TRAVELING TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIAGetting to Prague or Bratislava is generally inexpensive, depending on your mode of travel. Via Airplane Flying directly to the Czech Republic or Slovakia from
the United States or Western Europe is by far the fastest and most expensive way of traveling to either country. Most international flights land at Prague's Ruzyne Airport (roughly twelve miles northwest of the city) before continuing on to points further east, including Bratislava and other destinations in Slovakia. Several international airlines fly directly to Vienna (only 50 kilometers from Bratislava) and then continue to Bratislava by train or bus. This is usually not the cheapest way
to get to Slovakia, however. If the Czech Republic is your final destination, your best bet is to fly directly to Prague. From the centrally located capital city, you can reach your intended stop by train or bus. Prague is accessible from most major cities in Western Europe or by flights that originate in the United States. You can fly direct to Prague from New York City on CSA, the national Czech-Slovak airline. This same flight connects to Bratislava at no extra charge. Western
airlines (Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Sabena) also have service to Prague from points in Western Europe or the United States. Consult a travel agent for current flight information. Airlines Prague Air France: (02) 422-7164
Czechoslovak Airlines: (CSA) (02) 421-0132 or (02) 481-5110
British Airways: (02) 32 90 20 or (02) 32 90 40
KLM: (02) 422-8678
Lufthansa: (02) 481-1007 or (02) 33 44 56
SAS: (02) 421-4749 or (02) 36 78 09
Sabena: (02) 36 78 13 or (02) 334-4323 Bratislava Czeckoslovak Airlines: (07) 33 07 88, (07) 31 12 17, or (07) 33 07 90
Tatra Air*: (07) 22 77 15
*for flights between Bratislava and Prague, Brno, Poprad, and Kosice
Via Train or Bus As with other destinations in Central and Eastern Europe, travelers often choose to fly into an airport in a major Western European
city, then continue by train or bus to their final destination in the Czech Republic or Slovakia. This method of combining air and overland travel is popular among those who have few time constraints because it affords an opportunity to see more of Europe as a whole. Certain train and bus fares allow a traveler to stop along the way, provided that travel continues in the same direction as the train or bus route. International train and bus routes that originate in Western Europe are
not cheap, so you should calculate the cost of your combined air and overland fares in order to compare them with the air fare that will take you directly to your destination. Of course, your final choice will depend upon your priorities. Trains and buses generally give you greater flexibility, while allowing you to sightsee along the way. Because train and bus travel is usually less expensive than flying, more budget-conscious young people, both expats and Europeans, opt for the
tracks and the highways, so you'll have a better chance of meeting young people who are perhaps of a similar bent. Czech Republic Airports (& Train Stations) >>> | 
