Taxi in Slovakia: How to travel cheaply, safely and without stress?

Damian Brzeski
Jul 30
6 min read

Think traveling by taxi in Slovakia is a painful and draining experience? Not necessarily – as long as you know a few key rules.

Learn how to avoid overpaying, where the pitfalls lie, how to recognize legitimate taxis, and why apps are your best travel allies. This guide will show you how to travel affordably, safely, and stress-free—from Bratislava to the Tatra Mountains.

Comfortable taxi transport in Slovakia does not have to be stressful
Slovak taxi under scrutiny: How to recognize a legal taxi service and avoid stepping on a landmine?
What is the price of a taxi in Slovakia: What does the bill consist of and how much will you pay in practice?
Apps in hand! Uber, Bolt, and Slovakian Hopin – which to choose?
Tourist Essentials: Golden Rules for Using Taxi in Slovakia

Comfortable taxi transport in Slovakia does not have to be stressful

Slovakia, our southern neighbor, tempts with captivating landscapes, cultural proximity, and wonderful attractions, from the Tatra Mountains to vibrant Bratislava. When planning a trip, we often consider local transportation.

What if we told you that traveling by taxi in Slovakia can be easy and affordable as long as you know a few key rules?

Unfortunately, ignorance of local realities can lead to stress and inflated bills. The system, while similar to the Polish one, has its pitfalls. This guide is your shield – it will arm you.

You'll gain the knowledge to make every trip, whether to Poprad or Bratislava, a comfortable and predictable experience. You'll learn how to order a taxi , recognize a reputable carrier, and how much a trip should really cost.

Slovak taxi under scrutiny: How to recognize a legal taxi service and avoid stepping on a landmine?

The foundation of safe travel is knowing how to distinguish a licensed carrier from a fraudster. Slovak law precisely defines what a legal vehicle should look like.

Knowing these requirements is your first line of defense, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Check before you get in – What are the external markings of Slovak taxis?

Before you open the door, take a look at a few key elements:

A roof light: This is essential. Every legal taxi must have a roof light clearly displaying the word "TAXI." However, the sign alone isn't enough.
Company name on the door: This is an absolutely crucial and mandatory requirement! According to Slovak law, the official trade name (obchodné meno) of the licensed company or individual must be displayed on the front left and right doors. The absence of this marking is a red flag.
Font Design: The regulations even specify this: letters must be at least 30 mm high and 5 mm thick. This distinguishes professional signage from amateur stickers.
Pricing on display: A legal carrier must display the basic tariff on the right front door and inside the vehicle.
Slovak license plates: The vehicle must be registered in Slovakia (plates with the "SK" symbol). There are no special plates for taxis; these are standard civilian numbers.

What must be inside? Interior and document inspection.

Once you're inside, make sure you see the following features that make it a comfortable taxi honest carrier:

Taximeter : Must be in a visible place and activated at the beginning of the journey (unless the price is set in advance via the app) .
Driver's ID (Preukaz vodiča): This is the most important document! Look for it in a visible place. It should include the driver's photo, their details, and the words "SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA" and "PREUKAZ VODIČA VOZIDLA TAXISLUŽBY." It proves the driver's authorization.
Right to a receipt: After your course, you always have the right to request a receipt (potvrdenie). This is the basis for any complaints.

What is the price of a taxi in Slovakia: What does the bill consist of and how much will you pay in practice?

How much does a taxi cost in Slovakia ? It depends on the city, time of day, and—most importantly—how you booked the vehicle. Understanding what makes up the final taxi price will help you avoid overpaying.

Elements of the Slovak Taxis bill:

Entry fee (Nástupné): From €1 (approx. PLN 4.30) in cheaper companies to up to €8 (approx. PLN 34) for large vans in Bratislava.
Rate per kilometer (Sadzba per km): The main component of the price. Rates range from approximately €0.60 (approx. PLN 2.60) to as much as €2.50 (approx. PLN 11) per kilometer.
Parking Fee (Čakanie): Charged while you're stuck in a traffic jam or waiting. Typically around €0.25-0.50 (approx. 1.10-2.20 PLN) per minute.
Minimum fare (Minimálne jazdné): Even for a short ride, you can pay a pre-determined minimum amount, e.g. €5 (approx. PLN 21.50).

Example taxi prices: Bratislava, Poprad and the Tatra Mountains

Key rule: taxi rides ordered by phone or via an app are MUCH cheaper than those ordered "on the street".

Bratislava: A capital of contrasts. Taxis from the train stations and airport can be exorbitantly expensive. Using apps (Bolt, Uber) or booking a ride by phone will cost you a fraction of that price.
Tatra Mountains Region (Poprad, Tatranská Lomnica): In tourist areas, many companies offer fixed, contractual prices on popular routes. It's worth knowing these to avoid getting ripped off.

Popular Route	Approximate Price (1-4 people)
Poprad – Starý Smokovec	15 € (approx. 65 PLN)
Poprad – Štrbské Pleso	30 € (approx. 129 PLN)
Poprad – Tatranská Lomnica	20 € (approx. 86 PLN)
Liptovský Mikuláš – Jasná	30 € (approx. 129 PLN)

What is the price of a taxi from Zakopane to Slovakia?

For tourists departing from Poland, connections to the heart of the Tatra Mountains are crucial. Passenger transport from Zakopane to Slovakia is very popular and offered by many companies. Both standard cars and Zakopane taxi buses are available for larger groups.

Route	Approximate taxi price from Zakopane
Taxi from Zakopane - Tatrzańska Jaworzyna	from 130 PLN
Taxi Zakopane – Popradskie Pleso (parking lot)	from 200 PLN
Taxi Zakopane – Bachledova Dolina (Crown Path)	from 220 PLN
Taxi Zakopane – Tatranska Lomnica	from 280 PLN
Taxi Zakopane – Poprad (airport/aquapark)	from 380 PLN

It is worth checking the offers of taxi companies such as taxi trans zakopane that specialize in these routes to find the best option.

Apps in hand! Uber, Bolt, and the Slovak Hopin – which to choose?

In the age of smartphones, ordering a taxi via an app is the safest, most convenient and usually cheapest option.

Uber and Bolt: These global giants are primarily available in the two largest cities of Bratislava and Košice. They're great options for getting around.
Hopin: The Slovak app is a must-have! It has the widest reach and works where Uber and Bolt don't – including the Tatra Mountains, Banská Bystrica, Žilina, and many other cities.
Other options: It is worth mentioning transport platforms that allow you to book transfers in advance, which is convenient when planning, for example, a trip from the airport.

Why is a transportation app a better choice?

Price known in advance: No more uncertainty and scams.
Security: You know the driver and vehicle details and can share the route.
Convenience: You pay with a card linked to the app, without having to look for cash.
Lower cost: This is almost always the cheapest option.

Tourist Essentials: Golden Rules for Using Taxi in Slovakia

Here are some practical tips that will give you peace of mind when visiting Slovakia.

Order, don't grab from the street!

This is the most important piece of advice. Avoid hailing taxis from taxi ranks outside the airport, train stations, or in the historic center of Bratislava.

This is where it is easiest to fall victim to fraud (a rate of €70 (approx. PLN 300) instead of €15 (approx. PLN 65) is unfortunately still a real scenario).

Always book your ride via an app or by phone. Many taxi companies , like Profi Taxi , Hello Taxi , and Fun Taxi , have their own hotlines. You'll also find carriers like Trend Taxi , Lady Taxi , and MB Taxi .

Payments and Tips (Sprepitné)

In Slovakia, tipping isn't as mandatory as in the US . In taxis, it's common practice to round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small amount ( €1-2, or about 4-9 PLN) as a token of gratitude for friendly service. Most taxis (especially those booked through apps) accept cards.

A wide range of transport options: trips to Slovakia and transfers

Need to get from Bratislava to Vienna Airport? Or perhaps you're planning a trip to Rysy from the Slovak side? Many companies, including those offering VIP taxi services (e.g., SLOVAKIA TAXI & LIMOUSINES ), specialize in such services.

The taxi transport offer is very wide and includes comprehensive transport of customers .

Taxi services in Slovakia, especially those offered by specialized companies such as TAXISLOVAKIA , often include entire trips to Slovakia with pickup from your hotel.

Travel Smart in Slovakia: Your Safe Taxi Cheat Sheet

Traveling by taxi in Slovakia is easy if you're a savvy traveler. Remember these four golden rules:

ALWAYS ORDER: Never hail a taxi from the street in tourist areas.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Hopin for all of Slovakia, Uber/Bolt for Bratislava and Košice.
VERIFY: Check door signs and look for driver ID.
TRUST YOUR INTUITION: If something seems suspicious, politely decline. There will always be another, honest taxi.