- Must visit
Slovak National Gallery
The country’s leading art museum, recently renewed and known for Slovak and international art in a landmark riverside complex.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 47 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
169 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 1 trains that leave Žilina for Bratislava on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 169 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
RJ 1046 (Žilina -> Prague)
RJ 1046 (Žilina -> Prague)Omio 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)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Žilina to Bratislava costing on average $19 (€16).
Other travel options to Bratislava take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 2m.
The journey is about 29m faster (2h 15m by train vs 2h 44m by car) and roughly $41 (€33) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($10 (€8) vs $51 (€42)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with RegioJet a.s., Railways of Slovak Republic (ZSSK).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Žilina to Bratislava trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 1046 (Žilina -> Prague) | 5:26 AM Žilina station | 2h47 | 8:13 AM Bratislava hlavná stanica | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Žilina to Bratislava run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:46, the last at 20:22. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (169 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 105 miles (169 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 12:46 AM |
Last train 8:22 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Bratislava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bratislava trip today.
The country’s leading art museum, recently renewed and known for Slovak and international art in a landmark riverside complex.
The oldest museum in the city, covering Bratislava’s history through exhibits spread across several historic buildings in the Old Town.
A highly photogenic modern art museum on a peninsula in the Danube, popular for its sculpture park and river setting.
The essential walking area for first-time visitors, filled with historic lanes, squares, and many of the city’s main sights.
The elevated area around Bratislava Castle, favored for short walks, viewpoints, and classic city panoramas.
A broad pedestrian square lined with trees and historic buildings, popular for strolling and seasonal events.
Slovakia’s best-known national dish: soft potato dumplings with sheep’s milk bryndza cheese, usually topped with bacon. It is especially associated with traditional Slovak cooking.
Small dumplings filled with bryndza cheese, often served with sour cream and fried bacon. A classic dish found in traditional Slovak restaurants.
A hearty sauerkraut soup commonly made with sausage, smoked meat, and mushrooms. It is especially popular during Christmas and festive family meals.
Established castle-area restaurant known for refined Slovak and Central European dishes, with an intimate setting and strong reputation among visitors.
A more upscale restaurant near Bratislava Castle, recognized for elegant Slovak and European cuisine with city views and formal service.
One of Bratislava’s best-known traditional restaurants, popular for Slovak classics, hearty portions, and a lively rustic atmosphere.
Moderate by European standards. Old Town dining costs more, but groceries, transit, and casual meals are reasonable.
Service is often not included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Bratislava hlavná stanica, Bratislava -> Hlavné námestie, Bratislava
The train connection between Žilina and Bratislava is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Slovakia's vibrant capital. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Slovak countryside along the way. RegioJet a.s. provides comfortable services with modern amenities, ensuring an enjoyable ride for passengers. Whether you're heading to Bratislava for business or leisure, this rail link makes it easy to experience all that both cities have to offer.
The train connection from Žilina to Bratislava takes approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day, making it a convenient option for travelers. The journey departs from Žilina and arrives at both Bratislava-Vinohrady and Bratislava Hlavná Stanica.
The first daily train journey from Žilina to Bratislava departs at 05:09 AM. This early morning service allows travelers to start their day with a scenic ride through the beautiful Slovak countryside, making it an ideal option for those looking to maximize their time in the capital city.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Žilina to Bratislava is €7. The average ticket price typically hovers around €8, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two beautiful Slovak cities.
Bratislava Castle, perched majestically on a hill overlooking the Danube River, has roots dating back to the Stone Age and has served as a royal residence for centuries. Its significance lies not only in its role as a symbol of Slovak history but also in its stunning panoramic views of Bratislava and beyond. Unique features include its distinctive white façade and the impressive four corner towers that reflect various architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque.
St. Martin's Cathedral is one of Slovakia’s most important religious sites, originally built in the 13th century and serving as the coronation church for Hungarian kings. This magnificent structure holds great historical significance due to its rich heritage intertwined with both Slovakian and Hungarian culture. Notable aspects include its striking tall spire adorned with gold leaf, which makes it an iconic part of Bratislava's skyline.
Michael's Gate stands out as one of the last remaining medieval city gates in Bratislava, dating back to the late 14th century when it was constructed for defensive purposes. Its importance is underscored by being a key entry point into Old Town while showcasing elements from different periods throughout history including Renaissance architecture influences. The unique feature here is undoubtedly its charming baroque tower topped with an ornate statue that adds character to this historic landmark.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Žilina to Bratislava by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bratislava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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