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Stories from Slovenia

To Slovenia by train

You can travel to Slovenia by train from many European cities, and regular lines also connect different parts of the country. Make yourselves comfortable, the train is about to depart!

Travel by train

Travelling to Slovenia by train is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly mode of travel. Thanks to its modern rail network, Slovenia is well connected to many European cities. Many routes also offer overnight journeys or transfers to other regions. Discover which countries have rail links to Slovenia, how to travel within the country by train, and which routes offer the most scenic views.

Popular rail links to Slovenia

Slovenia is part of the Eurail Global Pass system, so this ticket can also be used for travel to Slovenia. Many trains include sleeping carriages and on-board dining. Some even allow you to bring your bicycle. Explore international connections and extend your adventure in a comfortable way.

International rail links

Austria

Most international train routes between Slovenia and the rest of Europe pass through Austria. Below are links to Austrian cities:

  • Villach: Regular services run to Ljubljana via Jesenice several times a day. Villach is an important hub, offering connections to other cities in Austria and Europe.

Rail link to Villach

  • Graz: A direct line connects Graz and Ljubljana via Maribor. An international train runs several times a day and serves as a hub linking Slovenia with other Austrian and European cities.

Rail link to Graz

  • Klagenfurt: Indirect connections are available to both Ljubljana and Maribor, with a change of trains required. To reach Ljubljana, you’ll need to change in Villach. For Maribor, transfer in Bleiburg.

Rail link to Klagenfurt

  • Vienna: The Vienna–Trieste route (Southern Railway) passes through Slovenia. There are two rail links between Vienna and Ljubljana: one via Maribor (change in Graz), the other via Jesenice (change in Villach).

Rail link to Vienna 

  • Salzburg: There is a direct rail service to Ljubljana via Villach and Jesenice.

! The route between Villach and Salzburg is closed until 13 July 2025 due to renovation works in the Tauern Railway Tunnel. Travel along the Villach Hbf–Salzburg Hbf–Munich Hbf route and back currently involves multiple transfers and bus services.

Rail link to Salzburg

Italy

Several important rail connections link Slovenia and Italy. See below for details on which Italian cities offer direct links to the Slovenian capital, and which ones require a train change.

  • Trieste: The Southern Railway provides direct services between Trieste and major Slovenian cities, including Maribor, Celje and Ljubljana. Trains run several times daily.

Rail link Maribor–Celje–Ljubljana–Trieste

  • Villa Opicina: Direct trains operate between Ljubljana and Villa Opicina. From there, you can continue by train to Trieste Airport, Palmanova and Udine..

Rail link Ljubljana–Villa Opicina–Trieste–Udine

  • Venice: Travel to Venice is possible via an indirect connection through Trieste.

During the 2025 European Capital of Culture, a direct weekend and holiday service connects Venice to Nova Gorica runs.

Rail link Nova Gorica–Venice

Croatia

You can take the train from Slovenia to Croatia as well. Below are the available rail links to some of the cities:

  • Zagreb: There is a regular rail link to Ljubljana; however, some services require a transfer in Dobova.

Rail link to Zagreb

  • Opatija: There are two daily trains between Ljubljana and Opatija.

Rail link to Opatija

  • Pula: An indirect connection runs between Maribor, Celje, Ljubljana and Pula, involving transfers in Divača and Buzet, and in Ljubljana on the return journey.

Rail link to Pula

  • Rijeka: Trains run twice daily in both directions between Ljubljana and Rijeka.

Rail link to Rijeka

Hungary

A rail line connects the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, with the Hungarian capital, Budapest, passing through Celje and Maribor along the way. You can travel from Maribor to Budapest either via Hodoš or via Spielfeld. Trains run daily.

Due to construction work on the Hungarian side, please check the current status of the rail link on the Hungarian State Railways website. 

Rail link to Budapest 

Germany

Some German cities can be reached by train via Austria. However, bear in mind that you will need to change trains. Due to construction work on the German rail network, please check the current status of routes between Germany and Slovenia.

Deutsche Bahn Website

  • Munich: A fast connections runs to Ljubljana via Villach and Salzburg. During the renovation of the Tauern Railway Tunnel in Austria, the link between Zagreb and Munich runs via Maribor.

Rail link to Munich

  • Frankfurt: Rail connection between Ljubljana and Frankfurt runs either via Graz or via Villach. The journey includes a train change.

Rail link to Frankfurt

  • Stuttgart: A rail connection runs to Zagreb; however, the train stops in Spielfeld, Maribor, Celje, Sevnica, and Dobova along the way.

Rail link to Stuttgart 

Switzerland

A rail link between Zurich and Zagreb that also passes through Slovenia. The train stops in Šentilj, Maribor, Pragersko, Celje, Sevnica, Krško, and Dobova.

Rail link Zurich–Zagreb (via Slovenia)

Slovakia

An indirect rail connection runs between Ljubljana and Bratislava, with a train change in Vienna.

Railway link Ljubljana-Bratislava 

As part of the ÖBB Nightjet service, a connection runs between Bratislava and Split, passing through Austria and Slovenia. In Slovenia, the train stops in Šentilj, Maribor, Celje, and Dobova

Rail link Bratislava–Split (via Slovenia)

Czech Republic

An indirect rail link also links the Slovenian and Czech capitals, Ljubljana and Prague. Ljubljana is accessible via Vienna and Villach (with two train changes) either through Jesenice, or via Graz through Maribor and Celje.

Rail link to Prague

Poland

The summer rail link between Warsaw and Rijeka is the perfect way to explore the Adriatic, with stops in Maribor and Ljubljana along the way.

Rail link Warsaw–Rijeka (via Slovenia) 

Hop on a train from your plane

You can also take a train from one of the nearby airports. See below where and how you can combine air and rail travel to reach Slovenia. 

To European airports by plane

  • Trieste Airport: Ljubljana is accessible by train, with a transfer in Villa Opicina.

  • Venice Airport: A rail connection runs from Ljubljana to the main railway station in Trieste. The railway station in Trieste offers frequent links to Venice.

  • Zagreb Airport: A direct connection from Ljubljana runs to the main train station in Zagreb, with a connecting bus service to the airport.

  • Graz Airport: A train connects Ljubljana to either the main railway station in Graz or the Spielfeld-Straß station via Maribor. From there, the airport can be reached by suburban train (S-Bahn) or city bus.

  • Vienna Airport: Regular rail connections run to Vienna’s central railway station, from where the airport is easily accessible by local trains.

  • Klagenfurt Airport: A rail line connects Klagenfurt via Villach or Bleiburg. From there, the airport is accessible by local public transport

Booking and tickets

Tickets can be easily booked online or via mobile apps, both in Slovenia and abroad. For more flexible travel, Eurail or Interrail passes are recommended.

Trains in Slovenia

Tickets for domestic travel can be purchased online, at most railway stations, or directly from the conductor on the train. Generally, domestic train tickets do not need to be booked in advance. They can be purchased on the Slovenske železnice website or via the Grem z vlakom mobile app.

Online ticket purchase – Slovenske železnice website

Grem z vlakom app

Ticket booking is recommended for international train travel. Below are the best sources of information on international train tickets and booking:

Ticket reservation (Slovenske železnice)

Trainline – international train bookings

Rail Europe – European train tickets

Interrail/Eurail

ÖBB Nightjet – night train

Around Slovenia by train

The railway network in Slovenia is extensive and well connected. The Slovenske železnice website offers a wealth of useful information, including recommendations for day trips by train within Slovenia and abroad, a list of affordable links, and a timetable search engine to help plan your journey.

Once in Slovenia, the railway network connects all regions of the country – from the coast to the Alps, and from the Pannonian Plain to the western wine-growing hills.

A red train crosses a bright blue arched bridge over a wide, calm river under a clear blue sky. Green grass lines the riverbank.

The main rail links in Slovenia:

  • Ljubljana–Maribor: The busiest domestic rail link and a key international corridor (Austria–Croatia).

  • Ljubljana–Koper: Connects the inland with the coast, with the Port of Koper playing a strategic role in freight transport.

  • Ljubljana–Jesenice–Austria (Villach): An important link to Austria via the Karavanke mountain range, serving international passenger and freight trains.

  • Ljubljana–Sežana–Italy (Trieste): Important for connecting the Slovenian Karst region with Italy.

  • Ljubljana–Novo mesto–Metlika: Connects the south-eastern part of the country. Although less busy, it plays an important role in regional connectivity.

  • Ljubljana–Zidani Most–Dobova–Croatia (Zagreb): One of the main links to Croatia and part of the important north-west to south-east European transport axis.

  • Maribor–Hodoš–Hungary: A link to the eastern part of the country and onwards to Hungary.

Visit the Slovenske železnice website

The most beautiful train journeys in Slovenia

Travelling by train is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. Here are some of the most scenic rail routes and trips you won't want to miss.

Explore

Small tourist trains

A true adventure, especially for the youngest visitors, is a ride on small tourist trains. This is a comfortable way of exploring towns, cities, and other interesting areas with experienced guides.

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A unique train in the Postojna Cave

Did you know that Postojna Cave is home to the world’s only double-track underground railway – and the oldest of its kind? A special tourist train takes you along this railway into breathtaking underground halls, adorned with spectacular stalactites and other natural cave formations. An experience you will never forget.

Take a ride on the cave train

Slovenia – a general tourist guide

Get to know Slovenia – a destination for mindful travellers who value nature, well-being, local culture, and authentic experiences. Discover its diversity through the contrasts of its four distinct geographical worlds. Slovenia’s tourism promotion is supported with the help of renowned Slovenian athletes, top Michelin-starred chefs, and expert guides from the exclusive Slovenia Unique Experiences collection.


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