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The civilised way... Lunch in the restaurant car. Courtesy of Kevin Coumbe |
This page explains how to travel from Ljubljana to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2023.
Trains between Ljubljana & Zagreb
Trains from
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel FAQ
Buying train tickets for journeys within Slovenia
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You can check times & fares at the Slovenian Railways website potniski.sz.si, although you can't buy Slovenian tickets online, so just buy at the station.
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Although for national & international train times it can be easier to use the all-Europe online timetable provided by German Railways at int.bahn.de.
Ljubljana to Pula for 19
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Southbound Ljubljana to Pula.
All year, a train leaves Ljubljana at 14:21 every day, there's an easy change of train at Divaca & at the Croatian border at Buzet, arriving change at Pula at 19:04.
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Northbound Pula to Ljubljana
All year, a train leaves Pula at 14:38 every day, with an easy change at the border at Buzet and at Divaca, arriving Ljubljana at 19:46.
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All these trains are 2nd class only, no online booking, just buy at the station, no reservation necessary or possible.
A Pula Spezial ticket costs 19 one-way or 29 return.
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You can check times at the Slovenian Railways site potniski.sz.si. Click the UK flag for English then look for Abroad then Croatia.
Ljubljana to Lake Bled for 7
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Trains to Lesce-Bled: Trains link Ljubljana with Lesce-Bled every hour or so, taking 40 minutes (express) or 54-70 minutes (local).
Lesce-Bled station is on the main line to Villach, Salzburg & Munich, 3.8 km from the centre of Bled old town, 5.8 km from Bled Castle.
Check train times at the Slovenian Railways website potniski.sz.si.
Buy a ticket at the station, the fare is around 6.88.
Tip: Air-conditioned buses link the bus stop outside Lesce Bled station with Bled old town roughly every 20-35 minutes, journey time 9 minutes, fare around 1.30. You can check times at arriva.si, Lesce P = Lesce-Bled railway station.
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Trains to Bled Jezero: You can also travel from Ljubljana to Bled Jezero station, which is on a local line.
Ljubljana to Bled Jezero takes 90-110 minutes with a train every 2-3 hours, change at Jesenice, fare around 6.59. Bled Jezero is next to the lake, 2.5 km from Bled Castle, 3.5 km from Bled old town. You can check current times and fares at potniski.sz.si.
Ljubljana to Zagreb from 9
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There are several trains every day linking Ljubljana & Zagreb, a lovely scenic train ride through the hills along the beautiful River Sava.
Departures from Ljubljana to Zagreb: 08:30, 14:45, 18:37. Journey time around 2h10.
Times may vary, so check train times with the German Railways online timetable at int.bahn.de or the Austrian one at fahrplan.oebb.at.
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The fare is just 9 each way with a Zagreb Spezial fare, bought at the station.
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Tickets cannot be bought online, but you can easily buy tickets at the station, there are always places available.
Ljubljana to Rijeka
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Trains run from Ljubljana to Rijeka twice a day at 08:25 (arriving Rijeka 11:25) and 15:20 (arriving 18:27). Check train times at int.bahn.de.
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The fare is only 9 each way with a Reka Spezial fare, bought at the station.
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Buy tickets at the station in Ljubljana.
Advance reservation isn't necessary so you can buy a ticket on the day & hop on, this will be much cheaper than buying a ticket from outside Slovenia. The ticket office at Ljubljana is easy to find and English is widely spoken.
Ljubljana to London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam
Option 1, by comfortable daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana or Lesce-Bled to Munich, leaving Ljubljana at 15:27 or Lesce-Bled at 16:15, arriving Munich Hbf at 21:41.
The journey involves a simple cross-platform change in Villach from Slovenian/Croatian train to an Austrian one.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg or Amsterdam by train.
To Paris, for example, the 06:42 TGV Duplex from Munich Hbf will get you to Paris Gare de l'Est at 12:31, see the Munich-Paris TGV video. But by all means take a later train.
To Amsterdam for example, the 07:28 ICE from Munich Hbf, change Frankfurt Flughafen onto another ICE, arrives Amsterdam Centraal 15:29.
To Brussels for example, the 08:27 ICE from Munich Hbf, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto another ICE, arrives Brussels Midi at 15:35.
Fares start at around 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Option 2, by comfortable sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Stuttgart, then high-speed trains to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam
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Day 1, take the sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Stuttgart, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53 arriving Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.
The Lisinski has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. There's no catering car, so take a picnic and a bottle of wine with you!
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Stuttgart to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains. For example:
The 09:51 from Stuttgart Hbf, change at Cologne Hbf, reaches Amsterdam Centraal at 15:29.
The 10:05 from Stuttgart Hbf, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, reaches Brussels Midi at 15:35.
The 10:52 ICE train from Stuttgart Hbf reaches Paris Gare de l'Est at 14:05.
Fares start at around 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Times may vary. Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Tip: Change Transfer time from Normal to minimum 30 minutes. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Stuttgart.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 3, by comfortable sleeper train from Ljubljana to Zurich, then day trains
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Zurich by sleeper train, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53, arriving Zurich HB 09:20.
This comfortable sleeper train comes from Zagreb, with a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, see the Croatian sleeper video, highly recommended. There's also a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments which is also comfortable and air-conditioned. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine. There is lovely scenery along the Sava river between Zagreb & Ljubljana.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam as follows. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Zurich.
The 11:34 from Zurich HB arrives Paris Gare de l'Est 15:38, fares from 29, book at www.thetrainline.com (easiest) or www.sncf-connect.com.
The 11:59 from Zurich HB, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arrives Amsterdam Centraal 20:29, fares from 37.90, book at int.bahn.de.
The 11:59 from Zurich HB, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arrives Brussels Midi 19:35, fares from 37.90, book at int.bahn.de.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead. You'll find more detail on the International trains from Zurich page.
Option 4, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf, Brussels & Amsterdam
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna, leaving Ljubljana at 08:15 by fast Slovenian Pendolino train with cafe-bar, changing at Maribor onto the EuroCity train Croatia to Vienna, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. It has an elegant Austrian restaurant car.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the Croatia travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If it sells you a ticket for the whole journey, great. If it says Ticket for section only then it's only selling you a ticket from Maribor to Vienna, in which case buy that and print it out. Then buy the Ljubljana-Maribor ticket at the station in Ljubljana, that won't be a problem.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Amsterdam or Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna at 20:13 every day and arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 09:59 next morning. On Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays this train conveys a portion to Brussels, arriving Brussels Midi 09:52.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf, with free WiFi & complimentary refreshments.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices) or at the Dutch Railways international site www.nsinternational.nl (in , no fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 5, Ljubljana to Paris using the Nightjet sleeper train from Salzburg to Paris, 3 times a week
Not the fastest option because of the time between trains in Salzburg, but what's not to like about a morning in that wonderful city? With a lovely scenic ride through the mountains of Austria, an afternoon in Salzburg, then a high-quality Nightjet sleeper train to Paris, this option is worth considering if you're heading for Paris.
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Salzburg by EuroCity train leaving Ljubljana at 09:23 or Lesce-Bled at 10:03, arriving Salzburg Hbf 13:48.
This train uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. It picks up an Austrian restaurant car in Villach at around 11:00, serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine. Treat yourself to lunch.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for EC212.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same fares, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Enjoy an afternoon and evening in Salzburg. Left luggage lockers are available.
Tip: If you have a ticket for a sleeper, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Salzburg Hbf for up to 1½ hours before boarding the sleeper, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.
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Step 2, travel from Salzburg to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 22:28 on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:43 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Ljubljana to Nice & the South of France
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Trieste by regional train and on to Venice as explained here. A cheap, scenic & enjoyable journey.
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Stay overnight in Venice - for a hotel that won't break the bank, but is 2 minutes walk from the station with good reviews, try the Hotel Maggior Consiglio or for a little more, the Hotel Abbazia. Hotels near Venice Mestre on the mainland are usually cheaper, but I'd never miss a chance to stay in Venice itself if I could.
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Day 2, travel from Venice to Monaco, Nice, Cannes changing at the magnificent Milan Centrale, as shown on the Trains from Venice page. It's a lovely journey along the coast between Genoa and Nice, have your camera ready!
Fares start at 34.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class.
Check times & book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , more fiddly, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).
Ljubljana to Zurich & Switzerland
Option 1, Ljubljana to Zurich by direct sleeper train
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An excellent sleeper train links Ljubljana & Zurich every night, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53, arriving Zurich HB 09:20.
The train comes from Zagreb, with a comfortable air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, see the Croatian sleeper video. It also has an air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine. Morning tea or coffee included in sleepers. Wake up to fabulous mountain scenery.
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Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Zurich by day train
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Travel from Ljubljana to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Ljubljana at 09:23 or Lesce-Bled at 10:03, changing at Schwarzach-St.Veit (arrive 12:48, depart 13:13) and arriving Zurich HB at 19:20. There's great scenery through Austria and then through the Arlberg Pass into Switzerland.
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Book from Ljubljana or Lesce Bled to Schwarzach-St.Veit from 29 at www.thetrainline.com. Then use www.thetrainline.com again to book Schwarzach-St.Veit to Zurich or elsewhere in Switzerland. You can also book at Austrian Railways' own website www.oebb.at. You print your own ticket. You can book through to any Swiss station if you like.
Option 3, Ljubljana to Switzerland by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel & Hotel Schani Wien.
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Day 2, travel from Vienna through the wonderfully scenic Arlberg Pass to Zurich as shown here.
Ljubljana to Trieste, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy
Option 1, Ljubljana to Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome using the Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Bruck an der Mur by EuroCity train Emona, leaving Ljubljana at 16:05 and arriving Bruck an der Mur at 20:01.
The train has comfortable air-conditioned Austrian & Slovenian cars, most open-plan, some with classic 6-seat compartments. There's an excellent Slovenian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner. Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.
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Step 2, travel from Bruck an der Mur to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Bruck an der Mur at 21:21 every evening (the train comes from Vienna), with a portion arriving Verona Porta Nuova 05:51, Milan Rogoredo 07:42, Genoa Piazza Principe 09:38 & La Spezia 11:10, another portion arriving Bologna Centrale 05:15, Florence SMN 06:18 & Rome Termini 09:10.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Venice & Italy via Villach - a comfortable option, easily booked
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Villach by express train, leaving Ljubljana at 07:26, arriving Villach at 09:07.
Have a coffee at the station in Villach in southern Austria.
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Step 2, travel from Villach to Venice by railjet, leaving Villach at 10:49 arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 14:05.
The swish modern railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Step 3, travel from Venice to Florence, Rome, Naples or anywhere else in Italy.
Changing at Venice Mestre on the mainland saves time, but going over the causeway to Venice Santa Lucia and changing there allows a brief peek at the city of Venice which is always welcome! I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Venice in case of any delay.
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How much does it cost?
Ljubljana to Venice start at 26.50 in 2nd class or 39.40 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Venice to Florence or Milan start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Venice to Rome or Naples start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Book from Ljubljana to Venice at www.thetrainline.com (easiest, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
If going beyond Venice, book an onward train at www.thetrainline.com or as shown here.
Option 3, Ljubljana to Trieste & Venice - the historic direct route, with no need to pre-book
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Travel from Ljubljana to Trieste on one of two daily regional trains or the daily EuroCity train, then onwards to Venice by hourly Italian regional train, see the Ljubljana to Venice page for timetable, fares & how to buy tickets.
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Trains from Ljubljana to Italy were restored in September 2018. Ljubljana to Venice costs just 22 or so, any day, any date, no prior reservation necessary, it cannot sell out, just buy at the station on the day. And if you've ever wondered where prosecco comes from, you'll find out on this route (see the Ljubljana to Venice page!) For Florence, Rome, Naples or Milan, take an onward high-speed train from Venice, see the Train travel in Italy page.
Ljubljana to Barcelona & Spain
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Ljubljana at 09:23 or Lesce-Bled at 10:03, changing at Schwarzach-St.Veit (arrive 12:48, depart 13:13) and arriving Zurich HB at 19:20.
There's great scenery through Austria and then through the Arlberg Pass into Switzerland. Then take a connecting Swiss train from Zurich HB to Geneva, arriving 22:47.
Book from Ljubljana or Lesce Bled to Schwarzach-St.Veit from 29.90 at www.thetrainline.com.
Then use www.thetrainline.com again to book Schwarzach-St.Veit to Geneva. You print your own tickets.
You can also book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
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Stay overnight in Geneva. Suggested hotels with good reviews near the station include Hotel Cornavin Geneve, Hotel Les Arcades, ibis Styles Geneva Gare. Hotels in Switzerland can be expensive, if you're on a budget you can book budget private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station using www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Geneva to Barcelona, leaving Geneva at 07:14, change Lyon Part Dieu & Montpelier St-Roch, arriving Barcelona Sants 16:31.
Geneva to Lyon is by TER regional train along the river Rhτne, Lyon to Montpelier is by TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, Montpelier to Barcelona is by TGV Duplex also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The TGV Duplex passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Geneva-Lyon costs a fixed-price 29.40. Lyon-Barcelona starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
Book from Geneva to Barcelona at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and so on by high-speed train.
A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.
For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station. Next morning direct high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.
Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up). You print your own ticket.
Booking for Spanish trains normally opens only 60 days ahead, but this varies. Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona.
Ljubljana to Berlin
Option 1, Ljubljana to Berlin in a single day - the scenic daytime option, usually cheapest
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Munich by EuroCity train Mimara, leaving Ljubljana at 09:23 or Lesce-Bled 10:03, arriving Munich Hbf 15:41.
This comfortable Austrian EuroCity train offers 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments and 2nd class seats in a choice of open-plan seating or classic 6-seat compartments. A restaurant car is attached at Villach on the Austrian border at around 11:15.
There's beautiful scenery through the mountains across Austria.
Tip: If you like, you can check the consist for this train, see car photos, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click EC, then look for Mimara.
Do not risk any tight connections in Munich.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Berlin by high-speed ICE train leaving Munich Hbf at 17:54 arriving Berlin Hbf 21:53.
The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about ICE trains.
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How much does it cost?
Fares from Ljubljana to Berlin start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 57.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Ljubljana to Berlin at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
I have set up that link to int.bahn.de for you incorporating a 1-hour stopover in Munich to ensure a robust connection, look for a journey with 1 change of train in Munich. Don't risk any connection less than an hour.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Budapest to Berlin sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Budapest on the Intercity train Citadella, leaving Ljubljana at 09:35 & arriving Budapest Dιli at 16:59.
You'll find more information about the Citadella in the Ljubljana to Budapest section below.
Fares start at just 15 if you book online in advance.
Buy a ticket at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice for using it. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it in the MAV app on your phone.
Transfer from Budapest Deli to Budapest Nyugati by metro or taxi. Have an early dinner in Budapest.
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Step 2, travel from Budapest to Berlin by EuroNight sleeper train Metropol, leaving Budapest Nyugati at 19:29 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 09:55.
The train has an air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, air-conditioned 4 & 6 berth couchettes and 2nd class seats.
Fares start at 49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 59 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper with washbasin, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin. Prices per person per berth, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Bookings open up to 90 days ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Vienna to Berlin sleeper - a little longer than option 2, one more change, but with an afternoon in Vienna
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna, leaving Ljubljana at 08:15 by Slovenian Pendolino train with cafe-bar, changing at Maribor onto the EuroCity train Croatia to Vienna, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. It has an elegant Austrian restaurant car.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the Croatia travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Tip: If it sells you a ticket for the whole journey, great. If it says Ticket for section only then it's only selling you a ticket from Maribor to Vienna, in which case buy that and print it out. Then buy the Ljubljana-Maribor ticket at the station in Ljubljana, that won't be a problem. It should sell you the whole journey if you book less than 60 days ahead, as Slovenian Railways open reservations for the Ljubljana-Maribor train 60 days ahead.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Berlin by nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 22:10 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 09:55 next morning.
This comfortable nightjet has a Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed standard compartments with washbasin, three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, there's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in standard sleepers. There are also 4 & 6 berth couchettes. A light breakfast is included in the fare in both sleepers and couchettes. See the nightjet sleeper train page for more photos, travel tips & information.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
Option 4, Ljubljana to Berlin by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Vienna
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna as shown in the Ljubljana to Vienna section.
It's a scenic and enjoyable ride. The direct train Emona has comfortable Austrian & Slovenian air-conditioned cars and a Slovenian restaurant car, see the photos in the Ljubljana to Vienna section. Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book online at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, overseas credit cards no problem) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices but a bit more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near Vienna Hbf with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Berlin by ICE train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:13 arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:53.
This is the superb ICE train Berolina, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Ljubljana to Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg & Germany from 37.90
Option 1, Ljubljana to Germany by daytime trains
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There are two or three daily EuroCity trains and an overnight sleeper train between Ljubljana, Lesce-Bled, Salzburg & Munich. One EuroCity train is direct, the others involve a quick and easy cross-platform change at Villach on the Austrian border. Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck.
Simply use int.bahn.de to confirm times and buy tickets for the daytime trains from Zagreb or Ljubljana to anywhere in Germany.
You'll find departures from Ljubljana to Salzburg Hbf & Munich Hbf at 07:26, 09:23, 15:27 & 22:08 (sleeper).
You'll find departures from Lesce-Bled to Salzburg Hbf & Munich Hbf at 08:13, 10:03, 16:15 & 22:49 (sleeper).
Fares from Ljubljana to anywhere in Germany start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 in 1st class if you book in advance.
The Man in Seat 61 says: "The 15:27 from Ljubljana involves a simple cross-platform change in Villach. It only takes 30 seconds to change trains at Villach, but if the Croatian/Slovenian train is late, the Austrian train so Salzburg & Munich will not wait. I'd go with the 09:23 morning train which is direct."
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You can buy tickets from Ljubljana to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich or anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Germany using sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Munich & Stuttgart
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Step 1, travel from Slovenia to Germany by Croatian sleeper train Lisinski, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53 arriving Munich Ost 05:50 & Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.
The Lisinski has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. There's no catering car, so take a picnic and a bottle of wine with you!
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
If going via Munich, you usually need to transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train taking 8 minutes.
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Step 2, travel from Munich Hbf or Stuttgart Hbf to anywhere in Germany.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in case the sleeper is late.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 3, Morning train to Vienna, afternoon free, then Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna, leaving Ljubljana at 08:05, changing at Maribor onto the EuroCity Croatia, arriving Vienna Hbf 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an elegant Austrian restaurant car.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Tip: If it sells you a ticket for the whole journey, great. If it says Ticket for section only then it's only selling you a ticket from Maribor to Vienna on the Croatia, in which case buy that, then buy the Ljubljana-Maribor ticket at the station, that won't be a problem.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna at 20:10 and arriving Cologne Messe-Deutz at 06:53, Dόsseldorf at 07:23 or (a separate portion) Hamburg Hbf at 08:47 next morning.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Ljubljana to Vienna from 24.90
Option 1, Ljubljana to Vienna by direct EuroCity train Emona
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A comfortable EuroCity train called the Emona leaves Ljubljana every day at 16:05 arriving Vienna Hbf at 22:02.
The Emona has a Slovenian restaurant car serving inexpensive waiter-service meals, beer & wine. This train also travels over the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna, a real treat.
The Emona uses a mix of comfortable & spacious air-conditioned Austrian & Slovenian carriages with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. The Austrian cars have power sockets at seats, although the Slovenian ones don't. Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.
If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Emona.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Vienna early morning connection
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A train leaves Ljubljana at 07:26 with one quick & easy change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf at 13:42. It's a short connection in Villach, but easy to make as it is just across a platform, and if there is a delay there's another train from Villach to Vienna two hours later which will get you into Vienna Hbf at 15:35.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Ljubljana to Vienna morning connection
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Leave Ljubljana at 08:15 on a fast Slovenian air-conditioned Pendolino train with cafe-bar that tilts into the curves on the pretty route to Maribor, near the Austrian border. Change at Maribor onto the EuroCity train Croatia to Vienna, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The EuroCity train Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an elegant Austrian restaurant car.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Tip: If it sells you a ticket for the whole journey, great. If it says Ticket for section only then it's only selling you a ticket from Maribor to Vienna, in which case buy that and print it out. Then buy the Ljubljana-Maribor ticket at the station in Ljubljana, that won't be a problem. The issue is that the pendolino is reservation compulsory but the Slovenians only load reservation data 60 days ahead.
Option 4, Ljubljana to Vienna late morning connection:
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A train leaves Ljubljana at 09:23 with one quick & easy change at Villach, arriving Vienna Hbf at 15:36. It's a reasonable connection in Villach, easy to make as it is just across a platform, and if there is a delay there's another train from Villach to Vienna two hours later which will get you into Vienna Hbf at 17:36.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Ljubljana to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria
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There are three daily trains from Ljubljana to Salzburg. The 09:23 is direct, the others involve a quick and easy cross-platform change at Villach on the Austrian border.
You'll normally find departures from Ljubljana to Salzburg Hbf at 07:26, 09:23, 15:27. Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck.
You'll normally find departures from Lesce-Bled to Salzburg Hbf at 08:13, 10:03, 16:15. Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck.
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For Graz, there's a direct train from Ljubljana at 15:55 (the EuroCity Emona, with restaurant car).
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Fares from Ljubljana to Austria start at 24.90 in 2nd class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
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Check train times & buy tickets from Ljubljana to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck or anywhere in Austria at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Ljubljana to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia
Option 1, using the Ljubljana-Munich sleeper - fastest & most time-effective option
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Munich by sleeper train Lisinski, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53 arriving Munich Ost 05:50.
The Lisinski has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments and a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. See the Croatian sleeping-car video.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train taking 8 Minutes.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:20, changing at Hamburg Hbf, arriving Copenhagen at 19:34.
You travel from Munich to Hamburg by high-speed ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, then by EuroCity train to Copenhagen (no catering car so bring your own food & drink).
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book from Munich to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, but (and this is important) before running the enquiry, change Transfer time from normal to minimum 45 minutes. That gets you a robust connection in Hamburg, not a tight one, as that's the last train of the day to Copenhagen. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here. Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm as shown here, Copenhagen to Gothenburg as shown here, or Copenhagen to Oslo & Norway as shown here.
Option 2, using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna on a morning train, as explained above. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:10 & arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47 next morning.
Until 9 December 2023, this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is due to be operated by a new generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:53 and arriving Copenhagen at 15:34.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 46.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 4, take an onward train to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm. Check times at www.sj.se. Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Copenhagen. An overnight stop in Copenhagen may be required if going to Stockholm, if there isn't a late enough train.
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Alternatively, travel to Vienna, stay overnight then use any of the options shown on the International Trains from Vienna page.
Ljubljana to Bratislava & Prague
Option 1, Ljubljana to Prague or Bratislava in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna by train, leaving Ljubljana at 08:15, changing at Maribor, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
You travel from Ljubljana to Maribor by swish Slovenian Pendolino train, then from Maribor to Vienna by EuroCity train Croatia. The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an elegant Austrian restaurant car.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Fares start at 24.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket.
Tip: If it sells you a ticket for the whole journey, great. If it says Ticket for section only then it's only selling you a ticket from Maribor to Vienna on the Croatia, in which case buy that, then buy the Ljubljana-Maribor ticket at the station, that won't be a problem.
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Step 2, if going to Prague.
Travel from Vienna to Prague by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:10 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:35.
The trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. See timetable & more information about trains from Vienna to Prague.
Fares start at 14.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz, whichever is cheaper for your chosen date and train. Booking normally opens 90 days ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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Step 2, if going to Bratislava.
Take a Regional Express train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna in just 1h09, these leave every hour, fixed-price fare 11.00, just buy a ticket at the station in Vienna on the day. No reservation is necessary or even possible for these local trains. You can check times & prices at www.thetrainline.com.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Munich by sleeper, morning express train to Prague - time-effective and saves a hotel bill
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Munich by sleeper train Lisinski, leaving Ljubljana at 22:08 & Lesce-Bled at 22:53 arriving Munich Ost 05:50.
The Lisinski has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train taking 8 Minutes.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Prague by express train, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:44 arriving Prague Hlavni at 14:22.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class or 35 in 1st class. These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares so book ahead.
Book this at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Tip: An earlier train leaves Munich Hbf at 06:44 arriving Prague Hlavni at 12:22, this is a bit tight if the sleeper arrives late, but consider booking a cheap 15 on both this train and the 08:44. For full details, see the Munich to Prague timetable & photos here.
Option 3, Ljubljana to Bratislava or Prague with an overnight stop in Vienna
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna as shown above, leaving Ljubljana at 16:05 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 22:02.
The comfortable EuroCity train Emona has a Slovenian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner. It takes the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same fares, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near Vienna Hbf with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Day 2, if going to Prague.
Take a comfortable railjet train from Vienna Hbf to Prague Hlavni in around 4h00, these leave every two hours, see the timetable here.
Fares start at 14.90 in 2nd class, 29.90 in 1st class or 44.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, Booking opens up to 6 months ahead) or at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz (booking normally opens 90 days ahead). You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. See more information about Vienna to Prague railjet trains.
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Day 2, if going to Bratislava.
Take a local train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna in 1h09. These leave every hour through the day, fixed-price fare 11.00, just buy a ticket at the station in Vienna on the day. No reservation is necessary or even possible for these local trains. You can check times & prices at www.thetrainline.com.
Ljubljana to Budapest from 16
Option 1, Ljubljana to Budapest by early morning train daily all year
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An excellent air-conditioned InterCity train called the Drava leaves Ljubljana at 05:05 every day, arriving Budapest Keleti at 13:49.
This train is composed of modernised air-conditioned Hungarian carriages with open-plan seating in both 1st & 2nd class. There's no catering car so bring a picnic & some beer or wine. For most people, the Drava is a superior train to the Citadella described in option 2 - although some people prefer old-school compartments and opening windows.
It's routed across Austria via Graz, enjoy the great scenery along the Sava river out of Ljubljana, and between Graz & Hungary.
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Advance-purchase fares start at 39.40 in 2nd class or 51.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.
Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your phone.
Alternatively, because it crosses Austria you can also book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Ljubljana to Budapest by mid-morning train daily all year
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A comfortable train called the Citadella leaves Ljubljana at 09:35 every day arriving Budapest Dιli at 16:59.
The Citadella is composed of one modern Hungarian air-conditioned car with open-plan seats and several old-school Slovenian cars with 6-seat compartments, no air-con, but large opening windows.
Seat reservation is optional, so you can sit wherever you like. The Citadella is 2nd class only, there's no catering so take your own picnic & beer or wine. it's routed directly from Hungary into Slovenia. Enjoy the great scenery along the Sava river out of Ljubljana. Remember that it goes to Budapest Dιli station, not Keleti, when arranging any connections.
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Fares start at 16 if you book online in advance, 2nd class only.
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Buy a ticket at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice for using it.
Booking normally opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it in the MAV app on your phone.
The air-con open-plan Hungarian car is car 424. The Slovenian cars are 421, 422, 423. In theory, jegy.mav.hu allows you to add a reserved seat, de-select automatic reservation, then choose Termeskocsi (open-plan car), but the reservation usually fails. Leaving automatic reservation selected works, but always seems to get you a seat in one of the Slovenian cars. But you can always move to the Hungarian air-con open-plan car if you like.
You can also buy at the station. If you want to do that, it's cheaper to buy in advance, even a few hours or a day or two. The fare might be 29 bought 15 minutes before departure, but 19 or 16 if you buy at least 2h before departure, or the day before.
Ljubljana to Belgrade, Sofia, Athens, Istanbul
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Travel from Ljubljana to Belgrade by train, leaving Ljubljana at 08:30 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.
This train was suspended within Serbia due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.
It's 2nd class only, with two comfortable Serbian air-conditioned cars. There's no catering car so bring your own food & drink.
Ljubljana to Belgrade costs 29 or so bought locally. It's easy to buy a ticket at the station, or you can simply pay on the train when the conductor comes round. It cannot be bought online. You can check train times using the journey planner at int.bahn.de.
While the train is suspended, travel from Ljubljana to Zagreb by train then Zagreb to Belgrade by bus.
Take the 08:30 train from Ljubljana to Zagreb arriving 10:39.
The fare is 9, buy at the station. It's a lovely scenic journey along the Sava river.
In Zagreb it's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.
A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 14:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 19:30.
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
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Stay overnight in Belgrade. I recommend the excellent & historic Hotel Moskva at the end of Belgrade's main pedestrianised shopping street, see map of Belgrade showing station.
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For Sofia, travel from Belgrade to Sofia as shown on the Belgrade to Sofia page. Buy at the station, tickets cannot be bought online.
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For Istanbul, first travel to Sofia by daytime trains as shown on the Belgrade to Sofia page, stay overnight in Sofia and spend the next day there, then take the overnight sleeper to Istanbul, see the Belgrade to Istanbul section for full details.
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For Thessaloniki or Athens, see the Trains from Belgrade page for details of the summer-only overnight train from Belgrade to Thessaloniki with connections for Athens. The connection is Belgrade is too tight for a same-day connection so an overnight stop is recommended.
Ljubljana to Warsaw, Krakow, Bucharest, Kyiv & Moscow
Option 1, by morning train to Budapest, then sleeper train
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Step 1, take a comfortable morning train from Ljubljana to Budapest as explained above.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take the sleeper train from Budapest Nyugati to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
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Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest: Take the 19:10 sleeper train from Budapest Keleti to Romania as shown here.
Option 2, by morning train to Vienna, then sleeper train
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna on a morning train, as explained above. There's a morning train from Ljubljana with a change of train at Villach. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take the 23:10 sleeper train Chopin from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
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Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest: Take the 19:42 sleeper train from Vienna to Romania as shown here.
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Step 2 for Lviv & Kyiv: Take the 16:42 sleeper train from Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv as shown here.
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Step 3 for Moscow, travel to Kyiv then take an overnight sleeper from Kyiv to Moscow as shown here. Services to Russia suspended.
Option 3, by afternoon train to Budapest, overnight stop, then daytime train
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Step 1, travel from Ljubljana to Budapest on an afternoon train, as explained above.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. For an inexpensive hotel with great reviews next to Keleti Station, try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel or the inexpensive Baross City Hotel just across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. Next to Nyugati station, go for the funky T62 Hotel just across the road, a traveller's favourite.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take a daytime Intercity train from Budapest Nyugati to Warsaw & Krakow as shown here
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Step 2 for Brasov & Bucharest: Take a daytime Intercity train from Budapest Keleti to Brasov or Bucharest as shown here.
Option 2, by afternoon train to Vienna, overnight stop, then daytime train
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Step 4, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna on the afternoon train, as explained above.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Vienna: Take the 08:10 EuroCity train from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
Hotels in Ljubljana
There are relatively few places near the station, so try somewhere towards (or in) Ljubljana's lovely old town.
I've stayed at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon myself, it's 13 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. The City Hotel (is just 8 minutes walk, see walking map. Both are great choices.
The excellent Hotel Slamic is just 11 minutes walk from the station with great reviews, but a little further from the old town than the other two, see walking map.
For something relatively inexpensive in the old town, try the Hotel Emonec, excellently located in the pedestrianised area, 13 minutes from the station, see walking map.
For something luxurious, the 5-star art nouveau-style Grand Hotel Union is in the old town and comes complete with swimming pool. It's 10 minutes walk from the station, see walking map.
Backpacker
hostels
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www.hostelworld.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.
Travel insurance & VPN
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Always take out travel insurance
Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.
www.staysure.co.uk
offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on
Trustpilot.
www.columbusdirect.com
is also a well-know brand.
If you live in the USA try
Travel Guard USA.
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Get an eSIM with mobile data package
Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list. Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.
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Get a Curve card for foreign travel
Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.
How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android. 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.
I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.
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Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN
When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained. ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.
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Carry an Anker powerbank
Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.