Prešov self-governing region will once again make it easier for cyclists to explore the region during this year’s summer season. From 1 July, the popular summer service of regional cycle buses will begin. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to travel in comfort to up to eight destinations on seventeen routes, at weekends, on public holidays and on weekdays alike.
Cycle buses of the Prešov Self-Governing Region They are hitting the road again this summer. They will link towns with the region’s most beautiful natural and cultural sites – the Pieniny National Park, the Tatra National Park, the Poloniny National Park, the Levoča Hills, Čergovom, Veľká Domaša, Stará Ľubovňa and Bardejov. At each destination, passengers can then make use of the wide range of signposted cycle routes or set off to explore the cultural heritage sites of the Prešov Region. The cycle buses will operate throughout the summer season from 1 July to 31 August, with selected routes running until 30 September.
„Transporting bicycles directly on buses is now standard practice, making our most beautiful destinations – from the Pieniny to the Poloniny – accessible even to less experienced or less fit cyclists. At the same time, we are literally opening the door to active leisure for whole families with children who want to explore the attractive locations in our region together. I believe that this summer, too, the cycle buses will bring plenty of unforgettable summer experiences on two wheels,“ Milan Majerský, Chairman of the PSK, remarked in this regard.
All the regional authority’s contracted transport operators are involved in the project. Each of them has set aside five vehicles equipped with special bike racks for this purpose. SAD Prešov SK will operate 44 services over the summer, Slovenská autobusová doprava Poprad will provide 26 services, and SAD Humenné SK will offer 18 services.
In the 2026 season, cycle buses will operate on several attractive routes. In the Pieniny region, these will be the Stará Ľubovňa – Spišská Stará Ves, Poprad – Spišská Stará Ves and Lipany – Stará Ľubovňa routes. In the Čergov area, they will connect Sabinov with Drienica and Olejníkov, Stará Ľubovňa with Bardejov, whilst in the Tatra National Park, cycle buses will run from Poprad to Tatranská Polianka, Tatranská Javorina and Nová Lesná.
The Levoča – Vyšný Slavkov – Lipany route will run through the Levočské vrchy hills, and cyclists will be transported to the Domaša reservoir by services from Vranov nad Topľou to Dobrá and from Stropkov to Valkov. The service will also be supplemented by routes in the Poloniny National Park on the Humenné – Vyšná Jablonka and Snina – Nová Sedlica routes.
Extended bicycle transport will only be available on selected regional bus services, which passengers will be able to identify in the timetable by the bicycle pictogram. Each cycle bus is equipped with a bike rack capable of carrying six bicycles. Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading their own bicycles, although the bus driver will provide assistance if required.
The region has also ensured transport continuity and connections between buses and train services. Bus service no. 302 on route 072802 from Lipany will connect at Plaveč railway station with the REX 8360 Beliansky Express train bound for Muszyna. In the opposite direction, bus service no. 307 on the same route to Lipany will provide a connection from the REX 8363 Beliansky Express train arriving from Muszyna.
A full list of services operating as cycle buses is available on the websites of the contracted transport operators – SAD Humenné SK, Slovenská autobusová doprava Poprad and SAD Prešov SK – as well as on the portal www.cp.sk.
Source: Daša Jeleňová, spokesperson for the Prešov Self-Governing Region
Source of photographs: PSK
