How to Get from Lake Bled to Piran

Lake Bled and Piran are 106 miles (171 km) apart, making a trip from the Alps to the seaside very doable in one trip. The fastest and most convenient way is by rental car or private transfer. The drive takes you straight through Slovenia’s karst region, arriving in Piran in about two hours.

Public transportation is also an option. The train won’t take you all the way to Piran, but you can get as far as the neighboring seaside town, Koper. From there, you can grab a local or regional bus to Piran. In total, this option takes about 3-3.5 hours.

If you prefer to stick with the regional bus, you’ll find several daily departures from which to choose. Keep in mind that bus routes require a connection in the capital city, Ljubljana. You’ll reach Piran in 3-4 hours. 

If you're interested in extending your trip through the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, this 10-day itinerary includes some of the country's best scenery and walking trails.

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 2 hours, more with stops

The most convenient and fastest way to travel between Lake Bled and Piran is by car. Both can be booked in Bled. Note that private transfers may require two separate bookings (Lake Bled to Ljubljana and Ljubljana to Piran), especially if traveling outside of the summer months. 

The driving route itself is simple and straightforward. After leaving Bled, you’ll connect to the E61 highway south through Ljubljana. The scenic town of Škofja Loka is a great detour and stopping point for coffee or lunch. Ljubljana is also worth a stop, as the capital city is filled with riverside cafes, pedestrian walkways, and a hilltop castle.

After Ljubljana, you’ll continue on E61 and pass three of Slovenia’s most popular sites: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and Škocjan Caves. If you’re interested in a short detour to visit a winery, there are plenty along the H4 expressway near Razdrto.

After passing the town of Divača, you’ll connect to the A1 highway towards the coast. Piran is just off route 111, but keep in mind that the old town is almost car-free. There are a few paid parking lots for this reason, including two near the port and three up on the hill by the old walls.

By Train/Bus

Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours

Piran doesn’t have a train station, but you can get as far as Koper—a neighboring seaside port city to the north. Trains leave Ljubljana in the morning and late afternoon, arriving in Koper 2-2.5 hours later. From there, you can grab a 1-hour regional or local but to get all the way to Piran. 

By Bus

Duration: 3 - 4 hours

The slowest option is to travel by bus for the entire route. You’ll need to book your journey in two segments, starting with Lake Bled to Ljubljana. Buses leave hourly and take only about one hour to reach the capital city. 

From Ljubljana, there are about six daily departures to Piran. Most leave in the morning, so note that there is only one option if you prefer to leave in the afternoon. Depending on your departure, you’ll arrive in Piran in 2-3 hours.