Ljubljana to Lake Bled: The Best Ways to Get There

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations, known for its crystal-clear lake, picturesque island church, and medieval castle perched on a cliff. Located about 55 kilometres from Ljubljana, it’s an easy day trip or a perfect weekend getaway.

We had a rental car for the entire time we were in Slovenia, which made getting to Lake Bled simple.But before we booked, I was researching all the options—especially buses and trains—and I found it tricky to get clear information, especially for visiting outside the busy summer months. So, whether you’re driving, taking public transport, or considering a tour, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana and nearby airports. We’ll also share a few tips for getting around once you’re there.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, we only recommend products and experiences we truly believe in.

Best Ways to Get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

Lake Bled is just a short trip from Slovenia’s capital, and there are several easy ways to get there. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving, the convenience of public transport, or the simplicity of an organized tour, here’s how to make the journey from Ljubljana to Lake Bled.

By Car

Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is fairly easy and quick, and the most flexible way to visit. The drive takes about 45 minutes along E61, with clear signs directing you to Bled. The highway is modern, wide and easy to navigate, but it is a toll road and will require a vignette. These can be purchased online through the official DARS website, and are mandatory for most of the larger highways when driving in Slovenia.

We had a rental car for our time in Slovenia, and found the drive from Lake Bled to Ljubljana to be quite easy – quite a bit easier than our drive to Lake Bohinj, but that’s a story for another post. 

Looking to rent a car in Slovenia?
We recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals. It’s easy to compare prices, and we had a smooth experience booking through them.

Parking in Lake Bled:

Parking can be a bit tricky, especially during the busy summer months. While there are many paid parking lots around the lake, they tend to fill up quickly. If you’re looking to save on parking fees, you can often find free parking on side streets a little further from the lake.

We parked near the Spar supermarket, which was just a short walk to the lake. It’s a convenient option if you don’t mind a brief stroll, and it can be less crowded than the lots closer to the water. (Plus it’s close to the supermarket where you can pick up some snacks for your day in Lake Bled.)

If you’re planning to drive, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond Lake Bled. Slovenia is full of beautiful places to visit—here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Slovenia.

By Bus

If you’re not renting a car, taking the bus from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is one of the easiest, and cheapest ways to get there. Buses run regularly throughout the day from Ljubljana’s main bus station (Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana), and arrive in Bled near the town centre, only a few minutes walk to the lake. From there, it’s easy to start exploring – check out our guide on what to do in Lake Bled to help plan your day. 

The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the route and stops. Some buses are direct, while others make stops along the way, which can add extra time.

Tickets and Cost:

• Standard prices range from €5 to €7 one way.
• There’s a 75% discount on weekends and holidays, so fares can be as low as €1.60 if you’re traveling on those days.
• Tickets can be purchased at the bus station, online, or directly at the bus station.

Other Things to Know:

• During the peak summer months (July and August), buses run more frequently, but they can also be crowded.
• Outside of summer, schedules may be less frequent, so it’s worth checking the latest timetable in advance.

If you’re visiting Lake Bled for just a day, the bus is a reliable option, but keep in mind it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as driving, especially if you want to explore nearby spots like Lake Bohinj.

By Train

Taking the train to Lake Bled is another option, though it’s not as direct as taking the bus or driving. The nearest train station to Lake Bled is Lesce-Bled, which is about 4 km from the lake. Trains leave regularly from Ljubljana Train Station, and the journey takes between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of train. Tickets typically cost around €5 to €7 one way. 

Once you arrive at Lesce-Bled, you’ll still need to get to the lake. You can hop on a local bus, which runs frequently and gets you to the lake in about 10 minutes, or take a taxi for a quicker, though more expensive, option. If you’re up for a walk, it’s about 45 minutes to the lake, but that might not be ideal if you have luggage or are travelling with young kids. 

There’s also a smaller station, Bled Jezero, on the opposite side of the lake. While it offers a scenic arrival, it’s served by fewer trains and isn’t as convenient unless you’re staying nearby. 

If you’re looking for the most straightforward trip, the bus might still be the easier option, but the train can be a good choice if you prefer scenic routes and a more relaxed journey.

By Organized Tour

The easiest way to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is to take an organized tour. There are plenty of operators offering day trips to Lake Bled, and most include transportation, a visit to the island church, and some free time to explore on your own. Some tours even include visits to other beautiful spots like Lake Bohinj or Vintgar Gorge, making it a great way to see more of the region in one day.

If you’re considering a tour, here are some options worth checking out:

Lake Bled and Bohinj Tour

This full-day tour includes transportation to Lake Bled, with options to visit Bled Castle and a ride on the traditional Pletna boats to the island. After exploring Bled, the tour continues to Lake Bohinj, where you’ll have about an hour to explore—or even take a dip in the lake. In the summer, the tour also includes a stop at the stunning Vintgar Gorge.

Slovenia Day Tour to Bled, Postojna, and Predjama

This tour is perfect if you want to see more than just Lake Bled. It covers three of Slovenia’s top spots: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and Lake Bled. Transportation is included, but keep in mind that entrance fees for Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Bled Castle, and the Pletna boat ride aren’t included in the price.

Day Trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle

If your main focus is Lake Bled, this tour is a great choice. It includes transportation from Ljubljana, a short sightseeing tour around Bled, and free time to explore on your own. You’ll have the option to visit Bled Castle and take a boat ride out to the island before heading back to Ljubljana.

Lake Bled is one of the top spots to visit from Ljubljana, but there are plenty of other great day trips too. Check out our guide to the best day trips from Ljubljana if you’re looking to explore more of Slovenia.

Getting to Lake Bled from Nearby Airports

While most people travel to Lake Bled from Ljubljana, you can also reach it easily from nearby airports in Slovenia and neighbouring countries. Here’s how to get to Lake Bled from the main airports in the region.

From Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

This is the closest airport to Lake Bled, located about 35 kilometres away. The drive takes around 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option if you’re flying into Slovenia.

By Car:

Renting a car from the airport is the easiest way to reach Lake Bled. The drive is straightforward, and you’ll need a vignette for the highway.

By Taxi or Shuttle:

Taxis are available at the airport, and the ride to Lake Bled will cost around €45 to €60. Shared shuttles are a more budget-friendly option, with prices starting from €15 to €20 per person.

By Public Transport:

There’s no direct bus from the airport to Lake Bled. You’ll need to take a bus to Ljubljana first, then transfer to a bus or train to Lake Bled, which can add extra time and hassle.

From Trieste Airport (Italy)

If you’re flying into Trieste, Lake Bled is about 170 kilometres away, with a travel time of around 2.5 hours.

By Car:

Renting a car is the most convenient option, giving you flexibility to explore along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll cross a border, so check with your rental company about cross-border policies and ensure you have the required vignette for Slovenian highways.

By Public Transport:

You can take a train or bus from Trieste to Ljubljana, then transfer to a bus or train to Lake Bled. It’s a longer journey, but doable if you’re comfortable with multiple connections.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport (Italy)

Lake Bled is about 280 kilometres from Venice, and it takes around 3 to 4 hours to get there.

By Car:

Driving from Venice offers a scenic route through northern Italy and Slovenia. You’ll need to cross the border, so make sure your rental agreement allows for that and that you have a vignette for Slovenia.

By Public Transport:

Trains and buses connect Venice to Ljubljana, but it’s a longer journey with transfers, and from Ljubljana, you’ll still need to get to Lake Bled.

From Zagreb Airport (Croatia)

Zagreb is another good option, especially if you find cheaper flights. Lake Bled is about 200 kilometres from Zagreb, with a drive time of around 2.5 hours.

By Car:

Renting a car makes the trip simple, and we had no trouble crossing the border between Croatia and Slovenia. That said, it’s always best to double-check with your rental car company beforehand to make sure cross-border travel is allowed. You’ll also need a vignette for Slovenian highways once you cross the border.

By Public Transport:

Buses and trains run from Zagreb to Ljubljana, where you can transfer to Lake Bled. The total journey time will be longer but manageable if you’re not in a rush.

Getting Around Lake Bled

Once you’ve made it to Lake Bled, getting around is pretty simple. The area around the lake is compact, and most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance.

Do You Need a Car in Lake Bled?

If you’ve driven to Lake Bled, you can park and leave your car for most of your visit. The lake is about 6 km around, and walking or biking is the best way to explore. Renting bikes is a popular option, especially if you want to cover more ground or visit nearby sights like Vintgar Gorge.

Public Transport and Taxis:

If you’re relying on public transport, local buses and taxis are available, but you probably won’t need them unless you’re heading out of town. Taxis can be handy if you arrive by train at Lesce-Bled station and want a quick trip to the lake.

Exploring Beyond Lake Bled:

If you’re planning to visit places like Lake Bohinj or Vintgar Gorge, having a car is helpful. There are buses to these spots, but schedules can be limited, especially outside of summer.

Need a car to explore beyond Lake Bled?
That’s what we did, and it gave us the flexibility to visit places like Lake Bohinj, Postojna Cave and Vrsic Pass at our own pace. We booked through Discover Cars—it was easy to compare prices, and everything went smoothly. Check current rates here if you’re thinking of renting a car for your trip.

Conclusion: How to Get to Lake Bled

How to get to Lake Bled really comes down to what kind of trip you’re planning. If you want the flexibility to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. For a budget-friendly choice, the bus is affordable and easy to navigate, while the train offers a scenic route, though it’s slightly less direct. And if you’d rather not worry about the details, an organized tour makes the trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled simple and stress-free.

When we visited, having a rental car made things simple, but after researching all the options, I can say there’s a way to fit every type of trip—whether you’re heading out for a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, or planning a longer stay in the area.

Looking for more travel tips?

Check out some of our other posts on the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia, the best things to do in Lake Bled, and practical tips for visiting Slovenia with kids. If you’re putting together a road trip, don’t miss our Slovenia itinerary for families—and if you’re up for a stunning drive, here’s what you need to know about driving the Vrsic Pass.