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Your driver will meet you at your address in Venice.
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 40 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Ljubljana.
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!
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.
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.
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!
The drive from Venice to Ljubljana may only take 3 hours. But with our insider travel tips, you can unlock its full potential!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 20–30 minutes in advance to locate the exact departure point.
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 2.5–3 hour ride to Ljubljana Train Station through the natural paradise of southern Slovenia.
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.
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.
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 façade 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.
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!
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!
Odprta 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!
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.
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.
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!
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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