Vienna to Ljubljana - 13 Best Ways to Travel in 2026
17 Feb. 2026 by Kamilla
Vienna and Ljubljana are just a few hours apart, but the change in atmosphere is delightful - from Vienna's imperial streets to Ljubljana's riverside cafés and relaxed pace. The connection is well established, with several good travel options.
Travel between Vienna and Ljubljana is possible by direct train as well as long-distance bus, with several departures available each day. For those who prefer a more personalized and relaxed option, a private sightseeing transfer can include stops in Austrian and Slovenian towns of Graz and Ptuj before reaching Ljubljana.
In this guide, you'll find a detailed comparison of how to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana, including travel durations, expected costs, and practical tips to help you choose the most comfortable and convenient option.
1. Vienna to Ljubljana by Train
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | A bit over 6 hours |
| Frequency | Once a day |
| Price | The cheapest tickets cost €23 |
A popular way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by train. There is only one direct train between the capitals, departing from Vienna shortly before 8 am and arriving in Ljubljana six hours later, at 2 pm. However, if the schedule doesn't work for you, there are a few more connections with a convenient change in Villach. Trains depart every two hours from Vienna, with the last one departing after 4 pm and arriving in Ljubljana before 11 pm.
Depending on the connection, the travel time with a change isn't much longer than the direct train; you should expect to spend a bit over six hours on the journey from Vienna to Ljubljana.
No matter which train you choose, you are in for a treat as this is a very scenic route. Along the way, not only will you go through beautiful mountains, but part of your journey will go through the famous Semmering railway built in 1854 - today, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vienna to Ljubljana train ticket
Vienna to Ljubljana train tickets start at €23,30 (for both direct trains and those with a change in Villach) when bought in advance, with prices going up to €75 for last-minute purchases. The best way to buy tickets is online on the website of Austrian Railways.
You can also buy it the traditional way, at the train station in Vienna. You will find the ticket offices on the street level, on the right side, after entering the building. If you buy the ticket shortly before the departure, plan to be a bit earlier at the train station. Wien Hauptbahnhof is the biggest train station in Austria, and lines can get long here.
Vienna to Ljubljana train with Interrail pass
Those who travel around Europe using passes like Interrail can take a train from Vienna to Ljubljana free of charge. A seat reservation is not required, but it is recommended at peak times. It costs only €3; you can buy it online via the website of Austrian Railways.
Train stations in Vienna and Ljubljana
The main train station in Vienna - Wien Hauptbahnhof - is located a bit away from the center, but it is easily accessible by the red metro line U1 (stop "Südtiroler Platz-Hauptbahnhof") as well as trains and buses.
In Ljubljana, the train station where you arrive is located one km - some fifteen minutes walking - from Preseren Square in the heart of the Old Town.
2. Vienna to Ljubljana Transfer Tour
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | 9-10 hours |
| Frequency | Private tours daily |
| Price | Groups starting €80/person |
The route between Vienna and Ljubljana passes through the heart of Austrian Styria and into northeastern Slovenia, two landscapes that could not feel more different from the cities at either end of the journey.
The Vienna to Ljubljana Private Transfer Tour makes three stops along the way. You'll visit one of the most dramatically situated castles in Austria, spend time in a full, vibrant city that most visitors to this part of Europe never make it to, and arrive in Slovenia's oldest town before the final drive into Ljubljana. Just you and your group, with a guide who knows both sides of the border well.
What's Included
The recommended departure from Vienna is around 9:00 AM and the journey takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, arriving in Ljubljana in the early evening. You'll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car or minivan, privately booked for your group alone.
Your guide is a local who knows Styria and Slovenia well and accompanies you for the full day. You get personal, informed commentary at every stop and real conversation throughout the drive. The pace is yours to set, and the itinerary can flex around your interests.
A lunch break is scheduled in Graz, where you can try Austrian cuisine in one of the city's many good restaurants before continuing south into Slovenia. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Your group is picked up from your hotel or apartment in Vienna and dropped off at your accommodation in Ljubljana. Check the Vienna to Ljubljana Private Transfer Tour booking page to see the exact price for your group.
The Stops Along the Way
Stop 1: Riegersburg Castle
Riegersburg Castle is one of Austria's most dramatic hilltop fortresses, perched on a steep volcanic rock above the rolling vineyards of Styria. Dating back to the 12th century, its history is rich with stories of sieges and powerful figures, including Baroness Katharina von Galler, known as the strong woman of Riegersburg for her fierce defense of the castle.
You'll reach the top by funicular or on foot and explore the fortified walls and courtyards with sweeping views over the countryside. The funicular and outdoor access costs €8.50 and is not included in the tour price.
Stop 2: Graz
Graz is Austria's second largest city and one of its most rewarding stops. It's a place where a UNESCO listed medieval Old Town sits alongside a genuinely vibrant modern city. With roots stretching back to Roman times, it flourished through the Middle Ages into a major cultural and economic hub in the region.
You'll cross the Murinsel, a striking floating island on the Mur River, before climbing to the iconic Uhrturm clock tower on Schlossberg hill for panoramic views over the city's rooftops. The walk back down through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town is just as enjoyable.
Stop 3: Ptuj
Ptuj is Slovenia's oldest town, with a history stretching back over two thousand years to its time as a Roman outpost known as Poetovio. It later grew into a prosperous medieval market town, and its architecture tells that long story at every turn.
You'll walk up toward Ptuj Castle, perched on a gentle hill above the town, and take in the views over the rooftops and the Drava River below. From there you'll wander through cobblestone streets before making your way down to the peaceful riverbanks. It's a quiet, unhurried stop that feels a world apart from the more visited cities on this route.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
The Vienna to Ljubljana Private Transfer Tour suits travelers who want to arrive in Ljubljana having already begun to understand the region rather than simply having covered the distance.
Riegersburg Castle is a 12th-century fortress built on a volcanic rock rising nearly 500 metres above the rolling Styrian hills, with views over vineyards and forests that make it one of the most dramatically situated castles in Austria. Graz is Austria's second-largest city with a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and an atmosphere quite distinct from Vienna. Ptuj is the kind of discovery that stays with you: Slovenia's oldest town, small and ancient, with a hilltop castle and a riverside character that feels entirely its own.
For travelers combining Vienna and Ljubljana in a broader Adriatic or Balkans itinerary, this tour makes the transit day genuinely productive. Couples, families, and small groups will find the private format well suited to what is a long but very rewarding day.
What Travelers are Saying
3. Vienna to Ljubljana by Bus
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | 5 hours |
| Frequency | at least 5 daily connections |
| Price | Cheapest tickets for €27/one way |
A more convenient way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by bus. Flixbus, a popular bus company, serves at least five (on some days more) daily connections between the capitals.
The first bus departs from Vienna around four in the morning; the last one is at eleven in the evening. The Vienna to Ljubljana bus travel time is around five hours, however some of the connections take even a few minutes less.
While buses are not as comfortable as trains, you can still expect an enjoyable journey with plenty of leg space, complimentary wifi, and a power socket next to each seat.
Vienna to Ljubljana bus tickets
Prices for the Vienna to Ljubljana bus trip start at €27 if you buy a ticket in advance; for last-minute booking, expect to pay even €65. To purchase the ticket, visit the Flixbus website; this is also where you can check the schedule of buses.
Bus stations in Vienna and Ljubljana
In Vienna, most buses leave from the bus station at Erdbergstrasse, a bit away from the center but reachable easily by metro (U3 orange metro line, station "Erdberg"). Few of the connections depart from the stop right next to the central train station.
In Ljubljana, you will arrive at the bus station right in front of the train station in the center of the city.
4. Vienna to Ljubljana by Plane
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | at least 6 hours |
| Frequency | Depends on starting destination |
| Price | Starting from €125 |
Due to the close distance between Vienna and Ljubljana, there are no direct flights between the cities. If you want to go from Vienna to Ljubljana by plane, you can do it but with a change in one of the European airports.
You will find the best offers with connections in Munich or Zurich. If you decide to fly via those airports, the Vienna to Ljubljana flight time would be at least three hours.
Vienna to Ljubljana plane tickets
You can find the cheapest Vienna to Ljubljana one-way tickets for €125. If you decide to fly, check the websites of Austrian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, or Lufthansa for schedules and to purchase tickets, as those airlines are your best option for Vienna to Ljubljana flights.
Airports in Vienna and Ljubljana
You can easily reach Vienna airport by train. You can choose between a direct City Airport Train departing from Wien Mitte station (travel time is 16 minutes, one-way ticket costs €14,90) or use the slower suburban train S7, also from Wien Mitte (travel time is 25 minutes, one-way ticket is €4,10). There are also RailJet trains departing from Wien Hauptbahnhof station twice per hour, with a travel time of 15 minutes. The ticket for this connection costs €4,40.
Once you arrive at Ljubljana airport, you can take the bus to the city. They run at least once an hour, and the travel time from the airport to the bus station in Ljubljana is around 45 minutes. The one-way ticket costs €4.
5. Vienna to Ljubljana by Car
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | at least 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | €500 for rental car + patrol |
The fastest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by car. The distance between the capitals is 380 km, but since you will be driving on motorways, you need only a bit over three and a half hours to reach the capital of Slovenia.
Unfortunately, even if you pass scenic areas, you won't be able to admire the views along the way as those are blocked with highway screens. But if you are not in a hurry, you can plan the Vienna to Ljubljana road trip and take some backroads for sightseeing stops along the way.
Depending on which way you choose, you can stop in interesting places like Graz, Maribor, Ptuj, or Celje. You can also detour a bit to include the famous Hallstatt and Lake Bled in your itinerary. There are many options as this is a very picturesque part of Europe.
When planning a drive from Vienna to Ljubljana, remember that if you rent a car, the fee for returning the vehicle to a different location is much higher than if you leave the car in the same place. For the Vienna to Ljubljana trip, you can expect to pay at least €500 for the rental car, excluding the costs of petrol.
6. Vienna to Ljubljana by Private Transfer
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | 4 hours |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | €380 for a car with a driver |
A good alternative to driving is the Vienna to Ljubljana private transfer. You don't need to hassle with public transport, and you don't need to worry about the luggage. All you need to do is be ready at the designated time and enjoy your trip.
It's not the cheapest option, you can expect to pay around €380 for two passengers. The English-speaking driver will pick you up from your accommodation or other arranged place in Vienna and will take you in a comfortable car all the way to Ljubljana.
For the extra fee, you can add sightseeing stops along the way in places like Liechtenstein Castle, Graz, Maribor, Ptuj, Celje, or Kamnik.
7. Vienna to Ljubljana by Carpooling
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | 4 hours |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | Starting at €20 |
While carpooling is a popular way of traveling around Europe, the Vienna to Ljubljana route isn't the most popular one, and we don't recommend relying too much on this way of moving around. There are days when only a very few rides are available; on others, there are none at all, so it's tricky to predict if you can find a carpooling trip that would work for your itinerary.
But if you want to try carsharing, head to BlaBlaCar - the most popular carpooling website - and browse through available rides. Once you find the one that suits you, contact the driver to arrange the pickup details, and you are ready to go.
Remember to check the departure and/or arrival points as those can be away from the center, and you need to consider how to get there, which is not always easy.
What you pay for the Vienna to Ljubljana carpooling trip depends on the driver as they set the price - those start at €20.
8. Vienna to Ljubljana by Hitchhiking
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | Depends on your luck |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | Can be €0 |
If you enjoy the thrill of unpredictable travel and have some extra time in your itinerary, you can try hitchhiking from Vienna to Ljubljana.
Since the road going south from Vienna is rather popular, you shouldn't have any problems with finding a ride, even all the way to Ljubljana. However, most likely, you will need to change cars in Graz, Klagenfurt, or Maribor (which still shouldn't be a problem).
The best starting point for the Vienna to Ljubljana hitchhiking trip is on Triesterstraße, where you can get by public transport - buses and tram stops nearby.
9. Vienna to Ljubljana by Bike
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | At least 7 days |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | €0 |
If you travel around by bike, you can also use your two wheels for a trip from Vienna to Ljubljana. You will need to cover a distance of around 450 km, part of it in hilly areas, so you need to be in good shape for this trip.
To make it easier, you can do a little detour and go via Hungary - this will take more time, but the terrain will be flatter and easier to cycle on. No matter which way you choose, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful landscape and charming towns along the way.
10. Walking from Vienna to Ljubljana
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | At least three weeks |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | 0€ |
A slightly crazier idea (but still doable) is walking from Vienna to Ljubljana. You would need around three weeks to complete this trip, but along the way, you can see some spectacular, off-the-path places that normally are easy to miss.
Some parts of this trip can get a bit hilly, so decent shape and good walking shoes are necessary. Since both Austria and Slovenia are great hiking destinations, you can expect well-marked trails and good infrastructure on your way from Vienna to Ljubljana.
11. Vienna to Ljubljana by Motorcycle
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | At least 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | What you spend on petrol |
Going from Vienna to Ljubljana by motorcycle is a bit faster than cycling or walking, but you can still enjoy everything this corner of Europe has to offer. All you need to do is take back roads through the beautiful landscape and stop in numerous charming towns along the way to fully appreciate the region and learn more about it.
Or, if your time is limited, you can take your machine for a ride on motorways and get from Vienna to Ljubljana by motorcycle in a bit over three hours.
12. Vienna to Ljubljana by RV
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | At least 4 hours |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | What you spend on petrol |
Going for a Vienna to Ljubljana RV road trip is an excellent idea if you are traveling with a motorhome and you are not in a hurry. You can stop in all the amazing places along the way (we've already covered many of them in this article) and take full advantage of the joy the slow travel gives.
Just keep in mind that camping outside of designated areas is not allowed in Austria and Slovenia. Fortunately, there are many campsites along the way where you can stay for the night to relax before continuing your journey towards Ljubljana.
13. Vienna to Ljubljana by Private Jet
Ease
Fun
Sightseeing
| Average Duration | 3 hours |
| Frequency | Every day |
| Price | Starting at €5000 |
If you enjoy traveling in style, you can choose a luxurious option when getting from Vienna to Ljubljana - a private jet. It is a pricey way to travel, but at the same time, it is an unforgettable experience.
You can expect to pay at least €5000 to charter a plane for your Vienna to Ljubljana flight. The travel time from Vienna to Ljubljana by private jet should be around 2-3 hours, including getting to and from the airport, so it is only slightly shorter than by car.
Final thoughts on traveling from Vienna to Ljubljana
Since these two capitals are relatively close to each other, there are many options for getting from Vienna to Ljubljana. You can choose the fastest or the cheapest ones, but we encourage you to dig a bit deeper into this region and see more than simply the main cities.
This is still a somewhat underrated part of Europe, with beautiful and interesting places to visit that you don't want to miss. But even if you stick only to Vienna and Ljubljana during your trip, you will surely have a great time. Have an incredible journey!
Table of Contents
Cool places along the way
Vienna
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Riegersburg Castle
We will visit Riegersburg Castle, a stunning hilltop fortress perched on a volcanic rock, offering breathtaking views over the Styrian countryside. -
Graz
We'll explore Graz by crossing the unique Murinsel, ascending to the iconic Uhrturm clock tower for panoramic views, and strolling through the charming old town streets. -
Ptuj
We will explore the historic town of Ptuj, visiting its hilltop castle for stunning views, strolling charming streets, and enjoying the peaceful Drava River banks. Ljubljana
People Also Ask
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How far is Vienna from Ljubljana
The distance from Vienna to Ljubljana is 380 km.
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What is the best way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana
The best way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by bus, as it's the fastest option.
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What is the cheapest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana
The cheapest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by train. If you buy tickets in advance, you can pay €24/one-way; however, some connections might require changes along the way.
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Fastest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana
The fastest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by bus. The journey time is around five hours.
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What to see between Vienna and Ljubljana
There are a few interesting places you can stop at when traveling from Vienna to Ljubljana: Graz, Maribor, Ptuj, or Celje. If you go for a little detour, you can also visit popular destinations like Hallstatt or Lake Bled.
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Is the train ride from Vienna to Ljubljana scenic?
Yes. Some areas you will pass will have a beautiful, hilly landscape. Along the way, you will also go through the famous Semmering railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Can you take a boat from Vienna to Ljubljana?
No. The cities are not connected by any river; hence, there are no boat cruises from Vienna to Ljubljana.
Martina was fantastic. She arrived on time to pick us up and we made three interesting stops. Really enjoyed lunch in an authentic Austrian restaurant in Graz and then on to Ptuj, a quaint charming old town before arriving in Ljubljana.