Are you planning a trip to Slovenia and wondering how to get there? Look no further!
Slovenia is conveniently located in the very center of Europe, making it easy to arrive from any direction. Whether you’re coming by air, land, or sea, there are plenty of options for getting to this small, yet mighty country.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and welcoming locals, Slovenia is the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore this part of Europe.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the ways you can get to Slovenia, so you can easily plan your trip.
Arriving by plane
Getting a flight to Slovenia is the best option to get here, especially if you’re not from one of the bordering countries.
Slovenia has 3 international airports (Ljubljana, Maribor, Portorož).
Ljubljana (Jože Pučnik Airport) – the main airport in Slovenia
It is located about 26 km north of the capital city. You can catch a taxi, an airport shuttle, rent a car, or opt for our transfer options, depending on your traveling itinerary.
The Ljubljana airport is the best option when traveling to Slovenia, particularly for visiting places in the central, north, or north-western part of the country.
Maribor (Edvard Rusjan Airport) – second international airport
It is located about 10 km south of Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia. Traveling to and from the airport is done by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Maribor Airport is mainly used for seasonal and charter flights.
Portorož Airport – smaller charters, business, and cargo flights
The Airport is located 6 km south of Portorož, and you can reach the following towns within an hour’s drive: Trieste (Italy), Koper, Postojna, Ljubljana (Slovenia), and Croatian towns on the Istrian Peninsula.
Trieste Airport (Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport) – Lots of direct flights, just over the border of Slovenia
Trieste Airport, also known as Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, is located about 33 km northwest of Trieste, Italy. It offers direct flights to a variety of destinations, including major cities and regional hubs, with airlines such as Ryanair and ITA Airways. Even though it is in Italy, you can reach Slovenia in less than 30 minutes, and Ljubljana in 1h20min.
Other alternative airports near Slovenia (less than a 2-hour drive):
The other most convenient airport outside Slovenia is Venice (Marco Polo and Treviso), with numerous international connections. Zagreb and Vienna are also great options, although the latter is a little farther away.
Other options: Pula, Klagenfurt, Graz, Trieste
Arriving by car
Arriving in Slovenia by car is a convenient and practical option, as the country has excellent connections to the rest of Europe via a network of highways. It’s easy to explore the whole country by car, as the distances are small and you can cover the entire country in just a few short drives.
In fact, Slovenia is the perfect destination for a road trip, as you’ll be able to take in all the stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural attractions the country has to offer.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to buy a motorway vignette to use the highways in Slovenia. These can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices, and kiosks — but the best way is to buy online. They are available for various lengths of time, ranging from a week to a year. Once you have your vignette, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth, hassle-free travels as you explore Slovenia by car.
Arriving by train
Taking a train to Slovenia is easy as it gets. There are good rail connections from neighboring and many other countries: Croatia, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
Slovenia is included in the Eurail Global Pass system.
You can also travel by rail from nearby airports, like Trieste, Zagreb, or Vienna.
Arriving by bus
Traveling to Slovenia by bus from numerous European cities is quite straightforward. There are direct coach lines from as far as Sweden and Denmark, with most international coaches stopping in Ljubljana.
Foreign EU bus transport providers registered do not require special permits to travel across Slovenia, with FlixBus coaches and Nomago buses growing in popularity.
Do I need a VISA for Slovenia?
Citizens of the Member States of the European Economic Area (EEA) may enter Slovenia with a valid identity card or a valid passport and do not require a visa or a residence permit.
Third-country nationals must acquire a visa or a residence permit from Slovenia’s diplomatic mission abroad.
* The list of countries that require a visa to Slovenia can be viewed on the official government website here.
