5 day trips less than 90 minutes from Ljubljana

Ljubljana is an excellent starting point for exploring Slovenia. In less than 90 minutes by car, you can visit medieval towns, world-famous caves, Alpine lakes, and mountain plateaus with beautiful views.

If you want to travel without waiting for buses or adjusting to public transport timetables, auto hire in Ljubljana is one of the simplest options. With a car, you can tailor the day to your wishes, stop along the way, and combine several attractions into one trip.

Below, we present five ideas for day trips from Ljubljana, together with a suggested route, parking options, and an approximate daily itinerary.

Five day trip ideas from Ljubljana

Driving time: approximately 30–40 minutes
Distance: approximately 25 kilometres
Recommended duration: 4 to 6 hours

Škofja Loka is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia. With its colourful historic buildings, narrow streets, and the picturesque Capuchin Bridge, it is an excellent choice for a short day trip from Ljubljana.

Take a stroll through the Town Square, visit Loka Castle, and enjoy panoramic views over the charming old town.

From Ljubljana, drive through Medvode towards Škofja Loka. Once there, explore the Town Square and Lower Square, visit Loka Castle, and walk to the Capuchin Bridge. You can finish the trip with lunch or coffee in the old town.

• Parking: at designated public car parks near the old town.
• Clothing: comfortable footwear is recommended because of the cobbled streets and the uphill walk to the castle.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn, although Škofja Loka is suitable for a visit throughout the year.
• Stop along the way: Medvode or Tavčar Manor in Visoko.

Driving time: approximately 45–55 minutes
Distance: approximately 55 kilometres
Recommended duration: 6 to 8 hours

Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions. The visit begins with a ride on the cave train, followed by a guided walk through magnificent underground chambers filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other karst formations.

Nearby, you can also visit Predjama Castle, a remarkable Renaissance castle built into a cliff face, located around a 15-minute drive from Postojna Cave.

From Ljubljana, take the A1 motorway towards Koper and use the Postojna exit. Visit Postojna Cave first, enjoy lunch nearby, and then continue to Predjama Castle.

• Parking: a designated car park is available at Postojna Cave, with additional parking options near Predjama Castle.
• Clothing: the cave remains cool throughout the year, so bring a jacket and wear closed shoes.
• Crowds: during summer and at weekends, buy your tickets in advance and arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour.
• Stop along the way: Planina Karst Field, Rakov Škocjan, or Lake Cerknica.

Driving time: approximately 45–60 minutes
Distance: approximately 55 kilometres
Recommended duration: 6 to 8 hours

Bled is one of Slovenia’s best-known destinations. Its Alpine lake, island church, and cliff-top castle create an iconic view recognised by visitors from around the world.

A walking path approximately six kilometres long circles the lake. You can visit Bled Castle, take a traditional pletna boat to the island, or try the famous Bled cream cake.

From Ljubljana, take the A2 motorway towards Kranj and Jesenice, then use the Lesce–Bled exit. Start the day with a walk along the lake, then visit Bled Castle and take a traditional pletna boat to the island.

• Parking: park only in designated car parks; for a longer visit, choose a larger car park slightly farther from the lake.
• Clothing: trainers are suitable for walking around the lake, while footwear with better grip is recommended for the climb to Ojstrica.
• Crowds: during summer, set off early in the morning.
• Stop along the way: Radovljica, Kranj or Vintgar Gorge.

Driving time: approximately 50–60 minutes to the lower cable car station
Distance: approximately 45 kilometres
Recommended duration: 6 to 8 hours

Velika planina is known for its traditional shepherds’ huts, green pastures, and beautiful views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.

From Ljubljana, you can drive to the lower cable car station in Kamniška Bistrica. From there, continue by cable car and chairlift, or on foot.

From Ljubljana, travel through Trzin and Kamnik towards Kamniška Bistrica. After taking the cable car and chairlift, walk to the shepherds’ settlement, the Preskar Museum, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, and Zeleni rob.

• Parking: a designated car park is available at the lower cable car station in Kamniška Bistrica.
• Clothing: bring hiking footwear, a windbreaker, sun protection, and enough water.
• Crowds: the area is busiest on sunny weekends and during the crocus blooming season.
• Stop along the way: Kamnik’s old town, the source of the Kamniška Bistrica River, or Volčji Potok Arboretum.

Driving time: approximately 75–90 minutes
Distance: approximately 80–85 kilometres
Recommended duration: full day

Bohinj is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a quieter Alpine setting. Lake Bohinj, located in Triglav National Park, offers plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, and water-based activities.

As the area has much more to offer than just a short stop by the lake, we recommend setting aside a full day for your visit.

From Ljubljana, take the A2 motorway towards Jesenice, use the Lesce–Bled exit, and continue through Bled and Bohinjska Bistrica. Walk along the lake and visit Ribčev Laz, then choose an additional trip to Savica Waterfall or take the cable car up to Vogel.

• Parking: parking is permitted only in designated car parks; during summer, we recommend arriving early.
• Clothing: wear sports or hiking footwear for Savica Waterfall and the surrounding hiking trails.
• Crowds: the area is busiest in July and August between 10:00 and 16:00.
• Stop along the way: Bled, Radovljica, or Bohinjska Bistrica.

Slovenia may be small, but it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. In less than 90 minutes from Ljubljana, you can explore the underground world of Postojna Cave, visit the medieval town of Škofja Loka, admire the beauty of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, or head up to Velika planina.

Travelling by car gives you the freedom to follow your own schedule, stop at lesser-known viewpoints, and visit several destinations in a single day.

With Free2Rent, you can pick up your vehicle in Ljubljana and set off to discover Slovenia with ease. Choose the vehicle that suits your trip, plan your route, and experience just how much there is to see only a short drive from the capital.

Book your vehicle with Free2Rent and start your next day trip from Ljubljana today.