# Parking in Bratislava: how PAAS zones work for visitors Source: https://taply.sk/parking-in-bratislava/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-13) 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. ## Key points - 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. ## Quick facts - 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 ## Best ways to handle parking in Bratislava, ranked 1. **Rent for the day outside the centre, with QEEQ** (best 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. 2. **Pay in a PAAS zone** (best 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. 3. **Hotel or public garage** (best for Overnight stays): Garages charge by the hour or day and remove the zone rules. Ask your hotel about rates and reservations. 4. **Park outside and use public transport** (best for Most visitors): Leave the car at your hotel or at the edge of the centre, then use trams and buses or walk. ## 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. ## Where visitors stay with a car If your hotel has its own parking, it is often simpler than looking for a street spot, even when the hotel charges a daily fee. Ask in advance about the price, height limits and whether you must reserve a space. Old Town hotels often have restricted access, so confirm the drop-off and parking address before arrival. See [where to stay in Bratislava](https://taply.sk/where-to-stay-in-bratislava/) for areas that suit drivers. ## Arriving from Vienna or the airport by car If you drive in from Austria, you need the Slovak e-vignette for motorways, see the [Slovakia vignette](https://taply.sk/slovakia-vignette/) guide. Park first, then explore on foot. The city centre is compact, so one parking spot is usually enough for a day. If you plan to leave the city next, collect the car only when you are ready to go. A rental car is rarely needed for a city stay, see [car rental in Bratislava](https://taply.sk/car-rental-bratislava/). ## Parking-free alternatives Trams, trolleybuses and buses cover the centre, so a car is rarely necessary, see [Bratislava public transport](https://taply.sk/bratislava-public-transport/). Trains arrive at the main station, which is walkable from the Old Town. Taxis and ride apps fill the gaps. If you want a day trip by car, pick up the car in the morning and return it before the evening, to avoid paying for a night of parking. For the station, see [Bratislava main train station](https://taply.sk/bratislava-main-train-station/). ## Fines and what to do if you get one Penalties for unpaid parking exist, and the amount depends on the case and the rules in force. Read the sign, check your plate, and keep the app confirmation. If you receive a notice on a rental car, contact the rental company, since it may pass on your details and fees. Photograph signs and the car's position if you think a fine is wrong. ## Quick decision guide Your plan | Best choice | One-night city break with a car | Hotel with parking, or a garage | Day trip by car | Park on the edge, then tram or walk | Coming for the Christmas markets | Park outside and use public transport | Airport pick-up and drop-off only | Do not park in the centre at all | See [Bratislava Christmas markets](https://taply.sk/bratislava-christmas-markets/) for busy periods, when parking is hardest. ## Costs add up: what to compare Compare the full price of a car for the stay: parking fees, fuel, the vignette and the time you lose finding a space. For a two-day city visit, public transport and the occasional taxi are usually cheaper than a rental plus daily parking. If you do need a car for day trips, hire it only for those days. Short rentals starting outside the centre avoid most parking problems. Check the exact tariff zone on the day, because the rates in this guide may change. ## FAQ **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. **Is it better to drive or use public transport in Bratislava?** For a city stay, public transport and walking are easier. Use a car only for trips beyond the city, and park outside the centre where possible.