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GETTING AROUND |
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The most pleasant way of getting around Slovakia is by train - the
system is not as extensive as some in the former Eastern bloc, but some
of the journeys are beautifully scenic, albeit tortuous. Travelling by
bus, however, is quicker and covers a more extensive network. In most
cities the bus and train stations are neighbours, so you can easily
check out both.
Trains
Slovak Railways, Zeleznice Slovenskej Republiky (ZSR; www.zsr.sk - which
includes the entire timetable in English), run two main types of trains:
rychlik trains are the faster ones, which stop only at major towns and
charge a supplement, while osobní , or local trains, stop at every
station and average about 30kph. Tickets ( lístok ) for domestic
journeys can be bought at the station ( stanica ) before or on the day
of departure. Fares are cheap - a second-class single from Bratislava to
Kosice currently costs around Ł9/$14, but prices are slowly increasing.
SR run reasonably priced sleepers ( lezadlo ) to and from a number of
places - make sure you book as far in advance as possible and no later
than six hours before departure. EuroDomino and InterRail passes are
valid; Eurail passes require supplements.
Buses
Buses ( autobus ) are mostly run by the state bus company, Slovenská
automobilová doprava (SAD; www.sad.sk ). The usual practice is to buy
your ticket from the driver - often the only option, since the ticket
offices are often closed. If you can, it's a good idea to book your
ticket in advance if you're travelling at the weekend or early in the
morning on one of the main routes.
Driving
Since only around half the population own a vehicle and most of those
are only used at the weekend, travelling by car in Slovakia is still a
relaxing way to travel. Speed limits are 130kph on motorways, 90kph on
other roads, and 50kph in all cities, towns and villages. To use the
country's very small stretches of motorway, you need to buy a 400Sk
windscreen sticker ( úhrada ) at the border or from a petrol station.
There should be no alcohol at all in your bloodstream while driving or
you could risk losing your license, high fines or even jail. Fuel is
currently fairly cheap by European standards, but petrol stations are
still not quite as widespread as in Western Europe and generally close
by 6pm (though 24-hour ones can be found in the major towns and cities).
Car rental in Slovakia currently starts at around Ł260/$400 per week
with international agencies, but local firms can be significantly
cheaper. The multinationals have branches in Bratislava: Hertz are in
the Hotel Fórum (tel 07/5934 8155), while Avis are at Bajkalská 31 (tel
07/5341 6111) and Europcar is at Pribinova 25 (tel 07/5063 3895). For a
cheaper deal you need to contact a local organization like Recar,
Svätoplukova 1 (tel 07/215 756 or 62 624).
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