Slovenia
Getting there
BY AIR
From the UK
The approximate flying time is 2 hours and 15 minutes from
London.
Adria Airways flies between Gatwick and
Ljubljana and easyJet operates flights
between London Stansted and Ljubljana.
Ryanair flies from London Stansted and
Birmingham to Trieste in Italy; from there it is a 15-minute drive
to the Slovenian border (Gorizia-Nova Gorica) and a beautiful
2-hour drive to Bovec and the upper Soca Valley (please note
special car hire requirements below). You can also take the train
from Trieste to Ljubljana (3 hours).
Alternatively, fly to Venice and take the train to Ljubljana (about
5 hours). Driving from Venice to Bovec in the Soca Valley takes 3
hours and to Piran on the Slovenian coast it's 3 hours. Don't
forget that you will need to check with the hire car company if it
is possible to take Italian/Austrian hire cars into Slovenia.
From the rest of Europe
Adria Airways offers regular scheduled
flights from most major European cities to Ljubljana, including
Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels, Barcelona, Paris,
Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Istanbul and others.
Lufthansa flies from Munich and
Austrian Airlines and
Air France also operate flights to
Slovenia.
From the USA
There are no direct flights between Slovenia and the USA.
Adria Airways flies from the main European
cities to Ljubljana, so take a flight to Europe with one of the
main US airlines and then connect with Adria or one of the other
European carriers as given above. The approximate flying time from
New York, via Munich with a transfer to the national airline, is 11
hours.
From the Airport
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is 25km (15 miles) from the city; it's a
30-minute drive into the centre of town. If staying in Ljubljana
we'd recommend taking the airport bus, but if you're staying
further afield, we'd suggest collecting a hire car from the
airport. We recommend
Holiday Autos,
as they are reliable and reasonably priced.
BY TRAIN
You can go by rail across Europe, but if you're coming from London,
it will work out more expensive than flying. There are direct
trains to Ljubljana from Austria (Salzburg, Vienna, Villach),
Germany (Munich), Italy (Venice, Trieste, Rome, Milan), Hungary
(Budapest) and Croatia (Zagreb). For train times check
Rail Europe.
BY CAR
If driving across Europe, you will need to use your own car (and
make sure your insurance covers you for Slovenia). We have yet to
find a rental company that will allow you to drive a car rented in
Western Europe through former Yugoslav states.
BY BOAT
In summer, hydrofoils run from Venice (Italy) to Portoroz
(Slovenia), and from Trieste (Italy) to Piran (Slovenia) and then
down the Croatian Adriatic coast.
back to topGetting Around
BY CAR
We strongly advise that you hire a car if planning to travel
outside of Ljubljana. Slovenia's highways are good, generally free
from congestion and clearly signposted. Traffic drives on the
right. Speed limits on motorways are 80mph (130km/h) and you should
keep your headlights on all day, throughout the year.
A vignette road tax system is in place, requiring all
vehicles less than 3.5 tonnes to purchase a toll sticker for
motorway travel - if found without one, motorists face an on the
spot fine of up to €800. The vignettes can be purchased for
weekly, monthly or yearly periods, and are available from petrol
stations and DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices, as well
as border crossings.
For those arriving at Ljubljana airport, most of the international
rental agencies have offices there or nearby. For online booking at
competitive prices, we recommend
Holiday
Autos.
If you are flying into Trieste (Italy), you will need to let the
car hire company know at the time of booking that you will be
driving into Slovenia (many of the agencies do not allow cars to be
taken across the border). One of the agencies used by Holiday Autos
(Europcar) permits their Italian cars to be driven into Slovenia
and Croatia (but only the Economy and Compact cars). You will need
to call to make the reservation.
BY TAXI
Taxi services operate primarily in larger towns and in tourist
centres. A meter is mandatory in taxis.
BY TRAIN
Travelling by rail within Slovenia is easy and cheap.
When To Go
Inland, the climate is continental with warm summers (75-80F) and
cold winters - some of Slovenia's alpine resorts are ski
destinations in winter. The heaviest rainfall is in June and
September/October, though sudden rain storms can occur throughout
the year, especially in the mountains. The coast enjoys a
Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. For lower
prices, avoid the main tourist season: July-August.
January 1 and 2 New Year's
February 8 Prešeren Day, Slovene cultural day
Easter Sunday and Monday
FebruaryKurentovanje
Festival
April 27 Day of Uprising against the Occupation
May 1 and 2 May Day holiday
Pentecost
June 25 Slovenia Day
August 15 Feast of the Assumption
October 31 Reformation Day
November 1 All Saint's Day
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Independence Day
Visas/Entry Requirements
Visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days for citizens of
the UK, other EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
Japan.
Border formalities are minimal and correspond to European
standards. A valid passport will suffice for a visit of no longer
than 90 days. Citizens of the European Union and some other
European countries may cross the border using a valid personal
identity document; however, their visit may not extend beyond 30
days.
back to topOther Essentials
HEALTH
Tap water is considered safe and drinkable throughout the country.
However, bottled water is widely available if you prefer. Dairy
products, fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry are generally
considered safe for consumption.
No innoculations are necessary. If hiking, wear long trousers to
avoid tick bites.
Medical care in Slovenia is good but expensive, so make sure you
have valid health insurance.
TIPPING
A 10% tip is generally expected in hotels, restaurants and for
taxis.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Children are warmly welcomed in Slovenia.
back to topNeed more Info
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
UK
Slovenian Tourist Office
10 Little College Street
London SW1P 3SH
tel: 0870 225 53 05
fax: (020) 7222 5277
email: london@slovenia.info
USA
Slovenian Tourist Office
122 E. 42nd St
New York, NY 10168
tel: (212) 682-5896
SLOVENIA
www.slovenia.info
Official website of the Slovenian tourist board giving regional
descriptions, information on special interests and listings of
hotels.
SLOVENE EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
UK
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia London
10 Little College Street
London
SW1P 3SH
United Kingdom
tel: (+) 44 20 7222 5700
fax: (+) 44 20 7222 5277
email: vlo@gov.si
USA
2410 California Street, NW
Washington DC 20008
tel: (202) 386-6601
fax: (202) 386-6633
email: vwa@gov.si