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The easiest way to visit the High Tatras is to base yourself in one of the three main resort areas (Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso or Tatranská Lomnica) and arrange a private transfer from Poprad-Tatry airport or Košice. Taply ranks a pre-booked Kiwitaxi transfer first for most visitors, because the mountains are a long way from the capital and public connections need planning.
The High Tatras are often described as the smallest high mountain range in the world, yet they pack in more than twenty peaks above 2,500 metres, glacial lakes, waterfalls and a dense network of marked trails. Most of the range sits inside the Tatra National Park (TANAP), which sets the rules for hiking.
This guide covers where to stay, how to get there and around, when to go, and what to book before you arrive.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- Base yourself in Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso or Tatranská Lomnica. All three are linked by the Tatra Electric Railway.
- The nearest airport is Poprad-Tatry. Košice is the main alternative, about 1.5 hours away by road.
- Many high trails above the treeline are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Check TANAP before planning a route.
- Summer is best for hiking, winter for skiing. Spring and autumn can be quiet but the weather changes fast.
- Buy travel insurance that covers mountain hiking, since rescue is not always free.
Best ways to get to and around the High Tatras, ranked
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Our top pick1
Private transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best overallBest for: Families and groups arriving by air
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports, so you can book a car from Poprad-Tatry airport, Košice or other hubs to your resort. You get a fixed arrival plan and no changes with luggage or ski gear.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi- Door-to-door with luggage
- Works well for groups and families
- Price is agreed before you travel
- Costs more than a train ticket
- Needs a booking in advance
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2
Tatra Electric Railway and ZSSK trains
CheapestBest for: Budget travellers staying in the resorts
Trains run from Poprad to the main resorts, and a narrow-gauge electric railway links Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica. It is the standard way to move between resorts without a car.
Official website- Low fares
- Scenic and frequent in season
- No parking needed
- Fixed timetables
- Slower with heavy luggage
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3
Rental car with Auto Europe
Best for flexibilityBest for: Road trips and multi-stop itineraries
A car lets you reach trailheads, nearby villages and the Spiš region on your own schedule. Auto Europe is a comparison-style booking site where you can look at rental options in Slovakia.
Compare cars on Auto Europe- Total freedom on timing
- Easy to combine with Slovak Paradise and Spiš
- Good for winter ski luggage
- Paid parking at popular trailheads
- Mountain roads in winter need care
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4
Shared-offer transfers with GetTransfer
Best for comparing offersBest for: Longer or unusual routes
GetTransfer is a marketplace where drivers bid on your route. It is useful if you want to compare a few quotes for a longer ride, such as Bratislava to the Tatras.
Get offers on GetTransfer- Several offers to compare
- Flexible for odd routes
- Quality depends on the driver you pick
- Takes a little more time to arrange
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5
Guided activities on Klook
Best for toursBest for: Visitors without a car
Klook lists day tours and activities across Europe. Check there for guided trips in the Tatras area when you do not want to plan a route yourself.
See tours on Klook- Guide handles logistics
- Good for a single day out
- Fixed schedule
- Availability varies by season
Which resort should you choose?
The three main resort areas sit along the southern edge of the range at different heights, and each has a different character.
- Starý Smokovec is the central base. It has hotels, shops and the funicular up to Hrebienok, which opens a good family walk to the Studenovodské waterfalls.
- Štrbské Pleso is a lake resort at around 1,350 metres, with ski jumps, a ski area and trails into the Mlynická and Furkotská valleys. See Štrbské Pleso.
- Tatranská Lomnica is the starting point for the cable car to Lomnický štít and is the quietest of the three in the evening.
Poprad, the nearby town, is cheaper and has an airport, a pleasant old square and good rail links, but you need a short train ride to reach the trails.
How to get there
The closest airport is Poprad-Tatry, followed by Košice. From Bratislava, the trip is long: expect around 5 hours by car or a long day by train. Read our guides for Bratislava to the High Tatras, Košice to the High Tatras, Vienna to the High Tatras and Kraków to the High Tatras.
If you fly in and out of different cities, check cheap options on cheap flights to Slovakia. Once you arrive, trains and local buses handle most movement between resorts.
When to go
Summer (July to early September) is the main hiking season. Mountain huts are open and high trails are usually clear of snow by then, though thunderstorms in the afternoon are common.
Autumn brings clearer air and fewer people. Days are shorter, and snow can arrive early at altitude.
Winter is for skiing, snowshoeing and the cable cars. See High Tatras in winter.
Spring is the least predictable season. Lower valleys are lovely, but snow and ice linger high up and many trails stay closed until mid-June.
Trail closures and mountain rules
Many high mountain trails in the Tatra National Park are closed from 1 November to 15 June. This is a well-known seasonal closure that applies to marked trails above the mountain huts. Many huts stay open in winter, but check each one. Exact trails, dates and exceptions can change, so always check the official TANAP website before you set out.
Stay on marked trails. Wild camping is not allowed in the park. Start early, bring layers and a headlamp, and turn back if clouds build. For route ideas, see best hikes in the High Tatras.
Insurance and safety
Mountain rescue in Slovakia can be charged to the person rescued, and a helicopter call-out is expensive. Policies that cover hiking at altitude or skiing are worth having, and many standard policies exclude them. EKTA is one provider to compare for this kind of cover. Read the policy terms on altitude limits before you buy. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.
In an emergency, call 112.
What things cost
The Tatras are more expensive than most of Slovakia, especially on the mountain, where a meal at a hut costs more than in town. Accommodation is cheaper in Poprad and in villages away from the main resorts. Check Slovakia travel cost for a general budget view, and confirm current prices for lifts and tickets on the operator sites.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in the High Tatras?
Three to four days is enough for the main resorts, a cable car and a couple of day hikes. Allow a week if you want several high-mountain routes.
Which airport is closest to the High Tatras?
Poprad-Tatry airport is the closest. Košice is the main alternative and is about 1.5 hours away by road.
Can you visit the High Tatras without a car?
Yes. Trains and the Tatra Electric Railway connect Poprad with the main resorts, and local buses cover the rest.
When are the High Tatras trails closed?
Many high trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Check the official TANAP website for the current status of each route.
Is the High Tatras good for beginners?
Yes. Lower valleys, lake walks and the funicular to Hrebienok are easy. High-altitude routes need experience and good weather.
Photo: High Tatras · Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0
