Slovakia has seen a sharp increase in demand for rail travel for the second week in a row. This is due to a temporary reduction in the cost of domestic tickets. During the first eight days of October 2026, sales of paid tickets rose by 26.5% compared to the same period last year.
According to the Slovak Railway Company (ZSSK), increased passenger interest is being observed not only on weekends but also on weekdays.
Passes are in demand, but peak days are overcrowded
The largest increase was recorded in the segment of regular travel: sales of monthly passes (traťové lístky) during the first eight days of October nearly tripled compared to October of last year.
At the same time, ZSSK emphasizes that the load on the rail network is distributed unevenly. The main flow of passengers traditionally occurs on Fridays (from west to east) and Sundays (from the west back to the capital).
“The first two weeks of October show a clear pattern: on Fridays, peak demand is observed on the route from Bratislava to the east of the country, and on Sundays, passenger traffic reverses direction back toward Bratislava,” said ZSSK spokesperson Jan Baček.
The smallest “bottlenecks”: trains to Košice are almost sold out
According to the ZSSK booking system, the highest demand is concentrated on the Bratislava–Košice intercity route:
Friday peak (from Bratislava): In the afternoon and evening, the Tatran 619, 621, 623, 627, and Kriváň 525 express trains were nearly full, with all reserved seats on the most popular sections completely sold out.
Sunday peak (to Bratislava): The heaviest traffic is expected on the daytime Tatran 618, 620, and 622 express trains.
The carrier advises all passengers who are not tied to a specific time to choose trips outside of peak hours and to be sure to purchase tickets and reserve seats (miestenky) in advance.
Repairs in Žilina and preparations for All Saints’ Day
The situation on the northern rail corridor continues to be complicated by emergency operating conditions at the Žilina rail junction. Although service on several high-speed trains between Žilina and Vrutky has been restored, restrictions remain in place on routes to Puchov, Čadca, and Dolný Hričov.
The company has assured that it is analyzing ticket sales and, subject to the availability of empty cars and the technical capabilities of the infrastructure, will continue to add additional seats.
ZSSK will pay particular attention to the approaching fall holidays (All Saints’ Day / Dušičky), when demand traditionally reaches its annual peak. If the reduced fares are officially extended through November and December, the carrier will adjust its schedules according to actual capacity.
