Train Station

I visited Hlavná Stanica, the main train station in Bratislava, to check it out before venturing forth on weekend trips to Vienna, Budapest, and other nearby cities. The station is located northwest of Old Town, in an area with numerous government and business office buildings.

The main terminal has seen better days, but it's a busy place and vital lifeline in the region.

Inside the busy terminal, signs are translated into several languages, including English and German. Whew! Access for the disabled leaves much to be desired, as these travelers lugging heavy bags up the stairs are no doubt thinking.

About six tracks enter the station. The train closest to the station was headed to Košice, a city of about 240,000 in far eastern Slovakia, near the Ukraine border, a five or six hour trip. RailEurope sells the one-way 2nd-class ticket for $65.

Numerous tram and bus lines deposit travellers to the station. One tram line runs from within a block of my apartment straight out to the station, which will be handy.

Mundane travel tip: Tourist books for Europe routinely urge American visitors to take overnight trains and save a night in a hotel. I asked some Fulbright guides about this and they were horrified. Most theft takes place on the overnight trains, even when you are in sleeper cars. I have always preferred long train rides in the daytime anyway, so I can see the scenery.

NOTE: Click on any photo in this blog to see it full-size.