Visitors to the High Tatras have the opportunity to take advantage of the new international bus connection between Slovakia and Poland. The line runs from Starý Smokovec to Nowy Targ during weekends.
The new bus line connects popular tourist destinations and enables a comfortable and direct transfer between Slovakia and Poland. The line runs along the route Starý Smokovec – Tatranská Lomnica – Tatranská Kotlina – Ždiar – Jurgów – Bukowina Tatrzańska – Białka Tatrzańska – Nowy Targ.
During the weekends the connections run twice a day in each direction. From Starý Smokovec they leave at 11.15 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. Departures from Nowy Targ are at 9.25 a.m. and 3.10 p.m. The journey between these two final stops takes approximately one and a half hour. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, who accepts payment in Polish zloty or euros.
The new connection is the result of successful cooperation between the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the Prešov Self-Governing Region, the carrier Koleje Malopolskie and the organiser IDS Východ.
“The new bus connection between the High Tatras and Poland represents a significant step towards improving cross-border transport and supports tourism in both countries. For Slovak tourists it means easier access to Polish mountain resorts and spa towns, while Polish visitors can comfortably discover the beauties of the High Tatras,” said Milan Majerský, president of the Prešov Self-Governing Region.
The new connection also offers additional travel options. At Nowy Targ railway station there are connections to trains to Krakow and Zakopane. At the stop in Stary Smokovec, the line connects to trains to/from Poprad and Štrbské Pleso.
Most of the stops operate on a request, which means that the passenger has to signal that he wants to board by raising his hand towards the oncoming vehicle. In case of getting off, it is necessary to press a button located in the bus near the door. Detailed timetables can be found at bus stops, on Google Maps or on the carrier’s website www.kolejemalopolskie.com.pl.
Tips for trips:
Białka Tatrzańska stop:
Located just a few minutes from Terma Bania – a complex of thermal pools located inside or outside the buildings, making it possible to enjoy the warm thermal water whatever the weather.
Nowy Targ stop:
The city is known as the Polish metropolis of Podhale, where many regional museums are located, including the Podhale im. Czesław Pajerski. In addition to the museum itself, it’s worth strolling around the market and taking advantage of the local restaurants and cafes. The place is located in the building of the Town Hall of Nowy Targ and offers more than 700 exhibits related to culture, the life of the locals and handicrafts. In addition, Nowy Targ invites you to the town market on Targowa Street, where you can find real pearls and local crafts. It also offers extensive public transport, making it easy to get to every corner of the city and surrounding villages, including the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Ludzmierz.
In Nowy Targ there is the possibility of changing trains towards Zakopane. In Zakopane it is possible to get to know the culture of the Polish Podhale, visit many museums, including the Tatra Museum, the Oscypek Museum and others. It is easy to take the cable car to Gubałówka – a mountain meadow overlooking the Tatra Mountains. It is also possible to take a tour of the Polish Tatra National Park and walk along the road to Morskie Oko – a Polish lake at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.
Author: IDS Východ, s.r.o.
