Although Slovakia is quite a small country, it takes a couple of hours by car to get from the capital city, Bratislava, to the second-largest town, Košice. If you don’t enjoy sitting in small spaces for long hours, the Bratislava to Košice flight might be the right option for you.
Is There a Direct Flight from Bratislava to Košice?
Yes, an airline has recently reinstated a domestic flight route after several years without regular service. The Bratislava to Košice flight is operated by Wizz Air and has been a non-stop service since late November 2025. The route is a result of new initiatives to improve the east-west connections.
There are around nine direct flights per week on most days, in both directions. On Monday and Friday, passengers can use either the early flight (6:30) or the afternoon flight (4:10 PM). On the remaining days, only an early-morning flight is available. On Sundays, there is just one departure at 13:55. The same limited frequency applies to the return route, though departure times vary and generally start later. I discuss these details in the following sections.
The price starts at 19,99 EUR one-way with a maximum cost of 75 EUR.
Bratislava to Košice Flight Duration
The Bratislava-Košice flight covers about 300 kilometers and takes 1 hour. Pure flight time is around 40 minutes. The rest is just sitting and following the crew’s instructions.
As with other flights, it is good to arrive 2 hours early, especially if you have any checked luggage. The boarding gate closes 30 minutes before the plane takes off. Bratislava Airport is relatively small, so even if you are taking an early Bratislava to Košice flight, security lines are usually manageable and do not take long.
Airport transfer
You can book a transfer and use any available taxi option or its alternative, such as Uber or Bolt. If you have time or are taking an afternoon flight, you can use public transport. There is one daily direct bus route, bus number 61, from the Main railway station to the Airport. It also operates during the night hours, with frequent departures—approximately one bus per hour.
The same transfer options apply for Košice Airport – besides taxis, you can use the local public bus number 23, which ends its journey at Košice railway station. It only operates during the daytime. The last one leaves after 10 PM, and the first one departs from the Airport after 5 AM, but only on working days. On weekends and public holidays, there are fewer connections.
Prices
As I have mentioned a few lines before, the prices start at 19,99 EUR one-way. If you need checked luggage, the price starts at 8 EUR per piece up to 10 kilograms. If you prefer to keep your small carry-on on board, you can pay for Wizz Air priority for 18 EUR per flight.
The transfer costs when using a taxi, Uber, or Bolt – expect to pay from 6 EUR and up in both cities.
For those who don’t mind using public transport, one paper ticket for 30 30-minute rides in Košice is 1,20 EUR. You can also buy SMS tickets – one for 60 minutes costs 1,50 EUR (send an empty sms to number 1166).
In Bratislava, one paper ticket for 30 30-minute ride is 1,20 EUR (for zones 100+101). You can also buy SMS tickets – one ticket for 40 minutes costs 1,20 EUR (send an empty SMS to number 1140). It is valid for zones 100+101.
Which Airports Are Used?
In both cities, there is only one main Airport.
Bratislava Airport (BTS)
- Full name: M. R. Štefánik Airport
- Location: around 9 km from Bratislava city center, around 15–20 min by car
- Types of flights: International and low-cost carriers (e.g., Ryanair, Wizz Air)
- Key facilities: Car rentals, taxis, shuttle buses, parking
- Quick note on transfers: Taxi or shuttle to the city is about 6–15€, public bus options available
Košice International Airport (KSC)
- Location: ~6 km from Košice city center, ~10–15 min by car
- Types of flights: Mainly regional and European flights
- Facilities: Taxi, shuttle, car rental, parking
- Quick note on transfers: Taxi to city center around 6–25 €, public transport also available
Both airports are very close to their respective city centers, making transfers quick and easy.
Train vs Flight
In this section, I will compare the two options so you can get a better sense of which might be better for you.
- Travel time
Train: ~5–5.5 hours (direct trains available)
Flight: around 1 hour flight time, but 3–4 hours total when including: transfer to the Airport, check-in & security, boarding & waiting, transfer from the Airport to the city center.
- Price comparison
Train: From €20 (standard class, full ticket price)
First class slightly higher
Flight: Usually €19–€75 per flight, depending on availability
Extra costs: baggage, airport transfers
- Comfort & convenience
Train advantages:
- City center → city center
- More legroom
- Sightseeing
- Wi-Fi and power sockets
- No strict luggage limits
Flight advantages:
- Shorter air time
- Good if you already need to be at the Airport
- Frequency & reliability
Trains run multiple times per day, usually there is one express train every hour.
Flights are less frequent and more affected by delays or cancellations.
- Environmental impact
Trains are usually more eco-friendly than flying. Lately, there have been many train accidents reported in Slovakia. That is also a significant factor in deciding which way to go.
Is Flying the Best Way to Travel from Bratislava to Košice?
For many travelers, flying from Bratislava to Košice may not be the best option. While flying can save a lot of time in specific situations, once you factor in airport transfers and waiting times, the train often becomes the better choice. Air travel is ideal for those who are already at the Airport, have a tight schedule, find a very cheap flight, or are connecting to an international flight.
Choose the train if you want better value for money, less stress (no security lines), and city-to-city travel. It is a better choice if you are traveling with heavy luggage. The journey also offers scenic views of smaller towns (Trnava, Ružomberok, Poprad), the countryside, including the High Tatras.
Useful links
- Public transport in Slovakia: https://imhd.sk
- Bratislava Airport: https://www.bts.aero/
- Košice Airport: https://www.airportkosice.sk/
- Wizz Air: https://www.wizzair.com/
Sources:
bts.aero/en/airport/press/latest-news/wizz-air-to-launch-scheduled-flights-between-bratislava-and-kosice/
flightsfrom.com/BTS-KSC
wizzair.com
imhd.sk
Sources: