# Poprad Airport to the High Tatras: how to get to your resort

Source: https://taply.sk/poprad-airport-to-high-tatras/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-13)

The most reliable way from Poprad-Tatry Airport to the High Tatras is a pre-booked private transfer with Kiwitaxi, since flights are few and public transport from the airport is limited. The Tatra resorts are close, roughly 20 to 40 minutes by road depending on where you stay.
Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) is the closest airport to the mountains, on the outskirts of Poprad. From Poprad, local buses and the Tatra Electric Railway reach resorts such as Starý Smokovec and Štrbské Pleso.
If you are arriving elsewhere, see [Bratislava to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/bratislava-to-high-tatras/) and [Košice to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/kosice-to-high-tatras/).

## Key points
- Resorts are about 20 to 40 minutes from the airport by road.
- A pre-booked transfer is the easiest route because airport flights are limited.
- Public transport goes through Poprad town, then bus or Tatra Electric Railway.
- Check ski season and flight days before you book a fixed pickup.
- Winter driving may need winter tyres, so a transfer is simpler.

## Quick facts
- To Starý Smokovec: roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car
- To Štrbské Pleso: roughly 25 to 40 minutes by car
- Public transport: bus or train via Poprad
- Flights: limited and seasonal

## Best ways to get from Poprad Airport to the High Tatras, ranked
1. **Private transfer with Kiwitaxi** (best for Skiers, families, groups): Kiwitaxi offers pre-booked private transfers between airports and towns, so you can arrange a ride from Poprad-Tatry Airport straight to your hotel in the Tatras at a fixed price.
2. **Get offers on GetTransfer** (best for Price comparison): GetTransfer lets drivers bid for your trip, which can help in a small market like the Tatras. Compare offers by price and car size, and ask about ski or hiking equipment.
3. **Welcome Pickups** (best for First-time visitors): Welcome Pickups arranges private transfers with a driver meeting you at arrivals. Check availability for Poprad and your resort and date.
4. **Car rental** (best for Independent travellers): Renting a car lets you explore trailheads and villages on your own schedule. Economybookings compares rental prices, though pickup options at small airports vary, so check the location.
5. **Bus or train via Poprad** (best for Budget travellers): From Poprad you can take local buses or the Tatra Electric Railway to the resorts. The airport itself has limited public service, so you may need a short taxi to town first. Check ZSSK and local operators for timetables.

## Options compared

Option | Time | Best for | 
Private transfer | about 20 to 40 minutes | Skiers, families, late flights | 
Rental car | about 20 to 40 minutes | Hikers visiting several valleys | 
City bus then Tatra Electric Railway | 15 to 20 minutes to the stations, then about 30 minutes to Starý Smokovec or about an hour to Štrbské Pleso | Light luggage, low cost |

## Where the airport is

Poprad-Tatry Airport lies a short distance from Poprad town and not far from the foot of the Tatras. That makes it the most convenient airport for the mountains, though a smaller range of flights serves it than Bratislava or Vienna. See [airports in Slovakia](https://taply.sk/airports-in-slovakia/) for the full picture and [flights to Poprad-Tatry](https://taply.sk/flights-to-poprad-tatry/) for how to get there.

## Choosing your resort

Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica are on the south side of the range and usually reached via the Tatra Electric Railway from Poprad. Štrbské Pleso is further west, a base for hiking and skiing, see [Štrbské Pleso](https://taply.sk/strbske-pleso/). For cable cars, see [Lomnický štít](https://taply.sk/lomnicky-stit/).

## Winter and ski season

In winter, roads can be snowy and cars must be suitably equipped under local rules. A transfer takes the stress out of driving. Ask your driver about luggage and ski bags in advance, and see [High Tatras in winter](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-winter/) and [skiing in Slovakia](https://taply.sk/skiing-in-slovakia/).

## If the airport has no flight

Flights to Poprad are limited, so many visitors land at Košice, Kraków, Vienna or Bratislava instead, and continue by road. See [Kraków to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/krakow-to-high-tatras/) or [Vienna to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/vienna-to-high-tatras/).

## Step by step by public transport

- At arrivals, look for the city bus that links the airport with the Poprad railway and bus stations. The ride takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
- Check the Poprad city bus timetable first, because buses run less often in the evening and at weekends.
- If no bus fits your landing time, take a short taxi to the station.
- Board the Tatra Electric Railway at Poprad-Tatry station. Trains run towards Starý Smokovec and Štrbské Pleso, operated by ZSSK (see [Tatra Electric Railway](https://taply.sk/tatra-electric-railway/)), and a 5.9 km branch leads from Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica.
- For Tatranská Lomnica, change at Starý Smokovec. The branch takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Trains run about every 45 minutes to an hour on the main line. Check ZSSK for the current timetable, particularly in the evening.

## Luggage, skis and kids

The railway is practical with a rucksack but awkward with two ski bags and a child seat. Pre-book a transfer and give the driver your flight number, because flights are few and the driver can plan around them. If you plan to hike with children, see [High Tatras with kids](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-with-kids/) and [Tatranská Lomnica](https://taply.sk/tatranska-lomnica/) for a family-friendly base.

## Common mistakes

- Expecting a frequent bus from the terminal to the resorts. The rail line starts in Poprad town.
- Booking a hotel in Tatranská Lomnica but a rail ticket to Štrbské Pleso.
- Not leaving time for the change at Starý Smokovec.
- Landing after the last evening train and having no fallback.

## Who should skip a transfer

Solo hikers with a light bag and a daytime flight can save money by using the city bus and the train. Anyone arriving late in the evening, in snow or with equipment will find a transfer simpler. Drivers should read [car rental in Poprad](https://taply.sk/car-rental-poprad/) and [driving in Slovakia](https://taply.sk/driving-in-slovakia/) before picking up a car.

## Flights and what to expect at the airport

Poprad-Tatry Airport sits at an elevation of about 718 m, among the highest airports in Central Europe, and it serves a small number of routes. Wizz Air has flown from London Luton and has announced a Prague service from late October 2026, and charter flights run mainly in winter. Routes change from season to season, so check the current schedule before you plan around a specific flight. Fog, snow and low cloud can delay mountain flights, so avoid a tight onward connection on the same day.
The terminal is small, so queues are short and the walk to a taxi or shuttle is brief. If you land in the evening, book your ride in advance rather than counting on a car being free at the kerb.

## Which resort is the best base

Your choice of base changes how you travel from the airport. Starý Smokovec is central, has the railway and funicular access to [Hrebienok](https://taply.sk/hrebienok/), and suits visitors without a car. Tatranská Lomnica links to the cable car for Lomnický štít. Štrbské Pleso is a lakeside base for skiing and walking and sits at the western end of the line. For a detailed comparison, read [where to stay in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/where-to-stay-in-the-high-tatras/) and the cable car overview in [High Tatras cable cars](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-cable-cars/).

## Seasonal notes

- Winter: demand for transfers peaks on changeover days for ski weeks. Book early and tell the driver about ski bags.
- Summer: trails and cable cars are busy at weekends, see [High Tatras in summer](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-summer/). A morning transfer lets you reach the trails before the crowds.
- Spring and autumn: some lifts close for maintenance and snow can linger on high routes. Check the operator's calendar before you plan a day.

## Compare with landing elsewhere

If a flight to Poprad is dear or unavailable, compare the ground time from the alternatives. Košice has more flights but is a longer ride to the mountains, and Kraków, Vienna and Bratislava need a long road or rail leg. If you are weighing a separate city stay first, [Poprad](https://taply.sk/poprad/) is a pleasant place to spend a night before you head to the resorts.

## Costs and booking tips

Prices for transfers depend on the resort, the number of passengers and the season, so compare quotes for your exact date rather than relying on a general figure. A shared car split between four people often costs less per head than four separate rail tickets plus taxis at each end, but a solo traveller will usually spend less on the bus and train. Give your flight number when you book, keep the driver's contact details in your phone, and check what the price includes, such as waiting time, child seats and ski bags. For a rental car, read [car rental in Poprad](https://taply.sk/car-rental-poprad/) before you pick a pickup time.

## FAQ

**How far is Poprad Airport from the High Tatras?**
Resorts such as Starý Smokovec and Štrbské Pleso are roughly 20 to 40 minutes away by road.

**Is there a bus from Poprad Airport to Starý Smokovec?**
Public service from the airport is limited. Most people go via Poprad town and take a bus or the Tatra Electric Railway.

**Which airport is closest to the High Tatras?**
Poprad-Tatry Airport is the closest, though it has fewer flights than other airports.

**Can I get a transfer to Štrbské Pleso?**
Yes, private transfer companies serve it, and you can pre-book online.

**Is it better to drive in winter?**
A transfer is simpler, as winter conditions and parking can be difficult.

**How long is the Tatra Electric Railway ride from Poprad?**
About 30 minutes to Starý Smokovec and about an hour to Štrbské Pleso. Tatranská Lomnica needs a change at Starý Smokovec.

**How far is Poprad Airport from Poprad town?**
The airport is on the edge of town, so a taxi or city bus to the station is short.

**Do I need to book a transfer from Poprad Airport in advance?**
It is wise to, especially for evening arrivals, winter weeks and groups with ski gear, because there are few taxis and fewer flights.

**Which resort is best for a first visit without a car?**
Starý Smokovec is a practical choice because the Tatra Electric Railway and the funicular to Hrebienok start there.