The alpine town of Bovec is just 41 miles (66 km) from Goriška Brda, a popular section of Slovenia’s Primorska Wine Region. Šmartno, a village designated as a cultural heritage monument, makes a great hub with excellent access to wineries. The most convenient way to travel between the two is by car—private transfer or rental—which takes about one hour.
Another option is the regional bus with a travel time of two hours. The train is a bit faster at 1.5 hours, but because there are no direct routes you must first take a private transfer to Most na Soči. Both of these options arrive in Nova Gorica, just outside the center of Goriška Brda.
The most convenient way to reach Goriška Brda is by private transfer. Although it may be more convenient to have your own vehicle, keep in mind that rental cars are not available in Bovec. You can rent a car in many towns and cities throughout Slovenia, so you just need to obtain it before arriving in Bovec.
The route is incredibly scenic as you start in the Julian Alps, follow the Soča River Valley south and east, and end in Goriška Brda, a region full of villages perched atop rolling hillsides. If you’re up for an adventure and have extra time to explore the area further, this 7-day cycling tour hits all the good spots, including a pizza break across the border in Italy.
There are many great stopping points along the way, such as Slap Boka (Boka Waterfall), a short hike just outside of Bovec. The Kobarid area has good restaurants and views, and Tolmin is a nice town for a coffee or a walk through a scenic gorge.
Less convenient than driving is the regional bus, which offers just one departure each evening. This route will arrive in Nova Gorica, the transportation hub for Goriška Brda, at 9:30 pm. An additional 20-minute local bus or taxi will take you all the way to Šmartno, or other towns in the region.
Faster than the bus, but requiring a connection, is the train. There are no direct trains, so you must first make your way to Most na Soči. A private transfer will get you there in about 45 minutes. Trains from Most na Soči to Nova Gorica take just 40 minutes, with several options for departures throughout the day. This is a good alternative to the bus if you wish to arrive in Nova Gorica a bit earlier.
Remember that this option requires an additional 20-minute taxi or local bus to Šmartno, or to other towns in the heart of Goriška Brda.
Another option is the regional bus with a travel time of two hours. The train is a bit faster at 1.5 hours, but because there are no direct routes you must first take a private transfer to Most na Soči. Both of these options arrive in Nova Gorica, just outside the center of Goriška Brda.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1 hourThe most convenient way to reach Goriška Brda is by private transfer. Although it may be more convenient to have your own vehicle, keep in mind that rental cars are not available in Bovec. You can rent a car in many towns and cities throughout Slovenia, so you just need to obtain it before arriving in Bovec.
The route is incredibly scenic as you start in the Julian Alps, follow the Soča River Valley south and east, and end in Goriška Brda, a region full of villages perched atop rolling hillsides. If you’re up for an adventure and have extra time to explore the area further, this 7-day cycling tour hits all the good spots, including a pizza break across the border in Italy.
There are many great stopping points along the way, such as Slap Boka (Boka Waterfall), a short hike just outside of Bovec. The Kobarid area has good restaurants and views, and Tolmin is a nice town for a coffee or a walk through a scenic gorge.
By Bus
Duration: 2 hoursLess convenient than driving is the regional bus, which offers just one departure each evening. This route will arrive in Nova Gorica, the transportation hub for Goriška Brda, at 9:30 pm. An additional 20-minute local bus or taxi will take you all the way to Šmartno, or other towns in the region.
By Train and Private Transfer
Duration: 1.5 hoursFaster than the bus, but requiring a connection, is the train. There are no direct trains, so you must first make your way to Most na Soči. A private transfer will get you there in about 45 minutes. Trains from Most na Soči to Nova Gorica take just 40 minutes, with several options for departures throughout the day. This is a good alternative to the bus if you wish to arrive in Nova Gorica a bit earlier.
Remember that this option requires an additional 20-minute taxi or local bus to Šmartno, or to other towns in the heart of Goriška Brda.
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