road network Slovakia

General overview of the road network

The road system in Slovakia is divided into several levels. There are motorways, expressways and roads of 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. Slovakia's motorway and expressway network covers a total of around 900 km.

It's 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 the road infrastructure.

Which vehicles need a vignette?

Motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. All vehicles up to 3.5t gross vehicle weight (motorcycles are excluded) need a digital vignette, while vehicles over 3.5t gross vehicle weight (except cars and motorhomes of class M1, which require the vignette regardless of weight) must pay a distance-based toll and need a toll box (emýto).

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5t gross vehicle weight (except cars and motorhomes registered as class M1 passenger cars: these remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, which is calculated based on the kilometres driven, the vehicle class (number of axles) and the emission class (pollutant levels). 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 transmitting device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways and, in part, 1st class roads (national roads) and 2nd class roads (regional/state roads). From 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch to a new system for the distance-based toll: anyone currently using an on-board unit from operator SkyToll will need to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Rates and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

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're entering Slovakia from other countries, you'll end up on one of the motorways. The signs with a red background, white road names and a preceding "D" indicate the motorways.

• Motorway D1: The D1 is the longest and most important motorway in Slovakia. The two largest cities (Bratislava and Košice) are connected by this motorway, among others. It runs through almost the entire country.

• Motorway D2: The D2 is not as long as the D1. The 80 km long motorway connects Prague, Bratislava and Budapest, making it a reliable way to travel from the Czech Republic to Hungary. It starts in Brodské, at the border crossing with the Czech Republic, and ends in the town of Čunovo.

• Motorway D3: The D3 branches off from the D1 and is shorter than the D1 and D2. The motorway runs via Žilina and Čadca to Skalité. You can drive on this route all the way to the border with Poland. Despite its shorter length, this motorway is an important connection.

• Motorway D4: The D4 is thus the shortest motorway in Slovakia and forms a ring road around the capital, Bratislava. Due to its unusual, circular route, this motorway stands out in particular.

Expressways

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

• Expressway R1: The R1 runs from Trnava to Ružomberok via Nitra, Zvolen and Banská Bystrica. In Ružomberok, it meets the D1 motorway.

• Expressway R2: The R2 runs from the west to the east of the country, from Trenčín to Košice, where it meets the D1. It is planned to be the longest expressway in Slovakia, but so far only individual sections have been completed.

• Expressway R3: The R3 is particularly interesting if you're travelling to Slovakia from Poland or Hungary. The R3 runs from Trstená in the north to Šahy in the south.

• Expressway R4: The R4 runs all the way to the Hungarian border. It starts near Vyšný Komárnik and runs via Svidník, Prešov and Košice to Milhosť on its way to the border.

• Expressway R5: The R5 is only 2 km long and connects the Czech border with two districts of Svrčinovec.

• Expressway R6: The R6 is planned to run from Lysá pod Makytou to Beluša via Púchov, all the way to the Czech border.

• Expressway R7: The R7 provides a route from Bratislava to Lučenec.

• Expressway R8: The R8 is planned to run from Nitra to Hradište via Topoľčany, along the Nitra river.

Closures and delays may occur due to construction sites and construction planning, as some expressways are still under construction. Be sure to check the current situation again before your trip to plan your route.

Roads of 1st, 2nd and 3rd class

• 1st class roads: These roads are comparable to national roads. They are therefore located directly on the borders or on the motorway network. They are marked with "I/number". For example, I/74 (national road from Strážske to the Ukrainian border). The number has two digits.

• 2nd class roads: 2nd class roads are comparable to state or regional roads. They are marked with "II/number". However, unlike the marking for 1st class roads, the number has three digits.

• 3rd class roads: 3rd class roads can be compared to local roads. They connect smaller towns and are therefore particularly important for residents. They are marked with "III/number", with the number having four digits.

European routes

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

Road quality

In particular, the motorways and expressways are in very good condition and therefore require no major adjustment. Outside towns and towards mountain passes, roads can also be uneven and unpaved. Nevertheless, the roads are safe, and you don't need to worry that driving will feel like a rollercoaster ride due to poor road quality. Simply check your route beforehand on Google Maps, or ask someone knowledgeable if you want to venture off the beaten track and leave the familiar roads behind.

Special roads

The Little Carpathians Wine Route

If you like wine and vineyards, or simply winegrowing villages with castles and fortresses, you're sure to enjoy the Wine Route. The Wine Route starts in Bratislava and takes you from there 60 km along the Carpathians. The route passes through several small and large winegrowing villages, past castles and fortresses connected to wine production. You can sample numerous top-quality wines at some of the wineries located there.

Čertovica Pass

There are several mountain pass roads, as two-thirds of the country consists of the Carpathians. As a result, these are significantly more demanding than most other roads. In winter, snow and ice can quickly build up there. That's why you should bear in mind the winter tyre requirement during this season. For trucks, snow chains may even be essential. The highest mountain pass in Slovakia is the Čertovica Pass. At an altitude of 1,232 m, it crosses the Low Tatras mountain range. The 41 km stretch winds through beautiful landscapes and scenic views.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Driving in Slovakia won't seem much more difficult than what you're used to. The roads are mostly in good condition, and the classification of the various roads within the road network is logically structured. You can admire beautiful landscapes on the country roads and also get from one place to another quickly on the motorways and expressways. The borders with other countries are also easy to reach.

If you'd like to learn more about the traffic regulations in Slovakia, you can find further information on traffic regulations in our guide. You can also explore Slovakia by motorhome. The beautiful landscapes and great pitches are just waiting for you. If you'd like to know more about travelling through Slovakia by motorhome, feel free to read our article on travelling by motorhome.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment exploring this diverse country. You can find more information on tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we're always happy to help by email.