Private car transfer from Zagreb to Ljubljana

Once you zig-zag out of Zagreb's busy avenues, a sea of green remains a constant in your car window. Tree-lined roads, rolling hills, sprawling fields, dense woodlands, and lush vegetation make up this smooth road, gliding along the landscape. Charming villages nestled amongst the rugged terrain offer you the chance to step back in time and refuel with a traditional hearty meal before continuing your drive through the rural environment and into the urban streets of Ljubljana.

Unsurprisingly, this scenic venture is a comfortable tour that can live long in your memories. But it'll only happen if you find the best mode of transportation to suit your needs and preferences. So, buckle up and get ready to uncover how you can travel from Zagreb to Ljubljana and all the sites in between.

Early Ljubljana

The Celtic tribes were the first known settlers in the Ljubljana region. However, the Romans first built a town here named Emona in the 1st century AD. The area flourished due to its position en route to Pannonia, a Roman stronghold. After its collapse in 476 AD, the region witnessed several invasions, and the Hun tribe destroyed the city in the 5th century.

The town was mentioned again in the 12th century, and Ljubljana was granted city rights in 1220. The Renaissance brought mixed fortunes as the then-ruling Habsburg Empire constructed many significant and elegant buildings. Unfortunately, its beauty was short-lived as an earthquake flattened the city in the 1500s, yet this led to the development of baroque-style houses you can still admire today.

Recent and modern Ljubljana

The 20th century was a stormy period in Ljubljana's history. First, it fell into the hands of Yugoslavia after World War I. During World War II, Italy and Germany occupied the region. It took until the collapse of communism in 1991 for Slovenia to break free and for Ljubljana to become its political capital.

Today, Ljubljana is seemingly trapped in a fairytale, with cobbled lanes twisting through Disney-like passages and a carefree vibe flowing as freely as the emerald waters gushing through the city's heart. You'll rub your eyes in amazement as four almost-real-looking dragon statues stand proudly in this mystic city. Outdoor cafes serving trendy coffees and regular street food markets serving locally sourced products make this pristine city anything but dull!

• Language: Slovene
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Oceanic
• Plug types: C, E, and F
• Fun Fact: "Ljubljana" means "beloved" in Slovene

Beat the heat

The average temperature on the road from Zagreb to Ljubljana from May until September is 72° Fahrenheit (22°C). It's also surprisingly humid, meaning traveling without air conditioning and essentials can be overwhelming.

If traveling by public transport, ensure your carriage has air conditioning, as some older models only have small windows. Alternatively, you can opt for Daytrip with a private vehicle and modern conveniences. No matter which mode you choose, pack a light backpack with essentials such as water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Venture off the tourist map

When you look at a tourist map of Europe, with all the “major” points of interest, Slovenia appears to be an uncharted area. However, several charming towns and villages sit on the road from Zagreb to Ljubljana.

Skofja Loka is one of Slovenia's oldest settlements. It dates back to the 10th century, and today, the enchanting, colorful old town still seems trapped in the past. If you want more hustle and bustle, Kranj is the nation's fourth-largest urban space, surrounded by snow-capped mountains even in the warm months!

Get into a sustainable mindset

Scientists consistently rank Slovenia among Europe's top 10 most sustainable countries. You may be surprised by how seriously they respect the land.

Cycling is one of the primary modes of transportation here. You can even hire a bike for only $1! Most foods and products are locally sourced or handmade, and you'll always have three trash cans, general waste, recycling, and compost, on every street corner. Please pay attention to their ways of life and travel more sustainably!

Trains from Zagreb to Ljubljana

The train is the cheapest way to travel between Zagreb and Ljubljana. Many backpackers and interrail users use this line, so remember to book a seat in advance when traveling in the summer.

You can select between a budget-friendly or comfortable service on this route. Utilizing the Ljubljana Special with Croatian Railway HZPP is the more affordable option from Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor to Ljubljana Railway Station. You can only purchase tickets for this route at the station. OBB offers a quicker and more comfortable service with air conditioning and e-tickets.

• Cheapest/average price: $10-$27 (€9.20-€24.85)
• Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 7 minutes; 2 hours, 15 minutes
• First/last departure: 7:05 AM-7:38 PM

Buses from Zagreb to Ljubljana

Buses can also be a solid, budget-friendly option when traveling from Zagreb to Ljubljana. Flixbus, Europe's most expansive bus network, operates on this route, offering low fares, free WiFi, and up to two pieces of luggage per passenger. All buses depart Autobusni Kolodvor Zagreb and arrive at Ljubljana Bus Station.

You can also opt for a shuttle service. GoOpti is the primary firm that travels the 86-mile (138-km) journey in around 2.5 hours and can even transfer you to Ljubljana Airport. The cost can vary from $27 to $71(€25-€65) for the ride.

• Cheapest/average bus price: $11-$26 (€10-€24)
• Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes; 2 hours, 50 minutes
• First/last departure: 2:00 AM-10:30 PM

Daytrip from Zagreb to Ljubljana

Daytrip is best if you prioritize speed, convenience, comfort—or all three. Our door-to-door service is the fastest travel method, taking only 1 hour and 50 minutes. Without our flexible schedule, you can travel between the cities in the morning, noon, or night, so you don't have to waste a day of your vacation planning around transport.

After your professional driver greets you with a smile and handles your luggage, you can explore the mesmerizing sights and cities along the journey. As you won't get back behind the wheel, you can sample delicious beers at the Lasko Brewery, indulge in a fascinating history lesson at Otocec Castle, or tick off one of Europe's most breathtaking bucket list experiences, admiring beautiful Lake Bled.

• Seat from: $39 (€36)
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free car
• Equipped for pets, children, groups, and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Climb Ljubljana Castle

The best way to start an adventure in a new city is to view it from above. Ljubljana Castle dates back to the 10th century but towers almost 390 feet (119 m) above the old town today. A walk up the leafy walkways with fragrant woody aromas transports your mind miles from the bustling streets. If you're feeling in the vacation mood, you can catch the funicular to the summit.

Once here, you have stunning views of the castle and the cityscape, especially during sunset. Of course, you can tour the fort and explore its historical walls, but if you want a unique experience, check out the picnic among the castle's grapevines!

Wander Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is Ljubljana's most substantial and gorgeous green space, perfect for relaxation and recreation. French engineer Jean Blanchard designed the setting in the 19th century, featuring wide promenades, landscaped gardens, and numerous statues.

Tivoli Mansion sits in its center, housing the International Centre of Graphic Arts. The park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists, offering plenty of walking trails, freshly cut grass for picnics, and a playground, ideal when traveling as a family.

Get lost in the Old Town

Ljubljana's cityscape was significantly altered after World War I. The works of Joze Plecnik's designs have landed the setting on the sought-after UNESCO World Heritage List.

The fairytale historical quarter is a delightful labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, charming squares, and colorful buildings. Major highlights to look out for are the Robba Fountain, the Town Hall, the Triple Bridge, and the Ljubljana Cathedral.

If you're fortunate enough to visit on a Friday from spring to fall, visiting the Open Kitchen Fest is a must. Endless street food stalls pop up in Pogacar Square, and live bands add to the festival atmosphere!

Take a day trip to Lake Bled

Lake Bled may be over 30 miles (48 km) from Ljubljana, but it's undoubtedly worth the scenic venture. One of the world's most surreal locations is less than an hour from the capital.

The picturesque chapel floating in the baby blue waters takes center stage. But the surrounding Slovenian Alps offer a postcard view from wherever you wander. You can spend the day relaxing in the sunshine or swimming in the lukewarm waters. For a more thrilling experience, hire kayaks and make your way to an island, or hike up to Lake Bled Castle for views that'll earn thousands of Instagram likes!

However, traveling in the spring has upsides compared to its peak summer season. Lake Bled is likely on your travel schedule, and due to its close-knit stature, it can feel overcrowded during the peak season. The average daily high temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (21°C) is pleasant for water activities and more enjoyable for lounging in the sun all day.

There's also a bubbling atmosphere around Ljubljana in the spring. It's the first time in months that locals can sit on outdoor terraces, eating or drinking, due to the cold winter climate. If you're a food enthusiast, traveling between April and June is ideal, as seasonal produce such as organic cherries, vibrant salads, and juicy beef will be at their peak!