Prague to Bratislava - 12 Best Ways to Travel in 2025

Most travelers heading from Prague to Bratislava choose the train. It’s a smooth and straightforward journey, with a travel time of 4 hours and 20 minutes. Trains depart every two hours, starting at 5:42 AM, with the last departure at 7:42 PM.

These connections are operated by the Czech national carrier, České dráhy. Trains include both first- and second-class carriages, with complimentary Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a dining car for snacks or meals during the ride.

Prague to Bratislava Train Tickets

Tickets start at around €18 if purchased in advance. This discounted fare is valid only for the specific train selected at booking, so it's best to buy it when your plans are confirmed. For same-day departures, prices can rise to €45.

You can buy tickets online through the Czech or Slovak railway websites—prices may vary slightly between them, so it's worth checking both.

If you prefer to purchase your ticket in person, head to Praha hlavní nádraží (main train station) and visit the customer center on the ground floor. Be aware that lines can be long, especially close to departure times, as train travel is very popular in the Czech Republic.

If you’re using a rail pass such as Interrail or Eurail, you can travel on this route free of charge. However, a seat reservation (especially during peak hours) is recommended and costs €3.

Prague to Bratislava RegioJet Train

In addition to České dráhy, RegioJet also operates trains on this route. They offer four daily departures, currently at 07:16, 11:16, 15:16, and 17:16, with a slightly shorter travel time than the national rail service.

RegioJet tickets usually start at €15, and same-day fares are around €22. It's best to book in advance, especially for peak times, as these trains can sell out. Tickets can be purchased directly via the RegioJet website.

Prague to Bratislava Night Train

If you’d like to save daytime hours or avoid paying for a hotel, the night train from Prague to Bratislava is a convenient option. It departs at 22:01 from Prague and arrives in Bratislava at 06:02, with a longer stop near the Slovak border to ensure an early morning arrival.

This overnight train offers multiple ways to travel depending on your comfort preferences. You can choose a standard seat, but for a better night’s rest, there are couchettes with six beds per compartment for around €57. If you're looking for more privacy and comfort, the sleeping car is the best choice, priced at about €69. Although these options come at a higher cost, they allow you to combine travel with accommodation, helping you make the most of your time and budget.

Train Stations in Prague and Bratislava

All trains depart from Prague’s main train station – Hlavní nádraží, conveniently located and connected to metro line C (red).

In Bratislava, you’ll arrive at the central train station – Hlavná stanica, located about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. You can also reach your destination via tram, bus, or taxi.

Another popular option for traveling from Prague to Bratislava is by bus. There are at least ten daily connections, operated by FlixBus, the well-known company with bright green buses you’ll see all over Europe. The buses are comfortable, equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at each seat, so you’ll have no trouble staying connected or entertained during the ride.

The bus journey takes only a few minutes longer than the train, making it a solid alternative to rail travel.

If you book early, you can find tickets starting at €14, including the service fee. If you're buying closer to departure or prefer to keep your schedule flexible, tickets can go up to €42.

Because bus travel between Prague and Bratislava is quite popular, we recommend buying your ticket in advance, as seats can sell out. To book, go directly to the FlixBus website, where you can check the schedule and choose the departure time that suits you best.

In addition to FlixBus, there’s also the option of traveling with Student Agency, a local company known for its comfortable buses and often slightly cheaper fares. They currently offer two direct departures per day—at 09:30 and 23:00—with a travel time of 4 hours and 15 minutes. If the timing works for you, you can purchase your ticket on the Student Agency website.

Bus stations in Prague and Bratislava

All buses depart from the Florenc bus station in Prague, located in the city center. You can easily reach it via the red C metro line (Florenc stop) or by walking from the main train station—it's about a 10-minute walk.

In Bratislava, buses arrive at the Nivy bus station, which is integrated into the Nivy Centrum shopping mall. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the Old Town, or you can hop on one of the many city buses to reach your final destination.

Since the distance between Prague and Bratislava is relatively short—only around 330 km—and there are so many more convenient travel options, flying is generally not recommended for this route. There are no direct flights, so you'll need to connect via another European airport, which makes the trip far longer than necessary.

The shortest connection available takes around seven hours, not including the time needed to get to and from the airport. On top of that, flights on this route are usually operated by low-cost airlines, meaning you’ll need to purchase separate tickets for each leg. If one flight is delayed, the airline isn’t responsible for helping you rebook or continue your journey, leaving you to sort it out yourself.

Prices for flights start at around €50, but that doesn’t include extras such as checked baggage or seat selection—so the final cost can climb quickly.

All things considered, flying from Prague to Bratislava isn’t the most practical option, but if it’s something you’d like to try for the experience, it is still technically possible.

If you prefer to have full control over your trip, driving from Prague to Bratislava is one of the best options. It offers flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, be aware that one-way car rentals—where you return the vehicle to a different city—can come with a significant extra fee, which may make the trip more expensive.

Make sure you have a valid motorway vignette for both the Czech Republic and Slovakia if you plan to use highways. These can be purchased online in advance for each country.

The shortest route between Prague and Bratislava is approximately 330 km and takes a bit over three hours of driving. But instead of rushing, we recommend taking your time to explore the rich culture and beautiful landscapes this part of Central Europe is known for.

Some highlights along the way include the UNESCO-listed towns of Kutná Hora and Třebíč, the charming wine towns of Znojmo and Mikulov, the elegant Lednice–Valtice palaces, the natural wonder of Macocha Gorge, and Brno, the Czech Republic’s vibrant second-largest city.

A good alternative to driving yourself is taking a private transfer from Prague to Bratislava. It’s a convenient option that allows you to avoid the hassle of public transport and not worry about handling luggage. All you need to do is be ready at the agreed time and enjoy a comfortable, stress-free ride.

This option comes at a slightly higher cost—expect to pay around €260 per car for a ride with an English-speaking driver. The door-to-door journey typically takes a bit over three hours.

You can also customize your day by adding sightseeing stops along the route for an additional fee. Some of the most popular and worthwhile places to visit between Prague and Bratislava include Kutná Hora, Brno, Mikulov, and the elegant Lednice Chateau.

Another way to travel from Prague to Bratislava by car is through carpooling. It’s a great option if you enjoy having company along the way and want to experience a relaxed drive between the two capitals.

The most popular platform for finding carpool rides is BlaBlaCar. You can browse available options there and, once you find a ride that fits your schedule, contact the driver to arrange pickup time and location. Just be sure to double-check the listings, as BlaBlaCar sometimes displays bus options as well—which are usually slightly more expensive and not what you’re looking for if you're specifically interested in car sharing.

The final price is set by the driver, but you can usually find carpooling offers for under €20 per person. It's important to read the details carefully, as pickup or drop-off points may be located outside the city center, which can be inconvenient—especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

If you don’t see any rides available in advance, don’t worry. Car sharing works best for last-minute trips, and new listings are often posted on the same day. That said, since it’s not the most reliable option, it’s best to treat carpooling as a backup plan rather than your main mode of transportation.

Those who enjoy the thrill of spontaneous travel and the joy of adventure might want to try hitchhiking from Prague to Bratislava. It’s a fairly popular route, so with a bit of luck, you might be able to find a direct ride all the way to Slovakia.

That said, the starting point for Prague to Bratislava hitchhiking is along motorway no. 1, the same road used for routes to Vienna and Budapest. Because of this, competition can be high, and it might take a little longer to catch your first ride.

The best place to begin is at the Újezd u Průhonic petrol station, the first major stop on this motorway. To reach it, take the red C metro line to Opatov (the second-to-last stop in the direction of Háje). From there, transfer to bus X122 and ride it to its final stop, K Sukovu. After a short walk, you’ll arrive at the petrol station—your starting point for the hitchhiking journey.

If you prefer to spend your holidays in a more active way and want to see more than just the main cities, consider going on a bike trip from Prague to Bratislava.

The distance between the capitals is about 330 km, but we recommend planning at least five to seven days for the journey. This way, you won’t need to rush and can take the time to fully enjoy this scenic corner of Central Europe. And if you’re a wine lover, plan for a little longer—you’ll pass through Moravia, a region well-known for its wine production, and it’s definitely worth stopping to experience it.

There are countless amazing places to stop along the way—from UNESCO-listed sites to charming towns and historic landmarks. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, making the entire Prague to Bratislava cycling trip a beautiful and rewarding experience.

As you get closer to the Czech-Slovak border, the terrain becomes a bit hillier, but nothing too challenging. Even less experienced cyclists should be able to complete the route comfortably.

Most people might consider the idea a bit crazy, but you can absolutely walk from Prague to Bratislava and spend your holidays discovering Central Europe in depth. This kind of journey allows you to see fascinating, lesser-known places and experience the region in its full cultural and natural richness, gaining a deeper understanding of its customs, traditions, and everyday life.

You should plan for at least two weeks to complete the journey comfortably. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes, charming towns and villages, and plenty of beautiful natural scenery that makes the slower pace incredibly rewarding.

Despite the distance, the route itself is not particularly demanding, and you don’t need to be in top physical shape to do it. With a bit of preparation, good walking shoes, and the right mindset, a Prague to Bratislava walk can turn into an unforgettable adventure.

The most luxurious and fastest way to travel from Prague to Bratislava is by private jet. It’s also the most expensive, with prices starting at around €5,500 to charter a plane—but it offers the chance to customize the experience entirely to your preferences.

The total travel time, including transfers from the city center to the airport and the flight itself, is about 2 to 3 hours—only slightly shorter than traveling by public transport or car. Still, if you're looking for an unforgettable journey and want to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous, this is certainly a memorable way to go.

If you’re traveling with your motorhome, you can turn the journey from Prague to Bratislava into a memorable road trip, enjoying all the incredible stops along the way. It’s a fantastic way to explore Central Europe, especially if you want to visit less-popular or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

When planning your trip, make sure to schedule overnight stays at official campsites. Wild camping is not allowed in either the Czech Republic or Slovakia—though in Slovakia, it is sometimes tolerated. That said, this shouldn’t be a problem, as there are plenty of well-equipped campsites with good infrastructure where you can safely park your RV during your Prague to Bratislava motorhome trip.

Another thrilling and independent way to travel from Prague to Bratislava is by motorcycle. If you're looking to get there quickly, you can take the fast motorways and reach your destination in just a bit over three hours.

However, since this part of Europe is both beautiful and underrated, we highly recommend taking your time. There are countless scenic, winding roads and charming towns to explore along the way. You’ll also have the chance to visit historical sites, discover natural wonders, and ride through Moravia—a region known for its excellent wine and laid-back countryside atmosphere. It’s a route that offers not just a ride, but a rich and memorable travel experience.