The Beliansky Express train. (source: Korzár/ Archív)
The last winter season was very good for the Beliansky Express train which runs around the High Tatras between Slovakia and Poland. Between December 28 and February 23, almost 3,000 people - predominantly Poles - used it, thus confirming that the Slovak part of the mountain range is very attractive for the country's northern neighbour.
The ratio of Poles and Slovaks was estimated to be 4 to 1.
The train, jointly operated on weekends by Slovak carrier ZSSK and Polish carrier Koleje Małopolskie, connects the town of Poprad below the Slovak part of High Tatras and the Polish town of Muszyna near the border. According to ZSSK spokesperson Dominik Drevický, three times more travellers used it this winter season than in the previous.
The train will return in the summer and will operate between June 14 to September 14, two times a day on weekends in both directions. The departure from Poprad is scheduled at 7:29 and 15:29 with stops Kežmarok, Spišská Belá, Podolínec, Stará Ľubovňa, Plaveč in the direction of Poland. The train from Muszyna will depart at 10:00 and 18:00. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
According to co-organiser Patrik Pčolka, even more tourists are expected in the summer season. He also hopes that the train could become a regular connection as there is potential. However, it would need some tweaking, for example adding a third train in both directions, as well as better connection to regional long-distance trains.
A train route from Poprad to Muszyna (source: Mapy.com)
In the past, there was a petition in regards to its regular operation, one supported even by the regional municipality, but did not amount to anything. At the moment, ZSSK does not plan to change anything.
