Getting around (public transport)
The local area offers two modes of public transport: local trains, known as TEŽ, and buses. You can find connections and schedules on cp.sk.
Trains
- There are two main train routes:
- Tatranská Lomnica - Stará Lesná - Starý Smokovec
- Poprad - Starý Smokovec - Štrbské pleso
- Starý Smokovec serves as the main interchange point.
- Tickets can be purchased online at predaj.zssk.sk (use the top-left menu to switch to English) or at some (not all!) of the stations. You can also opt for a weekly ticket, priced at 14 EUR, sold at the stations.
Click here for a map of train connections and prices
Buses
- Regular bus connections are available on the Poprad - Starý Smokovec - Tatranská Lomnica - Tatranská Javorina route. Buses serve destinations not accessible by trains, such as Belianska jaskyňa (cave) or trails in the eastern or northern parts of the mountains (Belianske Tatry).
- Bus tickets are purchased directly from the bus driver.
Hiking Tips
The area offers a variety of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. These trails are easily accessible by trains or buses.
Cable Cars
- The cable car Starý Smokovec - Hrebienok provides convenient access to and from the main hiking trails. Operating daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, every 30 minutes. The price ranges from 9 to 11 EUR.
Other cable cars to higher locations include:
- Tatranská Lomnica - Štart - Skalnaté pleso
- Skalnaté pleso - Lomnické sedlo
- Skalnaté pleso - Lomnický štít (the second highest peak)
- Štrbské pleso - Solisko
Safety
Generally speaking, hiking is safe in High Tatras. The trails are well-maintained, the mountains are visited by hundreds of thousands of persons every year.
On the other hand, while the Tatras are relatively small, they are still high mountains and should not be underestimated. Some basic safety rules for hiking include:
- Wear appropriate hiking boots, as even easier trails can be rough or slippery.
- Check the weather forecast before starting your hike.
- Be prepared for weather changes, and carry a raincoat and warmer clothes.
- For longer trips, start early.
- The mountain rescue service can be reached at the emergency phone number 18 300. Consider purchasing mountain rescue insurance before embarking on your hike.
- When undertaking longer hikes, inform your hotel or the organizers about your destination and expected return time.
Maps
- Paper maps are available for purchase at various locations in the High Tatras.
- Online maps with hiking trails:
- Mobile applications offer offline functionality if you download the map in advance: