Should you rent a car in Slovenia? My answer is definitively a yes.
Below is my complete guide about driving in Slovenia to help you decide, including:
- Is driving difficult? safe?
- Driving rules, tolls,
- Road conditions and safety tips,
- Parking information,
- Car rental tips
- Most beautiful roads not to miss,
- …
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Driving Slovenia – Essentials to know + video
Driving in Slovenia – Video
Below is a short video to give you a taste of what driving in Madeira looks like on the fast roads, in the countryside, on mountain roads, in towns…
Essentials to know before driving in Slovenia
If you don’t want to read the entire article, here are the major points to be aware of about driving in Slovenia:
- Driving in on the right side of the road
- Minimum age is 18
- Speed Limits in Slovenia – 50km/H in built-up areas, 130km/h on Motorways
- Alcohol – the legal limit for driving is 0.05% alcohol in the blood – so basically no drinking when driving
- Cell Phones – It is not allowed to use handheld phones while driving in Slovenia
- Seat Belt – mandatory for all
- Lights – Turn on your lights day and night
- Winter – Winter equipment is mandatory from 15th November to 15th March (and beyond depending on conditions) e.g. winter tires or snow chains in the boot
- Must-carry items – First Aid-kit, spare bulbs, refleective warning triangle, reflective jacket
- A vignette is necessary for driving on Motorways
- In case of accident – emergency number: 112
Where I rent my cars
I always compare prices right away on Discovercars.com.
This is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites on the market.
I have found really great deals and I think the platform super easy to use. I can filter based on my criteria.
Plus, they have a practical coverage option at great price that will cover you in case of damage to the outside of the car.
Check out their current car rental deals in Slovenia.
Need more help? Read my 36 tips for a worry-free experience.
Slovenia by car or not?
Do you need a car in Slovenia?
- No, if you are staying in Ljubljana and just want to see a couple of highlights (then group tours are plenty)
- Yes, otherwise.
Slovenia is a beautiful country with a lot to see: castles, mountains, lakes, vineyards, historical towns… The best way to get around the country is by car, even more so if you want to get off the beaten path. It will allow you to see the best landscapes.
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and tips) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
How is Driving in Slovenia? Is it safe?
Driving in Slovenia is quite easy, generally safe and on the right side of the road.
The roads are in excellent conditions.
The road signs are clear and consistent with those used throughout Europe.
Just be careful with the frequent thunderstorms or with being distracted by the beautiful landscapes.
More details on Conditions, Rules and Tolls in this article.
Getting around Slovenia without a car
It is possible to get around Madeira without a car, to see the major sights:
- Bus – There is a network of public transportation – Especially if you are staying in Ljubljana
- Organized tours – There are several companies running tours around the country: historical tours, food tours, scenic tours… See my favorites – They cover all the main attractions such as Piran, Postojna caves, Lake Bled… – check out the many options
- Trains – There are intercity trains. They are especially practical to visit the Easter side of the country
The driving times in Slovenia – Map
To help you decide if you are going to rent a car or not, below is a map of the driving times you can expect around the country.
#1 to 6 – Slovenia Driving Rules
Let’s start with general rules and regulations you should be aware of:
#1 – License requirement / Age – Do I need an international driver’s permit?
To be able to drive in Slovenia, you must have either:
- a valid EU license
- or a valid license of your country + an International Driving Permit
US, Canadians and UK drivers must carry an International Driving Permit on top of their valid driving license.
You must also always carry a proof of ID and proof of third party liability insurance.
In terms of age, you can drive from 18 years old (however to rent a car, minimum age is 21 with 2 years since license was delivered).
#2 – Side of the road
Driving in Slovenia is on the right side of the road.
It means that upon entering a roundabout, you head right.
#3 – General behavior rules
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all
- No cell phone while driving
- Kids under 12 cannot seat in the front of the car
#4 – Alcohol and driving
The legal limit for driving is 0.05% alcohol in the blood.
I always recommend not drinking at all if you are driving.
#5 – Mandatory equipment to have in your car
In Slovenia, the following pieces of equipment must be available in the car:
- Warning safety triangle
- Reflective vest or jacket
- First aid kit
- Spare set of lights
- From 15 November to 15 March your vehicle must have winter equipment – winter tires with a profile of at least 3 mm or summer tires and snow chains in the trunk.
#6 – Mandatory insurance in Slovenia
The mandatory insurances in Slovenia are: third-party liability insurance – it is automatically included in the price of all car rentals.
If you are visiting with your own car, don’t forget to bring proof of insurance.
Compare car rental prices in Slovenia
#7 to 12 – Slovenia Roads conditions and Road Signs
Generally, roads in Slovenia are in excellent conditions. Let me show you what to expect:
#7 – Driving on Motorways
There is a great Motorway system (about 620km) to go in every directions from Ljubljana and join the neighboring countries.
There are no tollbooths on those motorways.
You need to carry a vignette on your car for all motorways and expressways (see toll section further below).
Motorways are in very good conditions with 2 or 3 lanes.
#8 – Driving on Mountain roads
The West of Slovenia has a lot of Mountains. They can be reached via motorways through Austria or you cna enjoy beautiful mountains passes.
The VRSIC pass road is one of the most beautiful one (see my photos).
They are quite well maintained and we saw roadwork while we were going through (which slowed us down quite a lot).
There are lots of bends, but none were very difficult compared to what I have seen sometimes in the French Alps.
Note that some mountain passes are closed in Winter. You can check the Slovenia road status map here. There are red circle when roads are closed.
#9 – Driving on Secondary Slovenia Roads
I recommend getting off the Motorways to enjoy the beautiful secondary roads, especially in the East of the country. Rolling hills, rivers and trees everywhere!
It is really enjoyable to drive in Slovenia. Just be careful not to be too distracted by how beautiful the scenery is!!!
#10 – Driving in Cities
Driving in cities is of course, a little bit more hectic.
Generally speaking the cities have wide roads and easy to understand navigation.
Only old center are a bit more difficult to go through.
Be careful that buses have priority.
#11 – Speed limits and signs
- Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number
- Speed limits are in kilometers per hour
- Speed limits are – 30 to 50km/h in residential areas and 130km/h on Motorways
#12 – Road Signs in Slovenia
- Road signs are very classic.
- For directions you have arrows, numbers and cities. Nothing fancy.
- Entry and end of towns are in yellow. They are not always easy to spot, so be careful not to speed!
- More and more touristic location signs are displayed to help the driver consider a detour. They are orange / Brown with a picture/drawing and the distance to it.
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#13 – Slovenia Toll Roads & vignettes
DARS Vignette Requirement
All car must have a vignette displayed when driving on all motorways and expressways in Slovenia.
If you get stopped on a Motorway without a vignette, you will have to pay a fine (300 to 800 euros).
You can purchase either a weekly, a monthly or an annual vignette.
Rental cars normally include the vignette. Check it upon pick-up.
Where to get the Slovenia Motorway Vignette?
You can purchase the vignette from:
- Petrol stations in Slovenia and in the Neighboring countries
- Tobacco shops
- Some shops at the borders
#14 to 15 – How to drive safely
#14 – Know the potential dangers
Generally, driving in Slovenia felt very safe.
My 3 warnings to you will be.
- Be careful in Summer, there are lots of thunderstorms because of the mountains. Don’t hesitate to stop when it pours too much and wait for it to stop
- It is easy to get distracted by the amazing scenery (especially in the mountains). Be careful and focus!
- There can be a lot of roadwork. They are well indicated. Make sure to slow down!
Danger signs are red triangles. Drawings are very geometric so it is sometimes funny to see some of them. Pay attention!
#15 – What to do in case of accident
In case there are people hurt or there is a conflict, the emergency number is 112.
The best order of actions is:
- contact emergency services
- contact the police
- contact your rental provider
In case of break-down, contact the number given by the agency on your rental agreement or call 1-987 for roadside assistance.
#16 to #17 – Parking in Slovenia – rules
#16 – Parking in towns
Nothing very original about parking in Slovenia:
- Yellow marked parking spots are reserved.
- Blue marked parking spots are for very short period (15 to 30minutes, check out the signs) – you can get a parking disc at the visitor centers
- White marked parking spots are free or paid carparks and might be limited in time. Check out the signs and payment systems.
It is very difficult to park on all the old city centers. Make sure you park outside those areas.
For example in the charming town of Ptuj, you can park across the river and enjoy the pedestrian bridge to reach the old center.
#17 – Parking at attractions
Even in Nature, carparks for attractions or hiking may not be free. There is either parking attendants or ticket systems. Make sure you have cash.
For example you have to pay at the Savica Waterfall carpark, the Kozjak waterfall walk carpark, the Mostnica Gorge carpark.
Where to stay in Slovenia?
My favorites ona road trip:
- In Ljubljana, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Bled, to admire the iconic lake – see best rated accommodations
- In Bovec, to enjoy the mountains – see best rated accommodations
- In Piran, to explore the coast – see best rated accommodations
- In Ptuj, to learn about history – see best rated accommodations
- Around the Logar Valley for amazing scenery – see best rated accommodations
#18 to #19 – Gas stations
#18 – Fuels and their names
- Unleaded petrol is called “Neosvinčen bencin (95 / 98)”
- Diesel is called “Dizel”
- See the concentration of electric car charging stations, where you are going on this website
#19 – Management of gas stations
- Nothing much to stay about refueling in Slovenia
- There are plenty of stations in towns and along motorways
- They accept credit cards
#20 – Most beautiful roads in Slovenia
Slovenia is stunning all around. You will rarely get bored when driving there. Of course, my favorite roads are in the mountains on the West side of the country, but not all. My absolute favorite roads to drive are:
- The Vrsic Pass
- The Soca Valley
- The road through Logarska Dolina (the Logar Valley)
- The main road in the Brda region
#21 to #25 – Slovenia Car Rental Tips
Below is a snapshot with the main things to know.
You can find all my tips in this other complete guide about renting a car in Slovenia.
#21 – What vehicle to rent?
Nothing specific for Slovenia.
But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Roads and parking spaces are overall wide – so you can choose a large car
- Mountain roads are not that steep. Cars with all levels of power can drive around the country However, it is of course more comfortable if you don’t choose the smallest engine
#22 – Where to rent your car in Slovenia
The largest car rental hubs in Slovenia are:
- The Ljubljana Airport – see car rental deals
- The town of Ljubljana car rental – see car rental deals
- If you pick up the car at the airport, note that there are 2 different areas for different companies but only one is clearly indicated…
My recommendation is road tripping around Slovenia:
You don’t need a car when visiting Ljubljana.
Therefore, if road tripping around the country, you can rent your car after visiting the capital city or bring it back before heading to the capital.
Compare car rental prices in Slovenia
#23 – Best car rental company in Slovenia
On the platform Discovercars.com, each rental company has a mark on 10 points. This is an average of the marks given by actual customers.
Don’t forget that on Tripadvisor or Google for example, anyone can write a review even if they have not used the company.
Some of the best rated on Discovercars.com are:
- National
- Sixt
- Enterprise
#24 – General tips for worry-free experience
There is no particular thing to do when renting a car in Slovenia, no specific scam.
I recommend always doing those things wherever you are renting:
- Take pictures of the car as you take it
- Don’t forget to check the state under the bumper of the car (look for scratch and take pictures)
- Don’t forget to check the state of the roof (look for rock fall dent and take pictures)
- Take pictures of the car as you leave it
#25 – Crossing Borders
From Slovenia, you could also visit Austria, Italy, Croatia and Hungary.
However, that implies crossing borders.
This is not allowed by all rental companies. And for others, there are fees included.
If renting with Discovercars.com, once you selected a car you can click on “Rental conditions” and then again “Rental conditions” or “Additional conditions” to find the “geographical restrictions”.
Planning your Slovenia road trip itinerary
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia – read article
- Best castles in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Best off the beaten path attractions in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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hi
I will be driving from Italy Venice Airport to Bled, passing into Slovenia on motorway H4 (the south)
is it ok to buy the Vignette at a petrol station after passing the boarder?
do you need to stop at the boarder, will there be checks?
thanks
Hi
They have an official list of points of sale here – https://www.dars.si/Vignette_system/Points_of_sale
Slovenia is in the Schengen area, so there are no more border checkpoints with Italy. European countries do random custom checks instead.
thanks. it’s a shame i cannot buy before arriving, but i will not know the registration of the rental car until i arrive 😮
it would be good if i could buy one at the rental desk, i might ask them
This is such a helpful article, thanks so much. I’ll be going to Slovenia in July and read your other post about Vrsic Pass which I’m looking forward to driving. Thank you for your efforts!!
Thanks. I am glad that it helps.
I wish you wonderful travels!
Claire