Buses to Zakopane and Nowy Targ

22 January 2026

Cross-border transport between Slovakia and Poland has been expanded with a new bus service. Since January, buses have been operating daily between Poprad and Zakopane, and at weekends between Poprad and Nowy Targ. The new connection, introduced by the Małopolska Voivodeship with the support of the Prešov Self-Governing Region, aims to promote tourism in the Tatra region and improve access to popular attractions on both sides of the border.

The introduction of the regular service is the result of cooperation and coordinated activities between the Prešov Self-Governing Region and the Małopolska Voivodeship. The route operates as the Chochołów – Zakopane – High Tatras – Poprad bus line, run by the carrier Koleje Małopolskie. The route includes stops near several ski resorts, such as Rusiń-Ski, Kasprowy Wierch, Polana Szymoszkowa, Gubałówka, Jurgów Ski, and others.

Services between Poprad and Zakopane operate four times daily in each direction throughout the year. Departures from Poprad are at 8:00, 10:00, 16:15, and 20:00, while departures from Zakopane to Poprad are at 5:09, 7:30, 13:24, and 17:24. The journey time between the two cities is 1 hour and 38 minutes.

The Nowy Targ – Poprad route operates at weekends and on Polish public holidays. Departures from Poprad are at 12:15 and 17:15, while departures from Nowy Targ to Poprad are at 9:05 and 15:25.

“The route passes through touristically attractive areas such as Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica, Ždiar, Zakopane, the Chochołów Valley, and the thermal baths in Chochołów. It enables convenient travel to Polish attractions while also opening opportunities for Polish visitors to discover our High Tatras. The connection can be used for both day trips and longer stays. I am pleased that the network of cross-border connections with Poland continues to expand, especially since the Prešov Self-Governing Region also operates a regular service on the Bardejovské Kúpele – Bardejov – Krynica route. This creates new opportunities for comfortable travel and tourism development,” said Milan Majerský, President of the Prešov Self-Governing Region.

Stops on the new bus lines are strategically located to ensure good access to tourist attractions, significantly increasing their usability for both visitors and local residents. The service provides convenient access to the cable car on Gubałówka, the centre of Zakopane and its most famous and busiest street, Krupówki, as well as the popular Kościeliska Valley and Chochołowska Valley. The terminal stop is located near the popular Chochołowskie Termy thermal baths.

On the Slovak side, both routes pass through Ždiar, Tatranská Kotlina, Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, and other Tatra settlements along the way. The aim is to support tourism, improve regional accessibility, and strengthen cross-border mobility in the High Tatras area.

Tickets for cross-border routes as well as for routes operated entirely within Slovakia can be purchased exclusively from the driver, with payment possible in cash in both zlotys and euros, or by bank card. The operation of the services is financed by the Małopolska Voivodeship.

Source: PSK