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How to Get to Kosice

How to Get to Kosice

Kosice East Slovakia, Slovakia Travel Guide

By Air to Košice

Airport Overview and Airlines

Košice International Airport (KSC) serves as the main airport for Eastern Slovakia. It is a smaller, regional airport located a short distance south of the city center. This airport handles both domestic and international flights.

Airlines Operating from KSC

  • Wizz Air: Routes to London-Luton and Doncaster Sheffield.
  • Ryanair: Connects Košice with London-Stansted, Prague, Dublin, and Vienna.
  • Austrian Airlines: Direct flights to Vienna, a major European hub.

Connections and Facilities

Košice International Airport does not have direct intercontinental flights. Travelers from outside Europe typically connect through major European hubs. These airlines offer convenient connections to a range of European cities.

Flight Information & Airport Services

  • Common connection points: Vienna (VIE), Warsaw (WAW), Prague (PRG), London (LTN/STN).
  • Flight prices are higher during summer, Christmas, and major local events. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
  • Airport facilities: Duty-free shops, car rental desks, cafes, ATMs, free Wi-Fi.

Bus Transfers

Public bus lines 23 and 34 connect the airport to the city center (Hlavná Pošta, Train Station). Journey around 20-30 minutes. Ticket around €1.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available outside the terminal. Ride to city center around €15-€25. Use Bolt for transparent pricing.

Car Rental

Rent a car directly from the airport (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget). Convenient for wider regional exploration. Consider DiscoverCars.com.

Exploring by Land

Train Connections & Services

  • Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) is the national railway company.
  • Košice is a major railway hub with direct connections to Bratislava, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna.
  • ZSSK operates standard, intercity (IC), and overnight sleeper trains. Online booking available via ZSSK website.
  • Košice Main Train Station (Hlavná stanica) is centrally located.

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • Companies include Slovak Lines, FlixBus, and RegioJet.
  • Extensive network connects Košice to most major Slovak cities (Bratislava, Prešov) and international destinations (Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Krakow).
  • Often cost-effective. Tickets purchased online or at the bus station.
  • Main bus station is adjacent to the train station.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

Valid driving license needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses. Minimum driving age is 18. Ensure valid vehicle insurance for Slovakia. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Road Conditions

Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads can vary in quality. Be cautious of potholes on less-traveled routes. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31.

Safety & Vignette

Wildlife (deer) can be a hazard on rural roads. Some local drivers may be aggressive. Drive defensively. A digital highway vignette is required for motorways and expressways. Purchase online or at border crossings/petrol stations.

Smooth Departures

Exit Procedures for Air Travel

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing travelers from Slovakia. Your airline ticket price typically includes any airport taxes.

Airport Departure Timing

  • Arrive at Košice International Airport (KSC) at least 2 hours before scheduled departure for Schengen flights.
  • For non-Schengen flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient as KSC is a small airport.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Train & Bus Departures

For train or bus departures, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. This time allows you to find your platform or bus stop and board comfortably.

Station Facilities

  • Košice International Airport (KSC) offers basic amenities for departing travelers.
  • You will find small cafes, a duty-free shop, and restrooms at KSC.
  • Košice Main Train Station has ticketing offices, newsstands, kiosks, and cafes.

Border Crossing Information

Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Area. Border crossings from other Schengen countries (e.g., Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria) are generally seamless. You will typically experience no passport checks.

Non-Schengen Borders

  • For non-Schengen borders, like with Ukraine, you will undergo full passport and customs control.
  • Ensure you have all required documents for these crossings.
  • Check current travel advisories and specific requirements for each country.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Košice is a landlocked city in Eastern Slovakia. It has no access to seas or major navigable rivers for passenger transport.

No Water Transport

  • Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable.
  • River transportation options are not applicable.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable.

Important Departure Reminders

  • Double-check your flight or train status the day before and on the day of departure.
  • Changes can occur due to weather, technical issues, or other factors.
  • Confirm check-in and baggage drop-off times for your specific airline.
  • Be aware of peak travel times, especially during holidays or major events, which may affect security lines.
  • Have all travel documents (passport, boarding pass, visa if applicable) readily available.
  • Plan your transport to the airport/station with sufficient buffer time.

Additional Travel Tips

Airline Baggage Rules

Familiarize yourself with your airline's baggage allowance for both carry-on and checked luggage. This prevents unexpected fees at the airport.

Baggage Information

  • Check weight and size restrictions for carry-on bags.
  • Confirm checked baggage allowances to avoid overweight charges.
  • Review prohibited items for both carry-on and checked luggage.

Duty-Free Shopping

Košice Airport offers duty-free shops for last-minute purchases. Be mindful of customs regulations for your destination country.

Shopping Tips

  • Consider local souvenirs or Slovak products.
  • Alcohol and tobacco limits apply when entering your next country.
  • Prices may be competitive, but check if local stores offer better deals.

Navigation Apps

Download offline maps for Košice on Google Maps or other navigation apps before you travel.

Language Basics

Learn a few basic Slovak phrases. While English is common in tourist areas, local phrases are appreciated.

Photography Prep

Ensure camera batteries are charged and memory cards have sufficient space for your travel photos.

Entry and Exit Points Summary

Arrival Methods

Košice International Airport (KSC) for air travel, with connections through major European hubs. By land, trains from Bratislava, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, and buses from various cities. Self-driving offers flexibility for regional exploration.

Transport Options

  • Flights via KSC from European cities (London, Vienna, Prague).
  • Train services (ZSSK) link to major Central European cities.
  • Long-distance buses (FlixBus, RegioJet) for cost-effective travel.

Departure Checklist

Ensure a smooth departure by confirming your travel details and having necessary documents ready.

Departure Essentials

  • Confirmed boarding pass or train/bus ticket.
  • Valid passport and any onward travel documents.
  • Arrive at the airport 2 hours prior, or station 30 minutes prior.

Road Conditions and Driving

Driving Side

Drive on the right side of the road in Slovakia.

Headlights

Headlights must be on at all times, day or night.

Alcohol Policy

Slovakia has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.

Travel Planning Note

Košice's location in Eastern Slovakia makes it a gateway. Always check the latest travel advisories and airline information.