20 Best Day Trips From Bratislava: By A Local

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Welcome to Slovakia, a landlocked country in Central Europe. If you’re considering traveling to Bratislava and exploring more of Slovakia, you’re right here. I’m a Slovakian citizen, born in the country, and have lived there for 18 years. So in this article, I’ll give you the best ideas for day trips from Bratislava.

If I am completely honest with you, I don’t recommend staying too long in Bratislava. It’s a beautiful small city, but there is not much to do. One day in Bratislava is enough. So check out some of these unique day trips from Bratislava and explore the rest of Slovakia. I’ll also point out, which are the best nature day trips from Bratislava. You’ll fall in love with the country.

List Of The 20 Best Day Trips From Bratislava

Devín Castle
Wine Tasting In The Carpathian Hills

Hiking In Fatra Mountains
High Tatras National Park
Bojnice Castle & Traditional Slovakian Village

Thermal Spa Aphrodite & Traditional Slovakian Village
Banská Štiavnica & Trenčín
Visit Fair-Tale Castles In Slovakia

Brno
Uherske Hradiste
Olomouc

Zlin ZOO
Rocks Prachov (Prachovske Skaly)
Vienna

Wine Tasting In The Wachau Region
Pandorf Shopping
Salzburg & Sound Of Music Tour

Budapest
Lake Balaton
Győr

Top Nature Day Trips From Bratislava In Slovakia

Here is a quick list of the best nature day trips from Bratislava in Slovakia. You can go hiking or just enjoy beautiful nature and relax.

Wine-Tasting In The Carpathian Hills
Hiking In Fatra Mountains

High Tatras National Park
Zlin ZOO
Rocks Prachov (Prasne Skaly)

Wine Tasting In The Wachau Region
Lake Balaton

How To Make The Best Day Trips From Bratislava

The best two ways to make these day trips from Bratislava are renting a car in Bratislava or joining an organized day trip from Viator agency.

A: Rent A Car In Bratislava

If you want to travel alone and do these day trips at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. You can do so in Bratislava, and even extend your trip, seeing more places in Slovakia.

B: Book An Organized Day Trip

In case you want to have a stress-free trip and see these places with a guide, book some of the amazing organized day trips from Bratislava that I write about.

Everything will be organized for you. You’ll taste traditional Slovakian things and thoroughly learn about its culture and history. You can book these organized day trips below each activity, so check them out.

List Of The Best Day Trips From Bratislava In Slovakia

Here is a list of the best day trips from Bratislava:

Devín Castle

Wine Tasting In The Carpathian Hills
Hiking In Fatra Mountains
High Tatras National Park

Bojnice Castle & Traditional Slovakian Village
Thermal Spa Aphrodite & Traditional Slovakian Village
Banská Štiavnica & Trenčín

Visit Fairy-Tale Castles In Slovakia

1. Devín Castle

Devín Castle was part of two major historical events; the Napoleon Wars and the Iron Curtain.
When Napoleon captured Vienna in the 19th century, he came to the Devín Castle with his army. They wrecked it. Yet you can still explore its ruins nowadays and learn more about Slovakian culture and history.

This castle is mentioned in several Slovakian poets. It’s the symbol of the national awareness and reciprocity of the Slovak nation.

Devín Castle was also part of the famous Iron Curtain, introduced by Willston Churchill in 1948. It was in section 14 of the curtain, at the border with Czechoslovakia and Austria. One day, the rules got much stricter, and they banned locals from crossing the Iron Curtain. Many were killed because people were very offensive and wanted to fight against this regime.

Nowadays, you can learn about these events by visiting the Castle.

The best way to explore the castle from Bratislava is to rent a car and drive there directly.

Organized Day Trip To Devín Castle & Wine Tasting

Alternatively, you can make an organized day trip to the Devín castle. It also includes wine tasting in one of the best wine regions in Europe. So you’ll kill two birds with one stone by making this day trip.

A professional guide, transfer to all attractions, an entrance ticket to the castle, and the entire wine-tasting experience are included in the price. The meeting point is in Bratislava, at the parking next to Hotel Carlton.

Book A Trip To Devín Castle & Wine Tasting

best fairy-tale castles in Slovakia Devin Castle — Best fairy-tale castles in Slovakia: Devin Castle

2. Wine Tasting In The Carpathian Hills

Bratislava is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Both Slovakia and Austria produce delicious wines in the regions around them. So it would be a pity to miss the experience of wine tasting.

You can try delicious Slovakian wines in a family-run business around Bratislava. They also offer you local snacks such as cheese plates, teach you how they produce wines and show you how they run the business. So if you’re a wine lover, this is one of the best places to taste local wines.

The best way to do a wine-tasting is by booking an organized day trip from Bratislava.

They’ll pick you up from your hotel in Bratislava and drive you to Pezinok. It’s a small town famous for its viniculture and handmade ceramics.

Transportation, a professional guide, wine tasting, and cheese plates are included in the price. So check it out by clicking on the button below and enjoy some of the best wines in Central Europe.

This would be one of the best nature day trips from Bratislava, too.

Book Wine Tour In The Carpathian Hills

3. Hiking In Fatra Mountains

Slovakia is famous for its stunning national parks, mountains, and great hiking. One of the best mountains ranges to be in is the Fatra Mountains. There are two of them: Little Fatra and Grand Fatra.

Little Fatra is the closest to Bratislava, which makes it a perfect nature day trip from Bratislava.

You can take a train to Žilina, and from there, take a bus directly to the Vrátna, the gateway to the Little Fatra Mountain Range.

Once you’re in Žilina train station, turn left, walk across the street, and you’ll see a bus station. From there, take a bus to Vrátna. It leaves from platform number 10.

Check out all train and bus connections at CP.sk website, official Slovakian timetables.

Or rent a car in Bratislava and drive directly to the starting point of your hike.

Then you can make some of the best hiking trails in the Fatra Mountains:

Chleb

Stoh
Veľký Rozsutec

Once you get through the forest, you’ll be walking on the top of the hills with stunning views of Slovakia. It’s a beautiful experience. After, stop by a restaurant and taste some delicious Slovakian food, such as bryndzové halušky (bryndza cheese gnocchi) or gulaš. Or enjoy it even up on the mountain Chleb in a mountain hut.

Hiking To Chleb Mountain

If you decide to hike to Chleb mountain, you must start at the Vrátna Výťah cable car station. You can also take a cable car up the mountain and walk down. Or take the cable car both ways if you don’t want to hike and just want to enjoy the beautiful views.

So once you’re in Žilina about to take a bus, the end station where you have to get off is called Vrátna Výťah.

There is a hut just below Chleb mountain where you can have lunch. It’s called Chata Vrátna (Vrátna Hut).

HIKE INFO: 2 hours and 30 minutes from Vrátna Výťah to Chleb (one way); full hike up and down is 5 hours, 9 kilometres/3 miles

Hiking Trail: Vrátna Výťah to Snilovské Sedlo (following green hiking sign), Snilovské Sedlo to Chleb (following red hiking sign)

Hiking Difficulty: Easy

Hike To Stoh Mountain

If you want to hike to the Stoh mountain, you’ll have to take the same bus from Žilina to Vrátna Výťah, but get off at 1 station before, which is called Štefanová.

From Štefanová, you’ll walk to the Medziholie and hike up Stoh mountain.

HIKE INFO: 3 hours and 30 minutes; full hike up and down takes 6 hours, 10 kilometers/6.2 miles

Hiking Trail: Štefanová to Medziholie (following the green hiking sign), Medziholie to Stoh (following the red hiking sign)

Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Hiking To Veľký Rozscutec Mountain

Alike with Stoh, you’ll also start your hike to Veľký Rozsutec from Štefanová. First, you’ll hike to Medziholie (as with the Stoh mountain). Then, from Medziholie, you’ll turn left and ascend to Veľký Rozsutec.

This is the most difficult hike of all three, yet the views are the most beautiful.

HIKE INFO: approx. 3 hours, the full hike takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, 10 kilometers/6.2 miles

Hiking Trail: Štefanová to Medziholie (following the green hiking sign), Medziholie to Veľký Rozsutec (following the red hiking sign)

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

You can enjoy these top three hiking trails as a day trip from Bratislava by visiting the Little Fatra Mountains (Malá Fatra in Slovakian language).

Make sure to take a train from Bratislava early in the morning. This way, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the hike and return to Bratislava.

best day trips from Bratislava hiking Fatra mountains — Best day trips from Bratislava: Me hiking in the Fatra mountains

Organized Hiking Trip From Bratislava To Fatra Mountain (Hike To Chleb)

You can also go on an organized day trip from Bratislava to Fatra Mountain. They’ll organize train tickets for you from Bratislava to Žilina with a private transfer to Vrátna. Then you’ll take a cable car to the Snilovské Sedlo (the first hike I mentioned) and hike up to Chleb Mountain, which I mentioned above.

You’ll always have your trekking guide with you, who will explain everything about the surroundings and Slovakian culture.

During your trip, you’ll also taste our delicious Slovakian liquor (called Slivovica) and a typical biscuit called ‘Horálka.’ I eat Horálka biscuits every time I go hiking in Slovakia. It’s a must-to-have item in your backpack, lol. You’ll also get hiking pools.

With this organized day trip, you don’t have to worry about anything. They’ll pick you up from your hotel in Bratislava, and you can enjoy yourself.

Train tickets with seat reservation (return ticket), private transfer from Žilina to Vrátna, one-way cable car ticket to Snilovské Sedlo, 0.5l of water, horálka, Slivovica tasting, trekking guide, and hiking pools are all included in the price. So book this day trip by clicking on the button below:

Book A Guided Hike To Fatra Mountains

4. Explore High Tatras National Park

High Tatras is hands down the most beautiful place in Slovakia. You’ll be blown away by its stunning nature, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and amazing spa/wellness facilities.

You can go hiking, take a train alongside the mountain range, walk around mountain lakes, see some waterfalls, or relax in the mountains.

If you visit the High Tatras, take at least a 2-day trip from Bratislava. That way, you can overnight in some of the beautiful hotels. It’ll be a great nature day trip from Bratislava.

How To Get To High Tatras From Bratislava

I suggest taking a train to Štrba from Bratislava. From there, take a mountain funicular to the Štrbské Pleso. Then walk around the Štrbské Pleso Lake and enjoy the stunning views.

The best way to get to High Tatras is by renting a car. Get one in Bratislava and make your own trip to the High Tatras, spending 2 or more days at your own pace.

Stay in one of the following best hotels overnight and enjoy some relaxation:

Learn more about the best hiking trails in High Tatras in my separate articles. Or try this 5-day itinerary for hut-to-hut hiking in Slovakia High Tatras.

Strbske Pleso High Tatras — Strbske Pleso: High Tatras

5. Visit Bojnice Castle & Traditional Slovakian Village

Slovakia is well-known for its fairy-tale castles. Unlike Devín, which is more of a castle ruin, but with interesting history, Bojnice Castle offers a unique experience. It’s the most beautiful castle in Slovakia. And it really looks like painted for a fairy tale with a happy end.

Learn about its history on a day trip from Bratislava. On the way, I highly recommend visiting Čičmany, a traditional Slovakian village with painted houses. This is a perfect spot for lunch or dinner and to see how Slovakians live. The painted houses are beautiful in this village, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see them.

If you want to make this day trip from Bratislava by yourself, just rent a car in Bratislava and drive first to Bojnice Castle and then to the Čičmany village.

best fairy-tale casltes in Slovakia Bojnice Castle — Best fairy-tale casltes in Slovakia: Bojnice Castle

Organized Day Trip From Bratislava To Bojnice Castle & Čičmany

You can take this organized day trip from Bratislava to Bojnice Castle and Čičmany. The meeting point is next to the Slovak National Theatre. First, you’ll drive in an air-conditioned vehicle to Bojnice Castle, which many also called as the Cinderella Castle. Admission ticket to the castle is already included in the price.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the beautiful Slovakian village of Čičmany and learn about how Slovakians live and their traditions in a local museum.

You’ll also get to taste traditional Slovakian liquor called Slivovica.

The entire trip is organized for you to enjoy the experience with a professional guide.

You can book this trip by clicking on the button below:

Book A Tour To Bojnice Castle & Čičmany Village

6. Enjoy Slovakian Thermal Baths With Traditional Slovakian Village

Similarly, you can combine the visit to the Čičmany traditional village with painted houses with a relax in one of the best Slovakian Thermal baths. First, visit the Čičmany village, and then enjoy the beautiful rides through one of the most stunning Slovakian regions (Rajec) to the Thermal Spa Aphrodite.

Thermal Spa Aphrodite is located in the Rajecké Teplice village, close to Čičmany. You can pay entrance on the spot and enjoy a relaxing half-day in its thermal spa. Also, book a massage to have an even better experience.

If you want to do it yourself, rent a car in Bratislava and drive from Čičmany village. After, drive to Rajecké Teplice and enjoy the thermal spa experience.

Slovakia road trip itinerary 8 days Cicmany — Slovakia road trip itinerary 8 days: Cicmany traditional village

Organized Day Trip From Bratislava To Čičmany & Thermal Baths

You can also make an organized day trip from Bratislava to Thermal Baths and Čičmany. In addition, you’ll also visit the most beautiful and largest Wooden Bethlehem, all carved by hand by a Slovakian man. You’ll also have time to spend in Žilina and go shopping.

Altogether, you’ll visit 4 stunning places on this organized day trip: Čičmany village, Rajecka Lesná with its carved wooden Bethlehem, Aphrodite Thermal Baths, and Žilina. The guide and the transfer from Bratislava to all these spots are included.

Book A Trip To Thermal Baths & Čičmany

7. Travel To Banská Štiavnica & Trenčín

Banská Štiavnica is one of the most charming towns in Slovakia. That’s why I’ve also included it in my Slovakia road trip itinerary for 8 days. It’s mainly famous for its mining industry. This place is also called Silver town because Silver has been the primary mining material here.

You can visit the famous mine called Štôlňa Michal and learn more about the mining history of this town.

Interestingly, Maria Theresia established the first University in this town for mining technology in 1762. It was the first University of such kind on the continent.

In the afternoon, you can drive to Trenčín. It’s a Slovakian fashion city with a stunning Trenčín Castle. It’s worth walking through the center and seeing the castle. Then, get some good food and drive back to Bratislava in the evening.

Slovakia road trip itinerary 8 days Banska Stiavnica — Slovakia road trip itinerary 8 days: Banska Stiavnica

Organized Day Trip From Bratislava To Banská Štiavnica

If you want, you can make an organized trip with to Banská Štiavnica with a professional guide. You’ll learn history and visit the main sights in town, such as Old and New Castle and Holy Trinity Square.

Then have delicious lunch with local beer tasting in the Microbrewery Erb. You’ll also get to taste delicious homemade sweets and coffee.

Book A Tour To Banská Štiavnica

8. Visit Fairy-Tale Casltes In Slovakia

Slovakia is home to some beautiful castles. I’ve already recommended one of them – Bojnice Castle, which is many of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia. But you can visit many other castles on a day trip from Bratislava. So if you’re a castle lover, go on a castle tour through Slovakia within a day. The castles closest to Bratislava are:

Bojnice Castle
Trenciansky castle
Devin Castle

Budmerice Castle
Strecno Castle

Read my article about the top 6 fairy-tale castles in Slovakia to learn more about each of these castles, history, legends, and how to get there.

List Of The Best Day Trips From Bratislava In Czech Republic

Brno
Uherste Hradiste
Olomouc

Zlin ZOO
Rocks Prachov (Prachovske Skaly)

9. Brno

Brno is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. Many Slovakian and Czech students come to study at the University here. So it has very young vibes. When you arrive, the beautiful Cathedral of St. Peter & Pavol will greet you on Petrov hill.

Brno is the perfect day trip for you if you want to visit the cathedral, stroll through its street, taste typical Czech food, and go shopping.

Once you’re in Brno, you have to try typical Czech food such as Trdelnik, marinated sirloin (svíčková na smetaně), roasted pork (vepřo knedlo zelo), smoked meat (uzené), baked mincemeat (sekaná pečeně), beef in tomato soup (rajská omáčka).

best day trips from Bratislava Brno — Best day trips from Bratislava: Brno in Czech Republic

10. Uherske Hradiste

Uherske Hradiske used to be one of the Czech royal towns in the past. King Ottakar II. founded it in the 12th century. Slavs inhabited it in the 9th century and created the Great Moravian Empire. This city used to play a major role in the empire and became famous.

Uherske Hraidste was one of the cities that Cyril and Methodius, two brothers from Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, visited to teach the Slavs writing and spread Christianity.

The city is in the Morava region, famous for delicious fruit brandy, mainly plum. It’s a beautiful city with great buildings, perfect food options, and souvenir shops.

I’ve included Uherske Hraidste into the list of the most beautiful towns in Czech Republic. So if you want more information about this city or want to explore other Czech towns, read my article.

11. Olomouc

Olomouc is my favorite city in the Czech Republic. I visited it many times as my friends were studying Medicine here.

It has a cute center with traditional Czech shops. I especially love Olomouc’s bakeries with delicious pastries and Czech goods. You have to go in and try traditional Czech cakes. My favorite bakery is Pekarstvi Sazava or Sladka Andulka.

Among the most beautiful sights in Olomouc are:

Holy Trinity Column
Astronomical Clock
Olomouc Town Hall
St. Wencelas’ Cathedral
Hradisko Monastery

best day trips from Bratislava Olomouc — Best day trips from Bratislava: Olomouc

12. Zlin ZOO

I’m not the biggest fan of going to a Zoo. But the Zlin ZOO is great. It’s the perfect day trip from Bratislava to see some animals or if you travel with children. I visited the Zoo as a day trip from secondary school, and I loved it.

It has various sections with different animals, beautiful parks where you can sit and relax, and great food options.

This Zoo will take you to all parts of the world: Africa, Australia, Asia, and America. It’s a real journey around the world.

13. Rocks Prachov (Prachovske Skaly)

These unique rocks s located slightly further away from Bratislava (4 hours by car) but are well worth the visit.

Rocks Prachov are giant rocks leading up to the sky with unique shapes. You can walk around the area, take beautiful photos, and have a great nature day trip from Bratislava.

It’s completely free. So park your car near the Information Center and start the walk. There is no need to pay for any entrance.

Once you finish the walk, hop into your car. Drive to the hotel and restaurant called Parkhotel Skalni Mesto. There, you can relax and have lunch. So treat yourself to a good Czech lunch and try traditional Czech food.

Check more information about your trip to Rocks Prachov at their official website.

best day trips from Bratislava Rocks Prachov — Best ay trips from Bratislava: Me visiting Rocks Prachov

List Of The Best Day Trips From Bratislava In Austria

Vienna
Wine Tasting In Wachau Region
Pandorf Shopping
Salzburg & Sound Of Music Tour

14. Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria. It’s a perfect day trip from Bratislava as it’s just 1 hour by train or bus.

Vienna has a lot to offer. But if you only have a day, visit the St. Stephens’ Cathedral, the center of Vienna, with its shopping options, and try delicious Sacher Torte (traditional Austrian chocolate cake). After, you can head to the Nasch Markt to taste delicious food and hang out with locals. Don’t forget to see the Hofburg Palace (Sisi’s Princess Residency), Schonnbrunn Palace, and the Opera House.

Check out my Austria road trip itinerary (days 1 and 2) for detailed information about Vienna and things you can do. It also includes the best museums you can visit.

PRO TIP: You can take a boat and travel on the Danube River from Bratislava to Vienna. The TWIN CITY LINER speed catamaran will take you to the center of Vienna within 90 minutes.

The fastest way to get to Vienna from Bratislava is by taking OBB train from Central station in Bratislava. You can check train connections on the official Slovakian website CP.sk.

15. Wine Tasting In Wachau Region

If you’re a wine lover and want to visit Austria, visit some of the most beautiful vineyards in Central Europe. You can go on an organized tour from Vienna, visit local wineries, taste delicious wine and homemade products, and visit Melk town.

Below are 2 great organized day tours in the Wachau Region for you. They’re organized by the Get Your Guide agency. They have English-speaking guides and will take you from Vienna to the Wachau Region. So, choose a biking tour or a simple visit to the local wineries:

16. Pandorf Shopping

Pandorf is a small town in Austria, just 30 minutes by car from Bratislava (34 kilometers/21 miles). Consider making this day trip only if you love shopping clothes. Many Slovakians come here to go clothes shopping and buy the newest pieces from worldwide brands.

So drive to the town and visit this shopping village if that’s your interest. You can also stop in Vienna on the way back and kill two birds with one stone.

17. Salzburg & Sound Of Music Tour

Salzburg is my favorite Austrian city. Its stunning scenery, with the fortress and snowy mountains in the background, always makes me cry (out of happiness). If you don’t have much time to spend in Austria and are a fan of the Sound of Music, this is a great day trip from Bratislava.

You can go on an organized day tour from Vienna. They’ll take you to Salzburg in a day. You’ll have a guided tour and visit the famous Sound of Music movie places.

If you want to go by yourself, take a train from Vienna early in the morning to Salzburg. Spend some time in the city and come back to Bratislava until midnight. It’s slightly packed, but you can certainly make it.

Check out my Salzburg itinerary for all the information about Salzburg, things to do, and what you can visit.

Organized Day Trip To Salzburg & Sound Of Music

This organized tour to Salzburg and Sound of Music tour leaves from Vienna. So first, take a train from Bratislava to Vienna and then join the tour in Vienna. Check CP.sk for the official train connections from Bratislava to Vienna.

From Vienna: Sound of Movies Musical Tour to Salzburg

List Of The Best Day Trips From Bratislava In Hungary

Budapest
Lake Balaton
Győr

18. Budapest

Budapest is a lovely city in Central Europe, and I’m always happy to return. From its stunning Parliament to the Danube River promenade, stunning views from the Buda castle, thermal baths, and delicious food. Budapest will capture your heart for sure.

Start by exploring the city’s Buda part with its stunning castle. Next, go to the viewing point to take some photos. Then walk down to the Danube River and through its promenade until you reach the impressive Parliament.

In the afternoon, spend some time in the city center, go shopping, and taste traditional Hungarian food in the Food Hall. What you can’t miss is Trdelnik cake, langos (fried dough with cream cheese or ketchup and cheese), or a goulash soup.

If you want to relax, visit the famous thermal baths in Budapest. You can buy skip-the-line tickets via Get Your Guide agency.

You can reach Budapest by EC train or a Flixbus from Bratislava.

PRO TIP: If you’re visiting Central Europe in December, Budapest has some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Check my European Christmas market itinerary for more details about how to visit these beautiful Christmas markets in Budapest.

best day trips from Bratislava Budapest — Best day trips from Bratislava: Budapest

19. Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is another great day trip from Bratislava. It’s best acessible by car, so you’ll need to rent one to visit the lake. It’s located 242 kilometers away from Bratislava (2 hours & 35 minutes). Either drive around the lake or visit a few towns.

The most famous towns and places to stop in and swim in the lake are: Balatonfüred, Zánkai Youth Beach, Midi Strand, Fonyódi, or Balatonföldvár Keleti Strand.

In addition, you can do a famous hike to the cave dwellings called Barátlakások.

If you drive around the lake, stop in the Tihany town on the peninsula or drive to the south and admire traditional houses with straw roofs.

20. Győr

Győr used to be a stronghold against the Turks in the past. It played an important role in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and in Hungarian history.

It’s a beautiful historical city with many monuments you can visit on a day trip from Bratislava. Or you can see it on the way back from Lake Balaton.

Stroll through its beautiful old town and have lunch in the center. After, I also highly recommend visiting the Esterházy Palace, which is a Baroque mansion. It’s situated in Austria, but it’s considered a branch of Győr’s headquarters art museum. You can see various sculptures and admire stunning architecture.

best day trips from Bratislava Gyor & Esterházy Palace — Best day trips from Bratislava: Esterházy Palace

Where To Stay In Bratislava: My TOP TIPS for Accommodation

Bratislava has some great accommodation options. I especially enjoy staying next to the Danube River with stunning views of the promenade, UFO restaurant, and the nearby bridges.

Here are my top tips and best hotels in Bratislava for you:

NFT BLOCK & ART CAPSULE HOSTEL – budget friendly

IBIS BRATISLAVA CENTRUM – budget friendly

RADISSON BLU CARLTON HOTEL – mid-range hotel

GRAND HOTEL RIVER PARK – luxury hotel (with great views of Danube)

How To Get To Bratislava From Other European Cities

Bratislava has a great location, close to other major European cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. So it’s straightforward to reach the city.

I suggest taking public transportation to Bratislava (either bus or train) and then renting a car in Bratislava for your day trips from Bratislava.

How To Get To Bratislava From Vienna

If you’re in the Austrian capital, Vienna, you can easily reach Bratislava by train from the Central train station. There is a train running every single hour to Bratislava. You don’t have to book tickets in advance. It’s fine to book them at the train station in Vienna.

If you want to go to Bratislava from Vienna airport, I suggest taking the Regiojet bus. Regiojet is my favorite travel company in Central Europe. Their buses are super comfortable, and you can even make a coffee during the trip. The Regiojet (a yellow bus) leaves from platform 3. once you get out of the airport in Vienna. Alternatively, you can also choose Flixbus to travel to Bratislava. But I always prefer Regiojet (just because of the comfort and the coffee, lol).

You can also take a train from Vienna airport to Bratislava. But you’ll have to change trains at Vienna Central train station.

For train connections from Vienna to Bratislava, check cp.sk website.

How To Get To Bratislava From Prague

If you’re in Prague and want to get to Bratislava, the easiest option is to take the Regiojet train from Prague’s main train station. Their trains are super comfortable, and coffee or tea is included for you, a local newspaper, headphones, and their travel magazine. In addition, you can order food that is delicious and super cheap.

I suggest booking the Standard or Business classes for your journey to Bratislava. I’m sure you’ll love the journey. It makes me so happy every time I hop on this Regiojet train.

Book train connections between Prague and Bratislava on Regiojet official website.

How To Get To Bratislava From Budapest

You can either take a train or a bus from Budapest to Bratislava.

The EC train leaves from the ‘Budapest-Nyugati pu‘ station and takes you to Bratislava just within 2 hours & 30 minutes. Sometimes, the Regiojet train runs between Bratislava and Budapest, so check their official website for connections.

If you want to travel by bus, you can take the Regiojet bus or Flixbus.

You can check train connections from Budapest to Bratislava on the Slovakian official website CP.sk.

Best Time To Visit Bratislava & Make Day Trips From Bratislava

The best time to visit Bratislava and make these day trips from Bratislava is between late April and the end of October.

The ideal time to visit Bratislava is in May and June or September and October. These months are usually less crowded, and the environment is stunning.

In May and June, you can enjoy beautiful spring and early summer vibes. While in September and October, Bratislava and surrounding places spark with their beautiful autumn colors.

July and August are fine for visiting Bratislava, but they are the busiest months of the year.

December is also my favorite month to visit the city as you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas markets.

More Travel Tips For Slovakia

These are the best day trips from Bratislava. Choose one or two according to your interest. I hope you have fun and get to know Slovakia better. It’s a beautiful country full of traditions and culture.

If you need more inspiration for Slovakia travel or have more time to explore the country, get my Slovakia road trip itinerary for 8 days. It’ll show you the highlights.

Get this Slovakia itinerary if you want more inspiration for day trips from Bratislava. You can pick one or two places from the itinerary and customize your day trip.

To learn more about High Tatras National Parks, read my article about the best hiking trails in Slovakia.

Or, to learn about more activities, check out my article about how many days in Slovakia you should spend with the top 10 travel tips.

If you only have a little time, get my full itinerary for what to see in Slovakia in 3 days.

Go to my Slovakia page for all articles about this amazing country.

This country is full of surprises, so don’t hesitate to visit it. It won’t disappoint you for sure.

Happy Travels!