Ljublana to Vienna - 13 Best Ways to Travel in 2024

Typically, trains are the most convenient way to travel around Europe, but this might not be the case for the Ljubljana to Vienna route.

There's only one direct train from Ljubljana to Vienna, leaving the Slovenian capital at 4 PM and arriving in Vienna six hours later, at 10 PM.

However, if this schedule doesn't fit your plans, there are additional connections throughout the day with a convenient change in Villach, Austria. The first of these departs Ljubljana just after 7 in the morning, with subsequent connections between the cities roughly every two hours. Opting for one of these connections extends the travel time by only a few minutes, making it a worthwhile alternative.

Whether you choose a direct train or one with a change, your journey from Ljubljana to Vienna promises to be scenic. Not only will you be surrounded by mountains for most of the way, but as you approach Vienna, you'll pass through the renowned Semmering railway, constructed in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ljubljana to Vienna train ticket

The price for a train ticket from Ljubljana to Vienna starts at €23.30, applicable for both direct trains and those with a change in Villach, when purchased in advance. Last-minute bookings can cost up to €75.

The Austrian Railways website is the best place to purchase the tickets.

If you prefer to buy the tickets traditionally, you can do so at the train station in Ljubljana. The ticket offices are located on the left side upon entering the station hall.

Ljubljana to Vienna train with Interrail pass

If you travel around Europe with the Interrail or Eurorail pass, you can use it for the Ljubljana to Vienna train, too. 

A seat reservation is not mandatory, but it's advisable during peak travel times. The cost is only €3. You can make the reservation online via the Austrian Railways website or at the train station in Ljubljana.

Train stations in Ljubljana and Vienna

The train station in Ljubljana is situated on the outskirts of the city center, approximately one kilometer from the Old Town and its main square, Preseren Square. It's an easy walk from there, and city buses are also an option. Popular ridesharing services like Uber or Bolt are not available in Slovenia.

Upon arriving in Vienna, you will be at Wien Hauptbahnhof, the central train station, from which you can take the metro's red line U1 to reach your final destination in the city.

Although the bus might not always be the first mode of transport that comes to mind, it offers a convenient way to travel from Ljubljana to Vienna. There are at least five direct connections between the cities each day, operated by the well-known company, Flixbus.

The buses from Ljubljana to Vienna are quite comfortable, providing ample legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a power socket next to each seat.

The first bus leaves Ljubljana around 2 AM, and the last departs shortly after 8 PM, with other departures spread throughout the day. The journey time from Ljubljana to Vienna by bus is approximately five hours.

As both countries are within the Schengen Zone, there's no border control on route, allowing for a smooth journey on the motorways.

Ljubljana to Vienna bus tickets

Tickets for the Ljubljana to Vienna bus start at €27 when purchased in advance and can reach up to €65 for last-minute bookings. To view the schedule and purchase tickets, visit the Flixbus website. You have the option to add a seat reservation for a small fee.

Bus stations in Ljubljana and Vienna

Buses depart from Ljubljana's main bus station, situated in front of the train station in the city center.

In Vienna, most buses arrive at the Erdbergstrasse bus station. From there, you can catch the orange metro line U3 to the city center and onwards to your accommodation. Some buses may also stop at the central train station, which is served by the red metro line U1.

Currently, there are no direct flights from Ljubljana to Vienna.

However, if flying is your preferred mode of transport, you can still travel with a layover at one of the European airports. The best connections from Ljubljana to Vienna are usually through Munich or Zurich. The fastest journey by plane from Ljubljana to Vienna, excluding airport transit and security checks, takes approximately three hours and 35 minutes.

Ljubljana to Vienna plane tickets

The cheapest flight tickets from Ljubljana to Vienna start at €125. Prices may vary based on the purchase time, as well as the departure date and time. For schedules and ticket purchases, the websites of Austrian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, or Lufthansa are recommended as they offer the most convenient flights from Ljubljana to Vienna.

Airports in Ljubljana and Vienna

Ljubljana's airport is located about 25 km from the city. Buses to the airport depart from the main bus station at least once every hour. A one-way ticket costs €4, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Upon arrival in Vienna, you can take the City Airport Train, which costs €14.90, or opt for the slower suburban train S7 at €4.10. Both will bring you to Wien Mitte station, located near the city center and served by the U3 orange and U4 green metro lines.

The fastest way to travel from Ljubljana to Vienna is by car, requiring only about three and a half hours to cover the distance of approximately 380 km between the capitals.

Traveling on highways is the quickest route, but be aware that scenic views may be limited due to highway screens. However, if time allows, consider planning a road trip from Ljubljana to Vienna and explore the backroads for sightseeing stops. There are numerous beautiful places to visit along the way.

We recommend stopping at Celje, Ptuj, Maribor, and Graz. For a more scenic route, consider the longer journey via Lake Bled in Slovenia and Hallstatt in Austria, two of Europe's most stunning locations.

Should you opt to rent a car for your trip from Ljubljana to Vienna, be mindful that returning the vehicle to a different location incurs additional costs. Expect to pay at least €500 for the rental, not including petrol and vignettes, which are mandatory in both Slovenia and Austria.

Traveling from Ljubljana to Vienna by private transfer is both convenient and fast. An English-speaking driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you directly to your desired location in the Austrian capital. You'll be traveling in comfort, but for an additional fee, you have the option to upgrade to a luxury vehicle.

The cost is around €380 for a car accommodating two passengers. While not the most economical choice, it offers a hassle-free experience, particularly beneficial if you're traveling with larger luggage.

Additionally, you can enhance your journey with sightseeing stops at places like Kamnik, Celje, Ptuj, and Maribor in Slovenia, or Graz and Liechtenstein Castle in Austria, for an extra fee.

Carpooling is a good alternative option for traveling in Europe, particularly for last-minute trips. However, for journeys from Ljubljana to Vienna, it's advisable not to rely solely on this method, as it's not the most popular route. Availability varies, with some days offering no rides and others just a few, making it challenging to guarantee carpooling as a dependable option for your Ljubljana to Vienna itinerary.

Should you choose to explore this option, the BlaBlaCar website is the most popular platform for connecting drivers with passengers. Here, you can browse through available rides and, upon finding a suitable match, contact the driver to finalize pickup details.

The cost of a carpooling trip from Ljubljana to Vienna is set by the driver, with prices typically starting at €20.

It's important to pay attention to the details, such as departure and arrival locations, as these may not always be conveniently located in city centers. Consider the logistics of reaching these points, as it may not always be straightforward.

If you are not in a hurry and enjoy a bit of adventure, hitchhiking from Ljubljana to Vienna could be an exciting option. With some luck, you might find a ride directly to Austria's capital. For a more cautious approach, consider aiming for Maribor or Graz first.

A prime starting point for your hitchhiking journey from Ljubljana to Vienna is near the World Trade Center building. To reach this location, take bus number 6, 8, or 11 from the city center to the "Smelt" stop, then walk a short distance to the motorway entrance. This spot is known as the best place in Ljubljana to catch rides heading towards Austria.

Fans of cycling can easily go from Ljubljana to Vienna by bike. The trip should take at least a week as the total length of the journey is around 450 km. Part of the route goes through hilly areas, so you need to be in good shape for this trip. 

You can also choose a longer route via Hungary to cycle on a more flat terrain. Either way, you are in for a treat as this is a beautiful yet still underrated part of Europe, with a beautiful landscape and numerous charming towns along the way. 

Since cycling is a popular activity in the region, you can expect good bike paths and decent infrastructure on your way from Ljubljana to Vienna.

Walking from Ljubljana to Vienna might seem like a crazy idea to many. Still, it is doable, and some travelers might find this option appealing. 

You would need around three weeks for this trip, but along the way, you can see some spectacular, off-the-path places that normally are easy to miss. There is also no better way to get a full insight into Central Europe and what it offers beyond the big, famous cities. 

You need a decent shape and good walking shoes since part of the Ljubljana to Vienna walking route can get hilly. It will be a long journey, but trails should be well-marked and in good condition, making walking a pleasant yet challenging experience.

Those of you who travel with a motorhome are in for a great adventure. You can visit many amazing spots on the way from Ljubljana to Vienna, enjoy the freedom of traveling, and learn more about this fascinating corner of Europe. 

You can choose highways for the quickest trip. Still, we recommend driving through less popular roads to discover beautiful Central Europe. In this article, we've already mentioned some of the highlights along the way from Ljubljana to Vienna, but there are so many more amazing places you can visit. 

When planning your Ljubljana to Vienna RV trip, remember that camping outside of designated areas is forbidden in both Slovenia and Austria. Fortunately, there are many campsites along the way where you can stay for the night to rest before another exciting day of travels.

Like the RV, a motorcycle trip from Ljubljana to Vienna can be a real treat and joy. You can go on the highway to enjoy the fast drive (of course, within allowed limits), or you can take it slow, ride on the backroads, and fully appreciate this overlooked part of Europe. 

The quickest trip should be only three hours and thirty minutes, but even if you can extend it to one full day only, you can still stop in some great places (that we've already mentioned here).

The most luxurious and fastest way to travel from Ljubljana to Vienna is by private jet. It is also the most expensive one, as you need to pay at least €5000 to charter the plane, but it would surely be an unforgettable experience. 

The travel time from the center of Ljubljana to Vienna should be around 2-3 hours, so it is only slightly shorter than by car, but this is the way to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous.