Landing at Bratislava M. R. Stefanika Airport (BTS) and unsure of the best way to get to the city center called Old Town? We’ve collected all the reasonable options and put them down for you. Bratislava is notoriously known for its dubious taxi drivers, so getting to the city center could be stressful if you aren’t prepared.

Prague Airport is located only 8 kilometers and 15 minutes from the Bratislava city center when there is no traffic. The rush hours are usually during working days in the morning (7 to 10 AM) and in the late afternoon (4 to 7 PM). During the rush hour please add 20 – 30 minutes to your ride. The official address is Ivanská cesta, 820 01 Bratislava.

Out of all options, we also don’t recommend taking a taxi because for the same (or even lower) price you can get a much better service with private pickups. If you are short on a budget, go with the airport shuttle transfer.

Honest Tip #1: Private Pickup (€28)

Welcome Pickups are focusing on private airport pickups and all their drivers are hand-picked and well-trained. For the same price as a taxi (€28), you will get a private driver with excellent English and knowledge of Bratislava. The driver will also be waiting for you with the welcome sign at the terminal exit. Is the flight delayed or cancelled? No worries, your driver will be monitoring the flight schedule and will manage accordingly.

The best thing is that you will land and go right away without waiting as your car is always ready. The service has excellent ratings on TripAdvisor (5 stars out of 5.000+ reviews) and even received a Certificate of Excellence.

Honest Tip #2: Private Transfer (€33)

If you’re looking for a hassle-free and comfortable transportation option, consider booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. With this service, you can avoid the stress of navigating Bratislava airport and instead be driven by a professional chauffeur straight to your accommodation in the city.

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. In addition to skip-the-line access to public transportation, your airport transfer includes luggage assistance, a complimentary baby seat, and round-the-clock concierge service for your convenience.

Honest Tip #3: Uber (€10+)

A convenient alternative to private pickup is to use Uber, which has been operating in Bratislava since 2015 and has become a dependable service that’s more preferred than regular taxis. Typically, Uber drivers are readily available within a 5-minute radius of the airport, resulting in minimal wait times. The cost of UberX is approximately €10, which is reasonably priced.

However, compared to private pickup, using Uber has its drawbacks. For instance, you may have to wait for your car, and at times, locate it in the parking lot. Also, the quality of the drivers can vary, and during rush hours, the prices may rise.

Honest Tip #4: Public Transport (from €1.10)

The cheapest option to get to Bratislava city center is by using regular public transport, which is very cost-effective. The bus station is the opposite terminals. A ticket valid for 30 minutes costs €1.10, and you can use it for the bus, tram or subway. Just take the bus 61, 96, or N61 (during the night). The bus goes every 20 minutes and operates from 4:40 AM to 23:35 PM (last bus) on all days, including the weekend. You can check the latest timetables on the Bratislava Public Transportation website which is available in English.

Check out the video explaining the public transportation in Bratislava.

Unfortunately, there is no airport shuffle or express bus.

Conclusion

Getting from Bratislava Airport to the city center doesn’t have to be stressful if you know your options. Whether you prioritize comfort, speed, or budget, there’s a solution for every traveler. Private pickups and transfers offer seamless convenience, while Uber provides a balance of cost and accessibility. For budget-conscious travelers, public transport is reliable and efficient. Avoid taxis unless you’re confident about the fare and service quality. With a little planning, your arrival in Bratislava can be smooth and hassle-free.‍

Final Recommendations

1. ‍Book in advance: Reserve your private pickup or transfer ahead of time to avoid delays and confusion upon arrival.‍
2. Avoid taxis: Regular taxis are notoriously unreliable; opt for vetted services like Welcome Pickups or Uber.‍
3. Have some euros ready: While most transport options accept cards, having small cash on hand is useful, especially for public transport.‍
4. Check rush hour times: Add 20–30 minutes to your ride if you’re arriving during morning or late afternoon rush hours.‍
5. Download the public transport app: Use the Bratislava Public Transport website or app to track buses and check schedules in real-time.