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- System
- PAAS regulated parking
- Visitor rates
- Around 0.50 to 2.00 euros per hour by tariff zone
- Pay
- PAAS app and zone code
- Tip
- Park outside and walk in
Parking in central Bratislava is regulated by the PAAS system, so visitors pay by the hour in marked zones, and the easiest plan is often to avoid driving into the Old Town at all. If you do need a car, QEEQ is our first pick for comparing rentals that you can collect on the edge of the city.
PAAS covers parts of Staré Mesto, Ružinov, Nové Mesto, Karlova Ves, Petržalka and Rača, and is expanding. Visitors, called non-residents, pay for time in paid zones, with prices depending on the tariff zone.
This guide covers rates, how to pay and practical alternatives.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- PAAS is the official regulated parking system in the main city districts.
- Visitors pay hourly rates, which vary by tariff zone.
- Green PAAS signs mark non-resident parking, and zone codes identify where you are.
- The Old Town centre is largely pedestrian, so park outside it.
- Check the zone's hours, since they differ.
Best ways to handle parking in Bratislava, ranked
-
Our top pick1
Rent for the day outside the centre, with QEEQ
Best overallBest for: Day trips from Bratislava
If you only need a car for a day trip, compare pick-up points outside the Old Town on QEEQ, so you skip city-centre parking entirely.
Compare cars on QEEQ- Avoids Old Town driving
- Compare many suppliers
- Rental terms vary
- Parking still needed overnight
-
2
Pay in a PAAS zone
Closest to the sightsBest for: Short stops
Look for the zone code on the green sign and pay for the time you need through the PAAS app or other listed methods. Check the tariff and time limits on the sign.
- Close to the centre
- Official system
- Hourly rates add up
- Zones expand and change
-
3
Hotel or public garage
Easiest for overnightBest for: Overnight stays
Garages charge by the hour or day and remove the zone rules. Ask your hotel about rates and reservations.
- Secure
- No zone rules
- Can cost more than street parking
-
4
Park outside and use public transport
CheapestBest for: Most visitors
Leave the car at your hotel or at the edge of the centre, then use trams and buses or walk.
- Avoids zone rates
- Less stress
- Check hotel parking costs
How PAAS works
PAAS is the Bratislava Parking Assistant, the city's regulated parking scheme. It started in January 2022 in Rača, Petržalka and Nové Mesto and has expanded, including new zones in Staré Mesto. Residents get permits, and non-residents pay hourly. Signs show whether a spot is for residents or visitors, and green signs with numerical codes mark non-resident parking.
Rates and tariff zones
The PAAS site lists hourly tariffs for visitors by tariff zone, from around 0.50 euros per hour in outer areas up to around 2 euros per hour in the busiest. Time windows and limits are set per zone, so read the sign. Check the official site before you travel, since zones and prices change.
How to pay
Use the PAAS app and enter the zone code from the sign, and plate number. Follow the instructions on the sign, as the available payment methods can differ by zone. If you are unsure, ask your hotel or choose a garage.
Parking near the Old Town
The pedestrian centre is closed to most cars. Park at a garage or on the edge and walk, see Old Town walking tour and the Bratislava guide. Near the castle, check the new zone rules at Bratislava Castle.
Avoid driving in the centre
From the airport use a taxi or bus, see airport to city centre. If you rent a car, read car rental in Bratislava and the vignette guide.
Visitor tariff bands
| Band | Price per hour |
|---|---|
| A | 2.00 euros |
| B | 1.50 euros |
| C | 1.00 euros |
| D | 0.50 euros |
PAAS lists these as non-resident rates. Which band applies depends on the zone shown on the sign.
Payment options compared
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile apps | PAAS, HOPIN, ParkDots, bmove, Ubian and EASYPARK are supported, with a minimum of 15 minutes |
| SMS to 2200 | Send the zone code, plate and hours, for a minimum of 1 hour, with a 20 percent surcharge |
| Parking meters | Machines in zones |
| Partner sales points | Staffed locations |
Apps can be used without registration. Cards and mobile payments work in apps, and you can pay in one-minute steps.
Step by step in a PAAS zone
- Find the green PAAS sign near your spot and note the four-digit zone code.
- Open the app, enter the code and your plate number.
- Choose the time and pay.
- Stop or extend from the app when you leave.
With a rental car, use the plate printed on the rental agreement.
Common mistakes
- Entering the code of another street, because zones are close together.
- Typing the wrong plate.
- Using SMS without knowing the surcharge.
- Assuming weekends are free everywhere. Some zones have exceptions, so read the sign.
Compare options if you hire a car for the whole stay in where to stay in Bratislava, as hotels with parking can cost less than hourly fees.
Frequently asked questions
How does parking work in Bratislava?
Most central areas use the PAAS system, where visitors pay hourly in marked zones.
How much does parking cost?
Hourly visitor rates vary by tariff zone, from around 0.50 to 2.00 euros per hour. Check the sign and the PAAS site.
How do I pay?
Mainly through the PAAS app using the zone code from the sign. Read the sign for other methods.
Can I park in the Old Town?
The centre is largely pedestrian. Use a garage or park outside and walk.
Is parking free on Sundays?
It depends on the zone. Check the time window shown on the sign.
Can I pay without registering?
Yes. The PAAS app can be used without login, and SMS works with no registration.
Is SMS cheaper than the app?
No, SMS carries a 20 percent surcharge and a minimum of one hour.
Photo: Most SNP · Pudelek (Marcin Szala) · CC BY-SA 3.0
