While Bratislava has its own airport, its airport is not the primary gateway for international travellers arriving in the city. Nearby airports at Vienna and Prague offer greater choices in flights and can be accessed in an hour or five hours respectively by car, bus or train from Bratislava.

Bratislava International Airport can, however, be a convenient gateway if you are coming from London, Rome or Paris, as it serves low-cost flights from these cities. Situated nine kilometres from the city centre, the airport also serves domestic flights to Kosice, Poprad and Piestany, and limited charter flights to North Africa.

The airport has three terminals with adequate facilities, including dining facilities, bureaux de change, waiting lounges, first-aid and left luggage. From the airport passengers can access the city by taxi or local bus. While taxis are convenient and quick, buses are cheaper but take about 25 minutes to reach the city’s Central Station. Car hire companies are also well represented in Arrivals for those who wish to do their own driving.

The city is well connected by rail to other European capitals with the main station being Hlavna Stanica. The most frequent connections link the city with Prague and Vienna, five and one hour away respectively. Bratislava is also connected to domestic destinations such as Banska Bystrica, Poprad, Kosice and Presov but services can be irregular. There are no inner-city train services of use to tourists.

Bratislava receives international bus services from neighbouring countries at its Autobusova Stanica station. The journey to Vienna takes one hour and 30 minutes while Prague can be reached in around five hours. Within the city, buses and trolleybuses connect all districts and run regularly throughout the day.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from a ticket vending machine or newsagent and come in single, one-day and three-day increments. Once you board, you need to validate your ticket in the machine. The Bratislava City Card is suitable for tourists as it allows for one to three days of unlimited travel and offers discounts on entry to major city attractions.

Driving to Bratislava is an appealing option for many as the city is well connected to Prague, Budapest and Vienna, all within four hours’ drive away. Within Bratislava roads are of a high quality but parking can be tricky, deterring some drivers. Car hire is possible at the airport and through agencies in the city.

It is also possible to arrive in the city by boat via the Danube, which connects Bratislava with Budapest and Vienna from May to September.

Getting around the capital by taxi is convenient and cheap but fares need to be negotiated in advance. You can hail taxis in the street or catch them from outside major locations such as hotels.