Bratislava MR Štefلnik Airport, located 9 kilometres northeast of Bratislava’s city centre, serves as Slovakia’s main international airport, handling 1.948 million passengers in 2024. Known by its IATA code BTS, it acts as a hub for Ryanair and supports airlines like Wizz Air, Smartwings, and Pegasus, connecting to over 30 European destinations.
The airport’s single, modern terminal, completed in 2012, spans two levels with 13 departure gates, check-in desks on the ground floor, and security and departures on the second. Clear signage in English and Slovak aids navigation, though the compact design can feel crowded during peak summer months. Passengers board via tarmac walks or short bus transfers, keeping the layout simple but occasionally congested.
Accessing the airport is straightforward with efficient transport options. Public bus 61 connects to Bratislava’s main railway station (Hlavnل stanica) in 15-25 minutes for €0.90, with a 60-minute ticket valid on weekdays and 90 minutes on weekends. Night bus N61 operates between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Bus 96 serves Petr, and tickets are available at machines or newsstands in the arrivals hall.
Taxis to the city centre cost €15-€20, taking 15 minutes, while apps like Hopin or Uber offer cheaper alternatives. FlixBus and Slovak Lines provide hourly services to Vienna and its airport, 55 kilometres away, in 1-2 hours for €10-€15. Drivers access the airport via the D1 motorway, with parking for 4,000 vehicles, including short- and long-term options bookable online. Car rentals from Sixt, Hertz, and Enterprise are in the arrivals area.
Dining and retail options are modest but practical, with about a dozen eateries and shops airside. Cakes & Bakes café serves coffee and pastries, while restaurants offer light meals and Slovak specialities. Duty-free shops stock perfumes, alcohol, and local souvenirs, and a Relay store provides essentials. Facilities include free Wi-Fi via the AdP_FreeWifi network, accessible with social media logins, and mobile charging points near gates.
The MasterCard Lounge on the second floor offers snacks and Wi-Fi for €25-€35, and a baby-changing room near Gate 1 has a sink for cold water. Accessibility features include ramps, adapted toilets, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance. Toilets have faced criticism for lacking soap, and seating is limited post-security.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Ryanair’s focus on quick turnarounds supporting efficiency, but peak seasons see delays.
Security queues can take 20-30 minutes due to high traffic, and reports of slow staff responses add to wait times. Weather, particularly fog in the Little Carpathians, may disrupt schedules, so arriving two hours early for international flights is advised.
Connections are limited, as the airport primarily serves point-to-point routes, but transfers within the single terminal take 20-30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 45 minutes for international due to passport checks. Passengers with separate tickets may need to reclaim luggage and recheck, adding up to an hour.
Potential delays to watch for include congestion at security and check-in during peak hours, with customer reviews citing rude or inefficient staff slowing processes. Baggage handling can take up to 45 minutes, and the post-security waiting area lacks facilities, causing discomfort. Strict security checks, including additional swipes for explosives, may extend screening times.
Bratislava MR Štefلnik Airport’s compact design, affordable transport links, and functional amenities make it a convenient hub for exploring Slovakia or connecting to nearby Vienna. The airport is sometimes marketed as “Bratislava Vienna” by Ryanair due to its proximity to Vienna.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 1–10). Passengers should verify desk assignments on airport screens. Bag drop desks are open 2 hours to 40 minutes before departure.
Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from Schengen gates (gates A1–A6 or B1–B4). Gates are assigned dynamically and shown on departure boards.
