If you happen to already be in Croatia and looking for an easy cross-border day trip, you’re in luck. Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is only around two hours from Zagreb, which makes it totally doable as a day trip. Another new country? Tick!
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised with Ljubljana and only wish I had more than 24 hours there. But now I’m planning a long trip to explore a bit more of Croatia and Slovenia.
The city is compact, walkable and soooo pretty. You’ve got colourful riverside buildings, dragon statues, bridges, markets, castle views and plenty of places to sit with a coffee and people watch (my favourite pastime while travelling!).
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It’s also one of those cities where you don’t need a jam-packed itinerary to enjoy it. A day is enough to wander the old town, walk along the Ljubljanica River, head up to the castle and eat something decent before making your way back to Zagreb.
That said, there are a few things to know before you go, especially when it comes to transport. Is it better to take the bus, train, drive yourself or book a guided tour?
So in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to take a day trip from Zagreb to Ljubljana, what to expect and whether it’s actually worth doing in one day.
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Where is Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, a small Central European country tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
It sits in the centre of Slovenia and is approximately 140km northwest of Zagreb, making it close enough to visit from Croatia’s capital in around two hours each way.
Super satisfying if you love a two-country trip without having to give up all your annual leave!
It’s a fantastic introduction to Slovenia if you’ve never been before. The city is small, easy to walk around and centered around the Ljubljanica River, with most of the main sights packed into a very manageable area.
I actually loved that the centre of Ljubljana is car free since 2017, as it makes it even easier to stroll around.
Distance from Zagreb to Ljubljana
Zagreb to Ljubljana is around 117 km in a straight-ish transport sense, but closer to 140 km by road, depending on the route and where exactly in Zagreb your starting point is.
Typical Travel Time Each Way
Typical journey times between Zagreb and Ljubljana are:
- Bus: around 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on traffic, the route and any delays at the border
- Train: similar to the bus route, the train takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Driving: around 1 hour 45 minutes, not including time for parking once you arrive in Ljubljana.
Why I Use Airalo eSIM When Travelling
I’ve started using Airalo on most of my trips now, mainly because it removes the hassle of sorting out data when I arrive in a new city.
It’s a digital SIM card, meaning I don’t need to insert anything into my phone (unlike local SIMs). I just need to install the eSIM before I travel and as soon as I land, I’ve got data.
Here’s what I generally use it for:
• Google Maps
• Checking train and bus times
• Booking activities or looking up opening times
It’s not at all complicated to set up. You buy a data plan in the app, follow a few steps to install it, and then switch it on when you arrive.
Best Time to Visit Ljubljana
I got really lucky when I visited Ljubljana in April. It was the best weather I could have hoped for. The temperature was in the low 20s (Celsius) with zero rain. I was told the week before had been pretty wet.
That said, in April, average daytime highs are around 15°C, so you’ll want to pack a jacket in your day bag.
By May, it’s closer to 20°C, and in June, daytime highs are usually around 24°C.
July and August can get hot. Average highs are around 26°C, but temperatures can get even higher during heatwaves (thanks global warming). It’s still a good time to visit, but only if you’re not one to hide from the heat.
So, what about rain?
Rain is definitely possible in Ljubljana, so don’t assume blue skies just because you’re travelling in spring or summer. This little city gets rainfall throughout the year, and showers or thunderstorms can happen from late spring into summer. I wouldn’t say this warrants avoiding these months, just bring a light rain jacket on your day trip.
If you don’t mind the cold and unpredictable weather, and you’re a Christmas nut like me, between November and early January is a great time to visit. I love Christmas markets! And at various points in Ljubljana you’ll find stalls selling beautifully hand-crafted gifts, yummy food and light shows.
Read also: What To Pack For A European City Day Trip
Why I Book With Get Your Guide
I use GetYourGuide for almost all my activities when I’m travelling, mainly for these reasons:
‣ Free cancellation on most bookings: Plans change. It’s good to know you can cancel and get a refund if needed.
‣ Clear, detailed listings: You can see exactly what’s included, how long it takes, where to go, and what to expect before you book.
‣ Verified reviews: Makes it easier to avoid wasting time or money on something that isn’t worth it.
‣ Instant confirmation: Especially useful if you’re booking things last minute.
‣ Mobile tickets: No printing, no collecting tickets, everything is on your phone.
How to Take a Day Trip From Zagreb to Ljubljana
There are a few different ways to take a day trip from Zagreb to Ljubljana, and the best option really depends on how much freedom you want and whether you’re visiting Ljubljana only or trying to squeeze in somewhere else, like Lake Bled.
Zagreb to Ljubljana by Bus
If you’re looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get from Zagreb to Ljubljana, taking the bus is the best option for you. It’ll take you around 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on the exact service.
Flixbus buses run regularly throughout the day, so you’ll be able to find an early departure from Zagreb and an evening return from Ljubljana.
You can hop on a bus at Zagreb Bus Station to Ljubljana Bus Station, which is right beside the train station. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the old town and Dragon Bridge.
This would be my pick for most people taking a simple day trip from Zagreb to Ljubljana. It’s direct, easy, usually affordable, and you can get straight into exploring once you arrive.
Zagreb to Ljubljana by Train
You know I love a train journey. I’ll always choose the train if it’s doable.
From Zagreb to Ljubljana, there are only a few direct options a day but it is the more scenic option. If you decide to take the train, I recommend sitting on the left side for the best views.
Direct trains between the two cities takes around 2.5 hours.
The main thing with the train is timing. Some departures work well for a day trip, while others may not give you enough time in Ljubljana to make the journey worth it. So, make sure you check both your outbound and return options so you don’t get stuck in Ljubljana for the night.
Zagreb to Ljubljana by Car
Hiring a car to drive from Zagreb to Ljubljana is the quickest option, taking around an hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. It’s also the option that offers you the most freedom.
If you’re driving in Slovenia, you’ll need to buy a Slovenian e-vignette for motorways and expressways. It’s linked to your registration plate, so you don’t need a physical sticker, but you do need to sort it before using the motorway. You can get one as soon as you cross the border or online.
Driving definitely makes the most sense if you want flexibility or want to plan to visit somewhere else in Slovenia on the same day. For Ljubljana only, I honestly don’t think a car is necessary (especially since the centre is car free). Once you add in parking, the bus or train is definitely less hassle.
Zagreb to Ljubljana by Guided Tour
After the train, guided tours are my favourite way to experience day trips.
If you want someone else to handle the transport and timings, especially if the tour includes more than just Ljubljana, this is the best option.
This particular day trip from Zagreb combines Ljubljana with Lake Bled. And if you’re not going to make it to Lake Bled during your trip, I recommend doing this. Lake Bled is beautiful!
The only trade-off is that you’ll have less freedom to wander at your own pace, and your time in Ljubljana may be shorter if the tour includes another stop.
Do You Need to Worry About Border Checks?
Croatia and Slovenia are both in the Schengen Area now, so border crossings are a lot much smoother than they used to be.
That said, you’re still travelling between two countries, so delays can happen, especially during busy travel periods or if there are spot checks. Bring your passport or national ID card, even if you don’t expect to be checked.
What to Do in Ljubljana on a Day Trip
As I said before, Ljubljana is small and easy to explore, so you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy it. These are the main things I’d focus on if you only have one day.
- Wander Ljubljana Old Town: Colourful streets, pretty squares and plenty of little corners to explore in Ljubljana’s old town. Take a walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the city.
- See the Dragon Bridge: Ljubljana’s famous dragon statues are a must-see and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
- Cross the Triple Bridge: A pretty central spot connecting the old town with the newer part of the city.
- Visit Prešeren Square: The main square in Ljubljana and a good place to get your bearings when you first arrive.
- Head up to Ljubljana Castle: Walk up or take the funicular for gorgeous views over the city and surrounding hills.
- Browse the Central Market: A nice spot for a quick wander, especially if you like seeing local produce, flowers and food stalls.
- Stop for coffee by the river: Honestly, one of the best things to do here is just sit outside and enjoy the city for a while.
- Take a river cruise: A relaxing way to see Ljubljana from a different angle if you want to add something easy to your day.
- Try some Slovenian food: Even if you’re only there for a few hours, make time for lunch or at least a snack before heading back to Zagreb.
Is a Day Trip from Zagreb to Ljubljana Worth It… Or Should You Stay Overnight?
While Ljubljana is absolutely doable in just one day, I have also stayed overnight (mainly so I could experience this incredible hot air balloon ride early the following morning).
If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight stay, here are a few Ljubljana hotel options to consider.
- Budget: Ibis Styles Ljubljana The Fuzzy Log is a fun, affordable option with a hostel-style feel, ideal if you want somewhere central without spending too much.
- Mid-range: Lesar Hotel Angel is where I stayed and I’d happily recommend it. It’s a lovely boutique-style hotel in the old town, so you’re close to everything without needing taxis or public transport.
- Luxury: Zlata Ladica Boutique Hotel is a beautiful high-end boutique hotel right in the heart of Ljubljana, perfect if you want something special and a bit more indulgent.
For a short stay, I’d definitely recommend staying in or near the Old Town. Ljubljana is small and walkable, so the closer you are to the river, castle and main squares, the easier your trip will be.
