tour train ljubljana

• Javni holding Ljubljana
• Energetika Ljubljana
• JP VOKA SNAGA
• Ljubljanski potniški promet

Urban train

A tour of the city on the tourist train is an attraction not to miss when in Ljubljana. The circular route has 10 stops and includes all the major sites in the city. 

Educational and fun ride across Ljubljana

Urban starts its circular route in the vicinity of the Town Hall, it goes to the Ljubljana Castle, then takes you alongside the banks of the Ljubljanica River over the Trnovski pristan Embankment, through the contemporary centre of Ljubljana, past the Opera, the Modern Gallery and the Prešeren Square with the Triple Bridge, returning to the starting point.

You can board the train at different stops and combine your wonderful exploration of Ljubljana with visits to the gallery, the castle and other sites, or you can simply bathe in the sun next to the Ljubljanica River along the route while enjoying your favourite drink or stopping for lunch, and then take the train again. Or you can complete the whole circular route on the train and learn a lot about Ljubljana. You can tailor your day to your liking.

A free seat is available at the starting station.

During winter the train cars are closed and heated, and the train car windows are open in summer.

An audio guide is used for the presentation of all major city sites. It is available in eleven languages (Slovene, English, German, Italian, Croatian, French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Dutch, Greek, Arabic and Chinese).

In Ljubljana we are co-creating the circular economy story that is why we are going to recycle components of worn-out earphones into raw materials for other products.

Ticket booking >>

• Yesterday and Today
• Pricelist and payment methods
• Ticket Booking
• Route description
• Environment friendly vehicle
• Electric vehicle Kavalir
• EURBAN – Unique Demand Responsive Transport Service
• Urbana Mobile App
• A Folding Bike on a Bus
• CNG Buses and Transport Fleet
• LPP Identification Cards for Disabled
• Demand-Responsive Transport service for persons with disabilities
• GENERAL LEAFLET ON LPP
• Map of Zones
• Map Of Bus Routes
• Information on bus arrivals
• Passenger Rights
• Press centre
• Top up Urbana card online Nazaj
• Timetable Naprej

• Protection, loss and theft of the card
• Working times of points of sale

S prijavo na e- novice soglašate, da Javno podjetje Ljubljanski potniški promet d.o.o. uporabi vaš elektronski naslov za namene obveščanja o novostih, ponudbi, splošnih informacijah, povezanih z dejavnostjo, ki jo izvaja Javno podjetje Ljubljanski potniški promet d.o.o., dogodkih, nagradnih igrah in drugih aktualnih zadevah ter poslovnih informacijah ter da izvaja analize o branju poslanih vsebin za lastne potrebe. Vaše osebne podatke (ime, priimek in elektronski naslov) Javno podjetje Ljubljanski potniški promet d.o.o. lahko obdeluje do preklica vaše privolitve.

Hkrati ste s prijavo na e-novice seznanjeni, da se iz sistema obveščanja (e-novic) lahko kadarkoli odjavite preko povezave, ki bo v vsakem sporočilu.

Javno podjetje Ljubljanski potniški promet d.o.o. se zavezuje, da elektronskega naslova ne bo posredoval, posodil ali prodal tretji osebi, brez predhodnega obvestila in pridobitve pisnega soglasja posameznika, in da bo vaše osebne podatke skrbno varoval v skladu z Zakonom o varstvu osebnih podatkov.

Osebne podatke o posamezniku/ici bo Javno podjetje Ljubljanski potniški promet d.o.o. obdeloval zgolj v okviru zgoraj naštetih namenov zbiranja.

Urban (Electric Train)

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Urban (Electric Train) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Riding The Bohinj Railway: Best Scenic Train in Slovenia

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For most travelers to Slovenia, the purpose of taking a train is to get from Point A to Point B. However, there is a scenic train in Slovenia that navigates through stunning landscapes, which makes the sole reason for riding the Bohinj Railway the spectacular scenery that passes by just outside your window.

The Bohinj Slovenia Railway, which was featured by Lonely Planet as one of “the best train journeys you’ve never heard of,” is just that kind of ride – a trip that proves it can be more about the journey than the destination.

After three days of hiking in Lake Bohinj , we couldn’t think of a better way to give our legs a rest than to hop aboard this scenic train in Slovenia – taking it all the way to the Italian border.

Bohinj Railway: Taking The Scenic Train in Slovenia

The Bohinj Railway extends from Jesenice, Slovenia south to the border town, with the original tracks continuing on from Nova Gorica to Trieste, Italy. The Austro-Hungarians created the train line, which was completed in 1906, to connect Trieste to Central Europe. However, after World War I, the route lost importance and the border between Italy and Slovenia (then Yugoslavia) was closed. It wasn’t until Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004 that the Bohinj Railway was revived.

Building the tracks was no easy feat, as the route traverses through the Soca Valley and follows along the Baca and Soca Rivers. Tunnels had to be blasted through mountains and water crossings had to be created. The Bohinj Tunnel, the longest on the route, runs four miles through Mount Kolba. The Solkan Bridge, a 720-foot-long stone bridge with a 280-foot arch spanning the Soca River, is the longest of its kind.

Since we were staying in Stara Fuzina near Lake Bohinj , we traveled to Bohinjska Bistrica, the closest train station on the route, to join the train journey to Nova Gorica. The roundtrip ticket for the scenic train in Slovenia – of which each segment takes about an hour and a half – costs about €12 (but is discounted 50% with the Bohinj Guest Card ).

When our two-car train arrived at the station, we walked across the tracks and boarded the second car. We chose seats on the left side of the train (but later switched to the right…and then back again) and put the window down just as the train pulled away from the station. Within moments, we entered into the darkness of the 4-mile-long Bohinj Tunnel.

Once we emerged, we were treated to the spectacular vistas that were promised. We passed small Slovenian towns tucked into the hills, cut through wide, green pastures and crossed bridges straddling translucent teal water. In whichever direction we looked, we saw towering mountains, unless of course we were chugging through the middle of one in a tunnel.

Rather than sitting, I stood at the open window. The sun was warm, but the cool breeze – especially chilly when racing through the tunnels – rushed into the cabin. I alternated my time between savoring the passing scenes and taking what I hoped wouldn’t be blurry pictures, careful not to push myself too far outside of the window. When the Bohinj Railway train conductor approached me after already checking my ticket, I was certain he was going to ask me to take a seat, instead his face crinkled into a knowing smile as he asked, “Isn’t it beautiful?” Yes, yes, it is.

Along the scenic route, we made stops at 10 stations – some of which looked more like the back yards of private residences than train platforms – before arriving at the final stop, Nova Gorica. In European terms, Nova Gorica is a new city, as it was built in 1947 after World War II when the new border was created between Yugoslavia and Italy. That border divided the metropolis of Italy’s Gorizia and the once imaginary line was made very real with a new wall. What Yugoslavia gained was mostly suburbs and, in order to unify the suburbs into a city, Nova Gorica was built.

Nova Gorica, Slovenia

Our time in Nova Gorica was limited to less than an hour, but there was only one city sight we wanted to see: Trg Evrope – or Europe Square – which happens to be right outside the train station. It’s not a particularly large or decorated square and cars park right alongside it. It could easily be walked through without a second glance. The importance of the square, however, is that it is shared by both Slovenia and Italy; the border between the countries runs right through the center.

Until 2004, the wall separated the two countries; today, the wall has been replaced with just a few potted plants. As Italy and Slovenia are both part of the European Schengen Area, people can now move freely between the two countries…or better yet, stand in both countries at the same time. After snapping our two-countries-at-once photo op, we stretched our legs with a quick walk into Nova Gorica’s city center before hurrying back to the train station to make the picturesque return trip back to Bohinj.

Before You Go to Slovenia

• Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by  Columbia and  Reef . Kris prefers wearing these shoes by  Merrell  and  Sanuk .
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Europe . Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures, and is a slim and light weight budget camera ).
• Be sure to get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Slovenia by using our Trip Planning Printables !
• Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want a great day bag for all of your everyday travel items .
• It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign country! Make sure to have a good guidebook before arriving.
• If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Slovenia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Slovenia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Interrail Planner

Blog posts to help you plan the perfect Interrail trip.

An Interrailer’s guide to Ljubljana: what to do and where to go

Ljubljana, the charming capital city of Slovenia , is a hidden gem nestled between the majestic Alps and the picturesque Ljubljanica River. With its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and stunning architecture, Ljubljana offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure for intrepid Interrailers. If you’re planning to include Ljubljana on your Interrail trip, this guide will help you navigate the city and discover its hidden treasures.

Explore the Ljubljana Castle

No visit to Ljubljana is complete without a trip to the iconic Ljubljana Castle . Perched on a hill overlooking the city for the past 900 years, the castle – in particular the Outlook Tower – offers panoramic views that will take your breath away. You can either hike up the hill or take the funicular railway for a more leisurely ascent. Once at the top, explore the castle’s rich history, visit the museum, and enjoy a cup of coffee with stunning views from the castle café.

Wander through the Old Town

Ljubljana’s Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, is a delight to explore. Start your journey at Prešeren Square, the city’s main square, and admire the impressive Triple Bridge. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River embankments, cross the famous Dragon Bridge (pictured above), and discover the charming riverside cafes, boutique shops, and local markets. Don’t miss the Central Market, where you can sample local produce and traditional Slovenian delights.

Experience Tivoli Park

For a refreshing break from the urban hustle, head to Tivoli Park, Ljubljana’s largest and most beautiful park. This green oasis offers a tranquil escape with its vast lawns, tree-lined pathways, and enchanting flower beds. Take a leisurely walk, rent a bicycle, or have a picnic while enjoying the serene surroundings. The park is also home to several impressive art installations and the iconic Tivoli Castle.

Visit the Ljubljana Cathedral

A visit to Ljubljana wouldn’t be complete without seeing the magnificent Ljubljana Cathedral. Located in the heart of the city, this Baroque masterpiece impresses with its ornate interior, stunning frescoes, and intricate sculptures. Take a moment to admire the grand architecture, light a candle, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual sanctuary.

Embrace the Local Cuisine

Slovenian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Central European and Mediterranean flavors. Indulge in traditional dishes like potica (rolled pastry with various fillings), štruklji (rolled dumplings), and kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage). Explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene by visiting local restaurants, cafes, and street food markets. Be sure to try some locally produced wines and sample the famous Ljubljana honey, a true treat for food enthusiasts.

Immerse Yourself in Alternative Culture in the Metelkova District

For those seeking a vibrant and alternative side of Ljubljana, a visit to the Metelkova District is a must. Located just a short walk from the city centre, this former military barracks has been transformed into an autonomous cultural centre and a hub of creativity. The colourful and graffiti-covered buildings house art galleries, studios, clubs, and performance spaces. It is known for its underground music scene, where you can catch live concerts ranging from punk to electronic music. Take your time to wander through the labyrinthine streets, admire the street art , and soak up the alternative spirit that permeates the area. There’s also a cool hostel here called Hostel Celica , which is housed in a former prison.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CELICA ART HOSTEL (@hostelcelica)

Venture beyond Ljubljana

Ljubljana’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other captivating destinations in Slovenia. Take a day trip to the stunning Lake Bled, known for its turquoise waters and the picturesque Bled Castle perched on a cliff. Discover the enchanting Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest cave systems, or explore the fairytale-like Predjama Castle, built into a cliff face. These destinations are easily accessible by train or bus from Ljubljana.

Ljubljana, with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a unique experience and is a great addition to any Interrail trip. Ideal as a place to stop off between Austria/Hungary and Italy/Croatia! Start planning your Interrail trip using our Interrail planning tool now.

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Ljubljana, Slovenia

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If you’re visiting Ljubljana for the first time and wondering how to visit Ljubljana, our mini travel guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia is for you. From the history of Ljubljana to how to get around to where to stay and eat to Ljubljana attractions…this Ljubljana Travel Guide includes everything you need to know about the capital of Slovenia to plan a perfect Ljubljana vacation.

Visiting Ljubljana Travel Guide

s LOVE nia – the world’s most sustainable and greenest country has love in its name.

Hey! Even Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia has love in its name. Ljubljeni means beloved in Slovene.

How can you not feel LOVE when in Ljubljana 🙂

Ljubljana, the European Green Capital is an intersection of diverse epochs. A Roman city, Emona stood in place of Ljubljana about 2,000 years ago.

You can witness the ruins of Emona in contemporary Ljubljana.

Read Next: How to visit Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled

Where is Ljubljana in Slovenia?

Ljubljana is the capital and the biggest city of Slovenia. Located right in the center of the country, it stretches between Vienna (Austria) and Venice (Italy), at an intersection of the major ancient trade route that connects the northern Adriatic to the Danube region.

It lies at the intersection of four major motorways in Slovenia and thus, effortless access from any of the cities in Slovenia and neighboring countries.

How to Pronounce Ljubljana

Okay. I make sure to learn how to pronounce the name of the city or place I’m planning to visit (especially the tricky ones like Ljubljana and this ) because how would you feel if someone pronounces your or your city’s name wrong?

Terrible, right?

Ljubljana is pronounced as lyoo-blyah-nuh . More often than not, locals pronounce it as loo-blah-na skipping the J’s altogether. Listen here .

So, J’s in Slovenian are pronounced as Y’s in English . J’s make all the difference here!

The Legend of Ljubljana Dragon

The Ljubljana Dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana. You’ll see it everywhere…buildings, Ljubljana castle, bridges, wall art, even the car registration number plates…literally everywhere.

How did it become the emblem of Ljubljana? There are a few explanations for this.

The most interesting and popular legend about the origin of Ljubljana is that the city was founded by Jason , the Greek mythological hero. The story goes that he stole the golden fleece from King Aeëtes and fled with his fellow Argonauts aboard the Argo ship.

Journeying back home (Greece) across the Black Sea and up the Danube , Sava , and Ljubljanica rivers, they made a stop at Ljubljana Marshes , the monster’s habitat. Jason fought and killed the monster, called Ljubljana Dragon now.

Jason thus became the very first citizen of Ljubljana and the dragon found a place on the Ljubljana coat of arms.

Another story about how Ljubljana became the Dragon City has to do with Christianity. The wall murals at St George Chapel in the Ljubljana Castle showcase the saint killing the dragon.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Ljubljana?

You might. Many nationals need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. Read our Guide to Schengen Visa to know more.

Read More: Best things to do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

A smart traveler never set out without travel Insurance! Don’t forget to buy reliable travel Insurance.

Heymondo is our favorite when comes to comprehensive protection while traveling. They are the best in the industry!

Purchase a Heymondo policy with a 5% discount.

Best Time to Visit Ljubljana

The best time to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia is during the months of April , May , September , and October . These months of spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and lower accommodation prices.

We visited in July and it was too hot and too crowded to enjoy the city.

How Many Days in Ljubljana Should You Spend?

We were able to explore most of the must-see attractions in a day but yes it was a bit rushed.

If you want to go slow and are keen to discover the museums and galleries, set aside at least 2 days for the wonderfully cozy capital of Slovenia.

Getting to Ljubljana

Ljubljana’s strategically excellent position makes traveling to and from Central Europe, Western Europe, and the Balkans easy.

By Car or Bike

Traveling by car is the easiest, fastest, and most flexible way to travel. I’d recommend renting a car especially if you are traveling as a family.

We traveled to Ljubljana from Kranj in a rented car. It’s a quick 40-minute drive. You can take a detour to Škofja Loka if you have time.

Read our Guide to Renting a Car in Europe before you plan a European road-trip

Road Toll Vignette

Be aware that a road toll vignette is needed to drive on the Slovenian motorways and highways.

You don’t need a vignette If you drive the regional roads through quaint little villages and towns. Of course, the time to reach your destination will be doubled as the speed limit through village roads (50 km per hour) is nearly half that through motorways (130 km per hour).

Weekly, monthly, and annual vignettes are available for sale at all the petrol stations, most newspaper kiosks, some toll booths, shopping centers in Slovenia, and online . I’d recommend you purchase online or one just before entering Slovenia from a petrol station located in a neighboring country (the country you are exiting) close to the border. For more information, visit the website here .

Parking in Ljubljana

Like all other European Capitals, parking in Ljubljana is a hassle.

There are a number of parking garages, park & ride garages, and parking lots in Ljubljana. Street Parking in the center aka short-term parking has a limited parking time of a maximum of 2 hours.

We parked our car at a centrally located Congress Square parking garage. The parking cost is 1.20 Euros per hour for the first 3 hours and 2.40 Euros after 3 hours.

T he Ljubljana bus station, Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana has bus connections throughout Slovenia and to and from other European countries. Check their official website for routes and timetables.

The Ljubljana train station is next to the bus station at Trg Osvobodilne Fronte , a short walk from the center of the city. Local and International rail connections to and from Ljubljana are good.

There are direct train connections to Budapest, Graz, Salzburg, Vienna, Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Belgrade. For more information check the official website of Slovenian Railways (Slovenske Zeleznice).

Joze Pucnik Airport , Ljubljana’s main airport is 26 km away from the center. Adria Airways (Slovenian Airlines) serves affordable flights connecting Ljubljana with major European cities. Check Ljubliana Airport’s portal for the details .

We recommend Skyscanner and WayAway for the best flight deals.

Airport Transfers

There’s an hourly public bus service between the airport and the Ljubljana Bus Station daily that costs 4.10 Euros per person. Also, a less frequent private shuttle bus service is also available that costs anywhere between 9 Euros to 19 Euros.

A taxi from the airport to the city center can cost about 35 Euros to 40 Euros.

You Might Like: Kranj – A Hidden Gem in Slovenia

Getting Around Ljubljana

Ljubljana card.

With free admission to the city’s major attractions, museums, and galleries plus unlimited free travel on public transportation during the card validity period, Ljubljana Tourist Card can save you some Euros for sure.

You can purchase the card for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You get a 10% discount if you buy your card online.

Click Here to Buy a Ljubljana Card Online

Our favorite way to explore any place is on foot. And more so if the city is as compact as Ljubljana.

Ljubljana’s strong bus network connects the entire city and its surrounding areas. To use city buses you need to have the Urbana Card which you can buy from Ljubljana Bus Station, newspaper kiosks (trafika), tourist information centers, post offices, Bicikelj bike-sharing systems, and many other locations in the city. The city buses don’t sell the Urbana Card and don’t take cash either.

The card costs 2 Euros and needs to be topped up. A single bus ride fare starts from 1.20 Euros covers up to 90 minutes of journey and allows you to change as many buses as you can in that time period.

For more information check LPP’s official website.

Bicycle Hire

Cycling is our second most preferable way (walking being the first one) to explore the destination.

Ljubljana Tourism runs the Ljubljana Bike project that makes bicycle hiring easy. You can hire a bike from the Slovenian Tourist Information Center located at Krekov trg 10 .

The bike rental is 2 Euros for a 2-hour hire period and 8 Euros for a more than 2-hour hire period.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike from Bicike (LJ) which has a huge number of docking stations in Ljubljana city center.

The first hour is free, the second hour costs 1 Euro, the third hour costs 2 Euros, and each additional hour after 3 hours costs 4 Euros.

If you are to stay in Ljubljana, you can hire a bike for a full week by paying just the 1 Euro weekly registration fee.

You can save money by returning the bike after an hour and hiring a new bicycle again for an hour. Yes.

You can easily find a taxi in the city center, though the cost will be less if you book one over the phone.

Urban Electric Train

Urban is an environment-friendly train in Ljubljana that takes you on a circular tourist trail connecting famous tourist attractions. The tour starts at Town Hall and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Best Ljubljana Tours

What to do in ljubljana.

From Ljubljana Old Town with its beautiful squares, charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, art nouveau architecture, and cathedrals; to Ljubljana Castle; Views over Ljubljana from the castle and the rooftop of Nebotični Skyscraper; intriguing museums, to green urban spaces: Ljubljana has an overwhelming range of amazing things to see and do.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Pint-sized Ljubljana has an overwhelming number and variety of accommodation options to choose from.

Here are our recommendations for you-

Hotels in Ljubljana

City Hotel Ljubljana Art Hotel Adora Hotel Grand Hotel Union Hotel Cubo Hotel Nox

Hostels in Ljubljana

Hostel Celica Art Kva Hostel MS Sparrow Hostel Turn Hostel Hostel Vrba Hostel Tivoli

Apartments in Ljubljana

OH Apartments & Rooms Apartment EMA Apartment Central Station between Dragon and Triple Bridges Royal Vega Apartments Ljubljana’s Heart Alpino

Where to Eat in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a compact capital but there’s no dearth of great restaurants, cafes, bistros, pizzerias, and street food stalls.

Here are some of our favorites plus a few recommended by fellow travelers.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Ljubljana

Julija Restaurant

One of the best in Ljubljana Old Town, Julija is a mid-range restaurant with a great medieval ambiance that serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Slovenian touch.

Address: Stari trg 9, Ljubljana

Luxury Restaurants in Ljubljana

Manna Ljubljana

A nice place to enjoy Slovenian cuisine away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: Eipprova ulica 1a, Ljubljana

JB Restaurant Ljubljana

A great place for fine dining and a fancy meal. The restaurant was featured in San Pellegrino’s Top 100 World’s Best Restaurants list in 2010.

We didn’t get a chance to experience it but got recommendations from friends and relatives while we were planning our Slovenia trip.

Address: Mikloshicheva cesta 17, Ljubljana

Most Ljubljana

Great Food. Great Service. Great Location. A bit high-priced.

Address: Petkovshkovo nabrezhje 21, Ljubljana

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Taman Organic

This is our other favorite in Ljubljana. Taman serves fresh organic food only. Innovative food served with love. Seriously.

If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, you gotta give this place a try.

Address: Nazorjeva ulica 3, Ljubljana

Cheap Eats in Ljubljana

Pop’s Place

Great spot to have a quick bite. Pop’s Place = quality plus quantity both at decent prices. You can enjoy yummy burgers with fries and drinks in beautiful outdoor seating.

Address: Cankarjevo nabhrezhje 3, Ljubljana

If you love non-vegetarian food, you gotta visit here for their famous traditional Slovenian dish, Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) .

Address: Ciril-Metodov trg 15, Ljubljana

Abi Falafel

I had to visit here for two reasons – 1. I love falafel 2. I’d heard a lot about Abi Falafel

It lives up to its name. Such delicious and crispy falafel at such reasonable prices in such large quantity – couldn’t ask for more!

Address: Trubarjeva ceste 40, Ljubljana

Druga Violina

Durga Violina literally translates to Second Violin. This restaurant is special not just because of its food but also because of its noble gesture – they employ people with disabilities.

Address: Stari trg 21, Ljubljana

Best Pizza in Ljubljana

Pizzeria Foculus

Now, this is where you can eat the best pizza in Ljubljana. They have a great choice of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and gluten-free pizzas.

Address: Gregorchicheva ulica 3, Ljubljana

Verace Ljubljana

Verace has a great selection of pizzas, wines, and snacks. They are consistently rated high for their excellent services.

Address: Streliska ulica 22, Ljubljana

Ljubljana Street Food

Street Food BTC

BTC City apart from being a great shopping destination is an amazing food destination. Its open-air street food market with local and international delicacies attracts foodie travelers from all around the world.

The street food vendors offer anything and everything from burgers, and wraps, to international culinary ranges. There’s even a stand that sells vegan Indian food 🙂

Odprta Kuhna

Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen) is a food market where Slovenian chefs cook then and there and sell their Slovenian and other International delicacies on stalls.

The choice is varied from Slovenian to Japanese, Mediterranean, and European to fast food.

The market takes place every Friday from March until October. You can enjoy live performances with good food.

Address: Pogacharjev trg 1, Ljubljana

Bistro Ljubljana

Away from the crowds, located at the junction of Petkovškovo bank and Usnjarska Street overlooking the river, Ek Bistro is a lovely place to enjoy a good breakfast or just a cup of coffee or a glass of beer with snacks.

Address: Petkovškovo nabrezje 65, Ljubljana

Monstera Bistro

It’s the best in Ljubljana! We had a traditional Ljubljana breakfast here. Tasty food served tastefully.

Address: Gosposka Ulica 9, Ljubljana

Cafe Ljubljana

Le petit Cafe – Okrepčevalnica

Located in the charming quarter of Ljubljana, Le Petit is a great place for breakfast or brunch. We had a great cup of coffee with yummy cakes and croissants.

Address: Trg francoske revolucije 4, Ljubljana

Slovenska Hisa

Slovenska Hisa is a great place for drinks and appetizers with a nice seating area overlooking the river.

Address: Cankarjevo nabhrezhje 13, Ljubljana

Ljubljana Food Tours

Want to know the culinary scene of the place when you travel? Take a food tour!

What to Eat in Ljubljana

Barley Risotto or Beetroot Risotto @ Monstera Bistro

Real Gelato Ice-Cream @ Gelateria Romantika

Burek @ Nobel Burek

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) @ Klobasarna

Potica @ lePotičke

Prekmurska gibanica (Prekmurje layered cake) @ Gujžina Prekmurska Gostilna

Štruklji @ Moji Struklji

Have you ever been to Ljubljana? How did you like it? We’d love to hear from you.

Or Are you visiting Ljubljana sometime soon? Hope our travel guide to Ljubljana helps you plan a great trip. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help.

Recommended Reading: Renting a Car in Europe Schengen Visa for Europe How to Plan a Trip to Europe Best Things to do in Slovenia Magical Places to Visit in Slovenia 7 Days in Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary Best Things to do in Ljubljana Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia Lake Bled, Slovenia Kranj, Slovenia

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17 Perfect Day Trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia is one of these unique countries that offer diverse attractions for each taste yet are compact enough that you can see most of the best places even in a short time. In fact, you can visit some of the best attractions in Slovenia on day trips from Ljubljana. The capital city of Slovenia is centrally located and in many cases, you don’t need more than just one hour to reach destinations of the best Ljubljana day trips.

When planning your Slovenia itinerary you can base yourself in the capital and venture to the country for one-day excursions (and in the meantime enjoy all the best things to do in Ljubljana ). There are so many diverse options for day trips from Ljubljana: nature getaways, active things to do, historical towns and more so everyone should find something to fulfill their interests.

Starting in 2002 I visited Slovenia so many times I can’t count anymore. During most of my visits, I stayed in the capital and traveled around the country on day trips from Ljubljana. It was super easy and doable and I didn’t need to worry about carrying all my belongings with me.

The good thing about traveling in Slovenia is that the public transport is pretty decent there and you can get to the majority of places by bus or train (that’s how I travel too). If you are short on time and would like to see more attractions in a day then tours are your best options – there are plenty of them to choose from and they are a good value for money. You can also rent a car – click here for the best offers.

If you decide to use public transport you can check bus connections here and trains here . If you travel over weekends or public holidays you are lucky as tickets are crazy cheap then (like 2,50€ from Ljubljana to Bled). In this case, it’s better to buy the tickets on the bus/train station or from the bus driver as online you will get a regular, not a discounted price.

Table of Contents

Best day trips from Ljubljana

And now, without any further ado, here are the best Ljubljana day trips, with info on how to get there and the best tour options.

Lake Bled is probably the most popular day trip from Ljubljana and one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. It is very popular among tourists and it gets the hype for a reason. The picturesquely located lake, with the small island in the middle (where you can find the characteristic church), is one of the most known views in Slovenia but Lake Bled actually has more to offer (although taking the boat the island is one of the best things to do in Bled ).

You can walk around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery (the whole circuit is around 5 km) or hike to the viewpoint above the lake to see the most beautiful panorama of Lake Bled and surrounding mountains. Bled Castle, the oldest one in Slovenia (dating back to the early 11th century) is another must-visit place in Bled.

Don’t leave Bled without trying the traditional cream cake, invented in 1953 by a local confectioner. While you can get it in many cafes and restaurants around the lake, the best place to have it is in Cafe Belvedere which offers a spectacular view of Lake Bled and especially the island. The cafe, designed by the most famous Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, is located near Vila Bled, one of the former holiday houses of the leader of Yugoslavia – Tito.

Distance from Ljubljana : 55km How to get there : bus or tour Recommended tours from Ljubljana

• From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bohinj Trip with Vintgar Gorge
• Ljubljana: Slovenia Day Tour to Bled, Postojna, and Predjama
• Slovenia in One Day: Small-Group Day Trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana
• Lake Bled and Bohinj – Beyond the Alpine Lakes – Vintgar Ticket Included

Read more about Lake Bled: 13 Best Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Vintgar Gorge

Located only some 5 kms away from Bled, Vintgar Gorge is among the best natural attractions in Slovenia. The trail through the narrow gorge along the crystal-clear Radovna river goes for some 1,5 km offering beautiful scenery like from a fairy tale. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as you are surrounded by nature only (and other visitors since it’s a rather popular place).

Along the way, you will cross a few bridges above the river, in some places the path is literally glued to the rocks which makes the whole experience kind of thrilling. At the end of the trail, you will find the old railway bridge (still in use) from 1906 and the Sum Waterfall.

Once you are done with the gorge, you need to get back to the starting point – there are different routes of varying length and difficulty to take you there. Exploring Vintgar Gorge should take you around 2 hours, you can combine visiting the place with Lake Bled.

Distance from Ljubljana : 65km How to get there : tour Recommended tours from Ljubljana : see in the section about Lake Bled

Lake Bohinj

While the majority of people who visit Slovenia go to Lake Bled, there is an even more spectacular place located not too much further away that you can also get directly by bus from Ljubljana. Lake Bohinj is one of the most stunning places to visit in Slovenia, with crystal clear water and magnificent mountains surrounding it (or going directly to the lake on one side).

The main settlement on the lake is Ribcev Laz where you will find a picturesque small church on the lake shore and one of the favorite photo spots in the area – the ibex statue.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Lake Bohinj you can take the boat that will take you all the way across the lake to Ukanc from where you can take the cable car to Vogel mountain. Once on top you can go hiking in the area a bit or simply admire a breathtaking panorama of the Julian Alps, with Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) right in front of you.

Another place worth visiting near Lake Bohinj is a beautiful Savica waterfall – you need to walk up over 500 stairs to get there but it’s definitely worth the effort.

While many people combine the visit to Lake Bohinj with Lake Bled, I think this place deserves its own day trip from Ljubljana as there is so much to see and do there plus once you are done with the sightseeing you can simply relax at the lake and swim in the turquoise waters.

Distance from Ljubljana : 85km How to get there : bus or tour Recommended tours from Ljubljana : see in the section about Lake Bled

Read more about Lake Bohinj: 7 Amazing Things to do in Bohinj, Slovenia

Kranjska Gora

Another place that is worth going for a day trip from Ljubljana is Kranjska Gora. Even if the town is known mostly as a winter destination and the most popular place for skiing in Slovenia, there is plenty to see and do all year long. Kranjska Gora is located on the other side of the Julian Alps from Lake Bled and the views you can admire there are, in my opinion, even better than in the most popular destination in Slovenia.

The most stunning place in Kranjska Gora is Lake Jasna which in fact are two artificial lakes, surrounded by mountains. You can wander around the lake or sit down in one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy the breathtaking views around. A few kilometers away from Kranjska Gora you will find Zelenci Nature Reserve, yet another stunning place offering spectacular views of the emerald green water and the majestic Alps in the background.

And a little bit further you can visit Planica ski center with the largest ski flying hill in the world, the place where world records in ski jumping are scored.

Distance from Ljubljana : 85km How to get there : bus or tour Recommended tours from Ljubljana :

• From Ljubljana: Guided Day Tour to Soča and Kranjska Gora
• From Ljubljana: Triglav National Park Tour
• Soča Valley Tour & Kranjska Gora Valley Tour

Read more about Kranjska Gora: 9 Wonderful Things to Do in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

The small town of Radovljica is on the way from Ljubljana to the Alps yet not many tourists stop there. But the place is definitely worth a visit and you might even spend a few hours exploring all Radovljica has to offer.

The town dates back to medieval times and the architecture from that period is still well-preserved. Once you enter the Old Town you will feel like you traveled back in time.

The biggest attraction of Radovlijca is two great museums: of gingerbread and beekeeping. The second one is especially interesting since it’s among the best museums of that kind in Europe, showing the history and the whole process of honey production. Even if you think you are not interested in beekeeping you should still give this museum a chance, I bet you will be impressed (just like I was).

Distance from Ljubljana : 50km How to get there : train, bus or tour Recommended tour from Ljubljana: Lake Bled and medieval town of Radovljica with lunch

Located less than 30 km away from the capital, Kranj is one of the easiest day trips from Ljubljana, with frequent trains and buses connecting the cities.

The city was first mentioned in 1256 and over centuries it played an important role in the region. Today you can wander around the charming old town, visit the 14th-century St. Cantianus and Companions Parish Church (and go to the bell tower for the best views of the city and surroundings), visit the Kieselstein Castle, or explore the tunnels under the old town.

You can combine a day trip to Kranj with visiting Radovljica or Skofja Loka.

Distance from Ljubljana : 30km How to get there : train or bus

Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka is another picturesque town located not far from Ljubljana (25 km away) that is worth visiting. This is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, first mentioned in 973, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. Indeed, once you enter the Old Town it feels like time has stopped there.

Skofja Loka is really charming, with winding lanes and details that remind of the long history of the place. The castle towering above the town, originally from the 13th century, is home to the museum where you can learn more about Skofja Loka and the place from where you can admire nice views of the area.

Distance from Ljubljana : 25km How to get there : bus

Velika Planina

Velika Planina, the plateau settlement in Kamnik Alps, is located some 35 km away from Ljubljana and I believe this is one of the most underrated places to visit in Slovenia.

Getting all the way to the plateau is a bit challenging but worth all the effort. From the parking lot in Kamniška Bistrica, you need to take the cable car and then switch to the chair lift. Once on top, you are free to explore the area and admire spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The main attraction of Velika Planina is the picturesque herders’ dwellings settlement, one of the largest in Europe. There used to be 140 cottages on the plateau (now less), all of them built in a traditional way and a similar style. On top of one of the hills, there is a small Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, originally designed in 1939 by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.

The cattle pasture season in Velika Planina takes place between June and September, that’s also when you can see shepherds at work, try traditional food (or see how it’s prepared), and visit the huts. But even if you are there outside of the season, you are still in for a treat as this place is simply mindblowing.

Distance from Ljubljana : 35km How to get there : car

Read more about Velika Planina: Velika Planina – the Underrated Highlight of Slovenia

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Of over 11 thousand caves in Slovenia, Postojna is the most famous and most frequently visited one. It is the second biggest cave in the world, with over 25 km of underground passages (although you won’t see all of them during your visit), and a major tourist attraction since the 19th century.

The electric train will take you some 4 km inside of the cave where you will start the sightseeing. You will spend around 1,5 hours underground and the temperature there is around 10C so better take some warm clothes with you.

The walking path to explore Postojna Cave is almost 2 km long and you will be surrounded by the spectacular scenery around you, with each hall different than the others. This is a really jaw-dropping place and no words can describe the beauty of the cave.

Once you are done visiting Postojna Cave, go to the Predjama Castle, only 10 km away. What makes it special is the unique structure since the castle is partially built into the cave. It dates back to the 13th century and impresses still today.

Distance from Ljubljana : 55km How to get there : tour Recommended tour from Ljubljana:

• From Ljubljana: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Tour
• From Ljubljana: Postojna Cave & Lake Bled Trip with Tickets
• Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Tour – Entrance Tickets Included
• Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave Tour from Ljubljana

Read more about Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle – highlights of Slovenia

Celje, the fourth largest city in Slovenia, located halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor, is often overlooked by tourists even if it offers plenty of attractions.

The biggest one is definitely Celje castle, towering above the area. It dates back to the 14th century and in the past was the seat of the Counts of Celje. It’s worth visiting the castle, especially for the beautiful views of Celje and its surroundings and to learn more about interesting legends connected with the place.

The Old Town of Celje is small but really charming, with the architecture from Austria-Hungary times, typical for Central Europe. Don’t miss the local museum focusing on the recent history of the city with a very interesting exhibition.

Distance from Ljubljana : 80km How to get there : train

Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, isn’t as popular among tourists as other destinations in the country but still offers numerous attractions that will keep you busy for a few solid hours. The city dates back to the 12th century and due to its location on the Drava river it’s always been an important trade center.

The center of Maribor is rather compact but really picturesque with winding lanes and beautiful Habsburg architecture. The riverside and its Lent district is the oldest part of Maribor where, among old remnants, you will also find numerous bars and restaurants and the oldest grapevine in the world that has been growing for over 400 years.

Since Maribor and the surrounding region are important wine areas you should try local wines or even visit one of the vineyards that are literally a walk away from the center. But the best thing about Maribor is its laid-back vibe of Central Europe at its finest.

Distance from Ljubljana : 130km How to get there : train Recommended tour from Ljubljana: From Ljubljana: Maribor, Ptuj & Heart of the Vineyards

Read more about Maribor: 15 Great Things to Do in Maribor, Slovenia

Skocjan Caves

Even if Postojna Cave is the most popular cave in Slovenia, Skocjan Caves located a bit further toward the Adriatic Sea are even more spectacular (at least in my opinion). The place is known especially for one of the largest underground river canyons in the world but the rest of Skocjan Caves offers even more attractions.

You can go for a tour into the caves but it is possible to do so only with a guide (and taking pictures inside is forbidden but it’s not so bad since you can solemnly focus on the place). The first part of the tour goes through the most spectacular part of the caves and you will be walking around with your jaw-dropped. This place is simply mind-blowing and the grandness of the place takes your breath away. The most exciting part of the tour was crossing the underground bridge hung some 50 meters above the Reka river.

This part of the tour takes around 1,5 hours and you will cover 2,5 km (including 400 stairs). Once you are done with the underground part of the tour you can explore the area on your own – there are a few designated routes to choose from, with different levels of difficulty and time needed.

Don’t also miss the viewpoint in the upper part, not far from the visitors’ center – it will give you a great overview of the area. Skocjan Caves were granted the title of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Distance from Ljubljana : 80km How to get there : train or tour Recommended tour from Ljubljana: Ljubljana: Karst & Coast Full-Day Trip

Read more about Skocjan Caves: A Complete Guide to Visiting Skocjan Caves, Slovenia

The seaside

The Slovenian coast is rather small, with only 47 km of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, but it’s definitely scenic and worth seeing.

The most beautiful town is Piran, nestled on the small peninsula. The place was under Venetian rule between the 13th and 18th centuries hence you can feel the distinctive Italian vibe there (and find numerous remnants from that time in the details around). Piran offers plenty of attractions, mostly around the picturesque Old Town and City Walls, and you will need a few hours to see them all.

Not far from Piran you can visit local salt pans and, a bit further towards Isola, impressive white cliffs. Koper, the main town of the seaside, is often overlooked by tourists for its industrial look but it also has a charming Old Town that hides numerous gems – a testimony to its long history of the place.

On the way to the seaside, shortly before Koper, you should visit the 16th-century walled church in Hrastovlje with the unique wall painting of “Danse Macabre” (Dance of Death).

Distance from Ljubljana : 120km How to get there : train (to Koper), bus or tour Recommended tour from Ljubljana: see the section about Skocjan Caves

If you are looking for a more active day trip from Ljubljana, with a real adrenaline rush, head to Bovec. The town is located in the Julian Alps and is known as the Slovenian capital of adventure.

You can try all sorts of adrenaline-based activities here: rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, or zip line, just to name a few. Just like everywhere else in the Slovenian Alps, you can also go hiking and admire here some really spectacular views, including the crystal-clear waters of the Soca river (which is so emerald here it looks like it’s photoshopped).

Distance from Ljubljana : 130km How to get there : bus

Vipava Valley

Vipava Valley is one of the most popular and best wine regions in Slovenia, located only around 1-hour drive from Ljubljana. If you are a wine connoisseur you should definitely include it in your Slovenia itinerary.

Due to the microclimate, the fruits grow here much better and as a result, you can enjoy amazing wines and preserves. There are numerous family-owned wineries in the region that you can visit and learn more about the local produce.

Vipava Valley is very scenic and kind of idyllic, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, to rest and enjoy the surrounding nature and views. One of the best ways to explore the area is by bike.

You can combine visiting Vipava Valley with another wine region in Slovenia, located a bit further away – the Brda region.

Distance from Ljubljana : 80km How to get there : bus or tour Recommended tour from Ljubljana: WINExPEDITION: Vipava Valley & Goriska Brda

Zagreb, the capital and the largest city in Croatia, is only 150 km away from Ljubljana, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Even if the majority of tourists focus on more popular, seaside places to visit in Croatia , Zagreb is a wonderful city that shouldn’t be missed.

The capital of Croatia can be enchanting with beautiful and impressive architecture, great museums, a vibrant atmosphere, and some really cool alternative spots. Even if there are many amazing things to do in Zagreb , you can easily cover the basics in one day as the majority of attractions are centrally located, not too far from each other.

One of the must-visit places in Zagreb is the quirky and unique Museum of Broken Relationships, the only institution of that kind where regular people from all over the world donated random artifacts that tell the story of their broken relationships. You can get to the museum by the funicular, one of the shortest in the world where the ride takes exactly 64 seconds.

But the best thing to do in Zagreb is to just wander around and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the city.

Distance from Ljubljana : 150km How to get there : bus or train

Read more about Zagreb: 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Located literally right at the border with Slovenia, Trieste is one of the most important cities in northern Italy with a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. However, for centuries the city was under Austrian rule and this influence shaped Trieste which you can still see and feel today. The place became part of Italy only in the 20th century and the multicultural past is clearly visible in the architecture, vibe, and even the local dialect.

Trieste is also a really beautiful city with numerous attractions, such as Castello di San Giusto (the best place to admire the panorama of Trieste and beyond), stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia (the heart of the city) or the waterfront. The center of Trieste is really compact so you can easily see all the main sights.

After the sightseeing sit down in one of the many historical cafes that Trieste is known for.

When reaching or leaving Trieste, be sure to also stop at the beautiful 19th-century Miramare Castle or the impressive Grotta Gigante cave, both located just outside of the city.

Distance from Ljubljana : 100km How to get there : bus or train

Read more about Trieste: 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Trieste, Italy

Map of the best day trips from Ljubljana

To give you an overview of all the best places you can visit as day trips from Ljubljana, here is a map with all the destinations mentioned above:

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Ljubljana

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Slovenia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

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• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Slovenia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Balkans Rail Adventure

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• See many of the nations of Former Yugoslavia
• Visit seven cities and discover their varying history
• Ride one of the most stunning train rides in Europe
• Admire the scenery, waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice
• Introduction
• Day 1 Join trip in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Day 2 Explore Ljubljana on foot, chance to visit Lake Bled
• Day 3 Free morning in Ljubljana, train to Zagreb, Croatia, walking tour of Zagreb
• Day 4 Visit Plitvice National Park
• Day 5 Travel to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Day 6 Walking tour of Sarajevo, chance to visit Tunnel Museum
• Day 7 Scenic rail trip to Mostar and walking tour of the city
• Day 8 Visit Old Town Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor en route to Podgorica
• Day 9 Scenic bus and train journey to Belgrade, Serbia
• Day 10 Excursion to Novi Sad, traditional Serbian barbeque dinner
• Day 11 Walking tour of Belgrade, drive to Skopje, North Macedonia
• Day 12 Orientation tour of Skopje, traditional Macedonian dinner
• Day 13 Train to Bitola and visit to the ancient city of Heraclea
• Day 14 Journey to Ohrid with afternoon boat ride on the lake
• Day 15 Visit to Mavrovo National Park en route to Pristina, Kosovo
• Day 16 Trip ends in Pristina, Kosovo

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services
• Optional Extras

Where You'll Stay

Operated by explore.

We've been taking small groups on adventure holidays for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the worlds most trusted adventure travel companies with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travellers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline; self-guided journeys small group trips or Private Tours; there is something for every kind of traveller with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.4
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Excellent 4.3
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 3.9
• Tour Operator Explore! 4.5
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• A Janice · November 7th, 2023 Good trip, but the location of hotels it required use of taxis to sightsee or go to dinner. This was a first for me with Explore trips. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Regine · October 4th, 2023 Slovenia, Northern Croatia and North Macedonia were definitely the best. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Elizabeth · September 29th, 2023 We always think of experiencing the unexpected as our highlights -so definitely the train journeys especially from Podgorica to Belgrade - Ljubljana,Sarajevo and Skopje all unexpected sights - the amazing mosaics at Heracles,the beautiful Lake Ohrid and... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Pamela · September 26th, 2023 There were many amazing places. I would have loved to spend more time at Lake Ohrid and to have seen more of Pristina. I could happily sacrifice the interruption of time in Dubrovnik which is massively touristy and over exploited Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A David · September 22nd, 2023 Hearing varied takes on history from local guides in the different countries of former Yugoslavia. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Barbara · September 19th, 2023 Our tour leader Jane was excellent and his organisation was very reliable. Bus travel and most train travel comfortable. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Jon · August 31st, 2023 The journey from Bitola to Ochrid and the lakes. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Deborah · August 30th, 2023 I don't have a highlight of the tour. It was an interesting tour, the guides were very knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Interesting to see each guides take on the history of their country. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• MR Marcella · August 28th, 2023 Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I've completed a number of group tours as a solo traveller, this has been one of the best. Yanne was our excellent tour guide who in conjunction with local guides in each country gave us an lived experience into the... Show more Trip date: August 2023
• A Susan · August 28th, 2023 A chance to see the lakes, national parks and places I would not have got to if I had been travelling independently Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Explore!

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How to Get to the Castle

Quickly and comfortably on the funicular railway? On foot along the ancient or newer walking paths leading from the squares Vodnikov trg, Stari trg or Mestni trg? Perhaps by bike? The foot of the Castle Hill can be reached by a Ljubljana public transport (LPP) bus. To make the decision easier, we present the various options for accessing the Castle Hill.

Funicular Railway

The most comfortable and picturesque route to the Ljubljana Castle is a ride in the funicular railway. It is just a few steps from the bus stop to the funicular. Walk past the Puppet Theatre in Krek Square (Krekov trg) and you will find yourself in the lower funicular station. From there to the castle a short but scenic ride with stunning views awaits you.

Nearest bus stop: Krekov trg, Zmajski most Bus no. 2, 13, 20.

The "Urban" Tourist Train

Ljubljana’s “Urban” electric train offers an attractive circular tourist route that links the city’s major landmarks from the City Hall to the Ljubljana Castle, including Špica (near the entrance to the Botanical Gardens), the Trnovo Pier, the Plečnik House in the Krakovo district, the Roman wall, Križanke, the renewed main street Slovenska cesta, Congress Square, parliament and the inner city street Prešernova cesta. The timetable and further information can be obtained at this link .

Walking Paths

1. via the path študentovska pot.

Walk to the Central Ljubljana Market in Vodnik Square (Vodnikov trg), and from there take the path Študentovska pot, which will take you up to the Castle Hill. It is a pleasant ten minute walk to the castle, during which you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful streets, houses and markets of the Old Town.

Nearest bus stop: Krekov trg, Zmajski most Bus no. 2, 13, 20

2. Via the alley ulica Reber

From the bus stop in the Upper Square (Gornji trg), head in the direction of the Old Square (Stari trg) and cross Levstik Square (Levstikov trg). After 150 metres, turn into a narrow alley called ulica Reber, whose steps wind there way between the houses, gradually ascending towards the castle. After another 150 metres, turn left into the path Mačja steza, which will take you to the walls of the Ljubljana Castle in just a few minutes.

Nearest bus stop: Gornji trg Bus no. 2, 3, 3B, 3G, 11, 27

3. Via the street Ulica na grad

From the bus stop in the Upper Square (Gornji trg), head across Levstik Square (Levstikov trg) to the street Rožna ulica, and from there past the Church of St Florian, straight towards the street Ulica na grad. After 100 metres, turn right onto the street Osojna pot or the path Osojna steza, and with just 10 minutes of moderate walking in the shade of the trees you will reach the castle entrance.

4. Via the path Lutkarska pot

From the bus stop, go past the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, up the stairs of the Lutkarska pot (Puppet Trail) and past the house on Stolba. From there to the Castle Courtyard is just a 10-minute walk along a forest path.

Following the motto “healthy mind in a healthy body”, you can also visit the Ljubljana Castle by bicycle. Ride along the street Streliška ulica and turn uphill into the street Cesta slovenskih kmečkih uporov. From there, you will have a one kilometre ride on an asphalt road, ascending about 70 m to the castle entrance.

Riding a bicycle in the Castle Courtyard is not allowed, but you can fasten your bicycle to the stand in front of the castle entrance.

If you do not have a bicycle, you can rent one in Ljubljana via the self-service  BicikeLJ bicycle rental system  or via the  Ljubljana Bike project .

Access for Physically Disabled Persons

Independent visits to the Ljubljana Castle (individuals)

You can reach the Ljubljana Castle by funicular or by your own means of transport. Physically disabled persons have access to the following facilities and spaces:

• the funicular railway and the main entrance to the Ljubljana Castle;
• the Info Centre;
• the Castle Courtyard with a tactile model of the castle;
• Object M – two levels are accessible: the Castle Coffee House and part of the Rock Hall, including the toilets;
• the Pentagonal Tower;
• the Palatium and the Estates Hall (when events are taking place);
• the Permanent Exhibition of Slovenian History – upper level;
• the Restaurant Na gradu (beneath the arcade);
• the Strelec Restaurant;
• the Souvenir Shop.

Visits to the Ljubljana Castle by Prior Arrangement (groups)

By prior arrangement, we can provide a  special guided tour  of the castle for groups of up to eight physically disabled persons.

In addition to the listed access routes, you can use  Google Maps  to plan your visit to the Ljubljana Castle.

Plan Your Visit

How to get to the Castle

Quick links

• Tripadvisor

Number of visits

• 115508 / Number of visits 2024
• 1190229 / Number of visits 2023

Current Weather

© 2024 Ljubljanski grad

The Unknown Enthusiast

11 Unforgettable Day Tours from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Looking for the best day tours from Ljubljana? I’ve got some fantastic options for you – keep reading!

If you’re visiting Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital city, you absolutely must take a few days to leave the city and visit some of Slovenia’s incredible towns and nature locations nearby.

And while you can rent a car and do a road trip through Slovenia, the good news is that Slovenia is small enough, and Ljubljana is almost exactly in the center of the country, that it is extremely easy to just base yourself out of Ljubljana and do a series of day tours and have a fantastic experience.

In this post, we’re sharing the very best day tours from Ljubljana. No need for a rental car, no need to deal with parking or logistics. Just hop on a guided tour and immerse yourself in Slovenia’s charm.

All of these tours are small group and highly rated, and take you to some of my absolute favorite places in Slovenia, as well as some bucket list spots in nearby countries.

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help keep this site running. Thank you so much for your support!

My Top 3 Picks: Day Tours from Ljubljana

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Triglav National Park ✔️Drive through Vrsič pass ✔️ Soča River rafting ✔️ Hike to Pericnik Waterfall

Lake Bled + Vintgar Gorge ✔️ Bucket list location ✔️ Vintgar Gorge experience ✔️ See the medieval Bled Castle

Skocjan Cave s ✔️ Škocjan Caves exploration ✔️ Visit to Piran ✔️ Visit to Socerb Castle

11 Best Day Tours from Ljubljana

1. triglav national park.

⭐ Ratings : 4.85 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

Triglav National Park has many of Slovenia’s most stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and mountains, and this small group, full-day tour takes you to some of the very best spots.

You’ll stop by Lake Bled to admire the views, then visit the Pericnik and Kozjak waterfalls (two of my favorite waterfalls in all of Slovenia), see the gorgeous Soca River and the Great Soca Gorge . You also have the option to add on a white water rafting excursion on the emerald-green Soca River, which you definitely need to do!

You’ll also drive up the 25 switchbacks of the Vrsic Mountain pass (see cover photo for this post), see the Russian Chapel , stop at the peaceful and picturesque Zelenci Nature Preserve , and finally visit the alpine Lake Jasna , surrounded by mountain peaks.

Truly, these are some of my favorite destinations in Slovenia, all combined into an unforgettable day tour from Ljubljana.

Such a great day! Small group with great vibes. Our guide, Nika, was informative, thoughtful, knowledgable, and a very proud Slovenian! My exhaustion at the end of the day was the best kind. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – julie, tour review

👉 Check prices and book a tour to Triglav National Park here

2. Lake Bled + Vintgar Gorge

⭐ Ratings : 4.81 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 9 hours 30 minutes

Lake Bled is an absolutely fairytale location, and is truly a must-do day trip from Ljubljana. This gorgeous blue lake has a small island with a church in the center of it, and several things to see and do around the lake.

On this tour , you’ll start at the Bled Castle , an interesting medieval castle that overlooks the lake from a cliff. You’ll go out on a traditional pletna boat on the lake to visit the island, where you’ll have some time to explore and visit the church, and thereafter some free time in Bled.

You’ll also visit the Vintgar Gorge , a magical canyon with tall walls, a river running down the middle, and a boardwalk through the gorge where visitors can walk through. The Vintgar Gorge is a top highlight for anyone visiting the Lake Bled area.

You’ll finish the day at nearby Lake Bohinj , the largest lake in Slovenia, surrounded by tall mountains, before heading back to Ljubljana. Lake Bled is just 45 minutes from Ljubljana.

Great itinerary with the right amount of time spent at each stop. Interesting and thoughtful guide (Rocco) who provided water and umbrellas. Would recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – ALEXANDRA, TOUR REVIEW

👉 Check prices and book a tour to Lake Bled here

3. Postojna Cave + Predjama Castle

⭐ Ratings : 4.80 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 6 hours

A visit to the Slovenian cave systems is one of the most popular day tours from Ljubljana! This small group tour is led by a knowledgeable and engaging Slovenian local who shares stories and information about the country as you drive from Ljubljana out to the caves in the countryside.

You’ll first visit Postojna Cave , where you’ll take an open-air train ride deep into the cave system. A guide takes you along the route, sharing stories and pointing out notable features.

You’ll walk through the series of beautiful grand caverns filled with really fun features – stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes on various levels throughout the room, bridges, and tunnels.

Postojna Cave is also famous for their cave dragons – albino amphibians (like a salamander) that live solely in the waters of the cave. You’ll be able to observe 5-6 of these dragons that live in an aquarium at the end of the tour.

After Postojna Cave, you’ll drive 10 minutes to nearby Predjama Castle , which has some cave features and is built into the side of a cliff ! You get to explore the castle and learn its history, and even visit some of the caverns in the rock behind and adjacent to the castle.

These caves are about 1 hour from Ljubljana, you get to skip the line, and all entrance fees are included in the price, making it a really good value.

Great day exploring the beautiful and intriguing castle and incredible caves! The caves were spectacular, not to be missed with a guided tour. Igor our tour guide was brilliant, giving us lots of history of Ljubljana and Slovenia on the journeys making it very interesting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – ELISABETH, tour review

👉 Check prices and book a tour to Postojna Cave here

4. Skocjan Cave

⭐ Ratings : 4.87 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 10 hours

An alternative to visiting Postojna + Predjama is instead to visit Skocjan Cave , This 8-person tour from Ljubljana takes you out on a full-day adventure to visit Škocjan caves.

Skocjan Cave , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is very different from Postojna Caves, as there are fewer stalagmites and stalactites and cave formations. Instead, you get to walk on a cliffside path in a massive cavern with towering walls and a river rushing down below. You’ll cross a bridge spanning the gorge , and it all gives big Lord of the Rings vibes.

After the cave, you’ll continue on to the coast to enjoy a blissful afternoon by the sea in Piran. Note that admission fees are not included in the tour price.

Skocjan cave is something out of this world. I never expected it to be so beautiful. Piran is a beautiful town with blue water. Our guide Nina was terrific. She gave us a little extra time to enjoy a nice lunch. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – vera, tour review

👉 Check prices and availability here

5. Wine Tour in the Vipava Valley

⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 7 hours

The western region of Slovenia south of Triglav National Park is known as “ Slovenia’s Tuscany ,” and is filled with vineyard after vineyard after vineyard . The area is incredibly rural and not highly trafficked at all, and tiny villages are perched at the top of rolling hills, with rows of vines spread out in the hills and valleys beneath. It’s a breathtaking, idyllic part of the country… that also happens to make extremely good wine.

On this small, 8-person tour , you’ll travel with a sommelier guide, visiting two unique wineries and cellars in the Vipava region. You’ll learn about wine-making, walk through vineyards, and of course, sample a lot of wine varieties, with charcuterie snacks to go with it.

This is an excellent, top-rated tour with a lot of attention to giving you the best experience.

Absolutely brilliant! Hands down the best wine tour we’ve ever been on. Boris is an amazing guide, loves everything about Slovenia and doesn’t know what a small measure is! Would highly recommend – the wine, experience, guide and locations are all winners! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – helen, tour review

👉 Check prices and book your spot here

⭐ Ratings : 4.70 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 9 hours 30 minutes

Piran is Slovenia’s beautiful coastal, pedestrian-only city on the Adriatic Sea. It is filled with Venetian architecture, a charming harbor, waterfront walkways next to clear water, colorful buildings, and narrow winding streets.

On this tour , you’ll go on a sightseeing tour with your guide through the adorable city, seeing the top sites and learning about the history of the town. You’ll visit the Church of St George + Bell Tower (for incredible views), walk along the old city walls , and stop in Tartini Square , the expansive main square in town.

After the guided tour, free time is given to explore the rest of the city, stop by the beach, walk along the seafront promenade, take in the sights of the harbor , and see the Piran lighthouse. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat some traditional food at one of the restaurants along the promenade!

At the end of the day, you’ll stop by the Lipica Stud Farm , where highly bred Lipizzaner white horses are kept and trained.

Piran is just 1.5 hours from Ljubljana.

A lovely day trip to Piran and Lipizza stables. The guide was very friendly, flexible and shared very much interesting information. Definitely worth of visiting! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – elina, tour review

👉 Check prices and book a tour to Piran here

7. Logar Valley

⏳ Tour Time : 7 hours

The Logar Valley is part of an oft-overlooked mountain range in north-central Slovenia, that has long, narrow valleys filled with meadows and forests that end in tall, towering mountains.

The Rinka waterfall is a must-see attraction here, and there are several scenic hikes through the valleys, or more intense hikes up into the mountains. Biking through the hills and valleys is also a popular activity here, or you can always just relax and enjoy the views.

This tour is a private tour , meaning you can customize your day in Logar exactly how you want.

👉 Check prices and book a tour to the Logar Valley here

8. Maribor and Ptuj

⭐ Ratings : 4.60 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 9 hours 30 minutes

Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city, located on the eastern edge of the country, and Ptuj is a small town just 30 minutes from Maribor. Both cities are incredibly charming, and you’ll see a lot of really pretty architecture from when Slovenia was part of the Austrian Empire.

In Maribor you can visit the Glavni Trg Square and Slomskov Trg Square , the Stari Most Bridge for views over Old Town, and the Lent riverside neighborhood. There’s also the Maribor Castle Museum , and the oldest vine in the world (which is over 400 years old and gated off on a street by the river)

Ptuj (pronounced p-too-ee) is *so* quaint and charming, and has beautiful, colorful buildings with decorations and ornamentations around the facades. Ptuj also has a cool castle on the hill above town that you can visit. You’ll also enjoy all the picturesque vineyards around Ptuj.

This tour is definitely in the region of Slovenia that most people don’t visit, so you’ll be with very few other tourists in these cities. Maribor is 1.5 hours from Ljubljana.

Very special trip with the best guide Primo! Very well explanations about every small part of the trip in Maribor, Ptuj. We have enough time to relax and enjoy with the guide and with other travelers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – nofar, tour review

👉 Check prices and book here

9. Venice , Italy

⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

The romantic city of Venice is on just about everyone’s bucket list, and Venice is only 2.5 hours from Ljubljana – who can pass that up?

The private (only you and your group) tour to Venice includes transportation to the city, and a guided tour of some of the main sites, such as St Mark’s Square , the Doge’s Palace , and Rialto Bridge .

You will also have free time to explore on your own, but since it’s a private tour, the exact itinerary is up to you. You’ll have about 7 hours total to explore Venice, walking the narrow alleyways and crossing bridges, finding charming viewpoints of the canal, and going on a gondola ride.

The guide, Janez, was fantastic! Great explanations for lots of interesting history and landmarks. Our whole group really enjoyed it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – bart, tour review

👉 Check prices and reserve your spot here

10. Trieste, Italy

⏳ Tour Time : 10 hours 30 minutes

Trieste , Italy is a coastal city just across the border of Slovenia, just north of Piran, and only 1 hour from Ljubljana. This Italian city was actually part of Slovenia until 1918, at the end of World War I, but it definitely has an Italian vibe – with Roman statues around the main square and, grand, colorful buildings throughout the city.

This private tour (that includes only your group), takes you on a guided tour around the main attractions of the city, including the Piazza Unita Square and Capitol Hill. Then, you’ll head about 15 minutes outside of the city to Miramare Castle , a gorgeous estate right on the water, filled with beautiful rooms, architecture, gardens, and seaside views.

👉 Check prices and availability for this tour here

11. Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia

Just south of Slovenia is the beautiful country of Croatia , which is home to the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park . This park has an Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes section, with walking paths and trails, waterfalls galore, and rivers and streams throughout the park. In total, there are 16 lakes in the National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your guide will provide transportation for your private group, and take you to all the best spots in the park, while providing interesting commentary of what you are experiencing. And of course, since this is a private tour , it’s flexible to what your needs and wishes are.

Plitvice Lake National Park is almost 3 hours from Ljubljana, so it’s a long day with a lot of time in the car, but you still have plenty of time to enjoy the park.

We had an exceptional experience hiking and exploring the Plitvice National Park! Our guide Dino was PHENOMENAL- incredibly knowledgeable not just about the parks but about the history of Croatia and so much more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – a tripadvisor reviewer, tour review

Combo Tours

The last tours on this list offer different combos of the destinations listed above.

Tour to All 3 Caves: Skocjan + Postojna + Predjama : This private tour takes you from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves and back, but since it’s a private excursion, you have the option to add on stops to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle as well, hitting up all three Slovenian caves in one day.

Lake Bled + Postojna + Predjama

This excursion combines a few different types of experiences – stunning Lake Bled, and then the popular Postojna cave and Predjama Castle, giving you two very different experiences on one day tour.

Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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The Man in Seat 61

Trains between European cities

Trains from ljubljana.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

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This page explains how to travel from Ljubljana to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

Before you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets .  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

European train travel FAQ

Buying train tickets for journeys within slovenia.

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Ljubljana to Pula for €19

Southbound Ljubljana to Pula.

All year, a train leaves Ljubljana at 14:25 every day, change at Divaca & at the border at Buzet, arriving Pula at 19:27.

Divaca-Buzet may be by bus.

Northbound Pula to Ljubljana

All year, a train leaves Pula at 14:56 every day, change at the border at Buzet and at Divaca, arriving Ljubljana at 20:04.

Buzet-Divaca may be by bus.

The trains are 2nd class only, no online booking, just buy at the station, no reservation necessary or possible.

A Pula Spezial ticket costs €19 one-way or €29 return.

You can check these times at the Slovenian Railways website potniski.sz.si .  The English version has disappeared so the Pula page takes a little finding!  Select Tujina then Hrvaška then Pulj (Pula).

Ljubljana to Lake Bled for €7

Trains to Lesce-Bled:   Trains link Ljubljana with Lesce-Bled every hour or so, taking 40 minutes (express) or 54-70 minutes (local).

Lesce-Bled station is on the main line to Villach, Salzburg & Munich, 3.8 km from the centre of Bled old town, 5.8 km from Bled Castle.

Check train times at the Slovenian Railways website potniski.sz.si .

Buy a ticket at the station, the fare is around €5

Tip:   Air-conditioned buses link the bus stop outside Lesce Bled station with Bled old town roughly every 20-35 minutes, journey time 9 minutes, fare around €1.30.  You can check times at arriva.si , Lesce ŽP = Lesce-Bled railway station.

Trains to Bled Jezero:  You can also travel from Ljubljana to Bled Jezero station, which is on a local line. 

Ljubljana to Bled Jezero takes 90-110 minutes with a train every 2-3 hours, change at Jesenice, fare around €6.60.  Bled Jezero is next to the lake, 2.5 km from Bled Castle, 3.5 km from Bled old town.  You can check current times and fares at potniski.sz.si .

Ljubljana to Zagreb from €9

Ljubljana to rijeka.

Trains run from Ljubljana to Rijeka twice a day at 08:30 (arriving Rijeka 11:12) and 15:20 (arriving 18:11).

The fare is €9 each way with a Reka Spezial fare, bought at the station.

Buy tickets at the station in Ljubljana.

Advance reservation isn't necessary so you can buy a ticket on the day & hop on, this will be much cheaper than buying a ticket from outside Slovenia.  The ticket office at Ljubljana is easy to find and English is widely spoken.

Ljubljana to London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam

Option 1, using comfortable daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich

The journey involves a simple cross-platform change in Villach from Slovenian/Croatian train to an Austrian one.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

For Paris, a direct TGV Duplex leaves Munich Hbf at 06:49 arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 12:33, see the Munich-Paris TGV video .  But by all means take a later train.

Option 2, using the comfortable sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Stuttgart

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

Option 3, using a comfortable sleeper train from Ljubljana to Zurich.

This comfortable sleeper train comes from Zagreb, with a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, see the Croatian sleeper video , highly recommended.  There's also a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments which is also comfortable and air-conditioned. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine.  There is lovely scenery along the Sava river between Zagreb & Ljubljana.

Option 4, using a Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam

The railjet train from Villach to Vienna has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the railjet travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna .

Tip:   If you have an onward sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ÖBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf , with free WiFi & complimentary refreshments.

Each of these comfortable Austrian Nightjet trains has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 5, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Salzburg to Paris & Brussels

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Ljubljana to Nice & the South of France

Ljubljana to zurich & switzerland.

Option 1, Ljubljana to Zurich by sleeper train

Option 2, Ljubljana to Zurich by day train

You can easily travel from Ljubljana to Zurich in a day:

Leave Ljubljana at 09:23 or Lesce-Bled at 10:03, change at Villach & Schwarzach-St.Veit, arriving Zurich HB at 19:20.

There's great scenery through Austria and then through the Arlberg Pass into Switzerland.

Fares start at €37.70 in 2nd class or €70.80 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Book from Ljubljana to Zurich at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

You print your own ticket.  You can book through to any Swiss station if you like.

You can also book at www.thetrainline.com , but in this case it gives you 3 separate tickets and costs more, oebb.at gives you a through ticket which guarantees your connections if there's a delay, and it's cheaper too.

Option 3, Ljubljana to Switzerland by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna

Stay overnight in Vienna .  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf ,  GraetzlHotel & Hotel Schani Wien .

Ljubljana to Trieste, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Ljubljana to Italy using the Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Bruck an der Mur by EuroCity train Emona, leaving Ljubljana at 16:05 and arriving Bruck an der Mur at 20:01.

The train has comfortable air-conditioned Austrian & Slovenian cars, most open-plan, some with classic 6-seat compartments.  There's an excellent Slovenian restaurant car (cash only), treat yourself to dinner.  Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.

Step 2, travel from Bruck an der Mur to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Bruck an der Mur at 21:21 every evening (the train comes from Vienna), with a portion arriving Verona Porta Nuova 05:51, Milan Rogoredo 07:42, Genoa Piazza Principe 09:38, La Spezia 11:10, another portion arriving Bologna Centrale 05:15, Florence 06:52 & Rome Termini 09:10.

Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Venice & Italy via Villach - a comfortable option, easily booked

Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Villach by express train, leaving Ljubljana at 07:26, arriving Villach at 09:07.

Venice to Florence or Milan start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, Ljubljana to Trieste & Venice - the historic direct route, with no need to pre-book

Ljubljana to Barcelona & Spain

Book from Ljubljana to Geneva at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  You print your own ticket.

The TGV Duplex passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey .

Book from Geneva to Barcelona at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and so on by high-speed train.

A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.

For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station.  Next morning direct high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.

Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it ) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up).  You print your own ticket.

Booking for Spanish trains normally opens only 60 days ahead , but this varies.  Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona.

Ljubljana to Berlin

Option 1, Ljubljana to Berlin in a single day - the scenic daytime option, usually cheapest

A restaurant car is attached to the Villach-Munich EuroCity in time for lunch.  There's beautiful scenery through the mountains across Austria.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets from Ljubljana to Berlin at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Option 2, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Budapest-Berlin sleeper

Fares start at €15 if you book online in advance.

Step 2, travel from Budapest to Berlin by EuroNight sleeper train Metropol , leaving Budapest Nyugati at 19:29 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 08:15.

Fares start at €49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €59 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, €79 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper with washbasin, €99 in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or €129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Prices per person per berth, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Vienna-Berlin sleeper - similar to option 2, but via Vienna and a little quicker

This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the railjet travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna .  Enjoy an evening in Vienna.

This comfortable nightjet has a Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed standard compartments with washbasin, three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, there's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in standard sleepers.  There are also 4 & 6 berth couchettes.  A light breakfast is included in the fare in both sleepers and couchettes.  See the nightjet sleeper train page for more photos, travel tips & information .

Option 4, Ljubljana to Berlin by daytime trains with overnight stop in Vienna

The Emona uses a mix of comfortable & spacious air-conditioned Austrian & Slovenian carriages with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor.  The Austrian cars have power sockets at seats, although the Slovenian ones don't.  Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.

Fares start at €23.30 in 2nd class or €32.60 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Ljubljana to Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg & Germany from €37.90

Option 1, Ljubljana to Germany by daytime trains

You'll find departures from Ljubljana to Salzburg Hbf & Munich Hbf at 07:24, 09:23, 15:27 & 22:08 (sleeper).

You'll find departures from Lesce-Bled to Salzburg Hbf & Munich Hbf at 08:17, 10:03, 16:17 & 22:53 (sleeper).

Be aware that if the Croatian/Slovenian train is late, the onward Austrian/German train will not wait.  However, you will have the protection of a through ticket and Villach to Munich trains run every couple of hours so you'll be able to take a later connection.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Germany using sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Munich & Stuttgart

Option 3, Ljubljana to Germany using a Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Cologne, Düsseldorf or Hamburg

Ljubljana to Vienna from €23.30

Option 1, Ljubljana to Vienna by direct EuroCity train Emona - the best option

Option 2, Ljubljana to Vienna, other connections - if the Emona doesn't suit you

There are various departures through the day with 1 easy change:

Leave Ljubljana at 05:23, change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf 11:36.

Leave Ljubljana at 07:24, change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf 13:36.

Leave Ljubljana at 09:23, change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf 15:36.

Leave Ljubljana at 11:35, change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf 17:36.

Leave Ljubljana at 15:27, change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf 21:36.

Ljubljana to Graz, Salzburg , Innsbruck & Austria

You'll normally find departures from Ljubljana to Salzburg Hbf at 07:24, 09:23, 15:27.  Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck .

You'll normally  find departures from Lesce-Bled to Salzburg Hbf at 08:17, 10:03, 16:15.  Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck .

Ljubljana to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia

Option 1, using the Ljubljana-Munich sleeper - fastest & most time-effective option

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Stay overnight in Copenhagen .  The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here .  Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel , First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).

Option 2, using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper

From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is operated by a new generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos .  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.

Fares start at €59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Ljubljana to Prague

Option 1, Ljubljana to Prague in a day via Graz

Step 1, travel from Ljubljana, leaving Ljubljana at 05:00 and arriving Graz at 08:22.

This is the air-conditioned EuroCity train Drava, with cafe-bar.

Step 2, travel from Graz to Prague by railjet , leaving Graz at 10:26 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 17:13.

If you'd like more time in Graz, there are later trains from Graz to Prague at 12:26 & 14:26.

The swish modern railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st & business class a steward takes food & drink orders and serves them at your seat.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Prague in a day via Villach & Vienna

Leave Ljubljana at 05:23, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Prague Hlavni 17:13.

Leave Ljubljana at 09:23, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Prague Hlavni 21:11.

Leave Ljubljana at 11:35, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Prague Hlavni 23:18.

Vienna to Prague is by railjet with a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st & business class a steward takes food & drink orders and serves them at your seat.

Buy tickets at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Prague using the Ljubljana-Munich sleeper - saves a hotel bill

Fares start at €16 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.  These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares so book ahead.

Book this at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.

Option 3, Ljubljana to Prague with overnight stop in Vienna

This comfortable EuroCity train has a Slovenian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner and a beer or two.  It takes the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna .

Ljubljana to Bratislava

Travel from Ljubljana to Vienna using any of the services shown in the Ljubljana to Vienna section , then hop on the hourly regional express train from Vienna to Bratislava Hlavna .  For example:

Leave Ljubljana at 05:23, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 13:26.

Leave Ljubljana at 07:24, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 15:26.

Leave Ljubljana at 09:23, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 17:26.

Leave Ljubljana at 11:35, change at Villach & Vienna, arriving Bratislava Hlavna 19:26.

Fares start at €28.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Important:  If travelling between 4 March & 14 December 2024, see the update here .

Ljubljana to Budapest from €16

Option 1, Ljubljana to Budapest by early morning train

An excellent air-conditioned InterCity train called the Drava leaves Ljubljana at 05:00 every day, arriving Budapest Keleti at 13:44.

This train uses modernised air-conditioned Hungarian carriages with open-plan seating in both 1st & 2nd class.  A refreshment trolley is available, or bring your own picnic & beer or wine.  For most people, the Drava is a superior train to the Citadella described in option 2 - although some people prefer old-school compartments and opening windows.

It travels across Austria via Graz, enjoy the great scenery along the Sava river out of Ljubljana, and between Graz & Hungary.

Advance-purchase fares start at €39.40 in 2nd class or €51.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu , see my advice for using it .

Booking opens 60 days ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your phone.

Alternatively, because it crosses Austria you can also  book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Budapest by mid-morning train

A comfortable train called the Citadella leaves Ljubljana at 09:30 every day arriving Budapest Déli at 16:59.

The Citadella is composed of one modern Hungarian air-conditioned car with open-plan seats and several old-school Slovenian cars with 6-seat compartments, no air-con, but large opening windows.

Seat reservation is optional, so you can sit wherever you like.  The Citadella is 2nd class only, there's no catering so take your own picnic & beer or wine.  it's routed directly from Hungary into Slovenia.  Enjoy the great scenery along the Sava river out of Ljubljana.  Remember that it goes to Budapest Déli station , not Keleti, when arranging any connections.

Fares start at €16 if you book online in advance, 2nd class only.

Buy a ticket at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu , see my advice for using it .

Booking normally opens 60 days ahead .  You print your own ticket or show it in the MAV app on your phone.

The air-con open-plan Hungarian car is car 424.  The Slovenian cars are 421, 422, 423.  In theory, jegy.mav.hu allows you to add a reserved seat, de-select automatic reservation, then choose Termeskocsi (open-plan car), but the reservation usually fails.  Leaving automatic reservation selected works, but always seems to get you a seat in one of the Slovenian cars.  But you can always move to the Hungarian air-con open-plan car if you like.

Ljubljana to Belgrade, Sofia, Athens, Istanbul

Travel from Ljubljana to Belgrade by train, leaving Ljubljana at 08:30 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.

This train was suspended within Serbia due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.

It's 2nd class only, with two comfortable Serbian air-conditioned cars.  There's no catering car so bring your own food & drink. 

Ljubljana to Belgrade costs €29 or so bought locally.  It's easy to buy a ticket at the station, or you can simply pay on the train when the conductor comes round.  It cannot be bought online.  You can check train times using the journey planner at int.bahn.de .

Ljubljana to Warsaw, Krakow, Bucharest, Kyiv

Option 1, by morning train to Budapest, then sleeper train

Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw:  Take the sleeper train from Budapest Nyugati to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.

Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest:  Take the 19:10 sleeper train Ister from Budapest Keleti to Romania as shown here.

Option 2, by morning train to Vienna, then sleeper train

Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw:  Take the 23:10 sleeper train Chopin from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here .

Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest:  Take the 19:42 Dacia Express sleeper train from Vienna to Romania as shown here .

Step 2 for Lviv & Kyiv:  Take the 16:42 sleeper train from Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv as shown here.

Option 3, by afternoon train to Budapest, overnight stop, then daytime train

Step 2 for Brasov & Bucharest:  Take a daytime Intercity train from Budapest Keleti to Brasov or Bucharest as shown here .

Option 2, by afternoon train to Vienna, overnight stop, then daytime train

Stay overnight in Vienna .  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf ,  GraetzlHotel , Hotel Schani Wien .

Step 2 for Krakow & Vienna:  Take the 08:10 EuroCity train from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.

Hotels in Ljubljana

There are relatively few places near the station, so try somewhere towards (or in) Ljubljana's lovely old town.

I've stayed at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon myself, it's 13 minutes walk from the station, see walking map .  The City Hotel (is just 8 minutes walk, see walking map .  Both are great choices.

The excellent Hotel Slamic is just 11 minutes walk from the station with great reviews, but a little further from the old town than the other two, see walking map .

For something relatively inexpensive in the old town, try the Hotel Emonec , excellently located in the pedestrianised area, 13 minutes from the station, see walking map .

For something luxurious, the 5-star art nouveau-style Grand Hotel Union is in the old town and comes complete with swimming pool.  It's 10 minutes walk from the station, see walking map .

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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Red White Adventures

An epic day trip from ljubljana to lake bled in slovenia.

Lake Bled near Triglav National Park and the Juliana Alps is becoming one of the most popular destinations to visit in Slovenia. That’s why day trips from Ljubljana to Lake Bled are becoming more and more common. 

If you’re spending a few days in the capital of Slovenia and want to see some of Slovenia’s magical nature, beautiful lakes, castles, and a whole lot more, a day trip to Lake Bled is a must! You can easily spend multiple days exploring both Bled and Bohinj. But it’s also easy to go from Ljubljana to Lake Bled as a day trip. 

There are plenty of different ways to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled and public transport runs super often. Guided tours are also a very common way to see Lake Bled. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Table of Contents

Day Trip Guided Tours From Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Quick breakdown of your trip:

• 🚐 Book your Lake Bled tour on Viator or GetYourGuide
• 👩🏼‍⚕️ Make sure your adventures are insured with SafetyWing
• ☀️ Wear waterproof & eco-friendly sunscreen
• 📸 Bring your camera and get Insta ready
• 💦 Stay hydrated with a LifeStraw water bottle

If you’re spending a few days in Ljubljana and you’re looking for an easy way to explore Lake Bled for a day then a guided trip to the area is the best way to go!

When it comes to guided day trips to Lake Bled it’s going to be more expensive than doing it yourself but you don’t have to plan anything or do anything other than just showing up. You’ll get picked up in Ljubljana and dropped off at all the stops around Bled. It’s a super easy way to see the lake, especially if you only have one day. 

There are quite a few companies that offer similar tours and all of them have something unique to offer. It can get a little overwhelming to research all the different options, so we’ve done the work for you…

In this post, we have highlighted three guided day trips from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. All of them feature a similar itinerary. You’ll see most of the iconic spots around Lake Bled but each different tour will also offer something unique!

#1 Ljubljana: Slovenia Day Tour to Bled, Postojna, and Predjama

🚐 Book your Lake Bled tour here ⏰ Time: Full day (10 hours) 💸 Cost: €98

On this trip, you get the chance to discover three of Slovenia’s top attractions all in one day. You’ll get to experience the stunning Lake Bled. Hop on a traditional ‘pletna’ boat to explore the picturesque Bled Island.

Then you’ll hike up a fairly steep path up to Bled Castle and soak up the fantastic views overlooking the lake. After that, you’ll journey to the cliffside Predjama Castle, and explore the beautiful renaissance architecture of the historical fortress. 

Finally, take a mini-train into the mysterious Postojna Cave and take in the incredible natural cave formations.

This guided tour from Ljubljana is a fun way to really see a lot of different Lake Bled highlights. You can easily spend multiple days in Lake Bled. But at least this way you’ll get a taste of a few of the highlights!

#2 From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bohinj Trip

🎟️ Book your Lake Bled tour here (this tour is likely to sell out) ⏰ Time: Full day (9.5 hours) 💸 Cost: €85

Similar to the first tour, on this one you’ll stop by and visit the beautiful Lake Bled in the Julian Alps. You will wander by the lake and take in the views of the mountains. You’ll also get to see Bled Island which is located in the middle of the lake. Finally you’ll explore the medieval castle that is on top of a cliff overlooking Lake Bled.

Then you’ll make your way through the valley of Triglav National Park. Where you’ll discover our favourite place in Slovenia: Lake Bohinj. It’s a lot less crowded and touristy than Lake Bled. It also offers a bunch of amazing hikes like Mostnica Gorge and Savica Waterfall. 

This day trip from Ljubljana actually finishes off with a short hike up to Savica Waterfall. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the Bohinj area. You’ll also get the chance to try some local food in Bohinj before making the journey back through the valley and back to Ljubljana.

#3 From Ljubljana: Day trip to Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge

🎟️ Book your Lake Bled day trip here ⏰ Time: Full day (10.5 hours) 💸 Cost: €86

This is another easy-to-follow tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia! The adventure begins with a comfortable ride from Ljubljana to the beautiful resort town of Bled, located in the Julian Alps.

Here, we’ll journey up to the castle located on top of a cliff above Lake Bled. From the castle’s terraces, you’ll get breathtaking views of the lake and its tiny island. Then, you’ll board a traditional boat and sail across to the only true island in Slovenia (and it’s surprisingly very small).

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also walk along the wooden planks that make the viewpoint overlooking Vintgar Gorge and the River Radovna running through the canyon and ending at the beautiful Šum Waterfall.

After a delicious lunch at a typical Alpine restaurant, you’ll head to the glacial lake at Bohinj in Triglav National Park. Here, you can cool off with a swim or explore the lake by foot or canoe. 

Finally, this day trip from Ljubljana finishes with a visit to the well-preserved town of Skofja Loka . In Skofja Loka you can wander around the medieval town center, which is overlooked by a historic castle and monastery.

Do-it-yourself day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled 

Are guided tours not your thing but still want to explore the beautiful Lake Bled? Whether you prefer taking public transportation, renting a car, or driving your own, we’ve got a fun itinerary to keep you busy for a full day.

The best part is that it’s actually quite easy to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by public transport. Especially during the busy months of the year (spring through fall) buses and trains run almost all day.  You can read more about the different ways to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled here .

Arriving at Lake Bled

Once you arrive at Lake Bled you’ll be blown away by this incredible lake that has put Slovenia on the map of places to travel to. You’ll quickly notice the little island in the middle of Lake Bled which is known as Bled Island . This island is one of the reasons why Lake Bled has become so famous because it’s very unique!

There’s a good chance you’ve seen a picture of the famous Church of the Mother of God on the Lake before. Actually, later in this post, we have a little surprise and hike recommendation for you to do that offers the best views of Lake Bled and Bled Island.

Hike up to Velika Osojnica Viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled

Assuming you take the bus, we recommend you get off at the ‘Bohinjska Bela’ bus stop, not ‘Lake Bled’. It’s an extra 7 minutes by bus and two stops past the Lake Bled bus stop. There’s also free parking in the village if you go by car.

From there you can hike up to the Velika Osojnica Viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled. This hike was probably the highlight of our trip to this beautiful spot in Slovenia. Partially because this hike feels a lot more local and less touristy than the rest of the area, and partially because of the incredible views.

The reason we recommend getting off at the Bohinjska Bela bus stop is so you can do the hike from the back side where most tourists don’t go . You can read all about the Osojnica Viewpoint hike here.  

The hike takes you through a village, up through the forest, and then – out of nowhere – this incredible viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled and Bled Island comes into view. The best part is that we had the whole viewpoint to ourselves – probably because a lot of people either only go to Mala Osojnica Viewpoint or Ostrica Viewpoint.

But it’s worth going all the way to the Velika Osojnica Viewpoint because that’s where you truly get the best view of Bled and Bled Island.

After you take in the view, instead of doing the hike like we did and going back to the start you can actually continue down towards Lake Bled. You’ll end up coming down right at the foot of Lake Bled!

Try the local Lake Bled Cream Cake 

Once you get down from Velika Osojnica on the Lake Bled side, you’ll find a beautiful area of the lake where you can swim, relax, and sun tan. Next to the lake, there’s Restavracija Camping Bled where you can sit down and grab a bite to eat. 

They do everything from pizza and burgers to risotto and soup. Because of its location, this restaurant can get quite busy but it’s worth stopping by to at least try the “famous” Lake Bled cream cake . A little taste of heaven made by crust, custard, and cream is the best way to describe this cake. It is local to the area so it’s good to try when in Bled. It also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea. 

You can grab the cake and enjoy it on one of the picnic tables outside of the restaurant if the weather is good. There you’ll also get a great view of the lake! 

Go for a swim and relax by Velika Zaka beach at Lake Bled

Since time is limited it’s worth enjoying the west side of Lake Bled while you’re over here. Right next to the restaurant, there’s a nice little sandy beach (that does get busy) where you can suntan and even swim around in a blocked-off area in the lake.

On a warm sunny day, it’s so nice to chill and relax at Velika Zaka Beach. It’s a beautiful spot with a view of Bled Island and all of the Julian Alps behind Lake Bled. It’s a nice little stop on this do-it-yourself Lake Bled day trip!

Lake Bled boat trip to Bled Island

Right next to the beach, you can see a little boat rental right on Lake Bled . For €20 you can rent a boat or paddle board for an hour and row to Bled Island and back. You truly don’t need more than an hour to row to Bled Island, walk around the tiny little island, and go see Church of the Mother on God Lake. 

Then you can paddle your way back to the boat rental all in under an hour. You can easily rent a boat or paddle board for longer but with only the day to see everything around Lake Bled an hour should be plenty of time to enjoy the lake, get pictures, and see Bled Island!

Walk back around Lake Bled and grab some food

After hiking Velika Osojnica, trying some Lake Bled Cream Cake, relaxing by the beach, and visiting Bled Island it’s time to make your way to the touristy side of the lake. 

You can walk around the lake in either direction. We recommend going along the south side of the lake so you can stop at Restavracija Sova Bled . That’s where you can get a delicious Slovenian meal. It’s a little fancier and more expensive food but the view and the quality of the food are worth it. 

Another option (that’s only about 100 meters up the road) if you’re looking for something a little cheaper and very traditional, you can stop by Monika Poklukar . A cozy little local restaurant serving up all sorts of traditional dishes.

If you’re not hungry you can just enjoy the views and walk around the lake and take in all the views. There are plenty of restaurants on the main side of the lake where you can grab a bite to eat later.

Stop by the Heart of Lake Bled

Once you’ve finally made it back around the lake to the busier side of Lake Bled there’s one little stop on the lake that’s worth visiting. Right at the front of the lake, there’s a big red heart that’s facing the lake. It’s a really pretty viewpoint and a good spot to take a picture of Lake Bled.

It’s hard to say how busy it’s going to be since it is right in the heart (😉) of where most tourists and travellers go. If you’re lucky and can grab a picture without waiting too long then it’s worth it! 

Hike up to Bled Castle and enjoy the views

One of the last things to do on this day trip to Lake Bled is to visit Bled Castle up on the cliffs above the Lake. It’s probably the most touristy part of Lake Bled and for good reason, because it’s absolutely stunning.

You can follow this trail map from the Lake Bled Heart Viewpoint up to Bled Castle . It’s less than a 1 km walk up and shouldn’t take more than 25-30 minutes.

Once you’re up at Bled Castle you can either hang out and enjoy the views or you can buy a ticket to enter the castle.  You can learn more about Bled Castle here and even buy tickets online beforehand (€13 per adult).

As we mentioned before, it’s probably the most touristy area in Lake Bled but for good reason. That’s why we recommend going later in the day like this. The other option is to also go early in the morning before most people arrive but since we recommend the Velika Osojnica hike as the first thing we suggest you finish the day at Bled Castle.

And that’s it for this day trip! Once you’re done admiring the castle you can make your way back down and then either go for dinner or head straight back to Ljubljana.

Quick overview of a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

The do-it-yourself day trip to Lake Bled can be a little overwhelming since there’s so much to do and see. But if you follow this itinerary, we’re sure you’ll have a great time!

As we mentioned earlier, public transport runs from the early hours of the morning until late at night during the busier months (spring through fall). If you have a car then even better because then you are completely in charge of your own schedule.

To summarize and simplify, here’s our suggested itinerary for a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled:

• Drive or take a bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. If you take the bus remember to get off at Bohinjska Bela bus stop (2 stops/7 minutes past the normal Lake Bled stop).
• From Bohinjska Bela, hike up to Velika Osojnica and take in the view of Lake Bled and Bled Lake. From the viewpoint, you can hike down towards the lake.
• Enjoy a taste of Bled at Restavracija Camping Bled where you can try the Lake Bled Cream Cake
• Relax, swim, and suntan at the beach next to the restaurant.
• Take a boat or a paddleboard out to Bled Island and see the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake . 
• Then walk around Lake Bled back to town where you can stop at a restaurant for a bite to eat. Restavracija Sova Bled and Monika Poklukar are both on the way back to town as you walk around the lake.
• Check out the Lake Bled Heart Viewpoint and snap a picture at this iconic spot.
• Hike up to Bled Castle where you can roam the castle grounds and take in the views or actually enter the castle and explore the historic castle.
• Grab a bite to eat in Bled before you make your way back to Ljubljana by car, bus, or train and finish off the day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled! 

When you break it down like this it’s really easy to follow and you truly get to see everything around Lake Bled. 

Other related questions about a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Is it best to go on a guided tour to lake bled or to do it yourself.

The main difference between doing the day trip yourself and going on a guided tour is that if you go on your own, you’ll have more flexibility and more of a local experience. On the other hand, if you go on a guided tour, all the planning is done for you. You will see all the popular spots but you will also get to see more on a guided tour and go to some other spots that you can’t do with public transport in just one day. 

There are pros and cons to both ways of visiting Lake Bled and it’s just up to you to see which way you prefer! Hopefully, this guide helps planning your day if you end up doing Lake Bled by public transport and enjoying it by yourself or with a few friends!

When is the best time to visit Lake Bled?

Since Lake Bled is a very outdoorsy destination and because of the weather, we would say that between May-October is the best time to visit.

May and October are going to be a lot less touristy but the weather can be more unpredictable during those months. We had a week full of rain in early October but during some years, October can be super nice and sunny. 

July and August are of course fantastic months to visit Lake Bled because they are the warmest months. This does mean more tourists and longer wait times, though. With the day trips from Ljubljana to Lake Bled in this post, you have a few activities that should help you avoid some of the crowds and then a few highlights that will be a bit busier with people – so a good mix of busy and less-busy activities. 

Honestly, anytime between May and October, we’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time hiking around and exploring all the iconic spots near Lake Bled.

Is a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled worth it?

If you love the outdoors, want to hike a little bit, and see one of Slovenia’s wonders then a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is totally worth it. The fact that you can get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled in less than an hour also makes it a super convenient day trip. 

There is so much to do and see, and some amazing hikes around Lake Bled that your trip will be filled with viewpoints and fun activities around the lake including a visit to the famous Bled Castle. 

If you have a full day to explore somewhere outside of Ljubljana then Lake Bled should be at the top of that list!

Is Lake Bled touristy?

Lake Bled is very touristy. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Slovenia with over 1 million overnight stays a year. Thankfully there are few places you can go to avoid crowds at times, and if you travel during the shoulder season (April through June and September through October) you’ll get a lot fewer people than if you travel during peak season (the summer months). 

What currency do they use in Slovenia?

Slovenia is part of the European Union and uses Euro (€). Most places accept bank cards in Slovenia now but it’s still good to have at least a little bit of Euro cash with you in case you stumble upon some small shop or cafe that may not take bank cards.

What’s the best way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?

The cheapest and most convenient way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is by bus. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to get from Ljubljana Bus Station to the lake in Bled. Buses during peak season run from 5 am until 11 pm and tickets cost anywhere between €6-8 each way. 

There are buses that run all day so you can just show up at the bus station, buy a ticket there or online, and jump on the bus.

For a full guide on how to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, check out this post .

Is Lake Bled safe?

Slovenia and Lake Bled are very safe in general. The only thing you should worry about is getting lost on a hike, getting a sunburn or maybe dropping your phone in the lake. All in all Lake Bled is very very safe and there’s nothing you should worry about.

Of course, you should always use common sense but, in general, Lake Bled is very safe.

You may also like…

• The Best Ways to Get From Ljubljana to Lake Bled in 2023
• 3 Fun Bohinj Hiking Trails to Check Off Your List While in Slovenia
• Hiking to the Famous Vogar Viewpoint Overlooking Lake Bohinj
• 7 Lake Bled Accomodations for an Enjoyable Stay
• Top 5 Bohinj Hotels for an Unforgettable Stay

Recap of a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

As you can see, you have some great options if you plan to go to Lake Bled on a guided tour. All three of the tours highlighted in this post are somewhat similar to each other, but each tour offers something a little different. From exploring Lake Bled to making your way to Lake Bohinj and hiking up Savica Waterfall, all three of these day trips highlight the best of this part of Slovenia.

If a guided tour isn’t your thing then hopefully our do-it-yourself guide has inspired you to see some of the more off-the-beaten-path parts of Lake Bled mixed in with some of the highlights. Starting with the Velika Osojnica Viewpoint hike and then making your way down to the lake and seeing everything else we’re sure you’ll have a great day. 

We hope you have the best time in Lake Bled and make the most of your day trip from Ljubljana! We’d love to hear about your trip and what your favourite part was! Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram @redwhiteadventures or leave a comment below if you have any questions about Lake Bled.

Enjoy beautiful Slovenia!

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Day Trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana

Postojna Caves are arguably the best day trip when visiting Ljubljana . Easily reachable by a 45-minute drive, the cave and nearby Predjama Castle offer up a full day of activities.

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle is the rare day trip that is both a reasonable distance from a capital city and gives you the feeling that you’ve truly seen something special. It’s one of the best caves in Slovenia. I spent the entire time in the cave oohing and ahhing over the unreal scenery that makes up this underground wonderland.

Planning your trip to Postojna ? Below are some of the best tours and places to stay.

• Ljubljana: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Tickets and Tour (Most popular option!)
• Ljubljana: Lake Bled & Postojna Cave Day Trip (See all the top sites in one day)
• From Trieste: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
• Postojna Cave Hotel Jama (Located at the caves!)
• Tourist Farm Hudicevec (has a sauna!)
• Apartma Grze (Full apartment)

Looking to visit Postojna independently? Check out rental car rates for Slovenia here!

The fact that one of the most unique cave castles in the World can be found 9 km down the road at Prejama is just the cherry on top of the cake. Predjama Castle is built into a cliff and has hidden passages in the cliffside that make it seem like it’s out of a fairytale.

Given that Slovenia is famous for its caves and a castle in a cave sounds unmissable, I knew it had to be part of my Slovenia itinerary .

This post contains affiliate links , If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

How to Get to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Postojna cave.

By Car It’s a short drive on the A1 highway from Ljubljana, Bled, Piran, Trieste in Italy, and Rijeka in Croatia. There is a huge parking lot at Postojna Caves to park in.

By Train From the train station, it is a 10-minute walk to Postojna Caves. There is a train from Ljubljana to Postojna. Check out the train schedule here.  

By Tour Starting from either Ljubljana or Bled, you can take this tour of both Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle.

If you only have time for a whirlwind trip through Slovenia, try this tour leaving from Ljubljana that will allow you to see not only the caves and castle but also Lake Bled.

A great option for cruise-ship passengers is this tour that leaves from the Cruise Passenger Terminal in Trieste, Italy.

Getting to Predjama Castle from Postojna Cave

If you are traveling by public transit, there is a free shuttle to the castle from Postojna Caves in the high season (July and August). Otherwise, you will have to get a taxi for the 20-minute ride.

When to Visit Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

You can tour Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle year round. Be aware that in the offseason tours are reduced and not everything is open. Most notably, Predjama Castle caves are closed in the winter due to a bat colony that resides there. Check it out times here:   Postojna Cave Timetable and Predjama Castle

If you only take one fact from this entire article make it this one: Check tour times and show up on time. Seriously, you can’t explore Postojna Cave on your own and need to be part of a tour. You don’t need to book in advance, just show up.

What to Wear in Postojna Cave

The cave is damp and chilly so wear pants and bring a light jacket. You may also want to bring gloves if you get cold easily. The temperature inside Postojna Cave is a cool 10C.

Where to Eat at Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

There are a couple of restaurants at Postojna Cave that offer up typical tourist fare like hamburgers and french fries. I ate at Magdalena Food and Fun and really enjoyed the french fries and donuts I had there. It also has a really cute interior.

There is also a couple of restaurants that have more traditional Slovenian food on the menu located on the river and at the cave entrance.

If you want to eat with a view of Predjama Castle, Gostilna Pozar has a simple menu for grabbing lunch.

Where to Sleep near Postojna Cave

If you want to stay in the area, there is a hotel right at the caves. Postojna Cave Hotel Jama is right at the caves and offers up gorgeous rooms at a reasonable price.

Looking for something more rural and you might enjoy Tourist Farm Hudicevec . It’s 10 km from Postojna and has a mountain view, sauna, and restaurant on-site. It’s a great budget option.

If you’re the type that likes to stay in apartments while abroad (like me!) Apartma Grze is a 15-minute walk from the caves and is a modern and budget-friendly place to stay.

Visiting Postojna Cave

Postojna cave train.

The tour of Postojna Caves starts off with a train ride.  Yup, that’s right, your one and only chance to ride a train through a cave. The journey is 3.7 km long and is only about 10 minutes of your time. It takes you through a dance hall with huge glass chandeliers. I was amazed at some of the stuff that we just sped by on the train. I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t even the best of what the cave had to offer.

After stepping off the train you start the 1-hour tour that takes place on foot. Everything is well lit with clearly marked paths. You’re going to want to take a lot of photos of everything but keep in mind that you aren’t allowed to bring a tripod. With huge caverns and tons of stalagmites and stalactites, the caves are stunning to walk through.

Postojna Cave Tour

On the tour route, you will pass by the oldest dated stalagmite called the Skyscraper. It’s 16 m high and about 150,000 years old. Apparently, in parts of the cave that are not on the tourist route, there are even older stalagmites that are half a million years old.

Near the end of the walking tour, you will also have a chance to see the white stalagmite known as Brilliant. It’s on quite a few postcards and is a symbol of the caves.

Postojna’s Underground Post Office

You end the walking tour at a gift shop and post office. This is your chance to mail something from underground. After a brief stop there, back on the train to return to the entrance. At the end of the tour, you will also get a chance to see a glimpse of the river that runs through the cave and see Postojna’s cave-dwelling olm. The olm (AKA baby dragons) is unique for being the only vertebrate that lives only in caves in Europe. It’s a really unique, almost salamander looking creature.

Visit the Vivarium

After spending time in the cave, there are a couple other things to do at Postojna. The Vivarium shows off the old research facilities used to study the caves and cave life. There is also an exhibition section that shows off some of the cave animals that can be found in Postojna Cave. I found this pretty interesting as normally you would not get a chance to see these animals and definitely didn’t see any on the tour.

Baby Dragons- The Olm

The olm is known by locals as “baby dragons.”  They got this nickname because of Slovenia’s legends of dragons. Ljubljana even has a dragon bridge . These guys occasionally show up after floods that wash them outside of the cave. Because of their gills and body shape, locals thought that they were the babies of dragons. It’s all logical considering in the lore, dragons live in mountains or caves.

Legends aside, olms also go by their scientific name of Proteus. They are completely blind and are thought to live to 100 years of age.  It was a really big deal and exciting event when baby olms were hatched at Postojna in the research facilities there. You can check out photos and video of olms here .

Expo Cave Karst to Learn about Caves

The Expo Cave Karst is a huge exhibit on caves and karst. You can learn about how caves are formed and learn about karst. There is also a section on the development of the cave as a tourist destination and about early visitors. It’s interesting to see some of the earlier modes of transportation and think about how different it would be to visit the caves with lanterns instead of the lighting that is currently installed.

In the early years of the cave operating as a tourist cave, it was a tradition to sign the stalagmites found in the cave. Thankfully this no longer happens (I hope!) but you cannot remove the charcoal from the cave. You can see some of the old signatures from tourists.

Visiting Predjama Castle

After finishing up at the caves, you can head to nearby Predjama Castle. This mountain castle is just a short 9 km drive down the road. Predjama Castle is a Renaissance castle built into the side of a cliff. It’s the largest cave castle in the world and it’s been there for 800 years. There are secret tunnels behind the castle and you can explore the cave that is under the castle at some points of the year. It isn’t always accessible because there is a colony of bats that live in the cave.

There are no dragons here, but the cave does have its own interesting folklore. In the 15th century, the knight Erazem Lueger was the lord of the castle. Erazem was also known to be a robber baron. He became something of a Slovenian Robin Hood character. He was in conflict with the Habsburgs and apparently was known to give to the poor. The secret passageway used by Erazem to get food supplies from local villages while Predjama was under siege was never located.

Perfect Day Trip from Ljubljana

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle make for the perfect day trip from Ljubljana. You can easily visit alone using a car or public transit, or join tours to visit. It’s located close to the capital so you spend most of your day seeing the sights rather than sitting in a car looking at the road. It was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Slovenia.

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These caves are unreal, as you’ve mentioned. Stunning photos too – it looks like such a unique place to visit.

It was really unique! I haven’t visited a ton of caves but the sheer size of this one was just hard to take in.

Caves, dragons and castles! Sounds and looks like an incredible day trip. I love how the castle is built directly into the cave. Such a great defense mechanism. And I love the colorful history. I hope to get to Slovenia one of these days. When I do, I’m definitely heading to Postojna. Thanks for sharing!

The castle being built into the cave is so smart! I loved the history behind it. I hope you get a chance to visit Slovenia, there is so much to do there and it is so beautiful.

That does sound like an amazing day trip. I love castles and the cave looks stunning. it’s nice that you can get there easily by public transportation.

It’s so accessible from Ljubljana by transit or driving, it really is stunning.

The Cave train ride sounds awesome! I want to ride a train through a cave and then a dance hall with old school chandeliers. Postojna would totally be my cup of tea for a visit from Ljubljana.

The train ride was a really nice start to the cave. I couldn’t believe we were just rushing by such a large area but there were even better formations and sights to see after the train. The dance hall puts on concerts sometimes and I think that would be something cool to experience.

I love the idea of taking the train through the cave! My boyfriend has been there as well and really liked it. Great post!

Ya, it’s a nice tour through the cave! I had a really hard time choosing which cave to visit in Slovenia because I was also considering Skocjan, but the train swayed me to choosing Postojna.

Postojna Cave looks truly interesting but I loved the pic of the charming Predjama Castle. Thanks for the big tip about the risk of closures during offseason as it can help us to avoid disappointments.

Predjama Castle is really charming. I love the background story about Slovenia’s “robin hood.”

Postojna Cave looks like such an interesting place. I can’t believe how old it is and how there’s a post office in there! So random! haha

It was such an important tourist destination I guess the draw of a post office made sense for everyone wanting to send postcards! I sent a postcard from here so I could get the unique postmark of an olm 🙂

I can’t believe I missed this place when volunteering in Slovenia! I spent a good chunk of time in a country, traveling around, visiting hidden gems and corners but didn’t know anything about this cave! It looks absolutely magical! I want to return!

Oh gosh, I can’t believe you missed the caves, now you have an excuse to return 🙂 There are so many hidden-gems in Slovenia, it seems not quite on the main tourist trail, that I would love to return and spend more time there.

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How to travel from ljubljana to tours by train.

Want to find out more about taking the train from Ljubljana to Tours? Look no further.

There are around 13 trains per day running between Ljubljana and Tours, which usually take 20 hours 8 minutes to complete the 660 miles (1062 km) journey. It can take as little as 15 hours 17 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Tours from Ljubljana, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with TGV, ICE or SNCF, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Ljubljana to Tours if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Ljubljana to Tours by train

Ljubljana to tours train times.

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Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, ÖBB and TGV Lyria trains from Ljubljana to Tours

Deutsche bahn.

Photo :  JoachimKohlerBremen , under licence   CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

More information

• Deutsche Bahn  / 
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Photo :  Ctruongngoc , under licence   CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

• Trains in France  / 
• Cheap train tickets in France  / 
• France train map

ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

• Railjet  / 
• Nightjet  / 
• Trains in Austria

Photo :  Chabe01 , under licence   CC BY-SA 4.0

TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).

• TGV Lyria  / 
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• Trains in Switzerland

TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC) classes from Ljubljana to Tours

Compare the different travel classes offered by tgv inoui, intercity (ic), ice and eurocity (ec) when travelling from ljubljana to tours., intercity (ic), eurocity (ec), second class.

In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.

• WiFi WiFi Free WiFi
• LegRoom LegRoom Adjustable seats/footrests
• Bar Bar Bar/restaurant carriage
• Plug Plug Power sockets
• Seat Seat Fold-down table
• Luggage Luggage Luggage storage
• Reading Reading Reading light
• LegRoom LegRoom More legroom
• QuietZone QuietZone Quiet area

First Class

Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.

Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.

• Snowflake Snowflake Air-conditioning
• Seat Seat Seat reservation
• Lounge Lounge Lounge access
• Single Single Fast track

Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.

If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.

• AtSeatService AtSeatService Entertainment portal
• Restaurant Restaurant Catering at your seat

In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.

Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.

Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.

Onboard services on TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC)

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from ljubljana to tours..

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.

When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.

When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

Cheap train tickets from Ljubljana to Tours

Book in advance.

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Ljubljana to Tours by booking early. §

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

Learn more about European train travel

European train deals, first vs second class on european trains, high-speed trains in europe, night trains in europe, want to know more about your journey from ljubljana to tours we've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey., how long does the train from ljubljana to tours take.

The average journey time by train between Ljubljana and Tours is 20 hours and 8 minutes, with around 13 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Ljubljana and Tours by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Ljubljana to Tours is 15 hours and 17 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Ljubljana to Tours?

No, there are no direct train services from Ljubljana to Tours. Travelling from Ljubljana to Tours by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Ljubljana to Tours leave?

The first train from Ljubljana to Tours leaves at 05:23. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Ljubljana to Tours leave?

The last train from Ljubljana to Tours leaves at 22:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Ljubljana and Tours by train?

Trains travelling from Ljubljana to Tours cover a distance of around 660 miles (1062 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Tours to Ljubljana .

Looking for more ideas?

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Wander-Lush

How to Travel From Ljubljana to Lake Bled, Slovenia in 2024

Planning a trip to Slovenia and wondering how to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled ? This 2023 transport guide shows you how to travel safely and affordably.

As much as I hate to use the phrase ‘must-see’, there’s really no other way to describe Lake Bled. Blejsko Jezero sits at the foot of the Julian Alps and is an absolute icon of Central Europe – and the poster child of Slovenian tourism.

I strongly believe it should feature on every traveller’s Slovenia itinerary. Even if you’re in a neighbouring country, it’s worth making a special day trip just to cast eyes on one of Slovenia’s most beautiful landscapes .

Visiting Lake Bled was one of the highlights of our 10-day trip around Slovenia. On the whole, Slovenia is small, affordable, and pretty much everything runs like clockwork. This makes it very easy to travel around. Because Bled is so close to Ljubljana , it makes for a perfect excursion, overnight or side trip from the capital.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to travel from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. I’ve gone to great lengths to ensure all the information presented here is up-to-date, and I’ll be updating the details regularly. I’ve also included a few helpful tips for planning your visit to Lake Bled.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Distance from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Lake Bled is located 54.4 kilometres (33.8 miles) from Ljubljana.

How long is the bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?

The bus from Ljubljana to bled takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes give or take depending on traffic and the number of stops (both express and local buses are available).

By car, the journey can take as little as 40 minutes .

How to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana

There are five ways to travel from Ljubljana to Lake Bled: On an organised day tour from Ljubljana, by bus, train, taxi or hire car.

Whichever mode of road transport you choose, you’ll be travelling on highway E61. It leads almost due north from Ljubljana in the direction of the Austrian border.

Here is a quick overview of the different options:

1. CONVENIENT OPTION

DAY TOUR TO BLED

• 7.5-10 hours total with transfers

2. EFFICIENT OPTION

BUS TO BLED

• 25+ daily departures
• ~ 60-80 minutes travel time
• From €2.10-6.30

3. AFFORDABLE & SCENIC OPTION

TRAIN TO BLED

• 10+ daily departures
• ~ 45-60 minutes travel time

4. FAST OPTION

TAXI TO BLED

• ~ 45 minutes travel time
• From €45-€55

5. DIY OPTION

DRIVE TO BLED

• From €25/day

Option 1: Day tour from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Because Lake Bled is so close to Ljubljana (1.75 hours by road at most), it’s entirely possible to visit on a long day trip. You can do it yourself using public transport, following the instructions below. Or you can organise a Lake Bled day trip from Ljubljana.

The latter has the added benefit of a guide to show you around and narrate some of the history. It’s a great option for solo travellers , or anyone who has left it to the last minute and is concerned about the availability of bus seats.

I highly recommend booking your day tour through German platform Get Your Guide . They offer an excellent range of itineraries from independent tour providers, combined with the ability to pay securely online. If plans change, they have a very generous cancellation policy.

Recommended Ljubljana to Bled tours

This full-day trip from Ljubljana combines Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. It includes an optional boat trip, a visit to Bled castle and a slice of Cream Cake. If I had to choose a Lake Bled day trip, it would be this one.

If you’re interested in caves, this itinerary pairs a visit to Postojna Cave with Bled’s highlights, including a boat trip and the climb up to the castle.

There are also tours to Bled from cities in a number of neighbouring countries, including from Trieste, Italy (7 hours duration), from Zagreb, Croatia (11 hours duration), and from Vienna (13 hours duration). All of these itineraries incorporate a short stop in Ljubljana.

Option 2: Bus from Ljubljana to Bled

If you’re going DIY, the Ljubljana Bled bus is my preferred mode of transport for this journey. Arriva (the most popular bus company in Slovenia) runs large coaches between Ljubljana and Bled throughout the day.

A lot of people live outside the city and use this bus to commute to Ljubljana. The buses are both reliable and safe.

And if you travel on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll save some cash – tickets are much cheaper on the weekend!

Ljubljana to Lake Bled bus schedule

Ljubljana to Lake Bled is one of the most popular bus routes in Slovenia so departures are very frequent. The first bus of the day leaves between 5am and 7am depending on the season. After that, buses depart every 30-60 minutes, with the final departure around 9pm/10pm.

Check the latest bus schedule here on the Ljubljana Bus Station website .

Buying bus tickets online

Because buses are so frequent, you can usually chance it and buy your ticket on the day. If you’re travelling in peak season, it might be wise to reserve a seat ahead of time.

To buy your tickets in advance, you can either go to the station in Ljubljana a few days prior (instructions below), or you can reserve a ticket online using the Ljubljana Bus Station website.

To find tickets, go to the homepage and search for buses from ‘Ljubljana Bus Station’ to ‘Bled’. Enter your date to bring up a list of departure times. After you click the cart icon, you can choose either a one-way ticket or a return ticket.

Return tickets are good for 30 days from the time of purchase. You can return on any bus you want, but you must travel with the same bus company. Arriva is the most popular company on this route.

Tip: Before you buy your ticket, click the ‘Details’ tab to expand a full list of stops. Some buses make only a couple of stops while others make more than a dozen stops and therefore take much longer.

Currently a one-way ticket from Ljubljana to Bled costs 6.30 Euro on a weekday and 2.10 Euro on weekends. An open return ticket (valid for 30 days) costs 12 Euro . After entering your email you can then go ahead and pay online using Visa or Mastercard.

After you complete the purchase, you will either receive a ticket or a ticket invoice in your email inbox. The only way to board a bus is with a physical ticket – you cannot show the driver a ticket on your mobile phone, and they will not accept an invoice either.

If you received a ticket with a barcode on it in your inbox, then you’ll need to print it out before you get to the bus station.

If you only received a ticket invoice, then you must arrive early at the bus station and exchange the invoice for a paper ticket before you travel (note the opening hours in the next section).

Do not attempt to board the bus with a ticket invoice or a digital ticket on your phone as you will be turned away!

How to get to Ljubljana bus station

The main bus station in Ljubljana (Avtobusna Postaja) is located in front of the train station on Trg Osvobodilne (see the exact location here ). It’s very close to the centre, roughly a 10-minute walk from the Dragon Bridge . A taxi from anywhere in the centre should only cost a few Euro. Note that taxis in Ljubljana are fitted with metres.

When you arrive at the bus station, you’ll see it’s laid out like a long parking lot with numbered bays. The Lake Bled bus should depart from position 7 , which is right in front of the ticket office. You will be able to see ‘Bled’ clearly printed on a sign in the bus windscreen.

Buying or picking up tickets at the station

If you hold off and buy tickets in person at the station, prices are the same. Ticket desks are located inside the bus station building. If you need cash, there is an ATM at the station.

The first time we visited the bus station, we walked into the railway station by accident. The bus office is actually the smaller building situated in the centre of the parking lot ( here ).

Inside, there are TV screens that display upcoming departures. Walk straight up to one of the cashier desks to buy your tickets (or exchange your e-invoice). Staff are friendly and speak perfect English. You can pay either in cash or by card.

The ticket office is open from 5am-10.30pm Monday to Friday , from 5am-10pm on Sundays , and from 5.30am-10.30pm on Sundays and holidays .

If for some reason you want to buy tickets on the bus, you can do that too using cash. This is handy if you’re boarding the bus from elsewhere in the city (the bus makes a few stops on the way out of Ljubljana, including across the road from Tivoli Park).

Storing luggage at Ljubljana Bus Station

There is a luggage storage office behind ticket desk #3 inside the Ljubljana bus station. It opens when the ticket desks opens and closes at 9.30pm . It costs 3.50 Euros to store one bag (up to 30kg) for a full day.

Luggage space on the bus

Coach buses have overhead storage racks for keeping small bags. Like most buses in the Balkans, you have to pay an extra fee to store a larger backpack, a suitcase or an oversized item such as skis under the bus. In Slovenia, you need to pay an extra 1 Euro per item.

When you’re boarding the bus, the driver or an attendant will tag your bag, take your Euro and give you back a ticket stub. Keep hold of it, because they might ask to see it when you disembark.

Is there a toilet on the bus?

Yes! Arriva coaches have a toilet, air conditioning and WIFI. They are very comfortable.

Arrival at Bled bus station

Buses stop at two stations in Bled: Bled Union and Bled. The second stop, Bled , is the best one to jump off at if you’re staying the centre of town or you want to head straight down to the lake. The bus terminates here, so you can’t miss it.

From the station office, walk south along Cesta Svobode to reach the lake. It’s pretty obvious, and remember, Bled is very small so it’s almost impossible to get lost.

Is there a Flixbus from Ljubljana to Bled?

No, Flixbus does not service this route.

Option 3: Ljubljana to Lake Bled train

If you’re a fan of train travel, there are plenty of passenger trains between Ljubljana and Bled. The journey is quite scenic and comfortable, and it takes about the same amount of time (or less) as the bus, around 45-60 minutes depending on the service you choose.

The only downside is that Bled Railway Station is located 5km from the lake, so you’ll need to take a taxi or a bus the rest of the way.

Train schedule & ticket prices

There are frequent trains every hour or so from Ljubljana’s main station (adjacent to the bus station) to Lesce-Bled , the most convenient station for accessing the lake. Local trains make a dozen or so stops along the way, including in Kranj and Skofja Loka .

The first train leaves Ljubljana at 4.45am , and the last train is at 11.50pm . Check the latest schedule on the Slovenian Railways website .

There are two types of trains: Older trains (abbreviated with LPV) and newer trains (marked MV or EN or EC). The newer trains are slightly faster.

Tickets for the LPV trains (second class only) cost 5.10 Euro per person. Tickets for the newer trains cost 6.60 Euro (second class) or 9.10 Euro (first class). Tickets can be purchased online here or in-person at the station.

How to get to Ljubljana Train station

The main train station in Ljubljana is located on Trg Osvobodilne along with the bus station (see the exact location here ). It’s very close to the centre, roughly a 10-minute walk from the Dragon Bridge . A taxi from anywhere in the centre should only cost a few Euro. Note that taxis in Ljubljana are fitted with metres.

On the train

There is plenty of luggage space on the train, and every carriage has a toilet. If you are taking a bicycle to Bled, look for the bike symbol next to the train number – these are the services you can carry a bike on.

Arrival at Lesce Bled Railway Station

Lesce Bled Railway Station is located 5km from the lake. A taxi should cost 5-10 Euros.

Alternatively, Arriva buses coming from Ljubljana stop at the train station and can take you to the lake for 1.30 Euro (10 minutes travel time).

Option 4: Ljubljana to Lake Bled by taxi

Ljubljana Airport is located almost halfway between the centre of Ljubljana and Bled. If you want to transfer to Bled straight from the airport, it makes more sense to jump straight in a taxi rather than going into town first.

Additionally, if you’re travelling with a group of more than 4 people, it can work out cheaper to go from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by taxi. I would highly recommend organising a car in advance through a reputable company rather than trying to hail a cab on the street.

There are two popular companies that come recommended: Bled Taxi Transfer and Airtrail Slovenia . Both offer taxis from Ljubljana airport to Bled for between 40-45 Euro , and from anywhere in Ljubljana city to Bled for around 45-55 Euro .

Submit an online enquiry through their website for more information.

Option 5: Ljubljana to Lake Bled by car

Having your own car in Bled can be handy if you want to explore beyond the lake. If you plan on driving yourself from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, familiarise yourself with the route before you set off. It’s a pretty easy drive along the same highway until the very end, where you turn off for the town.

There is one long tunnel just after the town of Kranj – make sure you know how to work your headlights!

You’ll obviously need to choose accommodation in Bled that comes with parking (most do). If you’re only in Bled for the day, secure parking is available here and at several other locations nearby for around 2 Euros/hour .

There are plenty of rental car agencies in Ljubljana, including a Sixt and a Europcar at the train station. I highly recommend using Discover Cars to compare the different offerings.

Use the Discover Cars website to find the best price on a rental car in Ljubljana .

Read next: 18 epic road trip itineraries for the Balkans (including Slovenia!).

Lake Bled to Ljubljana: The return trip

Travelling the opposite way from Bled to Ljubljana is pretty straightforward. A taxi should cost you about the same, or maybe a tiny bit more. There are regular trains running from Lesce-Bled to Ljubljana, with the first service at 4.35am and the last train at 10.20pm .

Buses are just as regular going back to the city so again, bus is my preferred way to travel.

The first bus of the day departs Bled at 5am . After that, there are departures every 40-60 minutes until around 9.30pm at night. Check the schedule and purchase tickets online here .

The bus station in Bled is located off Cesta svobode (see the exact location here ). It’s very modest and shares an office space with a tourist agency. There is a small cash window where you can purchase tickets.

Ljubljana to Bled FAQ

What is the road to bled like.

As someone who suffers from motion sickness, I’m always eager to know what kind of road conditions to expect. I’m pleased to say the highway between Ljubljana and Bled is straight and flat for the most part. I didn’t have any trouble on the journey – in fact, it was very unmemorable. The scenery is lovely no matter which side of the bus (or car) you sit on. The trip is fast and smooth.

On the final approach into Bled, you’ll leave the highway for about 4km or 6 minutes of driving. But even this road is well-maintained and unremarkable.

We always felt safe on buses in Slovenia (which is more than I can say for some other countries… Hint hint, Albania!). If your bus has seat belts (most do), you’re obliged to fasten them.

Where to break the journey between Ljubljana and Bled

If you’re self-driving around Slovenia or you have time to stop somewhere along the way, I can recommend two places to break the journey.

The first is the small city of Kranj . It’s located just off the highway, almost exactly halfway between Ljubljana and Bled. Popular things to do in Kranj include Brdo Castle, Strmol Castle and Lake Zbilje. The city itself is gorgeous and filled with interesting architecture.

Every bus travelling from Ljubljana to Bled makes a mandatory stop in Kranj to let off some passengers and pick a few people up up. I’m sure you can store your luggage at the bus office in Kranj for a few hours before jumping on another coach to continue the journey.

Skofja Loka is one of my favourite places in Slovenia and also worthy of a look in your way to Bled. It’s a little bit further east of Kranj along the same road, so you can easily combine the two.

In Skofja Loka , you should eat lunch at the Old Granary and if you have time, stretch your legs by walking up the hill for a view of the castle.

Bled travel essentials

Best time to visit lake bled.

Lake Bled is a destination for all seasons, but the time of year you choose to visit depends on your travel style and what kind of activities you want to do.

Summer is peak season in Bled so crowds can be thick (especially on weekends) and prices are high. This is a good time for hiking in the Alps and for water sports. Winter in Bled is chilly and snowy, and the lake freezes over most years. Oftentimes it’s too frozen for the boats but not quite frozen enough for ice skating.

Late spring and early fall are probably the best times to visit Lake Bled, when temperatures are mild, the landscape is green and the wildflowers are out, and the lake is still accessible. I visited Bled in late winter and although it was beautiful, it was very foggy and the landscape was a touch too dry.

How long should you spend in Bled?

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already hashed out most of your Slovenia itinerary. You might even be in Ljubljana right now planning to travel to Bled in the next few days (in which case, all I can say is – jealous! ).

So how long are you going to spend on the lake?

You could do a Ljubljana to Lake Bled day trip. Or you could book yourself a nice little chalet on the water and relax for a couple of nights. There’s no wrong answer: Lake Bled is always a good idea, no matter how much or how little time you have.

When we visited Slovenia recently, we chose to spend three nights on the lake. We found this was plenty of time to see the historical attractions, get some fresh air, and sample some of the best traditional Slovenian food on offer at restaurants in the area.

If you want to tick Lake Bled off your list, a day trip from Ljubljana will suffice. If you’re into hiking , I would recommend staying at least two nights to give yourself one full day for exploring. And if you want to relax, budget anywhere from two to five nights for Lake Bled.

Where to stay in Bled

When visiting Lake Bled, most travellers base themselves in the adjacent town of Bled. Bled town is located on the eastern corner of the lake, just off highway E61. This is where you’ll find the best range of accommodation options and most restaurants.

When we visited Bled, we stayed at this Airbnb on the outskirts of town. It was lovely, but it was a bit far from the lake (we didn’t have a car). If you’re driving, it would be perfect to stay somewhere in this area because there’s ample street parking available.

Here are my recommended accommodations for different budgets:

• Budget-friendly hostel: Travellers’ Haven
• Mid-range hotel: Old Bled House or Vila Cvetka
• Boutique hotel: ECO Boutique Hotel AMS Beagle
• Luxury lakeside hotel: Grand Hotel Toplice

Things to do in Lake Bled

This guide is all about travelling to Bled from Ljubljana – but I wanted to share a couple of recommendations for what to do when you get there.

Hike to the Mala Osojnica Viewpoint for a post-card perfect view of the lake. This is a short but steep trail that’s open year-round (just make sure you have appropriate footwear and gear). The trailhead is at the western end of the lake, above the island.

Take a pletna to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria . Pletna is the name given to the traditional wooden boats that ply the lake’s surface. You can hire a private captain or join a group to paddle over to the island, where you can visit the church.

Eat Bled Cream Cake . This cream and crisp pastry dessert is a revelation! Variations are eaten all over the Balkans , but Bled Cake is famous for being perfectly portioned (7cm by 7cm precisely) and extra indulgent. Confectionery Zima serves one of the best Bled Cakes in town.

Tour Bled Castle . Perched high above the lake, this is the oldest castle in Slovenia. I highly recommend the free audio app tour which guides you through the various rooms and viewpoints. Lovely views of the lake are available from the courtyards outside the castle

Walk a lap around the lake . The circumference of the lake is roughly 6km with a walking path the entire way. With plenty of stops for photos, it took us around 3 hours to complete. Hotel Park is a good landmark to start from, walking clockwise.

Take a day trip to Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bohinj or Triglav National Park . If you have more time, I recommend taking a day trip from Bled to nearby Vintgar (roughly 12km north) or Lake Bohinj (roughly 30km west). Organised day tours are available from Bled if you don’t have your own car – but it’s also an option to cycle.

→ Check out this post for more great things to do in Bled .

Slovenia travel essentials

Here are some helpful websites and resources you can use to organise your trip to Slovenia.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Slovenia on Skyscanner .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Slovenia and apply for an expedited visa online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Slovenia online before you go. My top choice is the Eurolink eSIM from Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Slovenia on Booking.com .

CAR HIRE: Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car in Slovenia.

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Slovenia on Viator .

SLOVENIA GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Slovenia (May 2022).

And there you have it! I hope this has answered your questions about travelling from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. If there’s anything else you want to know, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out.

Ljubljana to Bled: Save it on Pinterest

19 comments.

This is wonderful! Thanks for the helpful article!

Very very well explained and helpful! Thank you very much for the time spent writing this one. And, of course, for all the information and tips about lake Bled. Very well done!

this is very helpful.. thanks a lot for your writing..

Hi thanks for the post. Would you recommend booking the lake bled castle? I’ve also heard about going on row boats… Would you recommend booking them? Thanks

Hi Jennifer – Bled Castle is great, don’t miss it. If you’re travelling in summer it might be a good idea to book, I was there in winter and it was very quiet. The boats are very unique and also worth doing. Have a wonderful trip!

This was soooo helpful to read thank you!! We’re headed to Slovenia in three days and you’ve just made my itinerary planning so much easier – can’t wait to get there now x

In August 2022 we will be in Bled on a day trip from Ljubljana, leaving that evening by train from Bled or Jesenice to Austria. Is there a place to leave luggage in Bled for the day? And is there a place in Bled to take a shower after hiking?

Hi JT – there is probably luggage storage at the train station in Bled. Regarding a shower, I’m not sure – I would suggest taking a budget hotel room for the day.

Going on a trip to Slovenia. Thanks for the info.

Thank you.That was a nice and informative write up. I am staying at Bled this Christmas with my family. How about travelling from Bled Jezero to Ljubljana by train? Since I am arriving at Lesce Bled by train from salzburg, I am keen on taking the train towards Ljubljana from a different station. Moreover my kids love train travel.

Sounds lovely! I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Bled in winter – it’s just beautiful covered in snow.

There are regular trains from Bled Jezero to Ljubljana – the first is at 5.13am. You can check the times here: https://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/component/sz_timetable/

Happy travels!

Thanks for writing this – very informative. I am going end of september on just a day trip from Ljubljana and will probably go with Arriva.

Do you know if there is a way to get up to the castle if you do not want to walk. Seems like only option is by taxi. There is supposed to be a tourist train around the lake as well but doesnt look like it goes up by the castle.

Hi Tom, yes I would recommend taking a taxi – it’s only a 5-10 minute drive up from town.

Enjoy your trip!

This Information has been so helpful. I am looking to go next Spring with my family and you have answered a lot of my homework questions – Great Job Emily !

Thank you very much,

You’re most welcome, Michael! Have a fabulous time in Slovenia, and please do drop back and leave a note if you find any of the finer details have changed.

Safe travels!

Very nice article. It is very useful when traveling. I personaly was in Ljubljana one month ago and i stored my luggage at place called Bag to Store. Is super close to the bus station and main square, also it costs only 2.99 eru for any size of the bag for 24 hours, really convinient. After i could enjoy Ljubljana and its beauty. I feel in love instantly.

Thanks David for the great tip! I’m sure other travellers will find this useful, especially if they need to access luggage storage outside of station opening hours.

Ljubljana is gorgeous, isn’t it!

Is this article really correct. The train station does not open till 5am

Yes, it’s correct. The first train (LPV 2400) leaves at 4.35. You can check the times here: https://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/component/sz_timetable

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