Bardejov Spa and Krynica will be connected by a regular train

A new cross-border line in suburban bus transport will start operating this summer. The Prešov self-governing region is introducing a daily line on the route Bardejov Kúpele – Bardejov – Krynica. It is a pilot project to support cross-border transport and tourism.

The Prešov Self-governing Region (PSR) will launch a cross-border bus connection from Bardejovské Kúpele to Polish Krynica from July 1, 2023. Passengers will be able to use it twice a day in both directions, while they can get from Bardejov to the center of Krynica in 45 minutes. This is the historically first cross-border connection within the framework of transport services in the public interest ordered and financed by the Prešov self-governing region.

“Connecting the Slovak and Polish borderlands is an important priority for our region, so I am extremely happy that we managed to operate a bus connection to Krynica. The connections are set up in such a way that they allow Polish tourists in Slovakia to complete a one-day trip, as well as Slovak visitors to Poland. Thanks to the year-round operation, they will be attractive not only for tourists and spa guests, but also for ordinary travellers from bordering municipalities for their daily needs related to shopping, work, services or cultural enjoyment. This is a pilot project, as within the framework of the IDS Východ project, we are counting on the continuation of the development of cross-border public transport in the coming years,” said PSR president Milan Majerský.

The connection will be available twice a day in each direction, while traveling from the starting stop in Bardejovské Kúpeľe to the final stop in Krynica (or vice versa) will take one hour. Passengers can use the stops in Bardejovské Kúpele, at the station and wayside stops in Bardejov, as well as in Mokroluh, Rokytov, Tarnov, in Kurov on the ring road, in Tylicz near the main intersection, in the center of Krynica near the roundabout (Krynica, Bank) and on the railway itself, where it is possible to change to national train and bus connections within the Republic of Poland.

“We are glad that, thanks to the cooperation with the Prešov self-governing region, we have such an international line that connects two spa towns and allows our spa guests to get to know the Polish side and Krynica. And maybe this connection will bring us new ideas, what we could improve here in Bardejovské Kúpele. We are looking forward to attracting Polish tourists and showing them how beautiful our spas are,” commented the chairman of the board of Bardejovská Kúpele a.s. Jaroslav Komora.

Departures from Bardejovské Kúpele will be at 8:03 a.m. and 4:03 p.m., from the station in Bardejov at 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., with arrivals at the station in Krynica at 9:03 a.m. and 5:03 p.m. In the opposite direction, there will be departures from the station in Krynica at 9:17 a.m. and 5:17 p.m., from the stop in the city center (Krynica, Bank) at 9:20 a.m. and 5:20 p.m., arriving in Bardejov and Bardejovské Kúpele at 6 p.m.

“Bardejov and Krynica are important spa resorts and centers of tourism, which creates significant potential. I believe that the concept of regular cross-border transport will eventually find enough passengers and help accelerate cooperation at the level of individual and business entities with all the economic, cultural and social benefits for the region,” added M. Majerský.

As for the fare, the standard tariff for suburban transport, including discounts, applies, which passengers are familiar with from bus transport within the IDS Východ system, in the Prešov and Košice regions. You can pay for the ticket in cash, with a transport card, or with a payment (bank) card.

The operation of bus connections is provided by the contracted carrier of the Prešov self-governing region, SAD Prešov, and it is a year-round operation, except for nine days on Christmas (from December 24 to January 1) and six days during Easter (from Maundy Thursday to the Tuesday after Easter Monday). PSK is negotiating with the Lesser Poland Voivodeship on the introduction of additional cross-border connections in the coming years. One possibility is the introduction of the line Nowy Targ – Spišská Stará Ves – Červený Kláštor on the order of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship in 2024.

TS PSK, IDS Východ