Car Rental in Ljubljana

Why rent a car in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is a charming place to visit. One of the up-and-coming travel destinations of Europe, it attracts more and more visitors not only with affordable prices, but mainly its picturesque architecture, fun atmosphere, and proximity to stunning nature. From Ljubljana, most destinations in Slovenia can be reached in two hours or less by car, and you can even visit one of its neighboring countries, Italy, Croatia, Austria, or Hungary.

Top ways to enter Ljubljana

• Ljubljana Airport: Also known as Jože Pučnik, it is the only international airport in Slovenia. Constantly growing, it served more than 1.7 million travelers in 2019. The airport is located about 24km (15 miles) north of Ljubljana’s city center and can be reached in 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

• Venice Airport: Also known as Marco Polo Airport, Venice Airport is by far the largest in Northeast Italy and the fourth-largest in the country. Located 230km (142 miles) southwest of Ljubljana, the airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

• Treviso Airport: Another small airport near Slovenian border, Treviso Airport is a huge base for Ryanair and is also served by Wizz Air. The airport is 230km (142 miles) southwest of Ljubljana, and the distance between the two can be traveled in around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Zagreb Airport: The busiest in Croatia, Zagreb Airport served almost 3.5 million travelers in 2019. The airport is a hub for Croatian Airlines,Trade Air and Ryanair and is served by around 21 other companies. About 150km (93 miles) southeast of Ljubljana, the airport can be reached in one and a half hours.

• Vienna Airport: Not only the largest in Austria, but among the 16 largest in Europe, Vienna Airport is served by many airlines, including some low-cost carriers. About 380km (236 miles) northeast of Ljubljana, the airport can be reached in under four hours.

• Important: All of the mentioned airports except Ljubljana Airport are located in one of Slovenia’s neighboring countries. To travel from them to Ljubljana, you’ll have to cross an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Another option is to take public transportation from the airport to Ljubljana and pick up a rental car upon arriving in Slovenia’s capital.

City facts

Although not on the coast, Ljubljana has an continental climate with humid subtropical influences. The average temperature is 22°C  (72°F) in July, the warmest month, and 1°C  (33°F) in January. Precipitation increases from June to October; the driest months are January and February. Snowfall is quite common in Ljubljana from December to February.

With nearly 300,000 inhabitants, Ljubljana is not only Slovenia’s capital, but also by far the largest city in the country. Another 240,000 people live in the city’s larger metropolitan area, which means that nearly every third inhabitant of Slovenia lives in or around the capital city.

Top sights and activities

• Ljubljana Castle. First built in the 11th century and made up of a large number of buildings and structures, the Ljubljana Castle complex is one of the best-known landmarks of the city. Highlights include the Archers’ Tower, the Castle Prison, and the Castle Chapel of St. Georg, as well as the impressive panoramic views of the rest of the city. 
• Dragon Bridge. Known as Zmajski Most in Slovenian, the famous bridge is guarded by four dragons representing the one that can be seen in the city’s coat of arms. The bridge was built in 1901 when most of Slovenia was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has now become a beloved tourist landmark. The bridge is located near the city’s Open Market, another place that’s definitely worth a visit.
• The National Museum of Slovenia . Both the largest and the oldest in Slovenia, this impressive museum celebrated its 200th birthday in 2021. Focusing on the long and diverse history of the country, it has artefacts from the Stone Age and Roman times, as well as a number of exhibitions focusing on the more recent past of the country. Located in an impressive Neo-Renaissance building, the museum is near the Slovenian Parliament.
• Nebotičnik. Literally meaning ‘Skyscraper’ in Slovene, the 70-meter (230-foot) high-rise towers over Ljubljana, offering magnificent views of the city below and the mountains in the distance. The building, which was constructed in 1933 and has become one of Ljubljana’s most popular landmarks ever since, is known not just for its height, but also interior that includes Art Deco spiral staircases and a lobby decorated with the traditional Slovenian karst marble.
• Botanical Garden. Affiliated with the University of Ljubljana, this is one of the oldest botanical gardens in this part of Europe and one of the nicest green spaces in the city. Created more than 200 years ago, the garden provides home to many local species, as well as various exotic plants from all over. The botanical garden is located in the Rudnik neighborhood in the southern part of the city.

Traffic and parking

• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 130km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 110km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways, 90 km/h (62 pmh) on country roads, and 50km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide license ban, or even imprisonment.
• All vehicles must drive with headlights on at all times, even if the weather is sunny.
• Parking spaces in Ljubljana are indicated by zones. In Zone I you can park for 1,20 EUR/hour for 2 hours max. In Zone II you can park for 0,70 EUR/hours for 6 hours max. In Zone III you can park for 0,60 EUr/hour for 10 hours max. All parking tickets can be purchased in a nearby parking machine or booth. Parking on Sundays is free. There are a number of large paid car parks in or near Ljubljana’s city center. It can be a good idea to park your car there and explore the city’s landmarks on foot because the amount of street parking spaces is very limited in the city center.
• There are a number of large paid car parks in or near Ljubljana’s city center. It can be a good idea to park your car there and explore the city’s landmarks on foot because the amount of white (available) parking spaces is very limited in the city center.
• Ljubljana, and Slovenia in general, experiences quite a lot of snow every winter, especially in the mountains. Using snow tires is obligatory in such weather. Ask your rental car provider in advance about the availability of snow tires and the price of this service if visiting Ljubljana in winter.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s registration need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• Using a mobile phone is prohibited while driving a car.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

• There are many toll roads in Slovenia and a mandatory e-vignette system is in place. Tolls are collected automatically via the e-vignette, an electronic sticker. 
• The e-vignette service is prepaid. The e-vignettes are available for three different time periods - weekly, monthly, and yearly.
• Most rental cars will be equipped with an e-vignette. Many car rental providers will charge an additional service fee for this. Ask your rental car provider in advance about this service.
• An additional toll fee is required to drive through the Karavanke Tunnel that connects Slovenia and Austria. 
• Learn more about toll roads in Slovenia and buy a vignette online on the official Slovenian toll road website. See the current state of Slovenia roads here.

Ideas for day trips

• Triglav National Park. Named after the park’s most famous landmark, the three-headed mountain, Triglav National Park is a stunning place to explore. Highlights of the visit include the Vintgar Gorge, the Pokljuka Plateau, Lake Bohinj, the Soca River as well as many beautiful waterfalls. There are many hiking trails as well as mountain huts for spending the night. Part of the Julian Alps, the national park is located near Bled in the far northwestern corner of the country, about 60km (37 miles) from the capital.
• Carinthia. A region of neighboring Austria that has been strongly influenced by Slovenian culture, Carinthia is known for its stunning highland landscapes and many mountain lakes. A winter sports wonderland and a hiking mecca, Carinthia is also home to Hohe Tauern National Park which it shares with the provinces of Tyrol and Salzburg. The drive north from Ljubljana to Carinthia’s charming capital, Klagenfurt, only takes about 90 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Ljubljana is the Renault Clio, followed by the Opel Corsa and the Fiat Panda. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

• Triglav National Park. Named after the park’s most famous landmark, the three-headed mountain, Triglav National Park is a stunning place to explore. Highlights of the visit include the Vintgar Gorge, the Pokljuka Ravine, Lake Bohinj, as well as many beautiful waterfalls. There are many hiking trails as well as mountain huts for spending the night. Part of the Julian Alps, the national park is located near Bled in the far northwestern corner of the country, about 60km (37 miles) from the capital.
• Trieste. Although not as famous as Rome, Milan, or its next-door neighbor Venice, Trieste is a treasure of a city. Now located in Italy, but for a long time a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is famous for its Austrian Quarter, unique architecture, and many art galleries. Other highlights include the city’s unique cuisine; a mix of Venetian, Austrian, and Slavic influences,; as well as Molo Audace, the Adriatic Sea promenade. Located just 93km (57.7 miles) southwest of Ljubljana, Trieste can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Since you’ll have to cross the international border, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Italian Dolomites. Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal in German), the northern gateway to this vast mountain range, which stretches across three Italian regions, is only a 3 hour 15 minute drive away from Ljubljana. From Upper Puster Valley, you can visit Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and many other famous destinations in the Dolomites. 
• Croatia. Famous for the beautiful beaches in the nearby Istria Peninsula and further along the coast, beautiful coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik, vast national parks, and Zagreb, the charming capital city in the center of the country, Croatia is one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. If you’re in Slovenia, it would be a shame not to pop over the border to experience it for yourself, especially since Zagreb is only 145km (90 miles) and can be reached in less than two hours. Meanwhile, Pula, a large Istrian city on the coast, is 200km (124 miles) south and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive to. Ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit crossing the border; also check to see if you need a visa to visit Croatia (unlike Slovenia, it is not part of the Schengen Area).
• Vienna. The capital of neighboring Austria is one of the most sophisticated and interesting cities in Europe, so if you have enough time and your rental car provider permits it, driving to Vienna can be a great idea after exploring Slovenia. Famous for its well-preserved architecture, cuisine, and nightlife, the city has something for everyone. A car trip from Ljubljana takes about four hours.

Car rental prices in Ljubljana

• Small cars - from $21 per day
• Medium cars - from $26 per day
• SUVs - from $30 per day
• Station wagons - from $48 per day
• Large cars - from $37 per day
• Premium cars - from $99 per day
• Vans - from $88 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Follow these simple tips to land a good rental car deal in the capital of Slovenia:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Ljubljana is the cheapest in April when renting a car is about 44% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 69% cheaper than renting a car in December. Come visit Ljubljana in early springtime!