How to get to Trnava

Trnava is a historic city in western Slovakia, around 50 kilometres from Bratislava. It is easy to reach by train, bus or car, and many international visitors arrive through Bratislava or Vienna airports. This guide explains the most practical routes, airport transfers, railway and bus stations, parking—including free options—and the short walk into the historic centre.

How to get to Trnava by train

Trnava is on the main Bratislava–Žilina railway line. Regular Slovak Railways (ZSSK) services and selected RegioJet trains stop here.

From Bratislava

The easiest option for most visitors already in Bratislava is a direct train to Trnava. Faster services normally take around 30 minutes; stopping services take approximately 40–50 minutes. Check which Bratislava station your service departs from, particularly during engineering works.

Selected RegioJet services between Prague, Bratislava and Žilina also call at Trnava. These may be useful if arriving from Czechia.

From Vienna and Vienna Airport

From central Vienna, you can travel towards Bratislava by train and change for Trnava. Depending on the chosen service you may need to change stations or travel between transport hubs in Bratislava; compare the complete itinerary before departure.

From Vienna Airport, a bus to Bratislava followed by a train to Trnava is often straightforward. There is no need to travel into central Vienna first if a suitable airport-to-Bratislava bus is available.

From Prague, Brno and other cities

Selected RegioJet trains run via Prague, Brno, Bratislava and Trnava towards Žilina without a change. Not every service follows this exact route, so confirm Trnava as your destination when booking.

From Košice and eastern Slovakia, direct long-distance ZSSK trains on the Bratislava route can reach Trnava in roughly five hours.

How to get to Trnava by bus

Regional buses serve Trnava and can be especially useful for smaller towns without a rail connection. Longer international journeys often work best with a change in Bratislava.

From Bratislava and other cities

Check whether your bus goes directly to Trnava. If it ends at Bratislava’s Nivy bus station, you can transfer across the city to a railway station and continue by train. Many regional buses terminate at Trnava bus station; some also stop at Zelený kríčok closer to the northern edge of the old town.

Driving to Trnava

Trnava is close to Slovakia’s D1 motorway and R1 expressway. Car travel is convenient if you are also visiting castles, wine villages or other destinations outside the city.

From Bratislava or Vienna

From Bratislava the main motorway route is D1 towards Trnava, typically around 30–45 minutes in favourable traffic. Drivers coming from Vienna usually travel via Bratislava and onward to Trnava; route and toll rules depend on the roads chosen.

From Budapest, Prague or northern Slovakia

From Budapest you can approach western Slovakia via the Bratislava region; from Prague or Brno the usual journey is through Czechia and Bratislava. From Žilina and Trenčín, D1 provides the most direct motorway corridor.

Avoiding toll roads

A toll-free alternative between Bratislava and Trnava uses road I/61 through Senec and Cífer. Allow extra time and set your navigation to avoid toll roads if you do not have a motorway vignette.

Flying to Trnava: airports and transfers

Trnava does not have a conventional airport with scheduled international passenger services. Most international travellers fly into Bratislava (BTS) or Vienna (VIE).

From Bratislava Airport (BTS)

Take Bratislava city bus 61 towards the main railway station and connect to a train to Trnava; check for temporary rail diversions. With luggage or after a late arrival, a direct taxi, Bolt or pre-booked transfer may be more convenient.

An indicative Bolt fare from Bratislava Airport to Trnava starts at around €44, but the actual fare depends on demand, vehicle availability and service conditions. Examples of pre-booked private transfers start at roughly €69.

From Vienna Airport (VIE)

Catch a bus from the airport to Bratislava and continue by train to Trnava. Depending on the operator, buses use different stops in Bratislava, so check how to reach your onward train. A direct private transfer is another option.

Flying from London and other European cities

Travellers from London and elsewhere in Europe should compare flights into Bratislava and Vienna, then consider the full door-to-door journey, not only the airfare. An arrival in Vienna may be more convenient than an unsuitable connection to Bratislava, or vice versa.

Košice and Piešťany airports

Košice has a domestic air connection to Bratislava, which can be combined with a transfer to Trnava. Allow time for security and onward transport. Piešťany Airport is geographically closer to Trnava but is not a practical regular scheduled-flight gateway for most visitors.

Trnava railway and bus stations

The main railway station and bus station are next to each other on the southern side of the town centre. Walking between them takes approximately one or two minutes.

Trnava railway station

The station was extensively modernised between 2011 and 2014. Facilities include waiting areas, ZSSK ticket sales and customer services, departure boards, underpasses, lifts and escalators. Snacks and small shops are available in and around the station, although individual opening hours may change.

Trnava bus station

The neighbouring bus station has its own building and several sheltered boarding stands. The ARRIVA customer centre provides information and travel-card services. Check your platform before departure. City buses and local taxis serve the station area, and Park Janka Kráľa nearby has benches, a children’s playground and a small pond.

Zelený kríčok: another useful bus hub

Zelený kríčok is on Rybníková Street at the northern edge of the historic centre. City and regional buses stop here. Nearby are Bernolák Park (Promenáda), Štefánikova Street, the Ján Koniarek Gallery, a historic steam mill and shops. The Town Tower and Trinity Square are around 5–10 minutes away on foot.

Getting from the station to the historic centre

The edge of Trnava’s historic centre is around 500 metres from the stations, usually a 5–10-minute walk. Take the pedestrian bridge over the Hospodárska–Kollárova junction, continue past the park and SNP Square, then follow Hlavná Street towards Trinity Square and the Town Tower. Individual sights farther into the old town may take longer.

City buses stop near the stations. Local taxis usually wait outside, and Bolt is available through its app. A taxi may be more practical if your accommodation is outside the old town or you have large luggage.

Parking in Trnava: prices and convenient locations

Trnava operates a zoned paid-parking system. For visitors, zones A and B are particularly relevant. As a guide, zone A is €2/hour (maximum €12/day), B €0.60/hour (maximum €4/day) and D €1/hour (maximum €8/day). Check the signs and paid hours at the specific location. Pay via DataMesta, a parking meter or SMS. See the official parking-zone map.

Getting around Trnava: buses, taxis and bikes

Trnava’s historic centre is compact and most sights are easy to explore on foot. ARRIVA Trnava operates eight daytime urban bus routes and night route N1. The standard fare is €1 with a contactless bank card on board or by SMS, €1.50 in cash, or €0.65 with a transport card. Relevant passes may also cover integrated regional transport.

Local taxis can usually be found near the station; Bolt can be booked through its app. Trnava also has a network of cycle paths and the Trnavský bikesharing shared e-bike scheme. Check local bus schedules and bike-sharing information.

Map of transport hubs and parking in Trnava

Use this map to find the railway and bus stations, Zelený kríčok bus stops and recommended car parks before you arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the railway station from the old town?

The edge of the historic centre is around 500 metres away, or about 5–10 minutes on foot. Trinity Square is around a 10-minute walk.

Can I get to Trnava from Bratislava Airport without a car?

Yes. Take a city bus towards a Bratislava railway station and continue by train to Trnava. Check current works before choosing the station.

Is there free parking in Trnava?

Yes. Coburgova has around 200 free parking spaces. City Arena offers limited free parking hours.

Is Bolt available in Trnava?

Yes. Check vehicle availability and the live fare in the app.

Are the railway and bus stations close together?

Yes, they are adjacent, approximately 1–2 minutes apart on foot.