Road Network in Slovakia

If you are travelling on Slovakia’s roads, it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the road system in order to avoid stressful situations.

General Overview of the Road Network

The road system in Slovakia is divided into several levels. There are motorways, expressways, and 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-class roads. Slovakia’s motorway and expressway network consists of 552 km of motorways and 320 km of expressways.

It is important to know that you need a vignette for motorways and expressways. Like many other European countries, Slovakia charges toll fees to finance the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure.

Which Vehicles Need a Vignette?

Motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. All vehicles under 3.5 t GVW (motorcycles are exempt) require a digital vignette; vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll and require a toll box (emýto).

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (except motorhomes, which require a vignette regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, based on the kilometres driven, the vehicle class (number of axles) and the emission class (pollution level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. an on-board unit. This allows the amount due to be deducted automatically. Therefore, you must have such a device installed in your vehicle in advance. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways and, in some cases, 1st-class roads (federal highways) and 2nd-class roads (regional/state roads).

Motorways

There are four motorways (Diaľnice) in Slovakia. Even though that may sound like very few, they allow you to reach all important destinations and the capital quickly and easily. Even if you drive into Slovakia from other countries, you will end up on one of the motorways. Signs with a red background, white road names and a leading “D” indicate the motorways.

• Motorway D1: The D1 is the longest and most important motorway in Slovakia. It connects the two largest cities (Bratislava and Košice), among others. It runs almost across the entire country.
• Motorway D2: The D2 is not as long as the D1. The 80 km motorway connects Prague, Bratislava and Budapest, making it a reliable route for travelling from the Czech Republic to Hungary. It begins in Brodské at the Czech border crossing and ends in the city of Čunovo.
• Motorway D3: The D3 branches off from the D1 and is shorter than the D1 and D2. The 66 km motorway runs via Žilina and Čadca to Skalité. You can drive this route right up to the Polish border. Despite its shorter length, it is an important connection.
• Motorway D4: The D4 is the shortest motorway in Slovakia and forms a ring road around the capital, Bratislava. Its unusual circular route makes it stand out.

Expressways

In addition to the motorways, Slovakia has eight expressways. They are similar to motorways and are marked with an “R”. Some expressways are not yet fully completed, but they are generally very modern and easy to drive on.

• Expressway R1: The R1 runs from Trnava to Ružomberok via Nitra, Zvolen, Banská and Bystrica. In Ružomberok it connects to the D1 motorway. It is approximately 270 km long.
• Expressway R2: The R2 runs from the west to the east of the country, from Trenčín to Košice. There it connects to the D1. At 337 km, it is Slovakia’s longest expressway.
• Expressway R3: The R3 is particularly relevant if you are travelling to Slovakia from Poland or Hungary. It runs from Trstená in the north to Šahy in the south.
• Expressway R4: The R4 runs to the Hungarian border. It starts at Vyšný Komárnik and passes via Svidník, Prešov and Košice to Milhost´.
• Expressway R5: The R5 is only 2 km long and connects the Czech border with two districts of Svrčinovec.
• Expressway R6: The R6 is intended to run from Lysá pod Makytou to Beluša via Púchov, up to the Czech border.
• Expressway R7: The R7 enables travel from Bratislava to Lučenec.
• Expressway R8: The R8 is intended to run from Nitra to Hradište via Topoľčany, along the Nitra River.

Due to roadworks and construction planning, there may be closures and delays, as some expressways are still under construction. Be sure to check the current situation before your trip to plan your route.

1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-Class Roads

• 1st-class roads: These roads are comparable to federal highways. They are located directly at the borders or connect to the motorway network. They are marked as “I/number”, e.g. I/74 (federal highway from Strážske to the Ukrainian border). The number is two digits.
• 2nd-class roads: 2nd-class roads are comparable to state or regional roads. They are marked as “II/number”. Unlike 1st-class roads, the number is three digits.
• 3rd-class roads: 3rd-class roads are comparable to local roads. They connect smaller towns and are therefore especially important for residents. They are marked as “III/number”, with a four-digit number.

European Routes

As in other countries, European routes in Slovakia are marked with a white number on a green sign. Slovakia has 11 European routes, for example the E 50 and the E 65.

Road Quality

In particular, motorways and expressways are in very good condition and therefore do not require much adjustment. In rural areas and towards the mountain passes, roads can be uneven and unpaved. Nevertheless, the roads are safe, and you do not need to worry that your drive will feel like a roller coaster due to poor road quality. Simply check your route in advance on Google Maps, or ask someone with local knowledge if you want to venture into the unknown and leave the well-known roads.

Special Roads

The Little Carpathians Wine Route

If you like wine and vineyards, or simply wine towns with castles and châteaux, you will definitely enjoy the wine route. The wine route starts in Bratislava and takes you along the Carpathians for over 60 km. The road passes through several small and large wine-growing towns, past castles and châteaux connected to wine production. You can sample the many top wines at some of the local wineries.

Čertovica Pass

There are several mountain passes, as two thirds of the country consists of the Carpathians. These routes are therefore significantly more demanding than most other roads. In winter, snow and black ice can occur quickly. That’s why you should remember the winter tyre requirement during this season. For trucks, snow chains may even be essential. The highest road pass in Slovakia is Čertovica Pass. At an altitude of 1,323 m, it crosses the Low Tatras mountain range. The 41 km stretch winds through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

Driving in Slovakia will not seem much more difficult than what you are used to. The roads are mostly in good condition, and the division of the different road types within the road network is logically structured. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes on country roads, and you can also travel quickly from one place to another via motorways and expressways. The borders to other countries are also easy to reach.

If you would like to know more about the traffic rules—which do differ compared to other countries—you can take a look here.

You can also explore Slovakia by motorhome. Beautiful landscapes and great pitches are waiting for you. If you would like to learn more about travelling through Slovakia by motorhome, feel free to read our article here.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of fun exploring this diverse country. You can find more information about tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and to see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.