How to Get from Ljubljana to Maribor
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Ljubljana and Maribor are set just 79 miles apart, making it fairly easy to visit Slovenia’s two biggest cities in one trip. The most convenient way to reach Maribor is by car—rental or private transfer—which takes about 1.5 hours. The cities are linked by a major, multi-lane highway, A1/E57, making the drive mostly stress-free.
Other options include regional bus or train, which are more budget-friendly alternatives to driving. However, although some departures are direct, many require connections along the way.
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Maribor from Ljubljana is by rental car or private transfer. Both can be booked right in the city center, although there are additional companies that leave from the airport. And thanks to Slovenian law, pick-up and drop-off locations for rental cars can differ without extra costs, meaning you can conveniently grab your car in Ljubljana and leave it in Maribor, if you wish.
The two cities are connected by the A1/E57 highway, making the journey fairly straight-forward but not particularly scenic. You will, however, get some views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps as you leave Ljubljana, plus rolling hillsides along the Bolska River. If you have extra time, this route has a couple detours worth the stop. These include the historic town of Ptuj and, for beer lovers, the riverside spa town of Laško, home of the biggest brewery in Slovenia.
Slovenia’s regional bus line offers many direct departures from Ljubljana to Maribor. And with a journey time only slightly longer than driving, it’s a great budget-friendly alternative. But some routes are longer at about 3.5 hours, so plan accordingly. Tickets can be purchased in advance either online or at Ljubljana’s bus station. (If online, tickets must be printed in advance or collected at the departure station.)
Trains are the least convenient and slowest option. There are frequent departures throughout the day, but many require one or more connections. If you are traveling during the summer months or over holidays, and want to secure a direct route, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. You can do so at any train station within Slovenia (tickets are not available online).
Other options include regional bus or train, which are more budget-friendly alternatives to driving. However, although some departures are direct, many require connections along the way.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1.5 hoursThe quickest and most convenient way to reach Maribor from Ljubljana is by rental car or private transfer. Both can be booked right in the city center, although there are additional companies that leave from the airport. And thanks to Slovenian law, pick-up and drop-off locations for rental cars can differ without extra costs, meaning you can conveniently grab your car in Ljubljana and leave it in Maribor, if you wish.
The two cities are connected by the A1/E57 highway, making the journey fairly straight-forward but not particularly scenic. You will, however, get some views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps as you leave Ljubljana, plus rolling hillsides along the Bolska River. If you have extra time, this route has a couple detours worth the stop. These include the historic town of Ptuj and, for beer lovers, the riverside spa town of Laško, home of the biggest brewery in Slovenia.
By Bus
Duration: 1.5 - 3.5 hoursSlovenia’s regional bus line offers many direct departures from Ljubljana to Maribor. And with a journey time only slightly longer than driving, it’s a great budget-friendly alternative. But some routes are longer at about 3.5 hours, so plan accordingly. Tickets can be purchased in advance either online or at Ljubljana’s bus station. (If online, tickets must be printed in advance or collected at the departure station.)
By Train
Duration: 2 - 3 hoursTrains are the least convenient and slowest option. There are frequent departures throughout the day, but many require one or more connections. If you are traveling during the summer months or over holidays, and want to secure a direct route, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. You can do so at any train station within Slovenia (tickets are not available online).
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