- Must visit
Slovak National Gallery
Modern and contemporary art museum in a riverside modernist building, known for temporary exhibitions and strong Slovak art context.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
169 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Žilina to Bratislava is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Žilina to Bratislava will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 buses that leave Žilina for Bratislava on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 169 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 2 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Žilina to Bratislava among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $13.
Distance: 105 miles (169 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Žilina to Bratislava:
A train is $9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Žilina to Bratislava costing on average $19.
Other travel options to Bratislava take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 2m.
Tickets start at around $19 compared to roughly $51 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32. The journey takes 3h 2m versus 2h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Interbus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Žilina to Bratislava buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 4:55 AM Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště | 2h55 | 7:50 AM Bratislava, Bus Station Nivy | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:25 PM Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště | 2h40 | 6:05 PM Bratislava, Bus Station Nivy | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Žilina to Bratislava run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 but you can travel from only $9 by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:46, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 105 miles (169 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 105 miles (169 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:46 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Bratislava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bratislava trip today.
Modern and contemporary art museum in a riverside modernist building, known for temporary exhibitions and strong Slovak art context.
Slovakia’s leading national museum presents archaeology, history, and cultural collections inside Bratislava Castle.
Main city museum documenting Bratislava’s urban past through diverse exhibits in the Old Town’s historic core.
Bratislava’s compact historic center is packed with medieval lanes, landmarks, courtyards, and lively public spaces for walking.
A broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, cycling, and Danube views, especially pleasant in warmer months.
The city’s main square features historic facades, seasonal markets, and easy access to key Old Town sights.
Potato dumplings mixed with sheep cheese and topped with bacon. It is Slovakia’s best-known national dish and a staple of traditional mountain cuisine.
Thin potato pancakes often seasoned with garlic and marjoram. A beloved Slovak comfort food, commonly served at markets and casual eateries.
Breaded and fried Edam-style cheese, usually served with fries or potatoes and tartar sauce. A classic meat-free dish in Slovak pubs and canteens.
Established Bratislava restaurant focused on Slovak and Austro-Hungarian traditions, with seasonal dishes and a more intimate, upscale atmosphere.
Modern Slovak fine dining near the old town, known for refined regional ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Traditional Slovak restaurant with a rustic interior, generous portions, and reliable classics such as halušky, soups, and roast meat dishes.
Moderate for Central Europe: hotels and dining are usually below Vienna, while transit is cheap and many sights are low cost.
Service may be included, but 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up in cafes and for taxis if service was good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Žilina to Bratislava by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bratislava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Žilina to Bratislava buses use the Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště to Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy station pair, with some services arriving at Bratislava, Most SNP. Use this guide to compare Žilina and Bratislava bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště.
Available at Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Žilina, Autobusové stanoviště: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy is 1 km from Bratislava city centre. Public transport options include:
Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Mlynské (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Bistro Nivy (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy.
Available at Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bratislava, Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy: Elevators, ramps.
Bratislava, Most SNP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Taxis, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi.
Available at Bratislava, Most SNP: Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bratislava, Most SNP: Elevators, ramps.
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