Getting around Slovenia: Transportation Tips

Slovene Railways (Slovenske železnice; slo-zeleznice.si) is smooth and efficient. Trains (vlaki) are divided into slow (LP), and Intercity (IC) express trains, as well as the fast Inter City Slovenia trains (ICS) between Ljubljana and Maribor. Seat reservations (rezervacije; €3.50) are obligatory for all services marked "R" on timetables (effectively all ICS trains and some international services). Most timetables have English notes; “departures” is odhodi, “arrivals” is prihodi. Eurail and InterRail passes are valid.

The bus network consists of an array of local companies offering a comprehensive and reliable service with buses reaching a far wider range of destinations than trains. Towns such as Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper have big bus stations, where you can buy your tickets in advance. Elsewhere, simply pay the driver or conductor. You’ll be charged extra for cumbersome items of baggage.

Slovenia is a superb destination for cycling, with quiet roads, fabulous scenery and a well-established network of adventurous Alpine trails for mountain bikers. The lakes, the Soča Valley and the eastern wine roads are all pleasant places to explore on two wheels and many hotels and hostels rent bikes for free or a small charge. The website mtb.si is a useful resource for mountain bikers.

Slovenia’s quiet roads and inspiring scenery make the country a driver’s dream. If you can stretch your budget to a few days of car rental, you will afford yourself unlimited access to rural and mountainous regions such as the Soča Valley, which can prove challenging to reach using public transport. There are branches of most major car rental companies at Ljubljana airport; typical costs are €35 per day, €120 per week.