If you are traveling on the roads of Slovakia, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the road system to avoid stressful situations.
The road system in Slovakia is divided into several levels. There are highways, expressways, and roads of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order. The highway and expressway network in Slovakia consists of 552 km of highways and 320 km of expressways.
It’s important to know that you need a vignette for highways and expressways. Like many other European countries, Slovakia charges tolls to fund the maintenance and expansion of the road infrastructure.
On highways and expressways, a vignette or toll is required. Vehicles under 3.5 tons (motorcycles are exempt) need a digital vignette, while vehicles over 3.5 tons require a toll box (emýto).
The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 tons gross weight (except motorhomes, which are subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, depending on the kilometers traveled, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollution levels). This distance-based toll is tracked with a transponder, a device (On-Board-Unit) that allows the amount to be automatically debited. Therefore, you need to install such a device in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll includes highways, expressways, and partly roads of the 1st (federal roads) and 2nd class (state/municipal roads).
You can find the appropriate vignettes here.
There are four highways (Diaľnice) in Slovakia. While this may seem very few, they connect all the important destinations, including the capital, quickly and without problems. When you drive from other countries to Slovakia, you will also end up on one of the highways. Signs with a red background and white road names preceded by "D" indicate highways.
In addition to highways, there are eight expressways in Slovakia. They resemble highways and are marked with an "R". Some of the expressways are still under construction, but generally, they are very modern and well-maintained.
Due to construction sites and ongoing projects, there may be road closures or delays, as some expressways are still under construction. Be sure to check the current situation before your trip to plan your route accordingly.
As in other countries, European roads in Slovakia are marked with a white number on a green sign. Slovakia has 11 European roads, such as the E 50 and E 65.
The highways and expressways are in very good condition and do not require much adjustment. However, roads outside of urban areas and those leading to mountain passes can be uneven and unpaved. Still, you can drive safely and don’t have to worry about the road conditions making your journey feel like a rollercoaster. Simply check your route on Google Maps or ask someone who knows the area if you want to venture off familiar roads.
If you enjoy wine, vineyards, or simply winemaking villages with castles and palaces, the Wine Road is a must-see. Starting in Bratislava, it takes you over 60 km along the Carpathians, passing through several small and large wine towns. Along the way, you’ll encounter castles and palaces related to wine production. You can taste fine wines at some of the wineries located here.
There are several mountain passes in Slovakia, as two-thirds of the country is part of the Carpathians. These roads tend to be more challenging than others. In winter, snow and icy conditions are common, so winter tires are required. Trucks may even need snow chains. The highest pass in Slovakia is the Čertovica Pass, at an elevation of 1,323 meters, crossing the Low Tatra mountain range. The 41 km route offers beautiful landscapes and views.
Driving in Slovakia will not be much more difficult than what you’re used to. The roads are mostly in good condition, and the division of the road network is logically structured. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes on rural roads and easily travel from one place to another on the highways and expressways. The borders with other countries are also easily accessible.
If you want to know more about traffic rules that you need to follow on Slovakia's roads, you can check here. These rules differ in some ways from those you may be used to.
You can also explore Slovakia with a motorhome. The beautiful landscapes and excellent campsites are waiting for you. If you want to learn more about traveling through Slovakia in a motorhome, feel free to read our post here.
