How to go from Ljubljana to Bled?

Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, with its stunning lake views and vibrant city center. If you are also planning a day trip to Lake Bled, the first step is to figure out the best way to go from Ljubljana to Bled. Luckily there are several transport options available and we are here to help you figure out which is the best one for you!

We live in Ljubljana and throughout the years, we have used all different kinds of methods to go from Ljubljana to Bled. Here we will share the six different ways you can travel from Ljubljana to Bled, including public transport options as well as private car hire.

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6 ways to go from Ljubljana to Bled

Here is a summary of all the transport options available.

1. Car

  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Price: 10-30 € per day

2. Day tour

  • Duration: Half or full day
  • Price: 66 €

 3. Shuttle

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Price: from 30 €

4. Bus

  • Duration: 1 h
  • Price: 6.50 € one-way

5. Train

  • Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Price: 6.60 € one-way

6. Taxi

  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Price: from 45 €

Now let’s take a look at each of the transport options in detail.

Going from Ljubljana to Bled by car

The fastest and most comfortable way to go from Ljubljana to Bled is by car. The journey should take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. If you will be spending a few days traveling through Slovenia, we strongly recommend renting a car so you will have more freedom with your itinerary.

The road from Ljubljana to Bled is almost a straight line through the highway. The road is very easy to drive in, but you have to make sure you have the vignette. There is another alternative path that does not go on the highway, but it takes longer as it passes through small towns along the way.

The car rental prices in Slovenia vary depending on the company, but you can expect to pay anywhere between 10-30 € per day.

Read also:

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Where to rent a car in Slovenia?

If you will be arriving in Ljubljana, as most international travelers do, we recommend renting a car in Ljubljana so you are already equipped to travel around the country. We always rent from SIXT. They have a very central office located in the train station in the center of Ljubljana, so it is very practical.

We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!

Going from Ljubljana to Bled on a day tour

If you do not have your own vehicle and are looking for the easiest way to go from Ljubljana to Bled, then a day tour is your best option. Day tours from Ljubljana to Bled are usually performed in a car or van, which can be shared or private, depending on the size of the group and the deal you choose.

The day tour usually includes more than just the transport. You will get to visit the lake and Bled Island, as well as stops at other attractions and points of interest along the way. The duration of the tour will depend on the package you choose, but it is usually between half and a full day.

The prices of the day tours vary depending on the size of your group and what is included. On average, you should expect the prices to start from 66 € per person.

We must say that we have never been on a day tour from Ljubljana to Bled ourselves, but we have a few friends who have chosen this option when visiting us here in Slovenia. The day tour is the best option if you don’t want to deal with bus timetables and travel logistics since they organize everything for you. See below some of the options:

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Going from Ljubljana to Bled by shuttle

Next on our list is the shuttle service. Slovenia is not very well connected by public transport, which is why we often use shuttle services to travel inside the country or to go to the airport in Venice or Zagreb.

Going from Ljubljana to Bled by shuttle is a very comfortable option as you will be in a small van. You will have a fixed departure time and the duration of the trip is almost as fast as with the car since the shuttle service is direct.

All in all, it is a great option!

The local company we always use for the shuttle is called Go Opti. You can check their available times here.

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Going from Ljubljana to Bled by bus

The cheapest way to go from Ljubljana to Bled is by bus. The journey takes 1h if you choose the option that goes directly from Ljubljana to Bled. 

Pay attention when buying your bus ticket as they also offer another longer option where the journey takes around 1h 40 because it makes several stops along the way. I usually check the timetable in advance and try to organize my day to make it fit the schedule of the direct bus.

The bus route is operated by Arriva, one of Slovenia’s main transport companies. The buses depart from the Ljubljana bus station and you can buy your ticket online or at the physical ticket booth.

Read also: How the public transport system in Ljubljana works

Going from Ljubljana to Bled by train

The last public transport option we have to go from Ljubljana to Bled is by train. Even though this is the longest route, if you are not on a tight schedule, it is a great option as the landscape along the train route is really beautiful. I am personally not the biggest fan of taking the train but Fe loves it as it is a very scenic experience.

The trip takes around 1h 40 and you can buy your ticket online or physically at the train station. The train is operated by Slovenian Railways and the one-way ticket would cost you 6,60 €. They have several discounts for students, elderly people, and other types of travelers.

Going from Ljubljana to Bled by taxi

The last way to go from Ljubljana to Bled is by taxi. If you are in a hurry or don’t want to be restrained by the timetables of public transport, getting a taxi can be an alternative option if you will not be traveling in your own car.

We must say that this is the most expensive option for going from Ljubljana to Bled, but we have added it to the list just to make sure we covered all the alternatives available.

Getting a taxi can be a good fit for groups or for travelers who want dedicated transport.

What to do in Bled?

Bled is filled with amazing activity options. It is truly a must-see destination in Slovenia and one of Fe’s favorite places in the country. Here are a few options of things to do:

  • Do the 6 km walk around Lake Bled
  • Hike to Ojstrica viewpoint – it has the best views of the lake!
  • Eat kremΕ‘nita, one of the most traditional Slovenian foods

Want to know more? Read our full guide of things to do in Bled.

If you will be visiting Bled during the winter, check out our guide about winter in Bled where we added all our recommendations of things to do during the cold months.

Wondering if it is best to stay in Ljubljana or Bled?

Most travelers struggle to decide if they should stay in Ljubljana or Bled. Let’s help you clear this doubt – check our comparison guide of Ljubljana vs Bled to understand which city is the best fit for you.

We hope this article has been useful to you and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. See you in Bled soon! 

Happy travels!

Other guides about traveling to Slovenia

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Slovenia, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

  • Check out our page with curated Slovenia experiences
  • Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad. 
  • Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals. 
  • Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com
  • Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
  • SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
  • Slovenia Map: Check out our custom-made Map with 290+ must-see spots!
  • Slovenia itineraries: Check out our pre-made Slovenian itineraries!
  • Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Slovenia!

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