Slovenia
General train travel information for SLOVENIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
Passenger trains in Slovenia have a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The first railroad lines were built in the mid-nineteenth century, connecting the main cities of the region. One of the most important lines was the Southern Railway, which ran through present-day Slovenia and connected Vienna with Trieste. The railway network continued to expand in the early 20th century, playing an important role in facilitating transportation and trade within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The railroad infrastructure suffered during World War I and the post-war period, but was rebuilt in the following years. Slovenia continues to develop its passenger train network, providing an important means of transportation for its residents and visitors.
General Information and Statistics
Slovenske železnice (Slovenian Railways) is the main railway passenger carrier in Slovenia. Slovenske železnice carried around 15 million passengers in 2019.
Slovenia has a railway network spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers (2020). There are about 150 railway stations in Slovenia.
By 2021, approximately 54% of railways in Slovenia have been electrified.
What connections to other countries there are.
There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Hungary, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland, Italy.
Are trains fast in Slovenia in general? How much time to cross the country?
Trains in Slovenia generally offer efficient and reliable transportation, but the speed of trains can vary depending on the type of service and the specific route.
For long-distance travel, Slovenia is relatively small, and it typically takes a few hours to cross the country by train. The journey time can vary based on the route and stops along the way. The journey from Divača to Murska Sobota takes 4:27 hours and from Frankfurt am Dobova to Jesenice 2:45 hours.
What railway companies are available?
Slovenske železnice (Slovenian Railways): This is a state-owned company that operates passenger trains throughout Slovenia. It offers domestic and international passenger transportation and provides connections to other European countries.
In addition, some international passenger companies also offer services in Slovenia as part of their routes. For example, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) offer international trains passing through Slovenia.
What train types are available in Slovenia
Slovenia offers the following types of trains:
• InterCity Slovenia (ICS): Fast and comfortable trains with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, offering additional services. First class is equipped with electrical outlets and has access to a buffet car.
• InterCity (IC): Long distance trains connecting major cities and important tourist destinations. Have comfortable carriages and a cafeteria. An additional charge for IC is included in the ticket price.
• EuroCity (EC): International trains connecting business and tourist destinations. Have shorter travel times and offer cafeteria services. An additional charge for EC is included in the ticket price.
• International trains (MV): International trains with a small number of stops.
• EuroNight (EN): Long international trains that run at night and are equipped with sleeping cars. The ticket price includes an additional charge for the use of a sleeper. An additional fee for EN is also charged for a seat in a regular coach within the country.
• Regional (RG) and other passenger trains (LVP and LP): Trains connecting cities within the country on short and long routes. No seat reservations or additional charges.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
Slovenia does not have dedicated high-speed train services. The country's railway network primarily consists of regional and intercity trains that operate at conventional speeds. While efforts have been made to improve train speeds on certain sections, there are currently no dedicated high-speed rail lines in Slovenia.
The ICS trains are modern, air-conditioned high-speed trains which provide the highest level comfort and reach speeds up to 160 km/h.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway stations in Slovenia are Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Celje, Nova Gorica.
Websites to buy train tickets for Slovenia?
https://potniski.sz.si/en/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Slovenia?
Slovenske železnice has mobile app (“Go by train”).
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Slovenia?
Train tickets can be purchased at a station ticket office and at rail-appointed travel agencies. Slovenian Railways train tickets for travel throughout Slovenia can also be purchased at self-service ticket machines. You can even purchase tickets through the official website and by using the mobile app.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Phone ticket purchases are not expected to be made. You can call the Slovenske železnice hotline for more information about train times, fares and other offers.
Return the ticket.
For tickets purchased online, the fare is non-refundable, except for semi-annual and annual tickets
Trains cancelled or delayed before departure/during journey
If the train you intend to use is cancelled or delayed by more than 60 minutes and you cannot reasonably complete your journey that day, you may:
Decide not to travel and get a full refund on your (unused) ticket;
Choose an alternative train service by the same operators and for the same area as shown on your ticket;
Decide to travel by other means of transport;
End your journey at an intermediate station and get a refund for the relevant portion of your ticket;
Return to the station of your departure using a train service provided by the operators shown on your ticket and get a full refund on your ticket.
Train ticket prices
"Slovenske železnice" offers not many interesting discounts and tickets. If you book well in advance, the ticket prices are cheap. A choice of single and return tickets are available, as well as several types of passes. Ticket prices are not very high, for example a ticket from Ljubljana to Maribor will cost only 9.60 euros.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Saver fares to neighbouring countries are available from "Slovenske železnice". For example, from Ljubljana – Zagreb from EUR 9.90. And train from Ljubljana to Trieste for only €8.00.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://potniski.sz.si/
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Slovenske železnice offer single tickets for any train types and for any day of the week, with the option to purchase them up to two months in advance.
If you know when you want to travel on a long-distance journey within Slovenia or to neighbouring countries, buy your ticket now. You will then be able to find cheaper fares.
If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
Types of tickets.
If you want to travel in and around Ljubljana, the best choice is the City pass
For only 2.50 euros you can travel freely between stations in the Ljubljana rail hub area.
You can make an unlimited number of trips between stations and stops in the Ljubljana rail hub area.
A one-time, daily or monthly City Pass allows unlimited travel on our rail network within the Ljubljana urban area, which includes a total of 16 stations and stops
If you want to see the whole of Slovenia, the best choice is Season Tickets
Season tickets allow you to make an unlimited number of journeys on the entire Slovenian rail network or on a specific route and within a certain validity period, on trains of the type and class indicated on the ticket.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Slovenia
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Slovenia. The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.
Saver price.
Travel in Slovenia by train and get a 30% discount on return trips on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Travel Weekend offer, which allows you to travel inexpensively on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in the Republic of Slovenia. The offer applies to round trips in first or standard class on all types of trains on the Slovenian Railways network, including ICS. A 30% discount and surcharge for higher class applies when purchasing rail tickets at stations or on the train.
The ticket remains valid for 15 days, regardless of distance. Passengers traveling on days when the discount is not valid are considered stowaways.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
There are no flexible tickets as such, there is the option to buy one way or return tickets, or you can buy a travel ticket
A single ticket will let you travel in one direction from the selected place of departure to your destination. You will need to purchase a new ticket to travel back to the station at which your journey started. A day ticket is only valid on the day of purchase.
Rules of boarding.
For international trains in addition to your train ticket you will also need a passport to prove your identity.
Discounts for group travel.
A special discount is available for group travel for six or more passengers. The size of the group discount depends on the age of the passengers in the group, for example, schoolchildren under 12 years old and students under 26 years old get ½ discount on the ticket, and a group of passengers over 26 years old can get a 30% discount on the ticket.
Age groups and discounts.
Young people between 12 and 26 years of age are eligible for the following discounts:
30% off all rail fares throughout Slovenia (domestic travel);
50% off rail fares for trains running between Slovenia and Croatia (international travel).
Children under 6 six years of age inclusive travel free of charge, while those aged 6 to 12 get a 50% discount on all tickets.
Persons over 65 years of age, persons in retirement, beneficiaries of the disability pension, and children and young persons receiving the inherited pension who have a permanent residence in Slovenia are eligible for the Seniors Railcard.
Discounts
30% off train fares for journeys from Monday to Friday;
50% off train fares for journeys on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (domestic services only);
50% off train fares for single or return journeys to Croatia;
15% off train fares for international journeys.
Age limitations for minors.
No official information about unaccompanied c children on Slovenian trains.
Handicapped passengers.
Transportation of people in wheelchairs is possible:
On ICS (Inter City Slovenia) trains, although mandatory seat reservations are still required.
On most Euro City (EC) trains, as well as on board some InterCity trains. Trains with carriages specially designed for passengers in wheelchairs are indicated in the timetable.
The train stations in Ljubljana, Celje, Maribor and Koper are equipped with appropriate elevators. It is possible to get to the platforms with the help of railway staff.
On international flights
Transportation of passengers in wheelchairs in international rail traffic is possible on Euro City (EC) trains with carriages designed for wheelchairs. Such trains are listed in the timetable.
Seat reservations in trains in Slovenia.
Which trains in Slovenia require reservations?
No reservations: Regional trains (RE) and Interregio (IR)
Optional: InterCity, EuroCity, and Pendolino trains
Reservations highly recommended during summer season
Compulsory: EuroNight on all routes.
Comfort classes on the trains.
Slovakia's trains have 2nd and 1st class. For LP / RG trains only 2. class ticket is available. Surcharge for the 1. class ticket is possible on train or sales offices of SŽ.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Slovenia.
On InterCity Slovenia (ICS) trains, food and beverages are available in the buffet car. Most IC trains also have catering facilities.
Night trains in Slovenia?
EuroNight (EN) are long-distance international trains that operate at night and include sleeping and compartment cars. The ticket price on international routes includes an EN surcharge for the use of a bed or sleeper. In addition, as on EC trains, for domestic travel, an EN surcharge is charged for a seat in a standard carriage. Some EN trains within Europe operate at special international fares with mandatory seat reservation.
Important train routes in Slovenia.
Ljubljana - Maribor / form 2:11 hours / 9,90 EUR / 1-2 trains in 1-2 hours (July 2023)
Ljubljana - Koper / form 2:24 hours / 9,90 EUR / 4 trains a day (July 2023)
Ljubljana - Celje / form 1:16 hours /7,00 EUR / 1 train per 1 -2 hours (July 2023)
Ljubljana - Lesce-Bled / form 0:54 hours / from 5,10 EUR / 1 train per 1 -2 hours (July 2023)
Ljubljana -Bled Jezero / form 1:31 hours / 6,60 EUR / 1 train per 2 hours (July 2023)
International train routes.
There are direct international trains from Germany to the Hungary, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland, and Italy.
Tourist / scenic routes in Slovenia.
Bohinjska proga (Bohinjska proga) is a scenic rail line in Slovenia, connecting the capital Ljubljana with the picturesque Bohinj region. It is a popular route for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Slovenian countryside.
The Bohinj Railroad departs from the Ljubljana train station and passes through various towns and villages before reaching its terminus in Bohinjska Bistrica. The trip takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on the specific route and stops.
Along the way, passengers can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Julian Alps, beautiful valleys and crystal clear rivers. The railroad passes through charming towns such as Kamnik, Radovljica and Bled, making it a convenient option for exploring these popular tourist destinations.
This rail line is a convenient and scenic transportation option for travelers looking to explore the stunning Bohinj region and its attractions, including Bohinj Lake, Triglav National Park, and various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
Luggage information.
There are no specific restrictions when it comes to luggage and its dimensions. As a rule of thumb, you can bring luggage that can be placed beneath the seat or on overhead racks, or carried on your lap.
Bicycle on the train.
The bicycle can be taken with you. Trains carrying escorted bicycles are marked accordingly in the train timetable both at home and abroad.
Passengers may only carry one bicycle.
Passengers load the bicycle themselves, keep an eye on it during transportation and unload it at the final destination.
A flat fare of €1.50 (€3.00 for an electric bicycle) must be paid within Slovenia, regardless of the distance of the trip.
Passengers arriving in Slovenia from abroad purchase a ticket to transport their bicycle abroad. Bicycle and train fares may vary depending on the direction of travel from EUR 5.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
There's no official information.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Slovenia.
There is no information about luggage lockers in Slovenian railway stations. But in the city of Ljubljana, there is a luggage room at the bus station next to the train station.
Lost and Found Items.
If you have lost an item on a train, you can collect it from Lost Property Office in Ljubljana and Maribor. You can also check the list of lost&found items on r website.
For more information about items lost on the train, please call +386 1 29 12 598 (Lost and Found Office in Ljubljana) or +386 51 660 568 (Lost and Found Office in Maribor), or visit the «Lost and found» page on the official website.
Pets on the trains.
You can travel together with small animals which are kept in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier, or which are able to travel on your lap, such as small/lap dogs. No additional charges are payable for animals which meet these conditions. Animal companions are not allowed on ICS trains, with the exception of blind persons’ guide dogs and assistance dogs for passengers with disabilities, both of which receive a ticket free of charge together with a seat reservation.
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