Where to go on a car trip from Košice?
Precisely with a rented vehicle from our Košice car rental, you gain the freedom to set off anytime, independent of timetables, and with the comfort of a highway toll vignette, which is already included in the rent for our CARDOT cars.
🚙 Ideal for a day trip from Košice (Under 2 hours range)
Spiš Castle
To start off our list, we cannot leave out Spiš Castle—one of the largest castle compounds in Central Europe and a UNESCO site. Stroll along the massive castle walls and take in the breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.
Drive from Košice: Approximately 75 km via the D1 highway. You can make it in 50 minutes.
Parking tip: We recommend the free parking area from the Žehra village side (from where it is just a short 10-minute hike up to the castle), or the paid parking lot right in Spišské Podhradie.
Slovak Paradise
Slovak Paradise is a national park made for hiking lovers and adrenaline junkies. You'll find steep limestone crags, wild waterfalls, and legendary ladders above the gorges. Popular trails include Suchá Belá, Prielom Hornádu, or Tomášovský view, easily done by families with children.
Drive from Košice: We advise avoiding the highway. Take the scenic route via Jahodná, Folkmar Saddle, and Spišská Nová Ves to the Čingov or Podlesok centers. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
Parking tip: Large-capacity paid parking spots are available directly at Podlesok (entrance to Suchá Belá) or Čingov (entrance to Tomášovský view).
Bardejov
Bardejov is a picturesque little town with rich history and one of the finest atmospheres in Slovakia. Its historical core with a Renaissance town hall and preserved walls is rightly part of UNESCO. Don't forget to visit the nearby Bardejovské Kúpele spa, where Empress Sissi once underwent treatments.
Drive from Košice: An easy route heading towards Prešov and further north, taking about an hour and a half.
Parking tip: You will happily park your car for a reasonable fee just off the Town Hall Square on Krátky rad or Dlhý rad streets.
Tokaj Wine Region
Eastern Slovakia is also renowned for its sweet wine delicacies from the Tokaj area. It's a perfect destination if you're looking for a peaceful weekend mood, traditional wine cellars, or want views from the iconic wine-barrel-shaped observation tower in Malá Tŕňa.
Drive from Košice: Heading to Trebišov, the road to Malá or Veľká Tŕňa will take about an hour.
Our tip: A zero-tolerance policy for alcohol applies in Slovakia. Thus, when planning a car trip to Tokaj, be mindful of who will be the designated driver sipping grape juice, or connect your trip with a romantic overnight stay directly in the vineyards.
High Tatras
The highest mountain range in Slovakia and the smallest alpine mountains in the world. The Tatras provide gorgeous natural backdrops, fresh air, and hiking trails for every fitness level. Ranging from a relaxed walk around Štrbské Pleso to strenuous full-day climbs.
Drive from Košice: An easy and fast journey on the D1 highway. You'll arrive in Starý Smokovec or Tatranská Lomnica in under 2 hours. For the Tatras, we suggest renting a comfier station wagon or SUV from our fleet.
Parking tip: In peak seasons, Tatra parking spots fill up fast. The best decision is to leave your car at the large park-and-ride spots near train stations and catch a cog railway or tram (TEŽ) to your final point.
To start off our list, we cannot leave out Spiš Castle—one of the largest castle compounds in Central Europe and a UNESCO site. Stroll along the massive castle walls and take in the breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.
Drive from Košice: Approximately 75 km via the D1 highway. You can make it in 50 minutes.
Parking tip: We recommend the free parking area from the Žehra village side (from where it is just a short 10-minute hike up to the castle), or the paid parking lot right in Spišské Podhradie.
Slovak Paradise
Slovak Paradise is a national park made for hiking lovers and adrenaline junkies. You'll find steep limestone crags, wild waterfalls, and legendary ladders above the gorges. Popular trails include Suchá Belá, Prielom Hornádu, or Tomášovský view, easily done by families with children.
Drive from Košice: We advise avoiding the highway. Take the scenic route via Jahodná, Folkmar Saddle, and Spišská Nová Ves to the Čingov or Podlesok centers. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
Parking tip: Large-capacity paid parking spots are available directly at Podlesok (entrance to Suchá Belá) or Čingov (entrance to Tomášovský view).
Bardejov
Bardejov is a picturesque little town with rich history and one of the finest atmospheres in Slovakia. Its historical core with a Renaissance town hall and preserved walls is rightly part of UNESCO. Don't forget to visit the nearby Bardejovské Kúpele spa, where Empress Sissi once underwent treatments.
Drive from Košice: An easy route heading towards Prešov and further north, taking about an hour and a half.
Parking tip: You will happily park your car for a reasonable fee just off the Town Hall Square on Krátky rad or Dlhý rad streets.
Tokaj Wine Region
Eastern Slovakia is also renowned for its sweet wine delicacies from the Tokaj area. It's a perfect destination if you're looking for a peaceful weekend mood, traditional wine cellars, or want views from the iconic wine-barrel-shaped observation tower in Malá Tŕňa.
Drive from Košice: Heading to Trebišov, the road to Malá or Veľká Tŕňa will take about an hour.
Our tip: A zero-tolerance policy for alcohol applies in Slovakia. Thus, when planning a car trip to Tokaj, be mindful of who will be the designated driver sipping grape juice, or connect your trip with a romantic overnight stay directly in the vineyards.
High Tatras
The highest mountain range in Slovakia and the smallest alpine mountains in the world. The Tatras provide gorgeous natural backdrops, fresh air, and hiking trails for every fitness level. Ranging from a relaxed walk around Štrbské Pleso to strenuous full-day climbs.
Drive from Košice: An easy and fast journey on the D1 highway. You'll arrive in Starý Smokovec or Tatranská Lomnica in under 2 hours. For the Tatras, we suggest renting a comfier station wagon or SUV from our fleet.
Parking tip: In peak seasons, Tatra parking spots fill up fast. The best decision is to leave your car at the large park-and-ride spots near train stations and catch a cog railway or tram (TEŽ) to your final point.
🗺️ Tips for an extended weekend road trip (Over 3 hours range)
When you plan on renting a car for the weekend or for multiple days, Central Slovakia serves as a fantastic road trip choice. The route is longer, and it'd be a pity to spend it inside your car over a single day. Book an overnight stay and savor these locations without a rush.
Banská Štiavnica
One of the most charming towns in Central Slovakia. Banská Štiavnica is in UNESCO, breathes history, and boasts incredible architecture originating from silver and gold mining days. Aside from Holy Trinity Square, the Old and New Castles, don't miss a stroll to the unique Calvary or a summer swim in the famous mining reservoirs (tajchs).
Drive from Košice: Taking the southern route (through Rožňava and Lučenec) takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Merely driving through this region is a wonderful treat.
Bojnice
If you are traveling with kids, Bojnice is the top choice. Bojnice Castle ranks among the most beautiful and romantic castles in Europe and looks like it leaped right out of a fairytale. Right beside it, you'll locate the oldest zoological garden in Slovakia, and after a lengthy day, you can relax in the local spa.
Drive from Košice: Routing through Zvolen and Prievidza, getting here from Košice takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Banská Štiavnica
One of the most charming towns in Central Slovakia. Banská Štiavnica is in UNESCO, breathes history, and boasts incredible architecture originating from silver and gold mining days. Aside from Holy Trinity Square, the Old and New Castles, don't miss a stroll to the unique Calvary or a summer swim in the famous mining reservoirs (tajchs).
Drive from Košice: Taking the southern route (through Rožňava and Lučenec) takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Merely driving through this region is a wonderful treat.
Bojnice
If you are traveling with kids, Bojnice is the top choice. Bojnice Castle ranks among the most beautiful and romantic castles in Europe and looks like it leaped right out of a fairytale. Right beside it, you'll locate the oldest zoological garden in Slovakia, and after a lengthy day, you can relax in the local spa.
Drive from Košice: Routing through Zvolen and Prievidza, getting here from Košice takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Eastern and Central Slovakia are filled with beautiful spots waiting to be discovered. At CARDOT, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination itself, which is why we'll joyfully supply you with the ultimate car for your adventures.