Private car transfer
from Venice to Ljubljana

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!

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: July–August

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.

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 20–30 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: €19-€32

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 2.5–3 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: €25–€40

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: €55
• English-speaking driver
• Handicapped accessible
• Pet friendly
• Flexible timetable
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

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 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.

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 Kuhna

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!

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!