Slovenia travel guide

Slovenia Tourism | Slovenia Guide

You're Going to Love Slovenia

With beautiful architecture in its cities, contrasting natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities, Slovenia has something for all travelers.

What to do in Slovenia

1. Go for a Hike

Take it easy with a 3 mi hike on the Kobarid Historical Trail or challenge yourself to climb to the summit of Mount Triglav.

2. Skiing in Winter

Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps is the most popular ski resort in Slovenia for beginners and intermediate skiers while Maribor Pohorje has skiing options for all skill levels.

3. Visit Lake Bled

Swim or rent a row boat – all of these options are available when visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia. Row out to the island to see the Church of Assumption.

4. Wander Through the Capital Ljubljana

Take in the architecture of Jože Plečnik in the bridges and buildings of Ljubljana or stroll along the Ljubljanica River. Be sure to visit the Ljubljana Castle.

5. Postojna Caves

Postojna Caves is a 2-million-year-old series of underground caves and passages that can be visited partly on a mini train and partly on foot.

1. Go for a Hike

Take it easy with a 3 mi hike on the Kobarid Historical Trail or challenge yourself to climb to the summit of Mount Triglav.

2. Skiing in Winter

Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps is the most popular ski resort in Slovenia for beginners and intermediate skiers while Maribor Pohorje has skiing options for all skill levels.

3. Visit Lake Bled

Swim or rent a row boat – all of these options are available when visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia. Row out to the island to see the Church of Assumption.

4. Wander Through the Capital Ljubljana

Take in the architecture of Jože Plečnik in the bridges and buildings of Ljubljana or stroll along the Ljubljanica River. Be sure to visit the Ljubljana Castle.

5. Postojna Caves

Postojna Caves is a 2-million-year-old series of underground caves and passages that can be visited partly on a mini train and partly on foot.

When to visit Slovenia

Slovenia can be visited all year round. Skiing is good between December and March, while if you want to hike, April, May, September and October are good months. The high season from June to August is the warmest with temperatures ranging from 68-86°F.

How to Get to Slovenia

Entry Requirements

EU citizens don't need a visa as the country is part of the Schengen zone. US travelers with valid passports for the duration of their stay don't need a visa for visits up to 90 days.

Plane

Jože Pučnik Airport, around 17 mi north of the capital, is the only international airport in Slovenia. It receives flights from the national carrier, Adria Airways, as well as other European airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, Air France, and the budget carriers easyJet and Wizz Air.

Train

Slovenian Railways maintains good links with the rest of the European railway network. This is a popular way to travel to Slovenia via Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Croatia, among others.

Car

Slovenia has good highway connections with neighboring countries, so it is easy to drive into the country from Austria, Hungary and Italy. All cars must display a road-toll sticker, which can be purchased at gas stations near the border.

Bus

Slovenia is well-connected to neighboring countries by bus and there are several long-haul bus companies that operate these routes, such as Eurolines, Arriva and Flixbus. Most international services arrive at the Ljubljana Bus Station.

Boat

In the summer months, it is possible to travel by sea to Slovenia from Trieste and Venice in neighboring Italy. The ships dock at Piran and run from June through August (Trieste) and June through mid-September (Venice).

Entry Requirements

EU citizens don't need a visa as the country is part of the Schengen zone. US travelers with valid passports for the duration of their stay don't need a visa for visits up to 90 days.

Plane

Jože Pučnik Airport, around 17 mi north of the capital, is the only international airport in Slovenia. It receives flights from the national carrier, Adria Airways, as well as other European airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, Air France, and the budget carriers easyJet and Wizz Air.

Train

Slovenian Railways maintains good links with the rest of the European railway network. This is a popular way to travel to Slovenia via Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Croatia, among others.

Car

Slovenia has good highway connections with neighboring countries, so it is easy to drive into the country from Austria, Hungary and Italy. All cars must display a road-toll sticker, which can be purchased at gas stations near the border.

Bus

Slovenia is well-connected to neighboring countries by bus and there are several long-haul bus companies that operate these routes, such as Eurolines, Arriva and Flixbus. Most international services arrive at the Ljubljana Bus Station.

Boat

In the summer months, it is possible to travel by sea to Slovenia from Trieste and Venice in neighboring Italy. The ships dock at Piran and run from June through August (Trieste) and June through mid-September (Venice).

Popular airports in Slovenia

Popular airlines serving Slovenia

Lufthansa
Good (7,101 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,347 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,638 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,821 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,617 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,915 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,436 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,798 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,510 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,655 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,287 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (356 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,222 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,137 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,304 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,878 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (905 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (414 reviews)
easyJet
Good (1,907 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Slovenia

In the main towns, there is the option of staying in hotels, from budget to luxury (such as Intercontinental and Radisson), as well as guesthouses, pensions and hostels. In the smaller towns, pensions – often family owned and run, may be the only option. The Alpine Association of Slovenia provides mountain huts for hikers.

Where to stay in popular areas of Slovenia

Most booked hotels in Slovenia

Bled Rose Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 191+
Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 119+
City Hotel Ljubljana
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 109+
Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 109+
Hotel Park - Sava Hotels & Resorts
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 146+
Rikli Balance Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 189+

How to Get Around Slovenia

Public Transportation

The main public transport in Slovenian cities is bus. In Ljubljana and Maribor, you will need to purchase an Urbana smart card that you can top up with money as no cash payments are taken on buses. It is also possible to rent bikes to travel around the cities.

Trains

The domestic rail network around Slovenia, operated by Slovenian Railways, is widespread and has good connections between towns and cities.

Bus

The Slovenian bus network is extensive and has good connections with all major towns and cities as well as some of the more out-of-the-way places. Tickets can be bought at the bus station before travel or on the bus.

Car

International car rental companies, such as Sixt and Budget, exist at the airport and in Ljubljana and driving is often a more flexible way to travel around Slovenia.

Public Transportation

The main public transport in Slovenian cities is bus. In Ljubljana and Maribor, you will need to purchase an Urbana smart card that you can top up with money as no cash payments are taken on buses. It is also possible to rent bikes to travel around the cities.

Trains

The domestic rail network around Slovenia, operated by Slovenian Railways, is widespread and has good connections between towns and cities.

Bus

The Slovenian bus network is extensive and has good connections with all major towns and cities as well as some of the more out-of-the-way places. Tickets can be bought at the bus station before travel or on the bus.

Car

International car rental companies, such as Sixt and Budget, exist at the airport and in Ljubljana and driving is often a more flexible way to travel around Slovenia.

The Cost of Living in Slovenia

Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted throughout Slovenia. ATMs exist in main cities and towns of Slovenia and accept Visa and Mastercard. A 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost approximately €3 ($3.35) and eating at a restaurant is also reasonably priced and will cost around €8 ($9) for a meal per person in a slightly cheaper restaurant.

Popular cities in Slovenia