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- From Bratislava
- About 45 km, a short trip by train or car
- Nickname
- "Little Rome" (Malý Rím)
- Old town
- Churches, parts of the medieval walls, two 19th century synagogues
- Best for
- Half-day or full-day trip
The easiest way to see Trnava is as a day trip from Bratislava, and a rental car from GetRentacar or a similar service gives the most flexibility if you want to add a wine village or a castle on the way. Trnava lies roughly 45 km north-east of the capital, and trains also run there from Bratislava, so you can go without a car.
The town is known as "Little Rome" because of its many churches and its long role as a seat of the church. It was the seat of an archbishopric from 1541 to 1820 and again since 1977, and the Jesuit-founded Trnava University operated here from 1635 to 1777.
The compact old town is easy to cover in half a day. Below are the best ways to get there and what to see once you arrive.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- Trnava is about 45 km from Bratislava and fits a half-day or full-day trip.
- It is nicknamed "Little Rome" for its many churches.
- Parts of the medieval town walls survive.
- Two 19th century synagogues stand in the old town.
- Combine it with a wine village or a castle if you have a car.
Best ways to get to Trnava, ranked
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Our top pick1
Rental car with GetRentacar
Best overallBest for: Combining Trnava with other stops
GetRentacar compares car rental offers. A car lets you stop at wine villages or the Smolenice area on the way back to Bratislava. Check the insurance and deposit terms before you book.
Rent on GetRentacar Read our GetRentacar review- Flexible stops
- Easy to combine with other places
- Parking in the centre
- Check deposit and insurance
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2
Private transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best for door-to-doorBest for: Arrivals with luggage
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports. A transfer from Bratislava or Vienna airport saves changing trains with luggage. Book ahead and compare with the train price.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi Read our Kiwitaxi review- Door to door
- Fixed price
- Costs more than the train
- Book ahead
-
3
Train from Bratislava
CheapestBest for: Budget travellers
Regional and fast trains connect Bratislava main station with Trnava. Check the current timetable and fares on the national operator site. Trnava station is a walk or short ride from the old town.
Official website- Cheap
- No parking worries
- Fixed timetable
- Walk from the station
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4
Intui private transfer
Best for groupsBest for: Small groups
Intui is a transfer booking service. A shared car can work out well for three or four people compared with separate train tickets. Compare quotes before you book.
Book on intui.travel Read our intui.travel review- Good for groups
- Fixed price
- Not the cheapest
- Book ahead
How to get there
The simplest route is the train from Bratislava main station. Check the timetable on the trains in Slovakia page and see how to buy train tickets for the booking steps. By car, Trnava lies on the main road and motorway corridor from Bratislava towards the north-east, and a Slovak motorway vignette is required for motorways, see the vignette guide.
If you land at Vienna airport, Trnava is a realistic onward trip. Read Vienna airport to Trnava for the options.
What to see in the old town
Trnava's old town is small and walkable. The Gothic St Nicholas church is one of the main sights, and the town has several other churches that explain the nickname. Parts of the medieval town walls remain and you can follow them for a short stretch. Two synagogues from the 19th century also survive: one houses a gallery, the other has been converted into a cafe. The University of Trnava still operates in the town, which gives the centre a student feel during term time.
A half-day plan
Arrive in the morning, walk from the station into the old town and visit the main churches first, since opening hours for religious sites can be limited. Have lunch on or near the main pedestrian street, then follow the town walls and visit one of the museums or galleries. Return to Bratislava in the afternoon or early evening. Check opening hours in advance, since some sights close on Mondays.
Combining Trnava with other places
With a car you can add Smolenice or a stop in the Small Carpathians wine area on the way back. See wine regions of Slovakia and castles near Bratislava for ideas. Trnava also works as a stop on a longer route towards Nitra or Piešťany, see the Slovakia road trip guide.
Is Trnava worth it?
Trnava is not a big-sight destination like a castle or the Tatras. It suits travellers who like quiet old towns, churches and a local atmosphere, and who have already seen Bratislava. If you have only one free day and want landscapes, consider other day trips from Bratislava instead.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
- Check church opening hours and any dress rules, since some are closed to visitors during services.
- Cafes and restaurants are mostly in and around the pedestrian centre.
- The currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small places.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Trnava from Bratislava?
About 45 km. It is a short trip by train or car.
Why is Trnava called Little Rome?
Because of its many churches and its long history as a seat of the church, including an archbishopric from 1541 to 1820.
Can I visit Trnava as a day trip from Bratislava?
Yes. The old town is compact, so half a day is enough, and a full day leaves time for a wine village or castle stop.
Do I need a car to visit Trnava?
No. Trains link Bratislava and Trnava. A car helps only if you want to add other stops.
Is Trnava worth visiting?
It suits visitors who like old towns and churches. It is quieter and less famous than Bratislava or Košice.
Photo: Trnava · Pavel Briatka · CC BY-SA 2.5
