Train Services

Rail Network at a Glance

Slovenske železnice (SŽ) operates Slovenia’s rail network. The system covers about 1,200 km of track. Main lines connect Ljubljana with Maribor, Koper, Nova Gorica, and Celje. Regional trains serve smaller towns like Jesenice, Ptuj, and Novo Mesto. Most routes are electrified and use standard gauge. Trains run daily, with frequent departures on main lines. Travel time from Ljubljana to Maribor is about 2.5 hours. Ljubljana to Koper takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Local fares start at €2.10 for short distances. A Ljubljana–Maribor ticket costs about €13. International trains link Slovenia with Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. Direct services run to Vienna, Graz, Villach, and Trieste. Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on SŽ trains. Bicycles are allowed for a small fee. Overnight trains operate on some international routes. The rail network is vital for commuters and cargo. SŽ is modernizing lines and rolling stock to improve speed and comfort.

Major Routes and Destinations

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

• Trains from Ljubljana to Maribor run every 1-2 hours. Journey time: about 2 hours.
• Direct trains to Koper (coast) depart 5-7 times daily. Travel time: 2.5 hours.
• Lake Bled is reached via Lesce-Bled station. Trains from Ljubljana run hourly. Journey: 50-60 minutes.
• Celje and Novo Mesto are served by frequent regional trains. Average travel time: 1-2 hours.
• Nova Gorica connects western Slovenia. Trains run 4-6 times daily. Journey: about 2.5 hours.

International routes:

• Direct trains link Ljubljana with Villach (Austria) 2-3 times daily. Travel time: 2.5 hours.
• Daily trains to Graz via Maribor. Duration: 3.5 hours.
• Services to Trieste (Italy) run twice daily. Journey: 2.5 hours.
• Trains to Zagreb (Croatia) depart 2-4 times daily. Travel time: 2.5 hours.
• One daily train to Budapest (Hungary). Duration: 8 hours.

Sample fares (Ljubljana to Maribor): €13.10 (second class, one-way).

Tickets, Passes, and Pricing

Train tickets in Slovenia are sold at all major stations, ticket machines, and on board trains. Tickets can also be purchased online via the Slovenske železnice (SŽ) website or the SŽ mobile app. Most stations in larger cities, such as Ljubljana and Maribor, have staffed ticket counters.

Ticket types include:

• Single (enosmerna vozovnica): valid for one journey between two stations
• Return (povratna vozovnica): valid for round-trip travel, usually cheaper than two singles
• Group tickets: discounts for groups of six or more
• Tourist passes: the SŽ "Izletka" day pass offers unlimited travel on selected routes for one day

Eurail and Interrail passes are accepted on all SŽ trains. Pass holders must show their pass to the conductor. Seat reservations are not required on most domestic routes but are recommended for InterCity Slovenia (ICS) trains. Reservation fees for ICS are around €3 per seat.

Ticket prices depend on distance. For example, Ljubljana to Maribor costs about €13 one way. Children under 6 travel free. Children aged 6-12, students, seniors (over 60), and families receive discounts of 30-50%. Monthly and annual commuter passes are available for regular travelers. Tickets must be validated before boarding if purchased at the station.

Onboard Experience and Facilities

Slovenian trains offer two classes: first class (prvi razred) and second class (drugi razred). First class provides more spacious seating and quieter carriages. Second class is standard and widely used. Luggage racks are available above seats and at the ends of carriages. There are no strict luggage limits, but large items may need to be stored at carriage ends.

Wi-Fi is available on InterCity Slovenija (ICS) trains between Ljubljana and Maribor. Most other trains do not offer Wi-Fi. Power outlets are present in first class on ICS trains. Regional and local trains usually lack sockets.

Refreshments are available on some long-distance trains, mainly ICS. There is no dining car on most regional routes.

Bicycles can be transported for a supplement of €1.50–€3, depending on distance. Bicycle spaces must be reserved in advance on some trains. Small pets travel free in a carrier; larger dogs require a ticket and muzzle.

Most new trains have low-floor access and accessible toilets. Older trains may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users.

Practical Tips for Smooth Journeys

Plan connections using the Slovenske železnice (SŽ) online timetable or SŽ app. Timetables are updated seasonally, especially in summer and December. Double-check schedules before travel, as some regional trains run less frequently on weekends. Delays of 5-15 minutes are common, especially on routes through the Karavanke tunnel or to Koper. In case of major disruptions, SŽ may provide replacement buses (nadomestni avtobus), announced at stations and on the SŽ website. Most station signs are in Slovenian and English. Look for 'odhod' (departures) and 'prihod' (arrivals). Platform numbers are marked as 'peron.' In smaller stations, staff may not speak English; learning basic Slovenian phrases helps. Summer weekends and public holidays (e.g., 25 June, 15 August) are busiest, especially on Ljubljana–Koper and Ljubljana–Jesenice lines. Reserve seats in advance for InterCity (IC) and international trains. Always validate your ticket before boarding if purchased at a machine. Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in larger stations like Ljubljana and Maribor. Smoking is prohibited on trains and platforms. Bicycles require a supplement (usually €1.50–€3.00) and are allowed only in marked carriages.

Quick Reference: Essential Resources

Slovenske železnice (SŽ) official website: www.slo-zeleznice.si offers schedules, ticket purchase, and service updates.
SŽ mobile app: Download for Android or iOS. Provides real-time train times and ticketing.
Customer helpline: Call +386 1 29 13 332 for English assistance, daily 6:00–22:00.
Station information desks: Available at Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, and Koper stations during opening hours.
Live schedule tool: https://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/passenger-transport/timetable/ for up-to-date departures and arrivals.
Disruption updates: Check the SŽ homepage banner or app notifications for strike or delay alerts.