Bratislava Airport

M. R. Štefánik Airport is not just the main air gateway of Slovakia, but also a true find for experienced travellers who value time and comfort. Located just an hour's drive from Vienna, this aviation hub often serves as a "secret entrance" to the Austrian capital, allowing visitors to avoid the hustle of giant hubs and save significantly on tickets. Compact, modern, and surprisingly cosy, it is named after a national hero, general, and astronomer whose gaze was always fixed on the sky.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Bratislava Airport is its intimacy and convenience. There are no endless corridors or queues here: the path from the terminal entrance to the gate takes just a few minutes, making pre-flight procedures as quick and stress-free as possible.

The airport is ideal for those planning to visit two capitals at once. Thanks to excellent transport connections, you can land in Slovakia, enjoy a coffee in Bratislava's Old Town, and be walking the streets of Vienna within 40–60 minutes. Furthermore, it is a major base for low-cost carriers, opening access to dozens of budget-friendly destinations across Europe and beyond.

• Official Website: www.bts.aero. Current flight schedules, services, and passenger regulations are available on the site.
• Information Service Phone: +421 2 3303 3353 (available 24/7).
• Airport Address: Ivanská cesta, 820 01 Bratislava, Slovakia.
• Email: For general inquiries and suggestions, you may use the address info@bts.aero.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on its official pages on popular social networks.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost or damaged baggage, you must first contact your airline's service counter. You may also contact the airport's Lost & Found service by phone at +421 2 3303 6232 or via email: lostandfound@bts.aero.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations on airport services and assistance with terminal navigation, please contact the information centre or the main information service phone number.

Getting to M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS), the main air hub of Bratislava, is quite simple thanks to its location just 9 km from the city centre. Travellers have access to various transport options, each with its own advantages depending on budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport. This is the most economical way to reach the airport. The main route is bus No. 61, which runs during the day between the airport and the main railway station (Hlavná stanica), passing through the city centre. At night, it is replaced by route No. N61. The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes. You can also reach the airport on bus No. 96. Tickets must be purchased in advance at machines at bus stops, newsstands, or via a mobile app and must be validated upon entering the vehicle. The cost of a single trip ticket is minimal, making this option ideal for budget travellers.

Taxi and Transfer. For those who value comfort or are travelling with heavy luggage, a taxi is the best choice. A trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use official taxi services or book a car through popular mobile apps. It is recommended to check the cost of the trip in advance or ensure the driver uses the meter. You can also book a private transfer that will meet you at a specified location at the appointed time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore not only the capital but also other regions of Slovakia, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Offices of many international and local rental companies are present at Bratislava Airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking facilities are provided: P1 and P2 for short-term parking and pick-up/drop-off, as well as P3 for longer-term parking at favourable rates.

It is worth noting that many travellers use the nearby Vienna International Airport (VIE) as an alternative, located just 49 km away. There is excellent bus service between Vienna and Bratislava, with the trip taking about an hour. This opens access to a wider selection of international flights. Additionally, the airports of Brno and Budapest are located within a 200 km radius, making Bratislava a convenient transport hub for travel across Central Europe.

The airport of Bratislava (BTS), also known as M. R. Štefánik Airport, is distinguished by a modern and compact structure, making it very convenient for passengers. Currently, the airport operates one main passenger terminal (Terminal A), which serves all flights — both intra-Schengen and international. The previously existing terminals B and C have been integrated into a single complex, so you do not need to worry about moving between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main levels. The Departure Zone is located on the first floor (Level 1) and includes check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, as well as shops and cafes in the public area. After passing security control, passengers enter the secure zone, which is divided into two sectors: for flights to Schengen Agreement countries (gates to the left) and for other international destinations (gates to the right) requiring passport control. The Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor (Level 0) and includes baggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the city.

Navigating the airport is easy thanks to clear signs in Slovak and English. Since there is only one terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost. All key points — from check-in to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other. Passing through check-in and security usually takes less time than in major European hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of an international flight and 1.5 hours before a Schengen flight, especially during the peak tourist season.

For your convenience, the terminal has everything necessary: an information desk where you can get answers to any questions, currency exchange points, ATMs, cafes and restaurants, as well as Duty Free shops. Thanks to its thoughtful layout, Bratislava Airport leaves a pleasant impression and allows you to start or end your journey without unnecessary stress.

The history of Bratislava Airport (BTS), named after the prominent Slovak figure Milan Rastislav Štefánik, is closely linked to the development of aviation in Central Europe. Although the first flight on the Prague-Bratislava route took place back in 1923, the modern airport at its current location in the Ivanka pri Dunaji district began operations significantly later. Construction of the runway and main infrastructure began in 1948, and the official opening took place in 1951.

During the Soviet period, the airport served as an important transport hub within Czechoslovakia and for flights to socialist bloc countries. However, the real breakthrough in its development occurred after the country's division. In 1993, the airport received its modern name — M. R. Štefánik Airport. A key moment in recent history was the entry of budget airlines into the market in the early 2000s, which led to a sharp increase in passenger traffic and made Bratislava an accessible destination for tourists from all over Europe.

To meet growing demands, a large-scale modernization was carried out. In 2010, a new modern terminal was opened, and by 2012, the reconstruction was fully completed, allowing for a significant increase in capacity. Today, Bratislava Airport represents the compact and functional air gateway of Slovakia, continuing to play an important role in the region's transport system, often acting as a convenient alternative to the neighbouring Vienna airport.

Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find amenities here that make your stay pleasant and productive.

In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or have a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs, as well as other retail outlets with goods for travellers.

For those who value enhanced comfort, business lounges are available where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, work, or enjoy snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Financial matters can be handled at bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance and accompaniment, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. In case of necessity, you can visit the medical point.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi or shuttle. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services may be available, allowing you to hold a meeting or work while waiting for a flight.

At Bratislava Airport, there are several establishments where you can comfortably have a snack or a full meal while waiting for your flight. It is important to note that most cafes and restaurants are located in the Departure Zone (Airside), accessible only after passing security control.

In the Departure Zone, the choice is widest. For those wishing to have a substantial meal, the Eat&Fly restaurant operates, offering European cuisine dishes, including hot meals, soups, and salads. Occasionally, traditional Slovak dishes can be found on the menu. The cost of a main course here starts from approximately 12-15 Euros. If you are looking for a quicker and more familiar option, you can visit Burger King, where a standard combo menu will cost 9-12 Euros. For a cup of aromatic coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich, the Viennese coffee house Coffeeshop Company is ideal. Coffee prices here start from 3.5 Euros.

In the Public Zone (Landside), before passing control, the selection is more modest but sufficient for meeting or seeing off passengers. Here you can also find cafes, for example, Journal Cafe, where it is convenient to have a drink and eat a dessert. This is a good option if you have plenty of time before check-in.

Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarians will easily find salads or vegetable sandwiches in most cafes. Options for vegans or people with a gluten-free diet may be limited, so it is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes with staff in advance. Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing late at night.

Travel through Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) usually proceeds smoothly and comfortably, but a few tips will help make your experience even better. This airport is relatively small, which is an advantage, as all processes here are faster than in major European hubs.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights outside the Schengen zone, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure. If you are flying to a Schengen Agreement country, 1.5–2 hours will be sufficient. Online check-in helps save time, but if you are checking in luggage, allow extra time for queues at the counters. Security control usually does not take much time, but slight delays are possible during peak morning and evening hours.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Hand luggage rules are standard for EU airports. All liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. When choosing a seat on the plane, remember: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours.

For Transfer Passengers: Bratislava Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here are infrequent but intuitive. Follow the "Transfer" signs. If you have a self-transfer (tickets from different airlines), you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check in again for the next flight. Customs control for those arriving from non-EU countries follows the "green" and "red" channel system.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so it is better to bring a light snack with you.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation. For flights departing from the EU or operated by European carriers, passenger rights apply (EU Regulation 261/2004), which may provide for meals, drinks, and even hotel accommodation in case of long delays. Having travel insurance will also help cover unforeseen expenses.