Starting in Budapest, you will head southwest and see the rolling landscapes of rural Hungary pass by. It is quite the contrast to Budapest! The route predominantly follows the E71 highway, which will lead you along the length of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Getting a panoramic view of the lake at the Sphere Lookout will show you just how vast it is!

Continuing southwest, you'll reach the Slovenian border, but thanks to the EU and Schengen treaties, you won't have to stop for inspections!

Once you’re in Slovenia, it’ll be time for a break to stretch your legs. Visit Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, about 75 miles (130 km) from Ljubljana. Here, you can learn more about Slovenia’s wine culture.

The closer you get to Ljubljana, the more hilly the terrain becomes as you approach the Julian Alps. Ljubljana will greet you with its quaint cobblestoned streets, magnificent centuries-old architecture, and plenty of local wines. Let’s get started!

Ljubljana’s History

Ljubljana's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Emona. Founded around 50 AD, Emona was an important Roman settlement that played a significant role in the region's development. The city had various influences over the centuries, including those of the Huns, Ostrogoths, and Slavs.

During the Renaissance, Ljubljana was under Habsburg rule for several centuries, which significantly shaped its architectural and cultural landscape in ways we still see today. In the 20th century, Ljubljana emerged as the capital for the Socialist Republic of Slovenia within Yugoslavia, and in 1991, it became the capital of the newly independent Slovenia during the collapse of Yugoslavia. Today, it is part of the EU and has been an independent country for over 30 years.

The Ljubljana Dragon

The Ljubljana Dragon is depicted around the city on its coat of arms, flag, and many local emblems. The dragon is associated with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, who supposedly slew a dragon in the marshes where Ljubljana now stands. Another story links it to Saint George, the dragon-slayer.

The Dragon Bridge, or Zmajski Most, was completed in 1901 and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Four dragon statues guard the bridge, which is popular with visitors as a photo spot.

Keep your phone charged

Today, our phones do so much more than make phone calls. They are also our excursion tickets, cameras, and maps. Bring a phone battery bank (or car charger) with you for on-the-go charging so you are never without your lifeline! Turn your mobile data and Bluetooth off when not in use to save on battery life while you’re out and about.

Have some euros in cash

While Hungary has its own currency, Slovenia uses the euro. It is best to have some euros on you in cash for your trip, as you may come across gift shops and restaurants that only accept cash. This applies to the Slovenian countryside and the capital as well.

Budapest to Ljubljana with Daytrip’s private car transfer

With Daytrip, you can have all the convenience of a rental car without having to worry about an international driver’s license, returning a rental car in a foreign country, or traffic laws. Let Daytrip handle the most tedious aspects of travel so that you can enjoy your time in Hungary and Slovenia.

Your trip will begin with your driver meeting you at your hotel in Budapest. Once the luggage is in and everyone is buckled, you will be on your way to the sightseeing stops you’ve booked. Enjoy visiting the Hungarian and Slovenian countryside, dotted with Habsburg-era castles and UNESCO-recognized landmarks.

As the day winds down, your driver will ensure you get safely to your accommodation in Slovenia so the next part of your vacation can begin with ease. Secure your seat in a comfortable sedan that seats two other guests for $143 (€132).

Budapest to Ljubljana by bus

Tickets for buses from Budapest to Ljubljana range between $28.20 and $51 (€26-€47) with Flixbus. Direct trips take between 6 and 9 hours, and you can expect a few stops along the way to stretch your legs. There is usually a bathroom on board and sometimes wifi. Tickets should be bought in advance for these buses, as it is a popular route in the summer.

Budapest to Ljubljana by train

Hungarian Railways (MAV) has direct trains once per day from Budapest-Kelenfold to Ljubljana’s main train station. They leave at 9:07 AM, and you can be in Ljubljana by 5:00 PM. The trip takes about 7.5 hours, and tickets are between $26 and $35 (€24-€32). Due to the limited number of trains, we advise booking tickets in advance to avoid any disruption to your vacation plans.

If you are traveling in the summer, Interrail has night trains with sleeper cars so you can get a full night’s rest. These trains are not as cheap as the daytime options, but have the option of booking a sleeper cabin so you are fully rested for Ljubljana.

Start in Preseren Square

This central square is named after a Slovenian poet, France Preseren. It’s a bustling pedestrian area with beautiful architecture, including the iconic pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Here, you can find a bronze scale model of Ljubljana to help guide your journey around town. From Preseren Square, you can head south and east along the Ljubljanica River or north and west into the old town.

Walk across the Triple Bridge

Designed by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, the Triple Bridge is one of Ljubljana’s most recognizable landmarks and connects Prešeren Square to the old town. Its three converging paths connect the city over the Ljubljanica River.

Try to escape Ljubljana Castle

Across from Preseren Square, perched on a hill overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle offers panoramic views, historical exhibits, and a museum. You can reach it by funicular, walking, or cycling. You can even do an escape room with friends!

The grounds surrounding Ljubljana Castle include secluded areas for picnics, statues commemorating famous Slovenes, and viewpoints overlooking the city.

Relax in Tivoli Park

If the palace grounds weren’t enough greenery for you, the largest park in Ljubljana, Tivoli Park, is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or visiting the Tivoli Mansion, which houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts.

Tour the National Museum of Slovenia

Slovenia’s central location straddling central and southern Europe makes for an interesting trip through history. Visit the National Museum of Slovenia to learn more about the emergence of the Slovene identity outside of Austria-Hungary and Yugoslavia. See artifacts from prehistoric times to the present, including a notable collection of Roman artifacts.

Cross the Dragon Bridge

One of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks, the Dragon Bridge, is adorned with four dragon statues as an ode to the city’s emblem. The Dragon Bridge was among Europe’s first reinforced concrete bridges and helped end the use of less-stable wooden bridges. This improvement in technology was especially important as car transportation became more popular.

Even on the hottest days, with temperatures around 81°F (27°C), you’ll find the shade of the trees and buildings to be refreshing. The city center is a car-free zone, so much of the noise and air pollution you expect from a city won’t be present.

If you are visiting during winter, time your trip for right before Christmas so you can get the most out of the winter lights and the Christmas markets on the town squares. You will also find cheaper accommodation during this time.