Transport guides
Getting to Bratislava and Around: Transport Guides
Most visitors reach Bratislava from Vienna, by regional train from Wien Hauptbahnhof in about an hour, by bus, or by the seasonal Twin City Liner boat. Flying in, Vienna Airport has direct buses to Bratislava, while Bratislava Airport is linked to the main station by city bus 61. These guides cover each route.
Checked in against the operators and authorities cited on each guide. Timetables and rules change: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Which transport guide do you need?
- Vienna to BratislavaREX8 and REX6 trains, buses and the Twin City Liner compared, with stations and ID rules.Read the guide →
- Vienna Airport to BratislavaDirect buses from VIE, the train via Wien Hauptbahnhof and taxis.Read the guide →
- Bratislava Airport to centreBus 61, night bus N61 and the shuttle to the Nivy bus station.Read the guide →
- Last train and boat to ViennaThe last REX trains and the last boat back to Vienna.Read the guide →
- Public transportTAPni sa contactless payment, the IDS BK app, zones and ticket machines.Read the guide →
What is the simplest option for my trip?
| Situation | Simplest option | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip from Vienna | REX8 from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava hlavná stanica | Vienna to Bratislava |
| Landing at Vienna Airport | A direct bus from the airport to Bratislava | Vienna Airport to Bratislava |
| Landing at Bratislava Airport | City bus 61 to the main railway station | Bratislava Airport to centre |
| Going back to Vienna in the evening | The REX6 from Petržalka or the REX8 from the main station | Last train and boat to Vienna |
| Moving around the city | Tap a contactless card on the validator with TAPni sa | Public transport |
Getting to Bratislava: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get to Bratislava from Vienna?
The regional train from Wien Hauptbahnhof. The REX8 reaches Bratislava hlavná stanica in about 56 minutes and the REX6 reaches Bratislava-Petržalka in about an hour.
Which airport is closer to Bratislava?
Bratislava Airport (BTS) is in the city and linked to the main railway station by bus 61. Vienna Airport (VIE) has direct buses to Bratislava.
Do I need a passport to travel between Vienna and Bratislava?
Carry a passport or national ID card. Austria has notified temporary controls at its border with Slovakia until 15 March 2027.
Sources
Researched and written by
Gastón Marcilese
UX/UI designer. Every timetable, rule and route in this guide is cross-checked against official operators and tourism sources before publication, and the check date is shown on each page.