Prague to Bratislava — Train, Bus, and Travel Options
Prague and Bratislava are 330 km apart — a comfortable 4-hour train ride through the Moravian countryside. Slovakia's compact capital makes an excellent add-on to a Prague trip or a stop on a wider Central European itinerary. It's small enough to see in a day, cheap enough to feel like a bonus, and interesting enough to deserve at least one overnight.
By Train
Direct trains run between Praha hlavní nádraží and Bratislava hlavná stanica approximately every 2 hours, operated by České dráhy (ČD) and Slovenské železnice (ZSSK). Journey time: about 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes.
RegioJet operates modern trains on this route with onboard service (coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi) at competitive prices. Their trains are popular and often sell out on weekends — book ahead.
Ticket prices:
- Advance (4+ weeks): €10–19 one way
- 2 weeks ahead: €19–29
- Day of travel: €25–40+
Where to book: cd.cz, regiojet.com, or zssk.sk. RegioJet often has the best combination of price and comfort.
By Bus
FlixBus and RegioJet buses connect Prague and Bratislava in about 4–4.5 hours. Prices start from €8–15 one way with advance booking.
Buses depart from Prague Florenc station and arrive at Bratislava's main bus station (Autobusová stanica Nivy), a modern terminal with excellent connections to the city center.
The bus is the budget champion, though trains are more comfortable for the same journey time.
By Car
Driving takes about 3–3.5 hours via the D1/E65 motorway through Brno. Czech motorway e-vignette required (buy online at edalnice.cz). Slovak motorway vignette also needed (buy at eznamka.sk). Both are available as short-term passes.
The route passes through Brno — the Czech Republic's second-largest city, roughly halfway. A coffee stop or quick walk through the old town (Špilberk Castle views, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul) adds 1–2 hours and is worth it if you haven't been.
What to See in Bratislava
Bratislava is often underestimated. It's the smallest capital in the region, but its compact Old Town, castle, and Danube waterfront reward a half-day to full-day visit.
Bratislava Castle — the white castle on the hill above the Danube gives panoramic views into Austria and Hungary on clear days. The interior houses the Slovak National Museum.
Old Town — Hlavné námestie (Main Square) has pastel-coloured buildings and outdoor cafes. The quirkiest attractions are the street sculptures — Čumil (the sewer worker peeping from a manhole), the Schöne Náci (a tipping gentleman), and the Paparazzi (a photographer peering around a corner).
St. Martin's Cathedral — where 11 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned between 1563 and 1830.
UFO Observation Deck — the Most SNP (UFO Bridge) has a flying-saucer-shaped observation platform at 85 metres with 360-degree views and a restaurant.
Planning your visit? A private guide takes the logistics off your plate.
Cost advantage: Bratislava is the cheapest capital on any Central European itinerary. A good lunch costs €5–8, a beer €1.50–2.50, and a hotel room €50–80. Use the savings to splurge elsewhere.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Day trip: feasible if you take an early train (departing Prague around 7 AM, arriving Bratislava by 11 AM). You'll have 5–6 hours for sightseeing before an evening train back. Tight but doable.
Overnight (recommended): gives you a relaxed evening in the Old Town, dinner at one of Bratislava's excellent restaurants (try Modrá Hviezda for Slovak cuisine), and time the next morning before continuing to Vienna (1 hour) or Budapest (2.5 hours).
Bratislava to Vienna is one of the shortest capital-to-capital journeys in Europe — just 1 hour by train or 75 minutes by catamaran on the Danube (seasonal). This makes Bratislava a natural waypoint on a Prague-Vienna-Budapest route.
Start in Prague
Explore Prague before heading east. Our All Prague in One Day private tour covers the castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter at your pace. Just your group, no strangers.
Your last Prague evening deserves something special — the Medieval Dinner Show at U Pavouka offers fire dancers, sword swallowers, and unlimited drinks in a Gothic cellar.
Browse all our private tours of Prague and Czech Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the train from Prague to Bratislava?
Direct trains take approximately 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes. Services run roughly every 2 hours.
Is Bratislava worth visiting from Prague?
Yes. Its compact Old Town, castle views, and remarkably low prices make it a rewarding addition. An overnight stay gives the most relaxed experience.
Can you do Bratislava as a day trip from Prague?
Technically yes (early train, late return), but it's a long day — about 8 hours of train travel for 5-6 hours of sightseeing. An overnight is more enjoyable.
How cheap is Bratislava compared to Prague?
Bratislava is about 15-20% cheaper than Prague on food and accommodation, which is already very affordable by European standards.
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