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Route guide

Vienna Ljubljana

278 km · Austria to Slovenia · Fastest: 2h by train · Cheapest: €16+ by bus

How to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana

There are 3 ways to travel between Vienna and Ljubljana — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train
€32–90
Duration: 2h 19m
via EC Vienna–Ljubljana
~3.9 kg CO2 per passenger
🚌Bus
€16–39
Duration: 3h 58m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
~8.0 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight

Not practical for this route.

🚗Car
€33–61
Duration: 3h 5m
~47 kg CO2 per passenger

Where they are on the map

ViennaLjubljana
Vienna and Ljubljana highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

Vienna to Ljubljana — every option in detail

Vienna to Ljubljana by train

Trains link Vienna (Austria) and Ljubljana (Slovenia) through the European rail network. Most journeys take around 2h 19m including one or two connections at major hubs.

Operators on this corridor include EC Vienna–Ljubljana.

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €32 to €90. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

On routes under 600 km like this one, train often beats flight door-to-door once you factor in airport check-in and transfers.

Climate footprint: about 3.9 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 43 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~39 kg on this distance.

Vienna to Ljubljana by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Vienna and Ljubljana with a typical journey of 3h 58m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €16 when booked in advance, rising to €39 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Vienna to Ljubljana by flight

Flight is not a typical choice for this 278 km route.

Vienna to Ljubljana by car

The driving distance from Vienna to Ljubljana is approximately 319 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 3h 5m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €33–61 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Crossing the Austria–Slovenia border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.

Climate footprint: approximately 47 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Vienna and Ljubljana is approximately 278 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana?+

The fastest way is by train, taking around 2h 19m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from Vienna to Ljubljana?+

Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €16. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Are there direct trains from Vienna to Ljubljana?+

Yes, the European rail network connects Austria and Slovenia. Most journeys involve one connection; expect around 2h 19m total travel time.

How far is Vienna from Ljubljana?+

The straight-line distance is approximately 278 kilometres (173 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.

Is there a bus from Vienna to Ljubljana?+

Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €16. Journey time is approximately 3h 58m.