.

Required documents:

    - Customs declaration and confirmation of duties payment.

    - Registration certificate from the country of origin.

    - Sales contract or other document confirming ownership.

    - Certificate of conformity or confirmation of technical characteristics.

    - Valid mandatory civil liability insurance policy (PZP).

 Procedure:

    1. Undergo customs clearance.

    2. Conduct a technical inspection and environmental control.

    3. Gather the necessary documents.

    4. Submit the application to the police department at the place of residence.

    5. Pay the registration fees.

    6. Obtain Slovak license plates and registration certificate.

Additional requirements:

Technical inspection: All vehicles subject to registration must undergo a technical inspection and environmental control at accredited stations.

Insurance: Before registration, it is necessary to arrange mandatory civil liability insurance with one of the Slovak insurance companies.

Taxes and fees: A registration fee is charged upon registration, the amount of which depends on the engine power and age of the vehicle.

In recent years, Slovakia has been actively developing infrastructure for electric vehicles, striving to meet European standards and support environmentally friendly transportation.

Charging stations

Quantity and location: In Slovakia, there are several hundred public charging stations located in large cities, along major highways, and near shopping centers. This provides convenient access to charging for electric vehicle owners.

Types of Charging Stations: Both standard (AC) chargers and fast (DC) charging stations are available, allowing for a significant reduction in charging time.

Expansion Plans: The government and private companies continue to invest in expanding the network of charging stations, especially in regions with lower population density, to ensure even coverage across the country.

Service Centers

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Major car manufacturers like Volkswagen, Kia, and Peugeot, which have factories in Slovakia, offer electric vehicle servicing through their official dealership networks. 

Specialized Services: With the increase in electric vehicles on the roads, independent service centers specializing in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles are emerging.

Government Support

Incentives for Buyers: The Slovak government offers various subsidies and tax benefits for electric vehicle buyers, promoting the transition to environmentally friendly transport.

Thus, Slovakia demonstrates significant progress in developing the infrastructure for electric vehicles, ensuring convenience and accessibility for electric vehicle owners.