The shortest road distance from Venice to Ljubljana is 155 miles, which should take 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours. Traffic at the border crossing from Italy to Slovenia can increase the overall time, so it is best to leave as early as possible.
Can I get flights from Venice to Ljubljana?
As of 2024, no direct flights connect Venice to Ljubljana. Due to the proximity of both cities and Slovenia's stance on sustainable measures, it's unlikely that any flight routes will appear in the future. If you're set on taking a flight, you can catch an indirect service with Swiss Airlines for тВм150тАУтВм200.
Where is Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is the political capital and largest city in Slovenia. It sits in Central Slovenia along the alluvial plain and the Ljubljanica River. The nation's location in eastern Europe borders Hungary, Italy, Austria, and Croatia.
What to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia?
Ljubljana is small but has a wide range of things to do, whether you're an art lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast. No trip to the Slovenian capital is complete without climbing up to the Ljubljana Castle, and if you want to uncover more about the city's fascinating history, head to the City Museum of Ljubljana.
How do you pronounce Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is pronounced Loo-blee-ah-nuh. It's one of the most challenging city names for English speakers to pronounce, and most locals know this. However, they appreciate tourists who can say their home city correctly instead of travelers who try to highlight the "j" in the word.
The car trip from Venice to Ljubljana may be Europe's greatest secret. Italy's east coast and the nation of Slovenia remain relatively unexplored by 21st-century standards. Yet, the 155-mile thread of road connecting Western and Eastern Europe hides scenic views that rival the Swiss Alps.
The voyage begins as you sail over the only bridge connecting Venice's charming canals to Italy's mainland. With pristine rolling hills to your left and glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic Sea to your right, you can't help but feel like a movie star as you speed to the Slovenian frontier.
You'll know you're approaching a new country when the soaring peaks replace the softly rolling vineyards that followed you from the beginning. It's hard to believe that you're about to scale this rugged terrain and weave alongside this mountainous terrain.
If you're afraid of height, you'll be too busy to care as the vistas open up to mesmerizing views of rustic villages wedged between the gaping v-shaped valleys. Every mile is a postcard of natural beauty until modern buildings start to peek their way through the lush greenery. Due to Slovenia's stance towards eco-friendly measures and Ljubljana's compact city center, it's hard to believe you've arrived at your final destination.
But before you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime road trip, you must learn how to get from Venice to Ljubljana in 2024!
About Ljubljana
Only recently has Slovenia made its way onto tourist maps. When you travel from Venice to Ljubljana, you might not know much about Slovenia's largest city. Despite being the biggest in the land, it's still quite small, with under 290,000 locals residing here along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
The city sits in the heart of Slovenia, a nation bordered by Austria in the north, the Adriatic Sea in the west, and Croatia to the south and east. Its geography was vital in shaping the culture and lives of locals today.
### History of Ljubljana
Legend has it that the Greeks stole the golden fleece from King Aetes and traveled through the waterways of continental Europe. Once they reached Ljubljana, they disassembled their raft before carrying it to the nearby Adriatic Sea. However, a fire-breathing dragon stood in their way. And they were forced to slay it before continuing their journey.
Despite this legendary mention, there wasn't a permanent settlement here until 1144, and it wasn't until the 13th century that the rulers designated Ljubljana a city. The 19th century was the most prosperous period for Ljubljana, as the Habsburg Empire carefully decided to turn the city into a fairytale setting with Baroque and Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Far from its most successful timeframe, but arguably its most memorable, was the Yugoslavia era. Its small size compared with other cities meant it was underdeveloped and underfinanced. After the Nazi German occupation and the bloodshed of the civil wars, the city finally had the chance to thrive after the collapse of the communist state in 1992.
### Modern Ljubljana
To the naked eye, the city appears to be an ancient Disney plot trapped in a time warp. Wide cobbled avenues wind the Old Town and flow parallel to the emerald-blue waters of its gushing river. The Ljubljana Castle dominates the city, giving the feeling that it's still in control today. And almost all of its rainbow-colored buildings date back centuries.
However, if you scratch beneath the surface, you'll discover that Ljubljana is one of the most sustainable cities worldwide. Bikes are the primary mode of transportation, food waste and recycling waste bins sit on every city corner, and millions of euros have gone into developing urban parks. Also, if you indulge in the delicious food scene, you'll discover almost everything on the menu to be organic or locally produced!
Language: Slovenian
Climate: Continental
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT+1
Plug Types: C and F
Peak Tourist Season: JulyтАУAugust
From Venice to Ljubljana: Travel tips
The drive from Venice to Ljubljana may only take 3 hours. But with our insider travel tips, you can unlock its full potential!
Stop en route
Endless natural wonders and dozens of historical relics litter the train from Venice to Ljubljana. Therefore, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't stop to see them en route.
Planning before you set off is essential so you don't overlook attractions you'll most enjoy. The Postojna Caves are ideal for nature enthusiasts, whereas history buffs can't overlook Predjama Castle!
### Book tickets in advance
Slovenia is an eco-friendly nation and doesn't want to suffer from overtourism. As a result, there isn't an expansive transportation network from Venice to Ljubljana.
With limited transportation options, tickets can sell out at your desired time or date if you wait until the last minute. In addition, you'll get the best rates if you check the timetable and book at least 30 days before your departure.
### Travel early
The earlier you travel, the better chance you'll miss the rush hour traffic at the Slovenian/Italian border crossing and when entering Ljubljana itself. But it also allows you to explore sights en route. Many attractions close between 5 and 6 PM, and with the 3-hour journey, you could miss out on exploring.
How to get from Venice to Ljubljana
Fortunately, there are three ways you can get from Venice to Ljubljana. But first, you must consider your needs, preferences, and budget before you spend your hard-earned cash!
### Buses from Venice to Ljubljana
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Venice to Ljubljana. Due to its low prices and the fact that it's the only direct public transport between the two cities, it's also the most popular choice for locals and tourists.
TripstAir, InfoBus, and Flixbus operate on this route, with the latter being the most popular carrier. All buses depart from Venice Mestre Station, but since signs and directions are scarce here, it's best to arrive 20тАУ30 minutes in advance to locate the exact departure point.
Shortest journey: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Average journey: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Earliest departure: 1:10 AM.
Last departure: 11:15 PM
Expect to pay: тВм19-тВм32
### *Trains from Venice to Ljubljana
The train is not a common way for people to travel from Venice to Ljubljana. No direct trains are available, and it's longer and more expensive than the bus. It's usually only used by backpackers traveling through Europe with an Interrail pass.
The train from Venezia S. Lucia gives you more legroom than the bus. However, you must transfer at least once, usually at Trieste Airport. From here, it's just a scenic 2.5тАУ3 hour ride to Ljubljana Train Station through the natural paradise of southern Slovenia.
Fastest journey: 4 hours and 53 minutes
Average journey: 7 hours and 24 minutes
Earliest departure: 5:05 AM
Last departure: 4:39 PM
* Expect to pay: тВм25тАУтВм40
### Daytrip private car service from Venice to Ljubljana*
Daytrip is the fastest, easiest, and most relaxing way to travel from Venice to Ljubljana. In the comforts of a private, sanitized vehicle, you don't need to worry about loud passengers, an untidy environment, or a baking hot temperature in the summer. You can adjust the thermostat to your liking, recline your seat, and watch the picture-perfect unfold before your eyes.
Our private door-to-door service is also the most enriching way to travel. Stop along the journey to experience the endless attractions tourists miss when taking public transportation between Italy and Slovenia. Some of the most unmissable things to see and do are the Lipica Stud Farm, Grotta Gigante, and the beautiful cliffside palace of Miramare Castle.
Seats from: тВм55
English-speaking driver
Handicapped accessible
Pet friendly
Flexible timetable
24/7 customer service
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
Things to do when you get to Ljubljana
Only the most in-the-know travel from Venice to Slovenia's capital. But with two natural and three cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites just a stone's throw away, you'll find there are plenty of things to do when you get to Ljubljana.
### Visit Ljubljana Cathedral
Ljubljana Cathedral sits in the city's heart, so there's no excuse not to visit. It's a magnificent Baroque masterpiece dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.
The striking twin towers and elaborate fa├зade dominate the skyline, drawing you in from afar. While here, you can explore its rich interior, which is decorated with marble altars, ornate frescoes, and gilded decorations.
### Relax in Tivoli Park
Ljubljana's friendly and carefree atmosphere encourages you to relax, and there's no better place to do so than in Tivoli Park. Sitting on the edge of the city's boundary is the capital's largest park, spanning almost 2 square miles.
The cluster of trees provides shelter from the beating summer sun, and the freshly cut fields allow you to savor a picnic. Once you recharge, take the time to wander the paths and keep an eye out for gorgeous Tivoli mansions!
### Climb up Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle sits 400 meters above sea level. Although there aren't romantic sea views, stunning vistas overlook the cityscape.
A hike up its encircling gardens feels like a different world from the energetic streets of the old town. After listening to birds chirping, smelling the fresh scent of the woodlands, and tasting that sense of adventure, you can relax on a bench or tour the castle once you arrive.
PS: You can take a funicular ride if you're feeling lazy!
### Eat through Odprta KuhnaOdprta Kuhna is one of those unique traveling experiences you can't get anywhere else. The narrow, steamy walkways, carnival atmosphere, live music, and local delicacies create a melting pot of cultural flavors.
The outdoor food market comes alive every Friday during the warmer months. You can fill up on anything from juicy burgers to sweet confectioneries from dusk until dawn. You can also expect high standards, as the event has won the Ljubljana Quality Label, the In Your Pocket Best Landmark Award, and the Snovalec Award in just the past few years!
When is the best time to visit Ljubljana?
Unlike most European capital cities, Slovenia isn't overrun by tourists. Therefore, you can appreciate the region's culture and heritage on any day of the year. However, if you're fortunate enough to select when you travel from Venice to Ljubljana, consider going in the shoulder seasons.
### Ljubljana in the spring
Spring is the first shoulder season of the year. Although the beginning and middle of March can be a bit chilly, temperatures start to pick up towards the end of the month and reach 72┬░ Fahrenheit by May.
This time of the year is the start of outdoor festivals, creating a lively atmosphere in the al fresco bars and cafes. Locals can finally enjoy sitting outside after months of being indoors. With fewer tourists around, there's no need to worry about waiting for a seat on weekends.
### Ljubljana in the fall
If you want the most bang for your buck, travel from September to November. The climate is still pleasant, so you can still spend your days outside, and you'll get to witness the outdoors at its most scenic as the leafy walkways transform into shades of red, brown, and orange.
However, the significant hotel and transportation discounts are the most compelling reason to travel during the fall. Establishments offer excellent deals before they shut down or brace for the slow winter season!
Italy and fashion go hand in hand, and this plaza offers discounts on Italian and name brands.┬аA Discount Shopping Citadel┬а
Miramare Castle
The beautiful Miramare Castle is located on a cliff high above the sea on the Gulf of Trieste. It is home to a tragic tale and a mysterious curse.┬аA tragic tale breeds a legend┬а
Grotta Gigante
Revel in the rare beauty of nature by exploring this giant Italian cave. Grotta Gigante is deemed the world's largest show cave and is truly magnificent.┬аUnderground Cathedral┬а
Lipica Stud Farm
One of the oldest farms in the world, dating back to the year 1580. The Lipica Stud Farm is home to the famous Lipizzaner horses.┬аA beacon of Slovenian history┬а
Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest cave castle in the world. ┬а Renaissance castle within a cave ┬а
Postojna Cave
Take a ride on a cave train through the 2 million year old Postojna Cave. This famous Slovenian cave offers an underground network perfect for exploring. ┬аA jewel of natural wonder ┬а
тАЬWe are traveling from Philadelphia PA to Venice to Slovenia and Croatia. CanтАЩt rent a car in Italy and return to Croatia. Had to get into Slovenia to rent the car. So we used mydaytrip.com to book a private transfer. ItтАЩs like and Uber of sorts - an app to book the driver online. So easy and user friendly, and you can add sightseeing trips to it - the app recommends sights to add. We didnтАЩt have time so did not add any but our trip was excellent. Paid by card in advance, they send confirmation and map of exactly where to meet driver. He was there exactly on time, drove us to our destination and gave us lots of useful information and recommendations along the way. Will surely use it again.тАЭ
тАЬI booked a private car trip from Venice to Ljubljana. Communication beforehand was excellent, we were sent confirmation of the drivers details (Mirko) and the car type, which made it easy to meet him on the day. Mirko was an excellent driver/host. He was friendly and willing to chat along the way, told us a lot about Slovenia and generally made the journey very comfortable and easy. Mirko even walked us to our accommodation in Ljubljana and gave us some great restaurant tips! Overall, a fantastic service, highly professional, well organised, safe and very comfortable. Highly recommended! ЁЯШБтАЭ
тАЬI researched several different ways to get 4 people (2 of which were seniors) from Venice to Ljubljana, Slovenia, and couldn't find any simply way... by train we needed to change stations at the border; a bus (with our luggage) just seemed too tedious; and renting a car for a one-way trip across the Italian/Slovenian border just wasn't possible. I then looked into Daytrip and it seemed just too simple. The good news is... it was!
For almost the same price it would have cost us to take a train, we had a private van pick us up from the very busy station in Venice and drive us to our front door step in Ljubljana. It was brilliant and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Our driver was fairly quiet, though did answer questions when we posed them. He greeted us on time (a few minutes early actually), helped with all luggage, and offered us water prior to the trip. He was obviously knowledgeable of the area and let us know that Ljubljana was his home town.
I look forward to future trips to Europe when I can use this service again. If you check out the mydaytrip website, the options for routes are astounding! I wish that they had this service for traveling around the UK when we visit there! Great job guys!тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Dawn U рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬWe booked our Daytrip and got picked up at Marco Polo in Venice by Marko T. Our flight was delayed but Marko T. was waiting as we exited customs. Very nice gentleman who explained some cultural topics as we drove to Trieste. Marko dropped us off and we spent a few hours walking around the town. After getting picked up, we were off to our final stop in Ljubljana. Marko dropped us off at our hotel, a total gentleman. 3 days later on our way back to Venice we were met at our hotel by Jernej, a nice young man who took us back to met our Cruise back in Venice. Communications with daytrip were excellent and look forward to using them again on our next trip.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Michael L рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬAfter spending a few days in Venice before the start of our tour, we (4 people) needed to get from Venice to Ljubljana, Slovenia where our tour started. Unfortunately, there was no easy way via plane, train or bus to make this relatively short trip. So, I found DayTrip and decided to try them. The drive and trip were excellent. We were dropped-off right at our Ljubljana hotel. The driver was great. To break-up the trip, we took advantage of the option to stop at a castle along the way. Also, the communication with DayTrip was top-notch. I would highly recommend.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Tim R рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬHad read great reviews about Daytrip and have to say they surpassed every expectation. Each member of the team was a delight to deal with and our driver Isidor could not have done any more to make our trip stress free and totally enjoyable. He drove us from Ljubljana to Venice and we would love to repeat the experience some time soon. Well worth the money to make the trip so enjoyable.тАЭ
тАЬMy wife and I were very impressed with your service. Michal was on time and the car was clean and comfortable. He was extremely accomodating to our needs as well. I rode in the front seat and I was very comfortable with his driving. He was very pleasant to talk to and had a good command of the English language. I would recommend your services with a 5 star rating.тАЭ
тАЬBooking on Daytrip was a breeze. Our trip is from Venice marine port to Ljubljana airport with stop at Miramare.
Our driver/guide Dragan J was very prompt in replying to our text before the trip. Before driving the car, he confirmed the itinerary and the time that we need to be at ljubljana and if we have any flights to catch up (we don't have) so he can give advise. He is very accomodating and patient in answering our queries during our trip. He gave very useful information that we were able to use during our stay in Slovenia. He stopped for some photo ops which we appreciated. He drove us past Trieste even if it is not part of the itinerary. He also taught us Slovenian sentences.
Thanks a lot again. Best wishes to your company.тАЭ
Tripadvisor рдпрд╛рддреНрд░реА Nelia L рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕рдореАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ
тАЬOur driver was great, he very punctual and he had a clean large car that took all our suitcases. Zoarn our driver was very friendly and talkative which was nice to the long drives. Plenty of stops to stretch and he shared alot of local history with us and gave us suggestions on what to see and do. I will always use this service when traveling through Europe was extremely enjoyable!тАЭ
