How to Get from Bohinj to Bovec

Lake Bohinj and Bovec are located 70 miles (112 km) apart on opposite sides of Slovenia’s scenic Triglav National Park. The fastest and most convenient way to make the journey is by car, either rental or private transfer. There are two different routes available depending on the season, both taking about two hours. 

At three hours, the train is only slightly longer than driving. Neither town has its own train station, and the journey requires a taxi or private transfer to nearby transportation hubs: Bohinjska Bistrica for Bohinj, and Most na Soči for Bovec.

The bus is a budget-friendly alternative, but requires at least one connection and is very restrictive outside of the high-peak tourist season. If you’re traveling in the summer months, however, routes run regularly and take about four hours.

Because Slovenia is known for its outdoor recreation, you can also hike the route. From Bohinj, you can connect to the Soča Trail via Mt. Triglav. You need at least a few days to tackle the hike, with many alpine guest houses available in the park for overnight stays.

If you're interested in exploring more of the Julian Alps, you might enjoy this 8-day itinerary.

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 2 hours

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Bovec from Bohinj is by rental car. In peak summer months, there are also transfer services that can take you between the two. In the slower off-season months, direct transfers aren’t as available and may require a switch in Lake Bled.

Because Bohinj and Bovec sit on opposite sides of mountainous Triglav National Park, the routes can be impacted by winter weather. The journey starts by driving from Bohinj to Kranjska Gora via Lake Bled, a perfect stop for a meal or coffee. If passable—although occasionally closed in the winter due to snow—Vršič Pass offers the most scenic option straight through the park. You’ll pass many picnic-worthy outlooks along the way, plus the alpine villages of Trenta and Soča.

Another option is via Predil Pass, which is a great winter alternative as it rarely closes. This route continues past Kranjska Gora and drives through Italy around the northwestern side of the park. A great detour for a scenic picnic stop is Lago di Fusine (Lake Fusine). Because Slovenia and Italy are both in the Schengen Zone, you won’t need to stop at the borders.

By Train (+ Taxi or Private Transfer)

Duration: 2 hours

Neither Bohinj nor Bovec is serviced by a train station, but trains depart regularly from nearby towns. From Bohinj, you can take a 10-minute taxi to Bohinjska Bistrica. There, direct trains leave throughout the day and arrive in Most na Soči—the transport hub of the Soča River Valley—in about 45 minutes. The rest of the way requires a 45-minute taxi or private transfer to Bovec.

By Bus

Duration: 4 hours

If you’re traveling in the summertime, the bus route is fairly straightforward. From Bohinj to Bled, buses run hourly throughout the year and take about 45 minutes. Once you’re in Bled, there is a 3-hour journey that departs daily at 4:10 pm. In total, the journey time is about four hours.

If traveling in the off-season, however, the journey by bus isn’t recommended. It requires multiple transfers, relying on Saturday-only services, and/or must be combined with taxis or private transfers.

By Foot

Duration: 3+ days

For the adventurous types, you can also hike this route through Triglav National Park. From Bohinj, an ascent via Mt. Triglav eventually connects to the Soča Trail, which is a part of the famous Alpe Adria Trail. At a minimum, the journey is 3 days with overnight stays in the many mountain huts and guesthouses—you can see more details in this itinerary.