Transport in the High Tatras

From Bratislava

Distance: approximately 320 km
Time: 3.5-4 hours
Route: D1 motorway towards Žilina, then I/18 via Liptovský Mikuláš and continue to Poprad and further to the Tatras. The last 20 km is already in the Sub-Tatra area.

From Košice

Distance: approximately 100 km
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Route: R4 expressway towards Prešov, then I/18 via Spišská Nová Ves and continue to Poprad. From Poprad it's just a short distance to the Tatras.

From Poland

From Krakow: approximately 100 km (1.5 h)
Via Zakopane and mountain pass Lysá Poľana / Tatranská Javorina. In winter the pass may be closed or require winter equipment.

From Czech Republic

From Prague: approximately 570 km (6-7 h)
Via Brno, Trenčín and Žilina, then same as from Bratislava. Alternatively via Olomouc and Žilina.

Long-distance Services

From most Slovak towns run direct or transfer bus connections to the Tatras. Main boarding points are Poprad, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica.

Bratislava - Tatras: ~4.5 hours
Košice - Tatras: ~2 hours
Žilina - Tatras: ~2.5 hours

Local Buses

Local bus lines complement train transport and connect smaller villages and starting points of hiking trails. Timetables can be found at cp.sk or imhd.sk.

Cable Car to Lomnický Peak

Base station: Tatranská Lomnica (900 m)
Transfer: Štart (1,173 m) - Skalnaté Lake (1,751 m)
Final: Lomnický Peak (2,634 m)

Entire ascent takes approximately 30 minutes. Advance reservation is mandatory! Price: ~30-40€ adult, ~20-25€ child. Limited capacity, in season sold out weeks in advance.

Cable Car to Hrebienok

Base station: Starý Smokovec (1,000 m)
Final: Hrebienok (1,285 m)
Journey time: 8 minutes
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes

Price: ~8€ return. Hrebienok is starting point for many hiking trails. Cable car operates year-round.

Cable Car to Skalnaté Lake

Base station: Tatranská Lomnica
Final: Skalnaté Lake (1,751 m)
Journey time: 7 minutes

Price: ~15€ return. Skalnaté Lake is a beautiful mountain lake with a chalet and excellent starting point for hiking.

Cable Car Solisko - Predné Solisko

Base station: Štrbské Lake (1,355 m)
Final: Predné Solisko (2,093 m)
Journey time: 15 minutes

Price: ~10€ return. From the top beautiful views of Štrbské Lake and surrounding peaks. In summer and winter in operation.

Tatra Electric Railway

Best way to move between Tatra towns. Connects all important places, runs regularly and is ecological. We recommend buying a day ticket if you plan multiple trips.

On Foot

Many hiking trails start directly in Tatra towns. Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Lake are excellent starting points. Between towns it is 1-3 hours walk.

Taxi

Taxi services are available, but more expensive than public transport. Use them only when necessary. Uber and Bolt don't operate in the Tatras. Prices are high, especially in season.

Bicycle

On some roads and marked cycling paths you can ride a bicycle. In some towns there are bicycle and e-bike rentals. Not all hiking trails are accessible for cyclists!

Starý Smokovec

Oldest Tatra resort (1793). Center of the Tatras with good infrastructure. Cable car to Hrebienok, starting point to Studená Valleys. Many hotels, restaurants, shops, information center.

Tatranská Lomnica

Starting point of cable car to Lomnický Peak. Modern resort with excellent facilities. Access to Kežmarská Valley and Zelené Lake. Wide range of accommodation and services.

Štrbské Lake

Highest Tatra resort (1,355 m) at beautiful lake. Starting point to western Tatras. Cable car to Solisko. Popular winter and summer resort with many activities.

Tatranská Polianka

Quieter resort ideal for families. Starting point to Mengusovská Valley and Symbolic Cemetery. Fewer tourists, more preserved nature, cozy atmosphere.

Tatranská Štrba

Smaller village below Štrbské Lake. More affordable accommodation, quieter environment. From there cable car to Štrbské Lake or 30 minutes walk.

Ždiar

Eastern resort at entrance to Belianska Valley. Preserved folk architecture, quieter hiking, less known trails. Excellent for exploring eastern Tatras.