Getting Around Ljubljana

It is a very small airport, but modern and it all works well. All the usual potential b*** breakers were smooth and hassle free - baggage collection on arrival, check-in, security etc on departure - when I used it twice in July 09.

Even for the usual crush of early morning departures the only congestion seemed to be at the departures coffee shop. I just went to the one at arrivals!

Couple of real plus points. First, the setting is beautiful (see my intro page) and I've just watched sunrise over the Alps. Second, it provides free, publicly accessible wifi (which I'm using to write this tip). Unsecured of course, so don't use it to do your banking, but a great facility.

From the airport you can take a taxi for €40. Alternatively you can take the airport bus (or the Easyjet one) for very little. However, the airport bus only runs every hour and drops you at the railway station.

A VT member put me onto the airport shuttle run by Prevozi Markun. Costs €9 and drops you at the hotel door. Departures from the airport tie in with arrivals. I had to wait about 10 minutes for someone off another flight, but still much better than waiting for the airport bus.

Recommended.

UPDATE

Just used it again for a 5.20am pick-up to go back to the airport. Right on time. Reliable, so double recommended!

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Ljubljana's Jože Pučnik Airport (Airport Code: LJU), located 26 km (16 miles) north of downtown Ljubljana, is the only international airport in Slovenia. The hub for Slovenian flag carrier Adria Airways, the airport also receives flights from Air France, Czech Airlines, Easyjet, Finnair, JAT, Malev, Montenegro Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

To get downtown from the airport, you have a number of options. TAXIS are available, but a ride downtown will set you back about EUR 40. CAR RENTALS are available at the airport from 8 different companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Sixt. BUSES also run roughly hourly to Ljubljana, as well as Kranj and other locations in Slovenia. In addition, Adria Airways runs a periodic shuttle between the airport and Ljubljana. Cost for the public bus to/from Ljubljana is EUR 4.10 per person, while the Adria shuttle costs EUR 5. The Adria bus station in Ljubljana is only a short distance from the public bus station.

Ljubljana is small city so you can reach everything on foot. You can also hire a bike to move around faster .

Address: Krekov trg 10, Ljubljana

Opening hours
Bicycles are available for hire daily from 8:00 to 19:00 in April, May and October, and daily from 8:00 to 21:00 in June and September.

During the summer and early autumn months, a fleet of bicycles are available for hire from Ljubljana's Slovenian Tourist Information Centre as part of the Ljubljana Bike project.
Hire charges are low: €1.00 for up to two-hours, €5.00 for full day hire.

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At one time the tourist train was the only way to get up to Ljubljana Castle without having to work up a sweat, now there is a funicular that makes the trip in just a few minutes.

The tourist train is a 15 minute taped narrated ride that leaves Preseren Square every hour on the hour from 9am-9pm between May-September (October-April 10am-7pm on good weather days)and at 20 minutes after the hour on the way back down from Castle Hill. The cost is 3E for a round trip, 2E for children.

The funicular was 2E round trip, 1.50E if you decide to walk back down, the ride only takes a couple of minutes and I think they go up every 10-15 minutes. You can find the funicular near Krekov Trg.

We flew back to London on Easy Jet, one of the no frills inexpensive airlines that operates in Europe. Compared to the Ryan Air nightmare on the way from London to Venice, it was a dream, OK that might be overstating it but the flight was on time, we actually landed where we were supposed to, the baggage limit is 20 kg (5 kg more than Ryan Air), no limit on hand luggage within reason.

But it's still no frills, 7.50E per checked bag (15E if you don't prepay online), all drinks and snacks are extra cost, 7.50E for priority boarding. Even with one checked bag each, it was still only 45E ($60US) per person one way, I booked in January for our trip in May. Flights arrive at Stansted, you can book the Stansted Express at a 10% discount on their website.

Ljubljana's airport is VERY small, one terminal, a couple of snack shops and one duty free store so if you're looking to have a snack for the plane or buy souvenirs do it before you leave Ljubjlana. EasyJet checks in 2 hours before the flight and the desk closes 30 minutes before departure and I think they are pretty strict on that. 90 minutes should be more than enough time to check in, clear customs and walk to the gate.

The bus service from the airport to the city only operates at certain parts of the day and is not a service that runs very often. A taxi ride is about $20 US so plan to take a taxi unless you get to town at the right time.

The 'Airdrome; is 35 long KM from Ljubljana. I understand that the bus leaves on the hour before 6pm, but every 2-3 hours after this time and on weekends.

We took the far easier option, got a lift from the owner of the appartment.

Small place, very few shops, and next to nothing once you go through the security check.

Nice views as you come in though, in the foot of the alps.

Easyjet from Stansted, under 2 hours flight time.