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- Main line
- Poprad to Štrbské Pleso, 29.1 km
- Branch
- Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica, 5.9 km
- Gauge
- 1,000 mm, electrified
- Operator
- ZSSK
The Tatra Electric Railway (TEŽ) is a metre-gauge line that links Poprad with Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica, and the easiest way to reach Poprad before you board is a pre-booked Kiwitaxi transfer from the airport. The system is run by ZSSK and is the backbone of public transport in the High Tatras.
It is cheap, scenic and useful without a car. It is also a short way to compare resorts, since you can stay in one and visit the others the same day.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- The line has two connected sections, Poprad to Štrbské Pleso and Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica.
- The highest point is about 1,350 metres.
- A separate rack railway links Štrbské Pleso with Štrba.
- It opened in stages from 1908 to 1912.
- Use the ZSSK site for current timetables and tickets.
Best ways to ride and reach the Tatra Electric Railway, ranked
-
Our top pick1
Airport transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best first legBest for: Arrivals by air
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports. Use it from Poprad-Tatry airport or Košice to Poprad or straight to a resort, then use the railway for day trips.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi Read our Kiwitaxi review- Easy with bags
- Fixed price
- Costs more than the train
- Book ahead
-
2
Tatra Electric Railway (ZSSK)
CheapestBest for: Budget travellers
The railway itself. Board at Poprad-Tatry station or another stop and ride to the resorts. Check timetables and tickets on the operator site.
Official website- Low cost
- Scenic
- No parking
- Fixed timetable
- Crowded in peak season
-
3
Rental car with QEEQ
Best for remote trailheadsBest for: Self-drive trips
QEEQ is a car rental comparison site. A car covers places the railway does not reach.
Compare cars on QEEQ Read our QEEQ review- Flexible
- Good for villages
- Parking limits
- Winter care
-
4
Transfer quotes on GetTransfer
Best for long distancesBest for: Long trips
Drivers offer prices on your route, useful from Kraków or Vienna.
Get offers on GetTransfer Read our GetTransfer review- Several offers
- Quality varies
The routes
The railway has two lines: Poprad to Starý Smokovec to Štrbské Pleso, about 29.1 km, and Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica, about 5.9 km. It is a 1,000 mm single-track line electrified at 1,500 V DC. Starý Smokovec is the junction, so changes between branches happen there.
A short history
Poprad to Starý Smokovec opened in 1908, Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica in 1911 and the extension to Štrbské Pleso in 1912. A rack railway between Štrbské Pleso and Štrba, built in 1896, connects to the line at the resort.
What each stop is good for
| Stop | Use |
|---|---|
| Starý Smokovec | Junction and funicular to Hrebienok |
| Tatranská Lomnica | Cable car to Lomnický štít, see the guide |
| Štrbské Pleso | Lake, hikes and ski area, see the guide |
Tickets and timetables
Taply does not list fares or departure times because they change. Use the ZSSK site or station boards. For general advice read how to buy train tickets in Slovakia and trains in Slovakia.
Practical tips
- In July, August and winter weekends, trains can be packed. Board early.
- Check the last train before a long hike.
- Bring luggage that you can carry up steps. Platforms can be basic.
- The line suits a car-free trip, see our High Tatras guide.
Combining with lifts
Plan your railway day around the lift bases. Read High Tatras cable cars and where to stay before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tatra Electric Railway?
A metre-gauge electric railway linking Poprad with Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica.
Who operates it?
ZSSK runs the services. The infrastructure is owned by ŽSR.
How long is the railway?
About 35 km in total, with 29.1 km from Poprad to Štrbské Pleso and 5.9 km from Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica.
Is there a train between Štrbské Pleso and Štrba?
Yes, a rack railway links the two. Check the operator for current service.
Can I use the railway without a car?
Yes. It links the main resorts and Poprad, which has the airport and mainline trains.
Photo: Tatra Electric Railway · I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall · CC BY-SA 3.0
