Don't mess around, pack big – this principle was impressively implemented in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava as part of the construction of the new central long-distance bus station in Nivy. Even a lounge based on aviation is offered to international passengers.

In many cities, the long-distance bus terminals are real eyesores, which usually also attract the corresponding clientele who hang around there. It was no different in Bratislava, as the old bus station was definitely not a showcase. Renovation or freshening up was considered a hopeless undercut, but the decision was made to wreck the ball and have a private investor build an impressive new building.

A large, multi-storey shopping center called Nivy was built on the site of the former above-ground bus terminal. Pretty much all well-known labels are represented here, as well as service providers such as banks, notaries and restaurants. The electronics retailer Alza operates a two-storey flagship store in the immediate vicinity of the bus platforms. For the Viennese, a shopping trip is a good idea, because with the long-distance buses from Slovak Lines, Regiojet and Flixbus you can get directly to the shopping center for little money. Motorists can park in the garage for up to four hours free of charge.

New bus terminal clears up all prejudices

The actual bus station is underground and on the same level as the basement of the shopping center where, among other things, Alza, Lidl and the ticket office are located. The terminal exceeds all expectations and is not at all reminiscent of a classic long-distance bus station. Many modern display boards, screens directly at the bus gates and even a lounge for the passengers definitely give you that airport feeling. In addition, there are free, beautifully designed and, above all, impeccably clean toilets. Unfortunately, this is not a matter of course, because the bus terminal at Vienna Central Station, for example, has neither a waiting room nor toilets.

The “typical clientele” who, for example, use the bus terminals in Berlin or Munich to hang around and drink beer, can no longer be found in Bratislava. Maybe it's too nice there and the light isn't diffuse enough, because the Nivy long-distance bus station has a modern LED lighting concept that focuses in particular on brightness. There is also plenty of seating and the shopping center offers numerous ways to pass the time. International travelers unfamiliar with this new bus terminal surely have the feeling that they have just arrived in a truly cosmopolitan city.

Lounge for international passengers is available

This claim is to be underlined by a lounge that has only recently gone into operation. The private owner of the shopping center including the bus station wants his successful piece of jewelery to impressively refute all reservations and prejudices that one can have against long-distance bus journeys. This also includes providing a lounge for passengers based on the model at airports.

The entry requirements are extremely lax, as an international ticket from Bratislava Nivy is currently sufficient to go anywhere abroad. In concrete terms, this means that you can stay in the lounge after a shopping trip, for example, before returning to Vienna. It's not particularly big, but it's beautifully designed, clean and let's be honest: who expects a lounge at a bus station in Slovakia?

But there are differences compared to the exclusive waiting areas at airports: Passengers receive free mineral water and free coffee. All other drinks and snacks must be paid for. For example, a cola costs 1,89 euros, so the price level is not particularly high. If you want to save money, you can stock up on snacks and drinks at supermarket prices in the Lidl diagonally opposite (about a 30-second walk).

Depending on the bus company, it is quite possible that you can also get snacks and other drinks free of charge in the lounge. They will then issue a voucher together with the ticket. However, all international travelers receive mineral water and coffee free of charge and without restrictions, regardless of the bus company booked. The opening hours of the lounge depend on the train operations. The terminal itself is open 24 hours a day and some shops also offer their services 7/XNUMX.

A big hit that leaves a lot of positive impressions

In summary, it can be stated that Bratislava has achieved a great success with the new bus terminal Nivy, including a shopping center and lounge. Long-distance bus travel is being raised to a level previously unknown in Europe. It is to be hoped that other countries and cities will be inspired by Bratislava and “imitate” it.

It is strongly recommended to the City of Vienna that you contact us regarding the planned bus station at the Stadioncenter, which is supposed to replace the three currently not very nice terminals at the main station (Südtiroler Platz), at the U3 station Erdberg and the existing one at the Stadioncenter, just look at what Bratislava has put in place. The Slovaks didn't splurge, they splurged and treated themselves to a building worthy of a cosmopolitan city from private funds. At the very least, passengers arriving at the Nivy terminal definitely have the feeling that they have arrived in a real metropolis. It doesn't matter that the Slovakian capital isn't that big. The first impression counts. And what "first impression" do the three terminals in Vienna or Munich or Berlin leave behind? One should not underestimate the fact that both Slovaks and many international travelers use Vienna Airport to fly and travel by bus to/from Bratislava because the rail route from Schwechat would be unreasonably long.