Košice International Airport (KSC), located 6 kilometres south of Košice city centre in the Barca ward, serves as Slovakia’s second-busiest airport, handling nearly 560,000 passengers annually. The airport’s modern terminal, completed in 2005, offers a compact and efficient layout with international and domestic gates on one level, connected by clear English signage for easy navigation.
Check-in and security areas are close to the departure gates, minimising walking distances. For passengers with mobility needs, the airport is fully accessible, with wheelchair services, handicapped toilets, and barrier-free pathways from parking to aircraft, available with 48-hour advance notice through airlines or the information desk.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options linking to Košice and nearby areas. City Bus 23, operated by the local transport company, connects the airport to the railway and bus stations via the city centre in about 20 minutes, with fares around €1 (£0.85) and services running every 15 to 30 minutes from 5 am. to 11 pm.
Taxis, stationed outside the terminal, cost approximately €15 (£13) to central Košice, offering a quick 10-minute ride. Car rental desks, including Avis and Hertz, are located landside, and the airport is easily reachable via the adjacent highway and ring road, with three parking lots—P1 for short-term, P2 and P3 for long-term—offering 1,200 spaces. A free drop-off zone near the terminal allows brief stops.
The passenger experience is designed for convenience, though the small terminal can feel crowded during peak periods. Check-in desks, around 20 in total, open two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international, closing 40 minutes prior, with online check-in available for airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Security screening, with two checkpoints, averages 10 to 15 minutes but can extend to 30 minutes during busy summer months or when strict checks slow the process. Travellers should arrive two hours early to account for potential queues. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Business Lounge, accessible to economy passengers for around £25, though connectivity elsewhere in the terminal may be limited. Charging stations are available near seating areas, and facilities include a nursery, a quiet room, and a 24-hour information desk.
Dining and retail options are modest but meet essential needs. The Propeller Bistro, the largest restaurant, offers outdoor seating and serves Slovak specialities, sandwiches, and drinks, with a coffee priced at €2 and meals up to €10, open from 3 am. to 7 pm. or later based on flight schedules. Airside, the Airwine Bistro and Dolly Bar provide snacks and baguettes before departures. A duty-free shop and a small souvenir store, open according to flight times, offer perfumes, alcohol, and local gifts, though shopping options are limited. A currency exchange and ATMs are available landside for convenience.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with most flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule, supported by a 3,100-metre runway meeting CAT II ICAO standards. However, winter weather, including snow or fog, can cause delays, particularly for low-cost carriers with tight schedules. Passengers should monitor flight statuses via the airport’s app or screens. For connections, the single terminal simplifies transfers, with minimum connection times of 40 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights, often through hubs like Vienna or Warsaw. Fast-track security is not widely available, so early arrival is key for tight connections.Potential delays may arise from high passenger volumes during summer, straining check-in and security, or from weather disruptions in winter. The single bus line to the city can be inconvenient if schedules don’t align with flights, and road traffic during rush hours may slow access, so extra travel time is advised.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 1–5, dynamic desks, self-service kiosks available). Passengers should verify desk assignments on airport screens. Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-6 (non-Schengen; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-45 minutes before departure). As a smaller airport, facilities and gate assignments are limited.
