Slovenia by bus
National bus transport in Slovenia
Slovenia is a small country but nevertheless it has a well developed network of buses even though travelling by train is also popular.
Ljubljana is the main hub for bus transport in Slovenia from where you can reach almost all bigger cities as well as villages in Slovenia. Other important cities with regard to bus transport are Maribor, Novo Mesto, Celje and Ptuj. Cities between which there is no direct connection can be reached via Ljubljana.
International bus transport from and to Slovenia
Slovenia has good international bus connections, especially with the neighbouring countries like Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria. Regarding other European countries, Slovenia is also connected with Switzerland, France, Germany, Serbia. There are four departures daily from Ljubljana to major cities in Switzerland, one departure a week to Paris, everyday departure to Munich, three departures a week to Trieste as well as Vienna.
Despite the fact that Slovenia and Croatia are neghbouring countries, there are not as many bus connections as there should be. Below you can see the most popular routes from Slovenia to Croatian countries.
- From Ljubljana to Zagreb, Karlovac, Split, Makarska, Ploce, Metkovic and Dubrovnik
- From Ljubljana to Umag, Novigrad, Porec, Rovinj and Pula
- From Ljubljana to Rijeka
- From Maribor to Zagreb
Some of the most popular connections to Italy are:
- From Ljubljana to Trieste, Venice Mestre and Padua
Bus service quality in Slovenia
The quality of buses in Slovenia depends on the carrier but generally, buses are in very good to excellent conditions. Almost all have air conditioning and the access to the Internet depends on the bus company. It is more likely that buses operating long distance international routes will have wi-fi, television and maybe toilette.
Drivers in most cases speak at least one foreign language (English), especially on the international routes. When travelling long distance, buses usually make several stops along the way for refreshment.
Bus ticket prices
The prices of bus tickets depend on the carrier providing the service of transport and the distance travelled. Some bus companies may offer discounts for children, pensioners, students or other but to be sure the best thing is to contact a particular company or a bus station prior to travelling.
Bus ticket reservation is possible, however it depends on the bus station. Ljubljana bus station provides this service; the tickets reserved have to be picked up 2-6 hours prior to the trip (national or international).
Seat reservation is also possible and it is charged depending on whether you travel nationally or internationally.
Bus tickets for some routes for travelling to or from Slovenia can be purchased online on getbybus.com or at a bus station and on the bus.
If you carry luggage for the hold you will be charged according to the destination you travel to; prices vary from 1.50 to 3.50 euros.
Transporting a bycicle on the bus depends on the carrier; the price for this service is around 1.30 euros.
The same applies for transporting pets; usually it is allowed to bring small pets in their boxes or baskets which is previously agreed with a particular carrier. However, to be sure about all this matters, it is best to contact the bus company you intend to travel with.