Croatia is a popular destination for vacationing Slovenians who usually find themselves in Istria or the Kvarner Gulf. Other visitors like to combine Slovenia and Croatia in the same itinerary. The two countries are so close! From Ljubljana to Croatia is just a few hours drive (140km to Zagreb; 124km to Rijeka). It sounds so easy but there's a caveat. Renting a car in Slovenia and dropping it off in Croatia is hugely expensive, if the rental company allows it at all.

There are no direct year-round flights between Slovenia and Croatia but in summer you may find direct flights from Ljubljana to Bol (Brac island) and Dubrovnik.

Otherwise, look to trains or buses where there are far quicker and cheaper options. There are no ferries between Slovenia and Croatia.

Trains from Slovenia to Croatia

Zagreb

From Ljubljana, there are four direct daily trains to Zagreb that arrive in less than 2 1/2 hours. Book on thetrainline.

From Zagreb you can catch a flight to Dubrovnik or travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park and then go on to the Dalmatian coast.

Istria

Want to explore Istria?

There are two daily trains from Ljubljana to Pula that take about five hours.

And, there's at least one daily train from Ljubljana to Rijeka that take about three hours.

See bahn.de for schedules and booking.

 

Buses from Slovenia to Croatia

Zagreb

From Ljubljana, there are several dozen daily buses to Zagreb that take about 2 1/2 hours. It's a highly competitive route with prices as low as €9 through Flixbus.

Istria

A daily bus leaves Ljubljana at 8.30am and arrives in Pula at 3.50pm stopping in Zagreb. The return leaves Pula at 1pm and arrives in Ljubljana at 8.20pm. Book through Flixbus.

[See more on buses to Croatia]

 

Last updated January 4, 2023

Recommended Experiences