Transport in the High Tatras

From Bratislava

Distance: approximately 330 km
Time: 3.5–4 hours
Route: D1 motorway via Trnava, Trenčín, Žilina and Liptovský Mikuláš to Poprad. The motorway is still missing between Turany and Hubová, where you use road I/18. From Poprad, continue to Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica or Štrbské Pleso.

From Košice

Distance: approximately 120 km
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Route: D1 motorway via Prešov and Levoča to Poprad. From Poprad it is only a short way to the Tatras.

From Poland

From Krakow: approximately 140–160 km (2.5–3 h)
Via Nowy Targ (or Zakopane) and the Łysa Polana / Lysá Poľana border crossing, then through Tatranská Javorina and Tatranská Kotlina. In winter, expect snow on the mountain road and carry winter equipment.

From the Czech Republic

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

Long-distance Services

Direct or connecting buses run to the Tatras from most Slovak towns. The main stops 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 the trains and connect smaller villages and trailheads. Timetables can be found at cp.sk or imhd.sk/tatry.

Cable Car to Lomnický štít

Base station: Tatranská Lomnica (900 m)
Change at: Štart (1,173 m) – Skalnaté pleso (1,751 m)
Top station: Lomnický štít (2,634 m)

From Skalnaté pleso, a 14-person cabin runs to the summit in about 8.5 minutes. Capacity is limited, so we recommend buying tickets online in advance. Prices are dynamic – see vt.sk for the current price list.

Funicular to Hrebienok

Base station: Starý Smokovec (1,025 m)
Top station: Hrebienok (1,272 m)
Journey time: about 5 minutes

Slovakia’s only funicular, in operation since 1908. Hrebienok is the starting point for many hiking trails. The funicular runs all year round; see vt.sk for current prices.

Cable Car to Skalnaté pleso

Base station: Tatranská Lomnica
Change at: Štart (1,173 m)
Top station: Skalnaté pleso (1,751 m)
Journey time: Štart – Skalnaté pleso about 7 minutes

A six-seater chairlift or a cabin lift goes up to Štart, where a 15-person gondola continues. Skalnaté pleso is a beautiful mountain tarn with a chalet and an excellent starting point for hiking. See vt.sk for current prices.

Chairlift Štrbské Pleso – Solisko

Base station: Štrbské Pleso (1,386 m)
Top station: Solisko, by Chata pod Soliskom (1,814 m)
Journey time: about 7 minutes

A four-seater chairlift. Beautiful views from the top station of Štrbské pleso and the surrounding peaks. Operates in both summer and winter; see vt.sk for current prices.

Tatra Electric Railway

The best way to travel between the Tatra resorts. It connects all the important places, runs regularly and is eco-friendly. If you plan several trips, we recommend a 24-hour or multi-day network ticket.

On Foot

Many hiking trails start right in the Tatra resorts. Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso are excellent starting points. The resorts are 1–3 hours’ walk apart.

Taxi

Local taxi services are available, but they are more expensive than public transport. Use them only when necessary.

Bicycle

You can cycle on some roads and marked cycle paths. Some resorts have bicycle and e-bike rentals. Not all hiking trails are open to cyclists!

Starý Smokovec

The oldest Tatra resort (1793). The center of the Tatras, with good infrastructure. Funicular to Hrebienok, starting point for the Studená valleys. Hotels, restaurants, shops and an information center.

Tatranská Lomnica

Base station of the cable car to Lomnický štít. A modern resort with excellent facilities. Access to Kežmarská Valley and Zelené pleso. A wide range of accommodation and services.

Štrbské Pleso

The highest Tatra resort (1,355 m), by a beautiful lake. Starting point for the western part of the High Tatras. Chairlift to Solisko. A popular winter and summer resort with plenty of activities.

Tatranská Polianka

A quieter resort, ideal for families. Starting point for Velická Valley and Sliezsky dom. Fewer visitors, more unspoiled nature and a cozy atmosphere.

Tatranská Štrba

A smaller village below Štrbské Pleso. More affordable accommodation and quieter surroundings. From Štrba station, a rack railway (line 182, just under 5 km) climbs to Štrbské Pleso.

Ždiar

An eastern resort at the entrance to Belianska Valley. Preserved folk architecture, quieter hiking and lesser-known trails. Excellent for exploring the eastern Tatras.