Trains in Slovakia are run by ŽSR  (Želenice Slovenskej republiky). They run frequently, are usually clean and punctual, and the quality of the track makes for a fast and smooth journey. Travelling on some of the routes that run through scenic mountain ranges (particularly the Banská Bystrica to Divaky and Brezno to Margecany sections) is in itself a tourist attraction. Some of the local routes are served by railbuses, called motorki , that stop at every station.

Slow trains (osobný vlak)  are indicated on timetables (cestovný poriadok)  with the letters “Os”, and, if the route is also served by a railbus, with “MOs”. A slightly higher level of service is provided by limited-stop trains (zrýchlený vlak) , marked with the “Zr” symbol; tickets cost virtually the same as for the slow trains. These stop only at some stations, although more frequently than fast trains.

Fast trains (rýchlik) , marked with the symbol “R”, operate on longer routes between larger towns. A ticket for a fast train, including a reserved seat, costs about €1–€1.50 more than for a slow train. Even faster, but no more expensive, are express trains (explesný vlak) , marked with the symbol “Ex”. These link all major towns in Slovakia, and some of them go also to the Czech Republic. The top category of trains are the fast EuroCity (marked “EC”) and InterCity (marked “IC”). They link Bratislava with Košice and Banská Bystrica; also Košice with Prague and Budapest. Tickets for these trains are not all that expensive – about €2.50 more (including a reserved seat) than for a slow train.

Slovak railways are relatively inexpensive. The cost of a journey by slow train per kilometre works out at about 40 cents. A return ticket (spiatočny lístok)  is 20 per cent cheaper than two single tickets. Fare reductions of 20 to 60 per cent (depending on the age of the passengers) are offered to groups (with a minimum of six people). Children up to the age of six travel free. A family ticket for three to six people, including up to four children up to the age of 15, offers a 20 per cent fare reduction. Holders of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) receive a 50 per cent reduction.

Seat reservation may be compulsory (povinne)  or optional (nepovinne)  on fast, express, EuroCity and InterCity trains. This information is given in the timetables against each train. For some overnight trains it is also possible to buy a couchette (ležadolový lístok)  or a bed in a sleeping compartment (lôžkový listok) . Places can be reserved at railway station ticket offices and at selected travel agents.

Slovak railway stations (železničná stanica)  in large towns are generally clean and well-maintained. They often occupy historic buildings dating from the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire. In smaller towns and villages their standard is also fair, although often they do not have ticket offices (pokladňa) . If this is the case, you have to buy the ticket from a conductor on the train.

At all larger railway stations you can leave your luggage at the left-luggage office (úschovňa batožín) , or deposit it in a self-service locker (úložné skrinky) .

Bus stations (autobusová stanica)  are not the world’s cleanest but buses run quite frequently, and tickets are fairly cheap. Bus stations are often located near a town’s railway station. You need, however, to be careful when consulting timetables, as they are often speckled with countless additional symbols, which indicate, for instance, that the bus in question runs only spasmodically (premáva) , and at weekends does not run at all (nepremáva) . Older buses tend to operate on local routes, but the situation is somewhat better on intercity routes. Private bus companies run some routes. You can buy tickets at the bus station, or on local trips, directly from the driver.

Roads are reasonable and do not present any special problems to drivers, particularly since traffic is not very heavy. Visitors from the EU arriving in Slovakia by car are not required to have a “Green Card” or an international driving licence. It is necessary, however, to carry the vehicle registration document with you.

Slovak regulations require every car to be equipped with a first-aid kit, a warning triangle, a tow rope and a set of spare bulbs. Children up to the age of 12, or up to 150 cm (5 ft) tall, must travel strapped in appropriate seats in the back of the vehicle. Seat belts should be kept fastened throughout your journey. From 15 October until 15 March dipped headlights must be permanently switched on. Motorcyclists are obliged to wear crash helmets. It is not permitted to drive at all with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

The maximum permitted speed on Slovak motorways is 130 km/h (80 mph) for cars and 110 km/h (70 mph) for buses; elsewhere it is 90 km/h (55 mph) on open roads and 60 km/h (37 mph) within built-up areas. People under 18 are not permitted to drive vehicles on Slovak roads, even if they hold a valid driving licence from another country.

Signposting on trunk roads in Slovakia is clear; the problems start only when entering large towns. The highest category of Slovak roads are the motorways (dial’nica) , marked with a D followed by a number, set on a blue background. All motorways are toll roads. The toll is paid by buying a disc. This can be annual (€20); or valid for 15 days (€3.50). The disc should be placed in the upper corner of the windscreen. Discs can be purchased at border crossings, in petrol stations and at larger post offices. Dual carriageways are also toll roads.

The number of car hire companies (autopožičovňa)  in Slovakia is on the increase. Most are found in Bratislava and Košice. The international companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Budget, offer mainly Western makes of car. There are also local firms, such as Auto Danubius , which hire Škodas.