How to get from
Ljubljana to Split
How to get from Ljubljana to Split
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Traveling from Ljubljana to Split means crossing Slovenia’s green valleys and entering Croatia’s Adriatic heart. The two cities are about 460 kilometers apart – not a short distance, but easily manageable in a day. Whether you’re chasing beaches, history, or just a smooth connection between two capitals, there are several ways to make the journey.
Bus Connections
The simplest public option is the bus. It’s a direct, one-seat ride from Ljubljana’s central station to Split’s main terminal near the port. Several companies operate daily routes, especially in summer.
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Duration: roughly 7–8 hours
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Price: €35–€45 per ticket
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Comfort: modern coaches, usually Wi-Fi and air-conditioning
It’s not luxurious, but it’s efficient. You can sleep, listen to music, or just watch the landscape shift from forests to the rocky coast of Dalmatia. The only thing to keep in mind is that border traffic can slow the trip, especially during July and August weekends.
By Train
Train travel between Ljubljana and Split isn’t direct. You’ll need to connect via Zagreb, where Croatian Railways operates lines to the coast. It’s a longer journey – roughly 9 to 11 hours in total – but for those who enjoy rail travel, it’s a charming, old-school way to see both countries.
The first leg takes you from Ljubljana to Zagreb (around 2.5 hours). From there, an overnight or day train continues to Split. The scenery after Zagreb becomes increasingly dramatic: rivers, canyons, and stretches of limestone mountains before the Adriatic appears in the distance.
If you’re not in a rush, this option lets you experience both capital cities and the landscapes in between.
Private Transfer
For travelers who prefer control over timing and stops, a private transfer is the most comfortable choice. With a professional driver, the entire trip from Ljubljana to Split becomes flexible and door-to-door.
A trusted option is the Ljubljana to Split private transfer, which typically takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on how many breaks you choose along the way. Prices are per car, not per person, and include everything – fuel, luggage, and comfort stops.
What makes this route special are the possibilities for stopovers. Many travelers add a few hours in Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital, to walk its upper town and have coffee at Ban Jelačić Square. Another scenic pause is Rastoke, a small village famous for its waterfalls and wooden mills, sometimes called “the little Plitvice.” And of course, no route south is complete without Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site where turquoise water cascades through terraced lakes.
Each of these stops turns a long drive into a memorable travel day rather than just a transfer between cities.
Self-Drive Option
Driving your own or rented car offers complete freedom. The roads between Ljubljana and Split are excellent, mostly highway (A1 and A2), and signage is clear.
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Travel time: around 6 hours without major stops
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Costs: rental (~€50/day), fuel (~€60), tolls (~€20–25)
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Pros: flexibility, scenic routes, freedom to stop anywhere
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Cons: tolls add up, parking in Split can be limited
If you’re planning to explore Dalmatia, renting a car is worth it. You can easily reach Šibenik, Trogir, or Makarska from Split once you arrive. Just remember that the old town is pedestrian-only, so parking needs to be arranged outside the center.
Flights
There are no direct flights between Ljubljana and Split. A few airlines connect the two cities with stopovers in Zagreb or elsewhere, but the total travel time is often longer than driving.
Flying only makes sense if you’re connecting to an international route or prefer to avoid long drives altogether.
Best Choice by Travel Type
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Budget travelers: take the bus – cheap, direct, and reliable.
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Sightseers: train via Zagreb offers a full-day scenic journey.
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Comfort seekers: private transfer gives door-to-door convenience.
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Independent travelers: self-drive for maximum flexibility.
Every option has its trade-offs, but if comfort and freedom matter most, private transfer remains the winner.
Travel Tips
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Book early: during summer months, all transport types fill up fast.
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Border crossings: Slovenia and Croatia are both in Schengen now, but queues still appear on busy weekends.
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Add a stop: if going by car or private transfer, include Zagreb, Rastoke, or Plitvice Lakes – all are right on the way.
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Bring snacks: service stations are frequent, but food choices can be limited late at night.
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Parking in Split: plan ahead if staying near Diocletian’s Palace.
Conclusion
Traveling from Ljubljana to Split is easy to plan and rewarding once you arrive. The journey can be fast, cheap, or scenic – it depends entirely on what you value. For those who want a balance of comfort and experience, private transfers with flexible stops at Zagreb, Rastoke, or Plitvice Lakes offer the perfect middle ground.
Once you reach Split, you’ll find a city that blends Roman ruins, beaches, and nightlife in equal measure. For the latest local events and cultural updates, visit the Split Tourist Board official website.
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