One of Slovenia's most popular destinations is Lake Bled, a dreamy city escape just 34 miles (55 km) from Ljubljana. Traveling by car—either rental or private transfer—is the fastest way to reach the lake. Drivers can relax along a modern freeway, making the scenic journey relatively stress-free. Plus, renting a car in such a small country allows for further exploration, such as this 8-day itinerary featuring the highlights of Slovenia.
Other options include regional buses and trains, with the bus being the better pick. The train station is located slightly out of Bled’s center, requiring an additional journey by taxi or foot.
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana is by rental car or a private transfer. Rental cars are available in the city center, near the bus and train stations, or at the airport. And thanks to Slovenian law, pick-up and drop-off locations can differ without extra costs, meaning you can conveniently snag your car in Ljubljana and leave it in Bled, if you wish.
Due to its modern freeway network, even those not well-versed in Slovenian roadways will find the 45-minute journey convenient and straightforward. However, during the peak summer season, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. After leaving the freeway, the road to Bled can get very crowded from about 9:00 am onwards and parking at the lake is difficult.
Though less convenient than driving, regional buses are reliable, economical, and frequent here, with departures leaving at least once every hour from Ljubljana's city center. Depending on departure time, journeys range from 45 minutes for an express bus to about 1.5 hours for longer routes. Again, due to heavy traffic during summer months, it’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid delays.
Regional trains run less frequently and require a transfer in the town of Jesenice, making this the longest and least convenient option. Additionally, the train station in Bled (Bled Jezero) is located on the western side of the lake, which is opposite the town’s main center. If the town is your destination, an additional 10-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk is required. That said, the walk is set on a scenic pathway that curves around the lake, and swimming, hiking, and boats to the lake’s famous island are also available on the western side.
Other options include regional buses and trains, with the bus being the better pick. The train station is located slightly out of Bled’s center, requiring an additional journey by taxi or foot.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 45 minutesThe quickest and most convenient way to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana is by rental car or a private transfer. Rental cars are available in the city center, near the bus and train stations, or at the airport. And thanks to Slovenian law, pick-up and drop-off locations can differ without extra costs, meaning you can conveniently snag your car in Ljubljana and leave it in Bled, if you wish.
Due to its modern freeway network, even those not well-versed in Slovenian roadways will find the 45-minute journey convenient and straightforward. However, during the peak summer season, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. After leaving the freeway, the road to Bled can get very crowded from about 9:00 am onwards and parking at the lake is difficult.
By Bus
Duration: 45 minutes - 1.5 hoursThough less convenient than driving, regional buses are reliable, economical, and frequent here, with departures leaving at least once every hour from Ljubljana's city center. Depending on departure time, journeys range from 45 minutes for an express bus to about 1.5 hours for longer routes. Again, due to heavy traffic during summer months, it’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid delays.
By Train
Duration: 1-1.5 hoursRegional trains run less frequently and require a transfer in the town of Jesenice, making this the longest and least convenient option. Additionally, the train station in Bled (Bled Jezero) is located on the western side of the lake, which is opposite the town’s main center. If the town is your destination, an additional 10-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk is required. That said, the walk is set on a scenic pathway that curves around the lake, and swimming, hiking, and boats to the lake’s famous island are also available on the western side.
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