Triglav National Park—the home of the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj, and Vršič Pass—is just about 50-80 miles (80-128 km) from Ljubljana. Although the park has numerous entry points, two towns act as popular entrances: Kranjska Gora to the north and Bovec to the southwest. The fastest and most convenient way to reach these towns is by car—rental or private transfer. Kranjska Gora is one hour by car, while Bovec is two hours.
Public transportation is another option, although much quicker if you enter the park via Kranjska Gora. Buses leave regularly from Ljubljana and take about two hours. If you’d like to enter from Bovec, departures are limited and take four hours.
If you have more time for your trip, this 8-day itinerary explores Triglav National Park from Ljubljana and includes a few hiking options.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1 or 2 hours
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Triglav National Park from Ljubljana is by car, either rental or private transfer. Keep in mind that outside of the summer tourist season, transfers may be limited. Driving to the northern entrance at Kranjska Gora takes about one hour, while continuing on to Bovec adds an additional hour to the journey.
To get to the entrance at Kranjska Gora, you’ll head north from Ljubljana on highway E61. As you near Lake Bled, you’ll get glimpses of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps to the east. Lake Bled is an excellent stopping point to grab a meal or take a walk around the famous emerald lake. Eventually, E61 connects to route 201 all the way to Kranjska Gora. The park entrance is just south of the mountain town near Lake Jasna. You’ll enter the park via the scenic Vršič Pass.
If you’d like to start your time in Triglav National Park in Bovec—which is also along the famous Soča River Valley—you’ll continue past Kranjska Gora on route 201 and into Italy. (There is no border crossing thanks to the Schengen Zone, although some rental car companies might charge a fee.) Once in Italy, Lago di Fusine (Lake Fusine) is a wonderful and very scenic detour, and a great stop for a picnic lunch.
Near the town of Tarvisio, you’ll head south on route SS54, which connects back into Slovenia and enters Triglav National Park via Predil Pass. At this point, you’ve already made it to the park. But if you’re looking for a good base to enjoy it, Bovec is your best bet.
By Bus
Duration: 2 or 4 hours
The bus is a slower, yet budget-friendly, alternative to driving. Regional buses depart Ljubljana hourly and arrive in Kranjska Gora in about two hours. If you’d like to reach Bovec, your options are more limited. There are two daily departures during the week, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. For the weekend, there is only one departure that leaves in the evening, arriving in Bovec around 9:30 pm. All bus routes between Ljubljana and Bovec take about four hours.
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