Moving between Košice and Prešov: cost, timing and how to save

Košice and Prešov are only about 36 kilometres apart, yet for many people the move between them marks a big change – a new job, a university place, a first home or a move closer to family. For expats it often comes with a new employer: plenty of people start in Košice and later take a role in Prešov, or the other way round. Moving between Košice and Prešov is the intercity route we drive most often. Here's what goes into the price, how long it takes, worked examples for different flat sizes and practical ways to keep the bill down.

How the price is calculated

We don't charge a flat "route price". The cost is the sum of three transparent items, so you only pay for the work actually done:

1. Hourly rate for the van and crew – €40/hour with one mover, €50/hour with two, €75/hour with three. Time runs from arrival at the pick-up address to departure from the drop-off, so it includes the drive between the cities. The minimum charge is two hours.
2. Mileage outside the city – €0.75/km from the moment the van leaves the depot until it returns. For Košice–Prešov that's 36 km × 2 = 72 km, roughly €54.
3. Extras as needed – stairs without a lift (€10 per floor), packing, furniture assembly or heavy items. All rates are in our price list.

Worked examples: what a Košice–Prešov move costs

The table shows indicative prices for a straightforward move – a lift or no higher than the second floor, everything packed, and the van parked by the entrance. Prices exclude VAT.

Slovak flats are counted by rooms, so a "2‑izbový byt" is a living room plus one bedroom. For a family house we allow for an extra worker (€20/hour) and, for large volumes, two trips (2 × 72 km). Your exact price is calculated by the online calculator.

Why three movers often cost no more

For larger flats a three-person crew is usually the better deal. The hourly rate is higher, but the job is quicker. A bigger flat might take two movers about six hours (6 × €50 = €300) and three movers four hours (4 × €75 = €300). Same price – but you're in your new home two hours earlier, and a fresher crew means a lower risk of damage.

How long the move takes

The drive itself takes 30⁠–⁠45 minutes depending on traffic. Most of the time goes on loading and unloading. A typical day moving a two-bedroom flat from Košice to Prešov looks like this:

About four and a half hours in total. If things aren't packed, furniture needs dismantling or there's no lift, add time accordingly.

How to save on your move

Because you pay for time, every minute the crew doesn't spend waiting or carrying extra distance shows up directly on the bill.

• Be fully packed before the crew arrives – see How to pack for a move.
• Take apart simple furniture yourself (beds, tables, shelving) and leave the tricky pieces to us.
• Secure parking near the entrance in both cities. A long walk from the van is a hidden time sink.
• Get rid of what you don't need before the move rather than after.
• Avoid Sundays, public holidays and night work – these carry a 50% surcharge. Saturday is charged at the standard rate.
• Book through the online calculator – you get 5% off the final quote when you reserve your date.

DIY, van with driver, or full service?

For a short route, people often wonder whether movers are worth it. Here's how the three options compare for a two-bedroom flat:

The van-with-driver option works well if you have strong helpers. For bigger flats, heavy appliances or no lift, full service usually wins – the price gap is smaller than people expect, and your back will thank you.

Other routes in eastern Slovakia

The same principle applies across the east. Mileage is counted from the nearest depot, so Bardejov is served from Prešov and Michalovce from Košice. Indicative distances:

Indicative distances; the calculator uses your exact addresses. Prices exclude VAT.

Paperwork when you change city

Moving to another city brings admin you don't think about when moving across town. Foreign residents should report the new address to the foreign police; Slovak citizens and permanent residents change their permanent residence at the municipal office. You'll also need a new GP if you change city, and children may need a school transfer. The full list is in our moving checklist for Slovakia.

The best dates for an intercity move

Between Košice and Prešov, the busiest times are the end and start of each month and the summer, when students and families move before the school year. If you can, choose mid-month for a wider choice of days and times. An 8:00 start means quieter roads and car parks, and a flat is usually done before lunch. Saturdays cost nothing extra, which makes them a popular choice.

Whichever direction you're moving, the crew, van and rates are the same – only the starting depot changes.

Summary

Moving between Košice and Prešov is a short route where preparation makes the difference. We move a typical flat in a single morning, and with depots in both cities you only pay for the kilometres actually driven. For an exact price, use the online calculator or see our moving services. Relocating a business? Read our office relocation guide.