By Car -- Car travel offers the most flexibility, and if your plans are to see some of the countryside away from the main cities, you should consider renting a car. To rent, you'll need a license that's valid in the country of origin (U.S. state licenses are acceptable), a major credit card, and a passport. Slovak driving rules follow Continental norms. A yellow diamond denotes a main road where you do not need to yield to incoming traffic at intersections. At unmarked intersections, yield to cars on the right. Cars on roundabouts have the right of way. Speed limits are 130kmph (81 mph) on four-lane highways, 90kmph (55 mph) on open roads, and 50kmph (30 mph) in villages and incorporated areas. Speed limits are rigorously enforced, and if caught you'll have to pay a spot fine of about 35€ ($44) or higher. The blood alcohol limit is zero. Slovakia has only a few stretches of four-lane, limited-access highway, so prepare yourself for some slow two-lane travel, where you're usually trapped behind a belching truck or a painfully slow bus. Remember to pass with care and only with a clear line of sight.
By Train -- Slovakia's aging but serviceable national rail line, ZSR (tel. 02/18188; www.slovakrail.sk), remains the best way to travel directly between most major cities, including Zilina, Trencín, Poprad, and Kosice.
By Bus -- The national bus line, Slovak Lines (tel. 0900/211-312; www.slovaklines.sk), operates a dense network of bus connections that, in theory, should be able to get you nearly anywhere in the country. Bus and train fares are similar and you should make your choice between the two based on convenience of departure times and connections. The Slovak Lines website has a convenient timetable for figuring out connections, but watch to use Slovak spellings for town and city names.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
