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Airport Information

Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about Bratislava and Vienna airports

Bratislava Airport (BTS)

M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) is Slovakia's main international airport, located just 9 km northeast of Bratislava city center. While smaller than Vienna Airport, BTS offers convenient access to the city and serves as a gateway to Central Europe with connections to major European hubs.

Quick Facts
  • IATA Code: BTS
  • Distance to City: 9 km (15-20 min)
  • Terminal: Single terminal
  • Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Austrian, LOT
  • Annual Passengers: ~2 million
Facilities
  • Free WiFi throughout terminal
  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Car rental desks
  • Tourist information desk

Getting to/from Bratislava Airport

Public Bus (Cheapest)

Bus 61 connects the airport to Bratislava Main Train Station (Hlavná stanica) with stops in the city center.

  • Duration: 25-30 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes (6am-11pm)
  • Price: €0.90 (single ticket) or €4.50 (24-hour ticket)
  • Tickets: Buy from driver (cash only) or ticket machines
  • Luggage: Free, no extra charge
Taxi / Uber (Fastest)

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer door-to-door convenience, ideal for late arrivals or heavy luggage.

  • Duration: 15-20 minutes to city center
  • Price: €15-25 (taxi), €10-18 (Uber/Bolt)
  • Availability: 24/7, taxi rank outside arrivals
  • Tip: Use Uber or Bolt app for better prices
Car Rental

Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the arrivals hall.

  • Price: From €25/day (economy car)
  • Parking: P1 short-term, P2 long-term (€2/hour, €12/day)
  • Tip: Book online in advance for 20-30% discount

Pro Tip: Night Arrivals

If arriving after 11pm when Bus 61 stops running, use Uber/Bolt instead of airport taxis. Pre-book accommodation in Old Town or near Main Station for easy access. Night buses N61 and N93 run hourly but have limited stops.

Vienna Airport (VIE)

Vienna International Airport (Schwechat) is Central Europe's major aviation hub, located 60 km west of Bratislava. Many travelers fly into Vienna due to better flight connections and competitive prices, then transfer to Bratislava. The journey takes 45-75 minutes depending on transport mode.

Quick Facts
  • IATA Code: VIE
  • Distance to Bratislava: 60 km (45-75 min)
  • Terminals: 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
  • Airlines: Austrian, Lufthansa, Emirates, 70+ airlines
  • Annual Passengers: ~30 million
Why Choose VIE?
  • ✓ 10x more flight connections than BTS
  • ✓ Often cheaper flights (especially long-haul)
  • ✓ Better facilities and shopping
  • ✓ Direct buses to Bratislava every 30-60 min
  • ✓ Visit two capitals in one trip

Vienna Airport to Bratislava

For detailed transfer options, prices, and booking links, see our Complete Vienna Transfer Guide.

Staying in Vienna?

If you're planning to stay in Vienna and want detailed information about Vienna Airport facilities, lounges, and city transfers, check out our comprehensive Vienna Airport guide on our sister site.

Visit Vienna Airport Guide →
Direct Bus (Best Value)
  • Operators: FlixBus, RegioJet, Slovak Lines
  • Duration: 50-70 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
  • Price: €5-10 (book online in advance)
  • Departure: Outside arrivals hall, follow "Bus" signs
Train via Vienna (Scenic)
  • Route: Airport → Vienna Hauptbahnhof → Bratislava
  • Duration: 90-120 minutes total
  • Price: €10-20 (ÖBB + RegioJet)
  • Best for: Comfort, seeing Vienna briefly
Private Transfer (Comfort)
  • Duration: 45-60 minutes door-to-door
  • Price: €40-80 (1-4 passengers)
  • Best for: Groups, families, late arrivals
  • Book: GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups, local companies

Which Airport Should I Choose?

Choose Bratislava (BTS) if you're visiting only Bratislava, want the shortest transfer time, or find a good deal on Ryanair/Wizz Air.

Choose Vienna (VIE) if you want more flight options, better connections, or plan to visit both cities. The extra 30-40 minutes transfer time is offset by cheaper flights and more convenient schedules.

Complete Transfer Guide
Detailed comparison of all Vienna-Bratislava transport options with prices and booking links
Complete Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your Bratislava trip from start to finish

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