Transfers Countries Hungary BudapestBudapest to Ljubljana

Private car transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana

Door-to-door
in 4 h 40 min

From €84
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Budapest.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 40 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Ljubljana.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

463 km4 h 40 min

Overview: car trip from Budapest to Ljubljana

A road trip from Budapest to Ljubljana is a great option for seeing both the cohesiveness and diversity of the Austro-Hungarian empire. This trip across south-central Europe covers approximately 285 miles (460 km) and takes around 4.5 hours.

Starting in Budapest, you will head southwest and see the rolling landscapes of rural Hungary pass by. It is quite the contrast to Budapest! The route predominantly follows the E71 highway, which will lead you along the length of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Getting a panoramic view of the lake at the Sphere Lookout will show you just how vast it is!

Continuing southwest, you'll reach the Slovenian border, but thanks to the EU and Schengen treaties, you won't have to stop for inspections!

Once you’re in Slovenia, it’ll be time for a break to stretch your legs. Visit Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, about 75 miles (130 km) from Ljubljana. Here, you can learn more about Slovenia’s wine culture.

The closer you get to Ljubljana, the more hilly the terrain becomes as you approach the Julian Alps. Ljubljana will greet you with its quaint cobblestoned streets, magnificent centuries-old architecture, and plenty of local wines. Let’s get started!

About Ljubljana

Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, you’ll find Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It has a population of around 300,000 and serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of Slovenia. It is located in the center of the country, making it a great launching-off point for day trips around the region during your vacation. As you travel from Budapest to Ljubljana, you can stop by towns around Slovenia, like Malibor and Celje, to enrich the experience.

Ljubljana’s History

Ljubljana's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Emona. Founded around 50 AD, Emona was an important Roman settlement that played a significant role in the region's development. The city had various influences over the centuries, including those of the Huns, Ostrogoths, and Slavs.

During the Renaissance, Ljubljana was under Habsburg rule for several centuries, which significantly shaped its architectural and cultural landscape in ways we still see today. In the 20th century, Ljubljana emerged as the capital for the Socialist Republic of Slovenia within Yugoslavia, and in 1991, it became the capital of the newly independent Slovenia during the collapse of Yugoslavia. Today, it is part of the EU and has been an independent country for over 30 years.

The Ljubljana Dragon

The Ljubljana Dragon is depicted around the city on its coat of arms, flag, and many local emblems. The dragon is associated with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, who supposedly slew a dragon in the marshes where Ljubljana now stands. Another story links it to Saint George, the dragon-slayer.

The Dragon Bridge, or Zmajski Most, was completed in 1901 and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Four dragon statues guard the bridge, which is popular with visitors as a photo spot.

From Budapest to Ljubljana: travel tips

To ensure your trip from Budapest to Ljubljana goes smoothly, follow these easy travel tips.

Keep your phone charged

Today, our phones do so much more than make phone calls. They are also our excursion tickets, cameras, and maps. Bring a phone battery bank (or car charger) with you for on-the-go charging so you are never without your lifeline! Turn your mobile data and Bluetooth off when not in use to save on battery life while you’re out and about.

Have some euros in cash

While Hungary has its own currency, Slovenia uses the euro. It is best to have some euros on you in cash for your trip, as you may come across gift shops and restaurants that only accept cash. This applies to the Slovenian countryside and the capital as well.

How to get from Budapest to Ljubljana

The good news about this route being so popular is that you have several options. When choosing how to travel from Budapest to Ljubljana, consider the price, timing of departures, and your level of comfort when traveling with luggage or over long distances.

Budapest to Ljubljana with Daytrip’s private car transfer

With Daytrip, you can have all the convenience of a rental car without having to worry about an international driver’s license, returning a rental car in a foreign country, or traffic laws. Let Daytrip handle the most tedious aspects of travel so that you can enjoy your time in Hungary and Slovenia.

Your trip will begin with your driver meeting you at your hotel in Budapest. Once the luggage is in and everyone is buckled, you will be on your way to the sightseeing stops you’ve booked. Enjoy visiting the Hungarian and Slovenian countryside, dotted with Habsburg-era castles and UNESCO-recognized landmarks.

As the day winds down, your driver will ensure you get safely to your accommodation in Slovenia so the next part of your vacation can begin with ease. Secure your seat in a comfortable sedan that seats two other guests for $143 (€132).

Budapest to Ljubljana by bus

Tickets for buses from Budapest to Ljubljana range between $28.20 and $51 (€26-€47) with Flixbus. Direct trips take between 6 and 9 hours, and you can expect a few stops along the way to stretch your legs. There is usually a bathroom on board and sometimes wifi. Tickets should be bought in advance for these buses, as it is a popular route in the summer.

Budapest to Ljubljana by train

Hungarian Railways (MAV) has direct trains once per day from Budapest-Kelenfold to Ljubljana’s main train station. They leave at 9:07 AM, and you can be in Ljubljana by 5:00 PM. The trip takes about 7.5 hours, and tickets are between $26 and $35 (€24-€32). Due to the limited number of trains, we advise booking tickets in advance to avoid any disruption to your vacation plans.

If you are traveling in the summer, Interrail has night trains with sleeper cars so you can get a full night’s rest. These trains are not as cheap as the daytime options, but have the option of booking a sleeper cabin so you are fully rested for Ljubljana.

Things to do when you get to Ljubljana

After your trip from Budapest to Ljubljana, be sure to have dinner at one of Ljubljana’s many restaurants serving local cuisine. As you walk around the city after your meal, try to count the number of dragons you come across! Getting around Ljubljana’s compact city center is very easy on foot, as it is entirely closed to car traffic—and these are some fantastic things to do while you’re there.

Start in Preseren Square

This central square is named after a Slovenian poet, France Preseren. It’s a bustling pedestrian area with beautiful architecture, including the iconic pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Here, you can find a bronze scale model of Ljubljana to help guide your journey around town. From Preseren Square, you can head south and east along the Ljubljanica River or north and west into the old town.

Walk across the Triple Bridge

Designed by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, the Triple Bridge is one of Ljubljana’s most recognizable landmarks and connects Prešeren Square to the old town. Its three converging paths connect the city over the Ljubljanica River.

Try to escape Ljubljana Castle

Across from Preseren Square, perched on a hill overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle offers panoramic views, historical exhibits, and a museum. You can reach it by funicular, walking, or cycling. You can even do an escape room with friends!

The grounds surrounding Ljubljana Castle include secluded areas for picnics, statues commemorating famous Slovenes, and viewpoints overlooking the city.

Relax in Tivoli Park

If the palace grounds weren’t enough greenery for you, the largest park in Ljubljana, Tivoli Park, is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or visiting the Tivoli Mansion, which houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts.

Tour the National Museum of Slovenia

Slovenia’s central location straddling central and southern Europe makes for an interesting trip through history. Visit the National Museum of Slovenia to learn more about the emergence of the Slovene identity outside of Austria-Hungary and Yugoslavia. See artifacts from prehistoric times to the present, including a notable collection of Roman artifacts.

Cross the Dragon Bridge

One of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks, the Dragon Bridge, is adorned with four dragon statues as an ode to the city’s emblem. The Dragon Bridge was among Europe’s first reinforced concrete bridges and helped end the use of less-stable wooden bridges. This improvement in technology was especially important as car transportation became more popular.

When is the best time to visit Ljubljana

Ljubljana is most popular during summertime, as it is not overwhelmingly hot in Slovenia like it is in other European countries in the summer. Enjoy the cool breezes rolling off of the Alps as you walk along the Ljubljanica River after your drive from Budapest to Ljubljana.

Even on the hottest days, with temperatures around 81°F (27°C), you’ll find the shade of the trees and buildings to be refreshing. The city center is a car-free zone, so much of the noise and air pollution you expect from a city won’t be present.

If you are visiting during winter, time your trip for right before Christmas so you can get the most out of the winter lights and the Christmas markets on the town squares. You will also find cheaper accommodation during this time.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Budapest to Ljubljana

How many days do you need in Ljubljana?

Two days is plenty of time to see Ljubljana’s major points of interest; however, it makes for a great launching point for day trips around Slovenia. Make a day trip to Maribor or Lake Bled to see more of beautiful Slovenia. Stay for a week to see the entire country.

What is the best way to get to Ljubljana?

Driving is the most direct way to reach Ljubljana from most of Europe. Ljubljana is well-connected to other European capitals by train and bus; however,, a flight might be necessary if you are coming from further away cities.

How do I get to Slovenia from Hungary?

Getting to Slovenia from Hungary is possible by bus, train, or car. During summer, there are many direct bus or train options. However, there are no direct flights from Ljubljana to Budapest, so it is best to stick to ground transportation for this trip.

How much is the train from Budapest to Ljubljana?

Tickets are priced between $26 and $35 (€24-€32) with Hungarian Railways (MAV). Their direct trains leave once per day at 9:07 AM from Budapest-Kelenfold and take 7.5 hours to reach Ljubljana. Tickets can be bought online or at the station in Budapest.

What is the best way to get from Budapest to Ljubljana?

The fastest and most direct way to get to Ljubljana from Budapest is by car. You can be in Ljubljana in 4.5 hours. It is also possible to travel by bus or train, but expect the trip to take a minimum of 6.5 hours.

Can I bike in Ljubljana?

Yes, Ljubljana is a very bikeable city! Its 140 miles (230 km) of well-maintained cycling paths are great for exploring the city. If you are into long-distance cycling, ride the longer trails to smaller towns and points of interest around Slovenia.

Visit these sights on the way

Szekesfehervar

Founded by the crown prince, Hungary’s medieval capital has retained its noble heritage. Seat of the White Castle

Brunszvik Castle

Beethoven composed "Für Elise" in this lavish castle, which now has a museum dedicated to him. Exquisitely Composed

Sphere Lookout

Enjoy panoramic natural vistas from inside the 1950s vision of futuristic architecture. A Visionary View

Maribor

Maribor is the perfect destination for those searching for the perfect mix of city life and a relaxed countryside ambience. A charming little Slovenian city

Celje

Home to 50,000 inhabitants, Celje is a quaint city that celebrates its long history and rich cultural heritage. The third largest city in Slovenia

Kamnik

A flourishing trading town in the Middle Ages, Kamnik was first mentioned in the 11th century. Today, the preserved suburb of Ljubljana is home to a little over 10,000 habitants. Medieval town surrounded by mountains

Why travelers love this route

5,100+ reviews

15 reviews for this route
2,502 travelers took this route with us

Oct 4, 2019

Door to Door Service from Budapest to Ljubljana

“This was our first experience using a car service in Europe and it was a great experience! Darko V. arrived at our hotel in Budapest a little early and we saw him, so we were able to leave a little earlier than our scheduled time. Darko provided each of us with a bottle of still water, which was very much appreciated. The van was very comfortable and clean and our journey to Ljubljana was pleasant. Darko made one stop for us to use the facilities, which was necessary on a four hour drive and appreciated. Darko was an excellent driver, very pleasant, and played nice music in the van for us to enjoy. We arrived at our hotel in Ljubljana at about the time we expected. Being picked up and dropped of at our hotels was great! Door to door service with no problems...perfect day for me, my husband, and our two friends traveling with us! I would highly recommend your services to anyone traveling around Europe and will use them again.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler mickstuck

Oct 3, 2019

Smooth transfer from Ljubljana to Budapest

“Our driver Michal met us in the lobby of our building ahead of time. He helped us with the luggage and we had a nice transfer from Ljubljana to Budapest. No issues at all. Michael is a go driver and kept his focus on the road. His van was clean and well maintained. He had a bottle of water for every passenger and he offered to stop for health breaks as required. We will use this company again. Great job! Ray”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Raynald C

Sep 9, 2019

Daytrip Budapest to Ljubljanica

“My partner and I recently traveled from Budapest to Ljubljana with Daytrip. From pickup to delivery our driver Robert F provided my partner and I excellent service. Robert located us with our luggage in Budapest and provided excellent one on one service on the trip including outlining various options to value out our trip experience. > The final leg of the trip was marred by very bad weather and Robert was amazing in the way he assisted us to our destination. He even gave us an umbrella to help in the pouring rain to get to our accommodation in the cars free old city of Ljubljana. We can’t recommend Daytrip and our driver Robert enough. An amazing experience and many thanks. Peter and Heather Victor Harbor Australia”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler peterbA3546NW

Jun 4, 2019

Private transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana, Slovenia

“Gergery drove our family of 6 from Budapest to Ljubljana in a van that was quite comfortable (it was a 4 1/2 hour drive). He even had waters for each of us for the journey. DayTrip was very easy to work with and the communication was excellent. We moved our time of departure up a couple of hours and it was no problem!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler 761kristinf

Aug 27, 2018

Fantastic Personal Driver Leaving from Budapest

“This was our first time using a personal driver and we found Daytrip from searching online. We needed to get to Budapest to Ljubljana, Slovenia and the trains and/or buses were complicated and involved too much travel time. Our driver Lucas was superb and spoke English! He arrived promptly at our hotel for pick-up and introduced himself and we proceeded to have a delightful and safe trip. We appreciated that no radio was on and that he had a very professional yet approachable manner. We were able to ask questions about our surroundings and tap into any knowledge he had about the area we were visiting. His car was very acceptable and very clean! Overall, we would use Daytrip again in a heartbeat!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Jill L

Jun 21, 2018

Great transfer option

“My wife organized a transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana for us along with a friend we were traveling with. We were picked up at our accommodation on time by our driver Atilla who took my wife’s case for her. Atilla had the three of us packed into the car and on our way in no time and had water bottles organized for the trip. We went via Maribor and Celje with an hours stop in both towns to give us a break, stretch our legs and to do some site seeing. Atilla was fantastic and joined in our site seeing trip as it was the first time he had been to both towns. We were dropped off on time at our designate drop off point without any problems. It was a stress free trip door to door and we would highly recommend using Daytrip for transfers between European cities. Thanks to Atilla for such an enjoyable transfer!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler OzyCol2

May 23, 2018

Drive from Budapest to Ljubljana

“We had a pleasant experience using services of the "daytrip" The driver Andras was very helpful, careful and courteous. He arrived for pickup at designated time and took us to Ljubljana on time as expected. The car was comfortable and very clean. We are impressed with the services provided by daytrip as a company and will definitely recommend to our friends traveling overseas. - Mehtas (USA)”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Tushar M

Nov 29, 2017

Team Daytrip 'wonderful experience'

“We booked a ride with Daytrip for our transfer from Ljubljana to Budapest. It takes about four hours, and before travel, we were thinking how it might be a bit long & tedious; we were wrong! Our driver Matic was simply fabulous, on time, very obliging, clean vehicle, safe driving and has a very pleasant manner. The trip turned out to be anything but tedious, it was relaxing and extremely comfortable as we took in all the sights of the countryside. We have no hesitations in recommending Daytrip, a very pleasant experience and we will be definitely using their services again .... many thanks to all the team!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler GAGA97

Aug 13, 2017

Travel from Ljubljana to Budapest

“So glad I heard about this company. Taking the train or bus would have been an all-day trip instead of the 4-5 hour drive with Daytrip. The trip from Ljubljana to Budapest with driver Judit was excellent. She was a great driver, was early for pick up and gave us lots of great information about Budapest. Additionally, she was able to get us to the front of our side street hotel which was not easy due to the convoluted one-way streets. Will use this company in the future and will highly recommend it to our friends.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Jeanne M

Aug 12, 2017

Two Great Trips with Daytrip

“We used Daytrip twice during our May/June trip to Eastern Europe and both experiences were exceptional. Our drivers, Željko and Dusan, were very professional, punctual and knowledgeable. We received door to door service with Dusan from Budapest to Ljubljana. Not only was it a relaxing trip, but a train would have taken twice as long. Zeijko drove us from Ljubljana to Zagreb where we were picking up a rental car for the next leg of our journey. By using Daytrip we saved hundreds of dollars in rental car drop-off fees. We highly recommend Daytrip to anyone considering this type of service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler vggibbons

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.