Bus Services

Navigating Slovenia by Bus

Buses are the main public transport in Slovenia. They connect Ljubljana with all major cities, towns, and most villages. Arriva and Nomago are the largest operators. Bus routes reach remote areas not covered by trains.

• Coverage: Buses serve over 1,000 destinations, including Bled, Piran, Maribor, and Triglav National Park.
• Frequency: Urban buses in Ljubljana run every 5–15 minutes. Intercity buses run hourly or less, with reduced service on Sundays.
• Tickets: Buy tickets from the driver or at bus stations. Prices start at €2 for short trips. Ljubljana to Bled costs around €7.
• Travel time: Ljubljana to Maribor by bus takes about 2.5 hours. Buses are slower than trains but reach more places.
• Why useful: Buses are essential for rural travel. Many tourist spots, such as Lake Bohinj, are only accessible by bus.

Check timetables online at Arriva.si or at local stations. Arrive 10 minutes early, especially in summer.

Major Routes and Destinations

Ljubljana is the main hub for bus travel in Slovenia. Most intercity routes start or end here.

• Ljubljana to Bled: Buses run hourly. Journey takes 70-90 minutes. One-way ticket costs about €7.
• Ljubljana to Maribor: Frequent departures, every 30-60 minutes. Travel time is 2-2.5 hours. Tickets from €10.
• Ljubljana to Piran: Direct buses run 5-8 times daily. Journey lasts 2.5-3 hours. Ticket price is around €12.
• Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora: 3-5 daily departures. Journey takes 2 hours.

Regional and rural connections:

• Buses link smaller towns like Ptuj, Celje, and Novo Mesto to Ljubljana and regional centers.
• Rural villages are served by local lines, often with 2-6 departures per day.

Seasonal variations:

• Summer sees extra services to Lake Bohinj, Soča Valley, and Triglav National Park.
• Winter brings special ski buses to Kranjska Gora and Vogel.

Practical details:

• Timetables vary by season and day. Fewer buses on Sundays and holidays.
• Tickets are available at stations or from drivers. Advance purchase is advised for popular routes.

Timetables and Planning Tools

Bus timetables in Slovenia are available online and at stations.

• Arriva (arriva.si) and Nomago (nomago.si) list national and regional schedules.
• Major bus stations, like Ljubljana and Maribor, have their own websites with up-to-date timetables.
• Printed schedules are posted at most bus stations and stops.
• Check schedules in advance, especially for rural routes. Some lines run only a few times per day.
• Weekend and holiday services are limited. Fewer departures on Sundays and public holidays.
• School holidays may also affect frequency, especially in smaller towns.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Buses may leave on time, especially from main terminals.
• Delays are possible in winter or during roadworks. Plan extra time for connections.
• Use the Slovenian Bus Portal (ap-ljubljana.si) for route planning and ticket prices.
• Most online tools offer English versions.
• Timetables show prices, journey times, and platform numbers for larger stations.

Ticketing and Fare Tips

Bus tickets in Slovenia can be purchased in several ways.

• Buy tickets directly from the driver when boarding. This is common on regional and local routes.
• At major bus stations, use ticket counters or self-service machines. This is recommended for intercity journeys or busy routes.
• Online purchase is possible through operator websites like arriva.si and nomago.si. E-tickets must be printed or shown on a smartphone.

Seat reservations are not standard on most Slovenian buses.

• Boarding is first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular routes, especially in summer.
• For long-distance or international routes, some operators may offer seat reservations online.

Typical fares:

• Ljubljana to Bled: €7–€8 one way.
• Ljubljana to Maribor: €10–€13 one way.
• Short city rides in Ljubljana: €1.30 with Urbana card.

Discounts:

• Children, students, and seniors receive reduced fares. Valid ID is required.
• Multi-ride cards and monthly passes are available for regular commuters. Check with local operators for details.

Payment methods:

• Cash is accepted by all drivers. Small denominations are preferred.
• Major stations accept cards. Not all drivers have card terminals.
• In Ljubljana, use the Urbana contactless card for city buses.

Always check ticket validity and keep your ticket until the end of your journey.

Insider Advice for Smooth Journeys

Travel outside peak times for fewer crowds. Early mornings (before 8:00) and late evenings (after 18:00) are less busy, especially on routes from Ljubljana.

Luggage is allowed on Slovenian buses. Small bags can go overhead or at your feet. For larger suitcases, use the under-bus compartment. Drivers may charge €1 per large bag.

Accessibility varies by operator. Major routes (Ljubljana–Maribor, Ljubljana–Bled) often use low-floor or ramp-equipped buses. Rural lines may not be fully accessible. Check with Arriva or Nomago in advance.

Onboard etiquette: Greet the driver with "Dober dan." Eating is uncommon. Keep phone calls quiet. Offer seats to elderly or disabled passengers.

Missed connections: If you miss a bus, check the next departure on arriva.si or at the station. Staff at major stations (Ljubljana, Maribor) can help rebook. Refunds are not guaranteed for missed buses.

Always validate your ticket when boarding.

Quick Reference: Bus Travel Checklist

Before travel:

• Check schedules on arriva.si or nomago.si. Services may be limited on Sundays and holidays.
• Arrive 10 minutes early at the station. Major hubs: Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje.

Documents and payment:

• Carry a valid ID or passport. EU citizens need only ID.
• Buy tickets at stations (cash/card) or from drivers (cash only, euros). No contactless on buses.

Key apps/websites:

• Bookmark arriva.si, nomago.si, and avtobusna postaja.si for real-time info.

Help and emergencies:

• For lost items, contact the bus operator directly.
• In emergencies, dial 112 (general) or 113 (police).