Cars & Transportation Slovenia

Buses

Bus service is the most common form of public transport. City buses operate on a strict schedule, which is available at the stops and in the LPPinfo app. The fare depends on the number of zones crossed and is valid for 90 minutes, allowing transfers to other routes.

Yes, Slovenia has a well-developed network of intercity bus routes that connect the main cities and settlements of the country. Key features and information about intercity buses in Slovenia:

Intercity bus routes

Connecting cities: Buses run between major cities such as Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Bled, Bohinj, Piran, and others. There are routes to smaller settlements, making bus service convenient for traveling across the country.

Main operators:

Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana (AP Ljubljana): The central bus station in Ljubljana is the main transport hub serving both city and intercity routes.

Arriva: One of the largest bus operators in Slovenia, offering both domestic and international routes.

Nomago: Another major operator offering intercity routes, including tourist destinations.

Schedule: Schedules are available on the operators' websites as well as through the Nomago app.

International routes: Intercity buses from Slovenia also offer routes to neighboring countries such as Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Hungary.

Intercity buses are a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel around Slovenia, especially if you want to visit tourist attractions or small towns.

Rail transport

Slovenia's railway network connects the main cities and regions of the country. Trains provide efficient connections both within the country and with neighboring countries. Ljubljana is the central hub from which trains depart in various directions.

Air transport

Slovenia has limited domestic air transport, but this is compensated by well-developed international air connections, providing access to major European and global destinations.

International air transport

Ljubljana Airport: The main and largest airport in the country, located 25 km from Ljubljana city center. It operates direct flights to major European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna. It serves international airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and EasyJet.

Other airports:

Maribor Airport: Mainly used for charter flights and cargo transport.

Portorož Airport: A small airport for private aviation and regional flights.

Proximity to major international hubs

Slovenia residents often use nearby international airports in neighboring countries, such as: 

Zagreb (Croatia): 1.5 hours drive from Ljubljana.

Trieste (Italy): 1.5 hours drive.

Vienna (Austria): about 4 hours by car or train.

Venice (Italy): about 3 hours drive.

City transport

Ljubljana: The capital has an electronic card named Urbana, used for fare payment on city buses, the funicular to Ljubljana Castle, and parking. The card can be purchased and topped up at "Urbanomat" machines, the bus station, gas stations, and "Trafika" kiosks. The cost of one trip is €1.30, the ticket is valid for 90 minutes, within which transfers to other routes are allowed.

Other cities: In most cities, tickets are purchased from the driver, at bus station ticket offices, or newspaper and tobacco shops. The fare depends on the distance and zone.

Intercity transport

Buses: Tickets can be purchased at bus station ticket offices, from the driver, or online on the websites of bus operators. The cost depends on the distance between cities.

Trains: Tickets are sold at train station ticket offices, through machines, or online on the Slovenian Railways' official website. A 30% discount on round-trip tickets is available on weekends.

Unified travel pass

As of June 1, 2023, Slovenia introduced a unified travel pass valid throughout the country for trips on buses and trains. The cost of a personalized monthly pass is €70, and an annual pass is €560.

Payment Features

In Ljubljana, cash payments for bus fares are not accepted; you must use the Urbana card.

In other cities and on intercity routes, payment can be made with cash or prepaid tickets purchased in advance.

Recommendations for Immigrants

Learn local features: Each city may have its own rules and fare payment systems.

Purchase travel cards: For regular trips, it's advantageous to use travel tickets or cards, such as Urbana in Ljubljana.

Stay updated: Transportation systems may be updated, so it's recommended to regularly check current information on the official websites of transport companies.

Taxi

In Slovenia, despite the absence of international services, many local taxi companies operate, providing comfortable transportation across the country.

Main taxi services

Taxi Ljubljana: An association of taxi drivers in Ljubljana offering quality transport.

Taxi Rondo: One of the affordable options with the possibility of ordering through an app.

Metro Taxi: A reliable taxi service operating in Ljubljana.

Laguna Taxi: A popular company with the possibility of calling via phone.

Cammeo: A taxi service with its own mobile app for convenient booking.

Features of using taxis in Slovenia

Rates: The boarding fee is approximately 1.5-2 euros, and then 1.2-2 euros for each kilometer traveled.

Taxi booking: It is recommended to call a taxi by phone, through mobile apps, or at dedicated stands.

Payment: Most taxis accept both cash and bank cards.

Recommendations for users

During peak hours and before holidays, it is recommended to book a taxi in advance.

Before the trip, confirm the rates and payment methods with the operator or driver.

Some services offer mobile apps for convenient booking and tracking of a taxi.

Car-sharing

Availability: Car-sharing services in Slovenia are not well-developed. However, in major cities such as Ljubljana, short-term car rental services from local companies are available.

Rental conditions: To use car-sharing, a valid driver's license and a bank card are required. Age restrictions and driving experience requirements may vary depending on the company.

Bicycle and scooter rental

Bicycle rental systems: In major cities, especially in Ljubljana, the BicikeLJ automatic bicycle rental system is operational. To use it, you need to register with the system and obtain a code to rent a bicycle at any station.

Electric scooters: Scooter rental in Slovenia is less common than bicycle rental. However, in some cities, you can find local scooter rental services.

In Slovenia, it is possible to live comfortably without owning a car, especially in major cities, thanks to a well-developed public transportation system and alternative modes of travel. For visiting remote places, such as wineries or mountain areas, public transport may be less convenient as some routes are serviced infrequently. For trips to hard-to-reach places, consider renting a car short-term.

In Slovenia, the process of obtaining a local driver's license depends on your current status and whether you have a foreign driver's license.

Exchanging a foreign driver's license

If you have a valid foreign driver's license and plan to reside in Slovenia for an extended period, it is advisable to exchange it for a Slovenian one.

Validity of foreign licenses: Foreign driver's licenses are recognized in Slovenia for the first 6-12 months of residence. After this period, they need to be exchanged for local licenses.

Exchange procedure:

Medical certificate: Undergo a medical examination and obtain the corresponding certificate (cost about 30 euros).

Application to the administrative unit: Submit an application for exchanging the driver's license, providing the medical certificate and valid foreign license.

Exams: Depending on the country that issued your license, a practical driving test may be required. In some cases, only a practical test without a theoretical one is sufficient.

Additional Training: If your foreign category A2, A, or B license was obtained less than a year ago, you must undergo additional training at a local driving school.

Obtaining a New Driver's License

If you do not have a driver's license or cannot exchange your foreign license, the process of obtaining a Slovenian license includes the following steps:

Permanent Residence: You must reside in Slovenia for at least 185 days in a calendar year for personal or professional reasons.

Medical Certificate: Undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate of fitness to drive vehicles.

Driving School Training: Enroll in an accredited driving school for theoretical and practical training.

Exams:

Theoretical Exam: Tests knowledge of traffic rules.

Practical Exam: Assesses driving skills on the road.

Obtaining the License: After successfully passing the exams, contact the administrative authority to issue the driver's license.

Owning and driving a personal car in Slovenia involves a number of features related to registration, taxation, compliance with traffic regulations, and the use of toll roads.

Car Registration

Mandatory Registration: Foreign citizens residing in Slovenia for more than six months and using a car are required to register it with local authorities and pay the corresponding registration tax.

Taxes and Fees

Annual Road Safety Tax: The tax amount depends on the type and characteristics of the vehicle.

Toll Roads: To travel on motorways, a vignette must be purchased. The cost for passenger cars is 15 euros per week and 30 euros per month. Vignettes are sold at gas stations, stores, and post offices.

Traffic Rules

Speed Limits:

Urban Areas: up to 50 km/h.

Outside Built-up Areas: up to 90 km/h.

Motorways: up to 130 km/h.

Fines for Speeding: Exceeding by 20 km/h incurs a fine from 80 euros; exceeding by 50 km/h—from 500 euros.

Mandatory Equipment: The car must be equipped with a reflective vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit.

Parking

Paid Zones: In city centers, parking spaces are marked with a blue line; payment is made through parking meters or mobile applications.

Fines for Improper Parking: Violation of parking rules may lead to vehicle towing and fines.

Insurance

Liability Insurance: Mandatory motor liability insurance covers damage caused to third parties.

Additional Insurance: It is recommended to obtain comprehensive coverage to protect against damage to your car.

Technical Inspection

Frequency: New cars undergo the first inspection after four years, then every two years.

Inspection Points: Technical inspection is carried out at accredited centers; upon successful completion, a certificate of vehicle fitness is issued.

Thus, owning and driving a personal car in Slovenia requires careful compliance with local laws and regulations to ensure safety and comfort on the country's roads.

Main types of violations and corresponding sanctions:

Speeding

In Built-up Areas:

Exceeding up to 10 km/h: fine 40 euros.

Exceeding by 11–20 km/h: fine 80 euros.

Exceeding by 21–30 km/h: fine 160 euros.

Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: fine 250 euros.

Exceeding by 41–50 km/h: fine 500 euros.

Exceeding more than 50 km/h: fine 1,200 euros.

Outside Built-up Areas and on Motorways:

Exceeding up to 10 km/h: fine 40 euros.

Exceeding by 11–30 km/h: fine 80 euros.

Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: fine 160 euros.

Exceeding by 41–50 km/h: fine 250 euros.

Exceeding by 51–60 km/h: fine 500 euros.

Exceeding by more than 60 km/h: fine 1,200 euros.

Driving under the influence

Permissible blood alcohol level: up to 0.05%.

Exceeding this level results in fines, revocation of driver's license, or even imprisonment.

Using a mobile phone while driving

Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free system is prohibited.

Fine for violation: 120 euros.

Unfastened seatbelt

Use of seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers.

Fine for not wearing a seatbelt: 120 euros.

Running a red light

Running a red light: fine 300 euros.

Running a yellow light: fine 200 euros.

Violation of overtaking rules

Violation of overtaking rules: fine 500 euros.

Overtaking in a tunnel: fine 700 euros.

Overtaking on the shoulder on a highway: fine 300 euros.

Other violations

Throwing objects out of the car window: fine 80 euros.

Failure to use turn signals: fine 40 euros.

Leaving the scene of an accident

Fine for leaving the scene of an accident: 1,200 euros.

Driving under the influence of drugs

Fine: 950 euros.

Payment of fines

Payment on the spot: If the violation is recorded by a police officer, the fine can be issued on the spot. The police officer can accept payment in euros if the exact amount is available. Some police patrols are equipped with terminals for cashless payments.

Payment by bank transfer: The fine receipt indicates the payment details (information on receipt: Fine amount; Bank account number (IBAN); Payment code (payment purpose)). Use online banking or contact a bank to make the transfer. Payment can be made from both local and foreign banks.

Payment at the post office: In Slovenia, most post offices accept fine payments. For payment, simply present the receipt and the necessary amount in euros.

Payment through mobile application: Some administrative services in Slovenia, including fines payment, may be available through local bank applications (e.g., NLB Klik, Abanka).

Discount for quick payment: If the fine is paid within 8 days of receipt, a discount of 50% of the full amount may be provided. This rule only applies to minor violations if the fine was issued on the spot.

If the fine is not paid within the specified period, additional penalties may be charged. The debt may be transferred to court proceedings, which may incur additional costs.

Recommendations

Keep the payment receipt: It may be required as proof in case of dispute.

Clarify fine details: If the fine is issued automatically (e.g., recorded by a camera), you will receive a notification by mail with full instructions.

Technical inspection 

Technical inspection is mandatory for all vehicles and is carried out in accredited centers, such as AMZS.

Frequency:

New cars: first inspection 4 years after initial registration.

Cars older than 4 years: every 2 years.

Cars older than 8 years: annually.

Inspection procedure:

Brake system check.

Assessment of tire and suspension condition.

Checking of lighting and signals.

Measurement of emission levels.

If minor defects are detected, the owner is given a timeframe for correction. In case of serious problems, vehicle operation is prohibited until defects are fully resolved.

Vehicle registration 

After successfully passing the technical inspection, the vehicle must be registered.

Required documents:

Technical inspection certificate.

Valid civil liability insurance policy.

Document proving ownership of the vehicle.

Owner's identification document (passport or ID card).

Registration procedure:

Contact the administrative authority or an accredited center, such as AMZS.

Provide the necessary documents.

Pay the registration fee and road safety tax.

Receive registration numbers and certificate of registration.

Insurance

Before registration, it is necessary to purchase a civil liability insurance policy. Insurance companies offer various rates and conditions, so it is recommended to compare offers from several insurers.

Taxes and Fees

Upon registration, the following payments are collected:

Registration fee: depends on the type and weight of the vehicle.

Road traffic safety tax: the amount of the tax is determined by vehicle characteristics.

Periods of use for a foreign vehicle

For residents holding a residence permit: After obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit in Slovenia, you are required to register your foreign vehicle within one month of registering at your place of residence.

Registration process for a foreign vehicle

Homologation: Confirmation of the vehicle's compliance with Slovenian standards. The procedure includes checking technical specifications and environmental regulations.

Customs procedures: If the vehicle was purchased outside the European Union, you must complete customs clearance and pay the appropriate duties.

Technical inspection: Mandatory inspection of the vehicle's technical condition at accredited centers.

Insurance: Arranging a compulsory civil liability insurance policy.

Registration: After completing all procedures, submit an application to register the vehicle at the local administrative authority.

Required documents for registration

Proof of ownership of the vehicle.

Previous registration documents.

Medical certificate of fitness to drive a vehicle.

Proof of payment of taxes and fees.

Valid insurance policy.

Taxes and Fees

Registration tax: The amount depends on the type and age of the vehicle.

Annual road safety tax: Determined by the vehicle characteristics.

Exemptions and special cases

Short-term stay: If you plan to stay in Slovenia for less than one month, vehicle registration is not required.

Vehicles registered to non-residents: In some cases, it is permitted to use a vehicle with foreign license plates if it is registered in the name of a person without Slovenian residency.

Slovenia is actively developing infrastructure for electric vehicles, providing owners with wide access to charging stations and service centers.

Charging Stations

Availability: The country has an extensive network of charging stations covering both cities and main highways. The interactive map "Pojdi na elektriko" (https://www.poljdi-na-elektriko.si) allows users to find nearby charging stations, filtering them by power, connection type, and activation mode. The map is available in Slovenian and English.

Types of charging: Both standard alternating current (AC) chargers and fast direct current (DC) charging stations are offered, providing flexibility for various electric vehicle models.

Cost: Slovenia ranks as one of the leading countries in Europe for the cost of charging electric vehicles. As of September 2024, the average cost of charging is about 17.02 euros per 100 km traveled, making it one of the most expensive in the region.

Service Centers

Service: In major cities like Ljubljana and Maribor, authorized service centers specialize in servicing electric vehicles of various brands.

Manufacturer support: Many international electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla, have official representations or partner service centers in Slovenia, ensuring quality service and support.

Thus, Slovenia offers a developed infrastructure for electric vehicles, providing owners with convenient access to charging stations and quality service maintenance. However, it is important to consider the cost of charging and plan trips taking into account the availability of charging points.