This page explains how to travel by train from Bratislava to other European cities and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2026.
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". How far ahead can you buy train tickets?
European train travel FAQ
How to buy tickets for journeys within Slovakia
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The Slovakian Railways website is www.zssk.sk, click EN for English top right, you can buy tickets with or without reservations here with no booking fee, though it can slip back into Slovak in places.
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You can also buy Slovakian train tickets in plain English at seat61.transport-ticket.com, this connects directly to ZSSK's booking system, overseas credit cards no problem. It's powered by Distribusion, which is who you're buying from. Small booking fee.
You get an e-ticket which can be printed or shown on your phone.
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Free travel for seniors & students within Slovakia
At the time of writing, all EU citizens & residents over 62 years old or students under 26 get free travel on R, Ex, EN, EC, SC trains wholly within Slovakia, but you need to register for a rail customer card at a Slovakian station first and get a 'zero fare ticket' for each journey, for more details see www.zssk.sk and look under Prices & Discounts for Zero - fare Public Rail Transport. UK citizens no longer qualify.
Bratislava to Kosice
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Tatran express trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Kosice every hour, journey time 5h26.
Most have a restaurant car serving inexpensive meals, beer and wine. The full-flex fare is only about 25 in 2nd class or 33 in 1st class.
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Option 1, buy tickets at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk.
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Option 2, easiest, buy tickets in plain English at seat61.transport-ticket.com, this connects to ZSSK's booking system, overseas credit cards no problem. It's powered by Distribusion, which is who you're buying from. Small booking fee.
You get an e-ticket which can be printed or shown on your phone.
Bratislava to Poprad-Tatry
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Tatran express trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Poprad-Tatry every hour, journey time 4h03.
Most have a restaurant car serving inexpensive meals, beer and wine. The full-flex fare is only about 21 in 2nd class or 29 in 1st class.
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Option 1, buy tickets at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk.
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Option 2, easiest, buy tickets in plain English at seat61.transport-ticket.com, this connects to ZSSK's booking system, overseas credit cards no problem. It's powered by Distribusion, which is who you're buying from. Small booking fee.
You get an e-ticket which can be printed or shown on your phone.
Slovakian express trains
On the Bratislava - Poprad Tatry - Kosice main line, ZSSK's best trains are the hourly Tatran express trains, using high-quality air-conditioned cars as shown below. All IC trains and most R trains have a restaurant car with adjacent bar area. Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant car, it's not expensive and ZSSK's food is very good. There's usually one 1st class car, but various 2nd class cars, in 2nd class you can usually choose between a seat in an open-plan car or seats in a car with classic side corridor and 6-seat compartments.
Bratislava to London
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See the London to Bratislava page for times, fares & how to buy tickets in either direction.
Bratislava to Paris
Option 1, Bratislava to Paris in a single day - the scenic route via the Arlberg Pass
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08, arriving Zurich HB 15:20.
This is a swish Austrian railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It travels in daylight through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, a scenic treat, see the photos & video here.
Fares start at 49.90 in 2nd class or 74.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 17:34 daily except Saturdays, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 21:38.
The double-deck TGV-Lyria high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about TGV-Lyria. Book an upper deck seat for the best views.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: www.thetrainline.com & www.sncf-connect.com let you choose your seats from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets for TGV-Lyria.
Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the left hand side as the railjet crosses the river after leaving Salzburg Hbf.
Cutting across Germany: From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.
Above right, lunch is served. In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Φtzal & Landeck.
Arlberg Pass: Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
Swiss lakes: Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zόrichsee.
Option 2, Bratislava to Paris using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper - another time-effective option
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 18:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 19:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. By all means travel earlier & have dinner in Vienna, see suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you've booked a sleeper, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:39, arriving Zurich HB 08:20.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In sleepers & couchettes, a light breakfast is included. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
From 13 June 2026 (unless delayed again!) this train is due to become a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in , same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 09:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:38.
The double-deck TGV-Lyria high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about TGV-Lyria. Book an upper deck seat for the best views.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Zurich by new-generation Nightjet sleeper. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Step 3, Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria. These 320 km/h double-deck trains now operate all TGV-Lyria services.
Bratislava to Nice & the South of France
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 18:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 19:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. Why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:39, arriving Venice Santa Lucia 08:34.
The Nightjet has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in ).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
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Day 2, travel from Venice to Ventimiglia, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 11:48, change at Milan Centrale, arriving Ventimiglia 18:59.
It's a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa & Ventimiglia. There are vending machines, or bring your own food & drink.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 36.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice or Cannes by TER local train, leaving Ventimiglia at 19:12, arriving Monte Carlo 19:44, Nice Ville 20:09, Cannes 20:49.
The fare is 10.20, cheaper promotional fares are sometimes available. 2nd class only.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
You'll find details of the journey from Milan to Nice with photos & tips on the Nice to Italy by train page.
Bratislava to Lyon
Option 1, Bratislava to Lyon using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper - most time-effective
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, Vienna to Zurich by nightjet sleeper and Zurich to Geneva by Swiss intercity train as shown in the Bratislava to Switzerland section. Book from Bratislava to Geneva at www.raileurope.com and print your own tickets.
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Step 2, take a TER regional train from Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu.
These leave every 2 hours taking 2h10, fare 34.10 in 2nd class, 51.70 in 1st class, fixed-price.
You should reach Lyon just after lunch. Buy this ticket as a second transaction on www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Option 2, Bratislava to Lyon using the Bratislava-Zurich railjet - in a day
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 arriving Zurich HB 15:20, then take the next Swiss intercity train to Geneva, as shown in the Bratislava to Switzerland section.
Book from Bratislava to Geneva at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
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Step 2, take a TER regional train from Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu.
These run every 2 hours taking 2h10, fare 34.10 in 2nd class, 51.70 in 1st class, fixed-price. You arrive around 21:22.
Buy this ticket on www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Strasbourg
Option 1, by daytime trains
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The best departure is at 07:50 every day by regional train to Vienna Hbf.
You then leave Vienna Hbf at 09:13 by ICE-T train to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and onward TGV Duplex to Strasbourg arriving 18:48.
The ICE-T has a restaurant car, the TGV has a cafe-bar. Both have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Update 2026: there will be no direct Vienna-Frankfurt trains from 14 June to 12 December 2026, due to major trackwork between Nuremberg & Passau. You will need to go via Munich.
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Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee).
This cleverly splits the booking to get a cheap fare for both the Bratislava-Frankfurt leg and the Frankfurt-Strasbourg leg.
Option 2, by sleeper trains - the time-effective option
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Take an early evening regional train to Vienna and board the Nightjet sleeper from Vienna to Paris, as shown in the Bratislava to Paris section. This sleeper train calls at Strasbourg at 05:44.
Bratislava to Brussels or Bruges
Option 1, Bratislava to Brussels in a single day from 46.90
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You can travel from Bratislava to Brussels in a single day:
Until 13 June 2026:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 04:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 17:35.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 08:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.
Bratislava to Vienna is by regional express. Vienna to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Brussels is by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. A chill-out day across Europe!
From 14 June to 12 December 2026, due to major trackwork between Nuremberg & Passau, you'll need to go via Munich:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 05:50, change at Vienna Hbf, Munich Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, arriving Brussels Midi 19:35.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 07:50, change at Vienna Hbf, Munich Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.
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Fares start at 46.99 in 2nd class, 99.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
You can book through to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp or any other Belgian station.
I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes (or more, if you like).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Bratislava to Brussels using the Vienna-Brussels Nightjet sleeper on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays - the most comfortable & time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 15:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at and print your ticket or show it on your phone. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper train to catch. These regional trains run every hour, your ticket is good for any departure.
Tip: If you have a berth in a sleeping-car, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Brussels by Nightjet, leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Brussels Midi 09:55.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in , same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train. The inaugural Nightjet left Vienna for Brussels on 19 January 2020. Above, the inaugural southbound train is ready to leave Brussels the following night, the first scheduled sleeper train to leave Brussels in 16 years - naturally, the Man in Seat 61 was on board! More about Nightjet trains.
Bratislava to Amsterdam from 46.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Amsterdam using the Vienna-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 16:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 17:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket or show it on your phone. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. Why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Amsterdam by Nightjet, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:36, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 09:59.
Exact times can vary. Departure from Vienna is at 18:36 from 14 June to 12 December 2026.
This is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ) or at the Dutch Railways international site www.nsinternational.com (in , no fee).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Amsterdam by Nightjet. Above, a new-generation Nightjet at Amsterdam Centraal.
Above, a couchette car on the new-generation Nightjet at Amsterdam Centraal. Note the mini-cabin windows.
Option 2, Bratislava to Amsterdam in a single day from 46.99
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You can travel from Bratislava to Amsterdam in a single day.
Until 13 June 2026:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 04:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 19:29.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 06:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Munich Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 21:29.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 08:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 23:29.
Bratislava to Vienna is by regional express. Vienna to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Amsterdam is by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. A chill-out day across Europe!
From 14 June to 12 December 2026, due to major trackwork between Nuremberg & Passau, you'll need to go via Munich:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 07:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Munich Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 21:29.
Bratislava-Vienna is by regional express, Vienna-Munich is by Eurocity train, Munich-Amsterdam is by ICE3neo train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Fares start at 46.99 in 2nd class, 99.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
You can book through to most stations in the Netherlands.
I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Luxembourg from 37.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Luxembourg in a day
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You can travel from Bratislava to Luxembourg in a single day:
Until 13 June 2026:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 04:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 18:23.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 08:50, change at Vienna Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg 22:29.
Bratislava to Vienna is by regional express. Vienna to Koblenz is by ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Koblenz-Luxembourg is by regional train. A chill-out day across Europe.
From 14 June to 12 December 2026, due to major trackwork between Nuremberg & Passau, you'll need to go via Munich:
Multiple changes, check times at int.bahn.de.
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class, 66.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes.
I also recommend clicking Stopovers and entering Igel, leaving length of stay 00:00. This stops journeys involving rail replacement buses cluttering up the search results, the trains call at Igel, the buses don't. Easy when you know!
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Zurich & Switzerland
Option 1, Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet train - the best option if the timing suits you
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A direct ΦBB railjet train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 every day, arriving Zurich HB 15:20.
Change at Sargans for Chur & St Moritz. Change at Zurich HB for Basel, Bern, Geneva or anywhere else in Switzerland.
The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It travels through the scenic Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Pass video & Arlberg Railways page.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class, 54.90 in 1st class or 69.90 in business class (=premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: You can book from Bratislava to any Swiss station not just Zurich, this is usually a lot cheaper than buying a separate onward ticket from Zurich at Swiss domestic prices.
Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the left hand side as the railjet crosses the river after leaving Salzburg Hbf.
Cutting across Germany: From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.
Above right, lunch is served. In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Φtzal & Landeck.
Arlberg Pass: Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
Swiss lakes: Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zόrichsee.
Option 2, Bratislava to Switzerland by daytime trains with one easy change in Vienna - if the timing of the direct train doesn't suit you
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf by regional train leaving every hour at xx:50 minutes past each hour, taking 56 minutes.
The fare is 12.30, just buy tickets at the station on the day or at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at to save time and hop on the next train. No reservation necessary or possible, it cannot sell out! More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
I'd allow at least 40 minutes between trains in Vienna.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Zurich HB by railjet train in 7h50, departures at 07:28, 09:28, 13:28, 15:28.
This is a lovely scenic ride on a smart modern train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video & Arlberg Railway page.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 44.90 in 1st class or 59.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Bratislava to Switzerland using the Vienna-Zurich Nightjet sleeper - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 18:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 19:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. Why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Switzerland by Nightjet, leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:39, arriving Zurich HB 08:20.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In sleepers & couchettes, a light breakfast is included. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
From 13 June 2026 (unless delayed again!) this train is due to become a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Zurich by new-generation Nightjet sleeper train. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Bratislava to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome & Italy from 44
Option 1, Bratislava to Venice in a day
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, with a choice of departure.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 06:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 07:46.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 10:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 11:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: If you have a 1st or business class ticket for the railjet to Venice, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Venice by railjet.
If you left Bratislava at 06:50, leave Vienna Hbf at 08:53, arriving Venice Santa Lucia 16:09.
If you left Bratislava at 10:50, leave Vienna Hbf at 12:53, arriving Venice Santa Lucia 20:03.
The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It takes the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway between Vienna & Graz, see the photos & video on the Vienna to Venice page.
Fares start at 28.30 in 2nd class, 56.60 in 1st or 71.60 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 3, travel from Venice to Milan, Florence or Rome or anywhere in Italy.
If you arrive in Venice at 16:09:
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 17:18, arriving Milan Centrale 19:47.
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 17:26, arriving Florence SMN 19:39 & Rome Termini 21:30.
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 18:26, arriving Naples Centrale 23:53.
These are high-speed Frecciarossas with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Tip: You can change trains at Venice Mestre to save going over the causeway into Venice Santa Lucia and back out again, although if staying overnight I'd be too keen to see a bit of Venice, for however short a time! Venice Santa Lucia is only 15 minutes walk from the Rialto bridge.
If you arrive in Venice at 20:03, stay overnight stop and continue next morning.
Venice to Milan or Florence starts at 19.90 in 2nd class, 29.90 1st class.
Venice to Rome or Naples starts at 29.90 in 2nd class, 39.90 1st class.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together) or at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or Italian Railways' own website www.trenitalia.com (requires Italian-language place names, read this advice on using it first).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Venice by railjet, seen here about to leave Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Venice railjets.
The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video.
Option 2, Bratislava to Italy by sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 16:50 if going to Bologna, Florence or Rome arriving Vienna Hbf 17:46.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 18:50 if going to Venice, arriving Vienna Hbf 19:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. Why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train:
A Nightjet leaves Vienna Hbf at 20:05 every day, arriving Bologna Centrale 05:38, Florence Campo di Marte 06:48 & Rome Tiburtina 10:05.
A Nightjet leaves Vienna Hbf at 21:39 arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 08:34.
The Nightjet to Bologna, Florence & Rome is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
The Nightjet to Venice has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares for the new-generation Nightjet start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Fares for the original Nightjets start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book these trains at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in ).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
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Step 3, onward trains from Venice to Milan, Rome to Naples or Rome to Sicily (for example) can be booked separately at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, recognises English place-names) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it). I'd allow at least an hour between the nightjet arrival and any onward train, ideally more.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Bologna, Florence or Rome by Nightjet sleeper train. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Bratislava to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain
Bratislava to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Zurich or Geneva
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Zurich by railjet, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08, arriving Zurich HB 15:20.
The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It travels through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, put your feet up and enjoy the scenery, watch the Arlberg video. Treat yourself to lunch!
Fares from Bratislava to Geneva start at 59.90 in 2nd class, 74.90 in 1st class or 89.90 in business class (= premium 1st class).
Book from Bratislava to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. This ticket will then include the onward train to Geneva, much cheaper than buying a separate Swiss domestic ticket.
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Day 1, travel from Zurich to Geneva by Intercity train, leaving Zurich HB at 15:32, arriving Geneva 18:25.
This comfortable Swiss Intercity train has a restaurant car, power sockets and free WiFi.
If you book from Bratislava to Geneva, you get a through ticket which includes this train. The tight connection is not a problem, if there's a delay you simply take the next train, they run every half hour, no reservation is needed there are plenty of seats.
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Stay overnight in Geneva.
Hotels with good reviews near the station include Hotel Cornavin Genθve, Hotel Les Arcades, Hotel Bernina Geneva. Hotels in Switzerland can be expensive, if you're on a budget you can book budget private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station using www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Geneva to Lyon by TER regional train, leaving Geneva at 09:29, arriving Lyon Part Dieu 11:22.
It's a pleasant journey along the river Rhτne.
The fare is a fixed-price 34.10 in 2nd class, 51.70 in 1st class.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Have dinner in Lyon, see suggested restaurants near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Lyon to Barcelona by AVE, leaving Lyon Part Dieu at 14:35, arriving Barcelona Sants 19:23.
This comfortable high-speed AVE S100 train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It passes Bιziers cathedral, flamingos on the ιtangs (lakes) in southern France, the Fort de Salses approaching Perpignan. Look out for the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees. More about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it).
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Stay overnight in Barcelona.
The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 3, travel from Barcelona to other destinations in Spain:
For Madrid: AVE S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants & Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30.
For Granada: Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE 112 high-speed train, arriving Granada at 13:11.
For Malaga: Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano 14:54.
For Cordoba & Seville: Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:30 by AVE S103 high-speed train, arriving Cordoba 13:17 & Seville Santa Justa 14:22.
For Valencia & Alicante: Euromed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 07:15 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:10 & Alicante 12:38 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Nord 13:13 & Alicante 15:32.
For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruρa & Vigo, there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here.
Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up). Booking opens anything from 15 days to 9 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Lisbon & Portugal
Bratislava to Lisbon via Paris, Barcelona & Madrid
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Paris in a day by railjet & TGV-Lyria as shown in the Bratislava to Paris section.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:42, arriving Barcelona Sants 14:32.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class, a cafι-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views.
The train speeds along the Rhτne valley past pretty villages & picturesque churches, then past Bιziers cathedral, flamingos on the ιtangs (lakes) in southern France, the Fort de Salses approaching Perpignan and the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees. More about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE, leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:25 Mondays-Fridays, arriving Madrid Atocha 17:55.
Another AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:00 every day, arriving Madrid Atocha 19:12.
The high-speed AVE S103 train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 17.05 in standard class or 68.05 in comfort class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens several months ahead, it varies.
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Stay overnight in Madrid.
The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
Bratislava to Andorra
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Paris in a day by railjet & TGV-Lyria as shown in the Bratislava to Paris section.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels. Transfer from the Gare de Lyon Nord to the Gare Montparnasse by taxi or metro.
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Day 2, travel from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Toulouse Matabiau by TGV then bus to Andorra, as shown on the Trains from Paris page.
Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg from 37.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg by ComfortJet - the leisurely daytime option
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A ComfortJet train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 09:58, arriving Berlin Hbf 18:29 & Hamburg Hbf 20:25.
Until 30 April 2026 you'll need to change trains in Berlin to reach Hamburg, due to trackwork. After that it's direct.
Due to trackwork, this train won't run on Mondays from 16 March to 12 December 2026.
The swish Czech ComfortJet train has 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, a steward takes food & drink orders and serves you at your seat.
Take a good book and enjoy a daytime ride across Europe through 4 countries with beautiful scenery along the Elbe River between Prague & Dresden, see the photos & video here.
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 65.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. A seat reservation is optional but a good idea, it can be added to the booking for a small fee. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
A ComfortJet train at Prague Hlavni. Click the images below for larger photos.
Between Dresden & Prague the train runs along the pretty river Elbe, or Labe in Czech. One of Europe's major rivers, the Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg. Watch for river boats, even the occasional paddle steamer. See the photos & video of this part of the journey here.
Option 2, Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper train - the time-effective option, saves a hotel bill
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The EuroNight sleeper train Metropol leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 21:58 arriving Dresden Hbf 05:48 & Berlin Hbf 07:41.
This comfortable train has an air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and 2nd class seats. The sleeper fare includes a light breakfast, served in your compartment. More about this sleeper train.
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Fares start at 39 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 129 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 139 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 179 in a single-bed sleeper. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 3, Bratislava to Hamburg using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper train - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 16:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 17:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. Why not travel earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:36, arriving Hamburg Hbf 08:38.
Exact times can vary. Departure from Vienna is at 18:36 from 14 June to 12 December 2026.
This train is a new generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Bratislava to Munich from 34.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Munich by daytime trains
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Take the hourly regional express from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf then a smart Austrian railjet from Vienna Hbf to Munich Hbf with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. For example:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 06:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 12:32.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 08:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 14:32.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 10:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 16:34.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 12:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 18:31.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 14:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 20:31.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna 16:50, change at Vienna Hbf, arrive Munich Hbf 22:32.
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Tip: I'd change Transfer time to from normal to 30 minutes to ensure robust connections.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Look for journeys with just 1 change. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Munich by railjet. Above, a railjet about to leave Vienna Hbf. More about railjets.
Option 2, Bratislava to Munich by sleeper train
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 20:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 21:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper train to catch. Why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Munich by EuroNight sleeper train Kalman Imre, leaving Vienna Hbf at 23:28 arriving Munich Ost 06:01.
Fares start at 49.90 with couchette in 6-berth, 59.90 with couchette in 4-berth, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 with a bed in a single-bed sleeper. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers.
This sleeper train comes through from Budapest, see more about this train here & see the Hungarian sleeping-car video.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dόsseldorf & other cities in Germany from 39.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Germany by daytime trains
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Buy tickets from Bratislava Hlavna to anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website, int.bahn.de.
Tip: Look for journeys with the fewest changes. You might get more convenient journeys if you click Stopovers and enter Dresden or Vienna. You might also want to change Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes or more.
I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class or 69.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Option 2, Bratislava to Koblenz or Cologne by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 15:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 16:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Germany by Nightjet sleeper, leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Koblenz Hbf 05:45 & Cologne Hbf 06:59. Departure from Vienna is at 18:36 until 13 June 2026.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes. See the guide to Nightjet accommodation.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Bratislava to Vienna for 12.30
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Bratislava to Linz, Salzburg or Innsbruck
Option 1, Bratislava to Linz, Salzburg & Innsbruck by direct railjet train
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A railjet train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 every day for Linz, Salzburg & Innsbruck, arriving Salzburg Hbf 09:53 & Innsbruck Hbf at 11:44.
This excellent railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st & business class a steward takes food & drink orders and serves you at your seat.
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Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 39.90 in 1st class, 54.90 in business class (= premium 1st class).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, other departures with a change in Vienna - if the direct train doesn't suit you
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf by regional train, these leave every hour at xx:50 minutes past each hour, journey time 56 minutes. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Linz, Salzburg Hbf or Innsbruck Hbf by railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Bratislava to Salzburg starts at 24.90. Bratislava to Innsbruck starts at 39.90.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets from Bratislava to anywhere in Austria at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices).
Look for journeys with 1 change, ignore journeys with 2. Sparschiene fares are cheap advance-purchase fares, limited availability at each price level, specified train only. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: To travel in 1st or business class on the railjet, it may be cheaper to book from Vienna to your Austrian destination and select 1st class, then buy a 2nd class local ticket for the Bratislava-Vienna train for a fixed-price 12.30 either at the station on the day or as a second transaction at www.thetrainline.com.
Bratislava to Copenhagen from 49.99
Option 1, Bratislava to Copenhagen using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:50, arriving Vienna Hbf 18:46.
The fare is 12.30, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your ticket. More about Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:36, arriving Hamburg Hbf 08:38.
Exact times can vary. Departure from Vienna is at 18:36 from 14 June to 12 December 2026.
This is a new generation Nightjet sleeper train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:52, arriving Copenhagen 15:38.
The EuroCity Express has power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about this journey.
Fares start at 27.99 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express. More about these Bratislava-Vienna trains.
Step 2, Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train. More about new-generation Nightjets.
Step 3, Hamburg to Copenhagen by Eurocity Express. Above, a DSB Talgo train to Copenhagen, boarding at Hamburg Hbf.
Above left, 2nd class. Above right, 1st class. Click the interior mages for larger photos.
Above, the train climbs onto the impressive Rendsburg High Bridge over the Kiel Canal, then descends around the Rendsburg Loop. Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com.
Option 2, Bratislava to Copenhagen using the Bratislava-Berlin sleeper
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper train Metropol leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 21:58, arriving Berlin Hbf 07:41.
The train has a comfortable air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments & 2nd class seats. In the sleepers, a light breakfast is included in the fare. More about this sleeper train.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 88.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, international credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (only in , same prices).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Berlin to Copenhagen.
Until 13 June 2026, leave Berlin Hbf at 09:39, change at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Copenhagen 17:38.
You travel from Berlin to Hamburg by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity Express with power sockets at all seats & refreshments. More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.
From 14 June 2026, leave Berlin Hbf at 10:34 by direct ComfortJet train, arriving Copenhagen 17:38.
The swish Czech ComfortJet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
An earlier departure is possible with a change of train in Hamburg, but I'd play safe and take this direct train.
Fares start at 37.99 in 2nd class, 69.99 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 1, Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper, seen here at Berlin Hbf. More about this sleeper train.
Step 2, Berlin to Copenhagen by ComfortJet. Click the images below for larger photos.
Option 3, Bratislava to Copenhagen with overnight stop in Hamburg - if you prefer hotels to sleepers
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Hamburg by ComfortJet, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 09:58, arriving Hamburg Hbf 20:25.
Until 30 April 2026 you'll need to change trains in Berlin to reach Hamburg, due to trackwork. After that it's direct.
Due to trackwork, this train won't run on Mondays from 16 March to 12 December 2026.
The swish Czech ComfortJet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Put your feet up, chill out and enjoy the scenery along the Elbe river between Prague & Dresden, see the photos & video here.
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Stay overnight in Hamburg.
The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is the top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews. Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski. If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity Express, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:53, arriving Copenhagen 13:38.
The EuroCity Express has power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. More about this journey.
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How much does it cost?
Bratislava to Copenhagen starts at 66.99 in 2nd class or 81.99 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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To buy tickets
Book from Bratislava to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 10 hours.
In the search results, look for journeys with the fewest changes. Adjust departure time & length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg. A little trial and error may be needed!
Step 1, Bratislava to Hamburg by ComfortJet train, seen here at Prague Hlavni. Click the images below for larger photos.
Between Prague & Dresden the train runs along the pretty river Elbe, or Labe in Czech. One of Europe's major rivers, the Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg. Watch for river boats and even the occasional paddle steamer.
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