How to get around Slovenia
Navigating Slovenia is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Travelling across Slovenia offers several convenient options. For budget-conscious travelers, trains are generally the most affordable choice, often costing about 30% less than buses. A one-way train ticket from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (Lesce-Bled station) can be around €5.
Slovenian Railways also offers a special 'IZLETka' flat-rate ticket for €15, allowing unlimited train travel across the country on weekends and public holidays, with half-price tickets for children aged 6-12 at €7.5. Train tickets for longer routes, such as InterCity Slovenia services, typically start from €15. However, InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC), and EuroNight (EN) trains may incur a mandatory supplement of €1.50, while InterCitySlovenija (ICS) trains have a €3 supplement.
Buses provide extensive coverage, reaching towns and even rural areas not always served by trains, and are a good option for flexibility. For the highest flexibility, particularly for exploring smaller villages and scenic routes, car rental is available. This is typically a more expensive option, with average daily rental prices ranging from around €20 in the cheapest month (February) to €47-€130 in more expensive months or locations like Ljubljana. Weekly car rentals in Ljubljana can be around €349.
Taxis are the most expensive way to travel between cities, with a journey from Ljubljana to Lake Bled costing approximately €60.80.
Travel Within Cities
Within Slovenian cities, particularly Ljubljana, public transport is efficient and affordable. City buses are the primary mode of transport. The most economical way to pay is by purchasing an Urbana card for €2, which can be topped up.
A single bus ride in Zone 1 costs €1.30 and allows unlimited transfers within a 90-minute period. Contactless bank cards can also be used, but transfers are not free with this method. For access to Ljubljana Castle, the funicular offers a quick ascent, with tickets costing €2.20 for a one-way trip or €4 for a return, and children under 7 ride free.
Taxis are widely available and offer a convenient, though more expensive, option for getting around within cities. Fares generally start with a base fee of €1.70 to €1.95, plus €1.09 to €1.19 per kilometer. A typical 5km taxi ride in Ljubljana is around €7.20. Ordering a taxi by phone can sometimes result in lower fares.
For an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to explore, bike-sharing services like BicikeLJ are available, with the Urbana card usable for rentals.
