Exploring Slovenia: Seamless Ways To Pay For Bus Rides

If you're planning to travel around Slovenia by bus, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, bus connections within the country are generally good, with regular services connecting different parts of the country. In terms of payment, it seems that cash is still the most common method, with tickets available for purchase at major bus stations or from the driver. However, in some cities like Ljubljana, you can also use a smart card called the Urbana card, which allows for quick and convenient cash-free payments on city and suburban buses, as well as for other services like cable car rides and public parking. This card can be purchased at newsagents, tourist information centres, and newsstands for €2.00 and can be topped up with up to €50 in credit. It's worth noting that ticket prices vary depending on the journey, with a single journey fare in Ljubljana costing €1.30, while a basic one-way ticket between Ljubljana and Bled is around €6.30. So, while cards are not widely accepted on buses, the Urbana card can be a useful option for those spending time in Ljubljana.

Buy tickets online, at stations, or from the driver

Bus tickets in Slovenia can be purchased online, at major bus stations, or directly from the driver.

Buying Tickets Online

Some bus companies in Slovenia offer the option to purchase tickets online. For example, Arriva Slovenija provides a simple and safe online purchase option for IJPP tickets.

Buying Tickets at Stations

Tickets can also be purchased at major bus stations across the country. In Ljubljana, the Urbana city card, which allows non-cash payments for city and suburban buses, can be purchased at newsagents or the Tourist Information Centre. The card costs €2, and a single bus ride costs €1.30. The card can also be used for other services like parking in the city centre or riding the funicular to Ljubljana Castle.

In Maribor, city bus tickets can be purchased at the main bus station, newsagents, or the Maribor Tourist Information Centre. The bus line map and timetables can also be checked online.

Buying Tickets from the Driver

Finally, it is possible to buy tickets directly from the bus driver in some cases. However, this may not be an option for all bus routes, especially in cities like Ljubljana, where you need to purchase the Urbana card before boarding.

Use cash or card

In Slovenia, you can purchase bus tickets with cash or card. If you are buying your ticket at a major bus station, you can usually pay by card. Tickets can also be purchased from the bus driver, but it is unclear whether drivers accept card payments. It is best to have cash on hand in case card is not accepted.

In Ljubljana, the capital city, you can buy the Urbana card, a smart card that allows cashless payments for city and suburban buses. The Urbana card can be purchased for €2.00 and can store up to €50.00 in credit for bus fares. The card can be topped up with cash at various sales outlets and Urbanomat ticket machines located across the city, which accept both cash and card. The Urbana card can also be used to pay for cable car rides, public parking fees, and some parking lots, as well as the services of the Ljubljana City Library.

In other cities, such as Maribor, Celje, and Kranj, you can buy city bus tickets on the bus, at the main bus station, newsagents, or tourist information centres. These tickets can be purchased with cash or card, depending on the vendor.

For intercity public transport, unified tickets for buses and trains are available at Ljubljana bus station ticket offices every day of the year. These tickets can be used throughout Slovenia, with various options for single, daily, three-day, weekly, monthly, and annual passes. The price of these tickets depends on the type of ticket and the distance travelled.

Check for discounts

When travelling by bus in Slovenia, it is worth checking for discounts that may be available to you. Both bus and train services in the country offer discounts for students, seniors, and the unemployed. Seniors with permanent residency in Slovenia, who are not registered as jobseekers or company owners, and who have a Slovenian war veteran certificate or a European disability card, are eligible for free passes. Students may be eligible for subsidised passes.

In addition to these discounts, there are also discounted fares for children. Tickets are free for children up to the age of 6. For children over the age of 6, up to the age of 15, who are not entitled to subsidised tickets, a 50% discount is applied when purchasing a relational single, daily, three-day, weekly, monthly or annual ticket.

Travellers can also benefit from discounted fares when travelling at the weekend. All passengers are entitled to a 75% discount when travelling with regional buses or trains on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Furthermore, groups of up to 5 people (or up to 10 people, with at least one person under 14) are entitled to a group "Slovenia" ticket, which allows unlimited travel with regional buses and trains within Slovenia for up to 4 consecutive days. This ticket is valid on weekends and holidays and costs 15 EUR for a group of 5 and 30 EUR for a group of 10.

Buy in advance to save money

Bus travel in Slovenia is a great way to get around the country, with regular connections between major towns and cities. You can buy your bus tickets in advance, which can save you money and time. Here are some tips to help you buy bus tickets in advance and make the most of your travels in Slovenia:

Buying Tickets in Advance

It is possible to buy bus tickets up to 30 days before your departure date. Buying tickets in advance can be convenient and cost-effective. The basic one-way ticket price is typically around €6.30, but buying tickets early can help you avoid higher prices or dynamic pricing, which may increase the cost.

Where to Buy Tickets

You can purchase bus tickets online through the website of the bus company or operator. For example, if you plan to travel to or from Ljubljana, the website of Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana (Ljubljana Bus Station) allows you to buy tickets in advance. However, some websites may require you to call their information centre or visit their ticket offices at the bus station.

Ticket Availability

Bus tickets are also available at major bus stations in Slovenia or directly from the bus driver. Tickets purchased at bus stations can be bought a few days in advance, while buying from the driver ensures you have a ticket for your intended departure.

Schedules and Routes

Bus schedules and routes are usually available on the websites of bus companies or local transport authorities. For example, the website http://www.ap-ljubljana.si provides schedule information for buses departing from Ljubljana. By clicking on the "Details" button, you can view the route and the bus company operating that particular service.

Popular Routes

If you plan to travel between popular destinations, such as Ljubljana and Bled, rest assured that buses are frequent, often departing every hour or every half-hour. This means you don't have to worry about buying tickets too far in advance, and you can easily find a bus to your desired location.

Ticket Exchange

In some cases, you may be able to exchange your ticket for an earlier or later departure. If you purchased your ticket online, you can usually send an email to the bus company or operator to request an exchange. If you bought your ticket in person, you may need to visit the ticket office before your scheduled departure to make the exchange.

By following these tips, you can take advantage of buying bus tickets in advance in Slovenia, saving money and enjoying a smoother travel experience.

Validate your ticket when you board

When boarding a bus in Slovenia, you must validate your ticket. This applies to all types of tickets, including single-journey, daily, and monthly tickets.

To validate your ticket when boarding a bus in Slovenia, look for the validating machine, which is typically located next to the driver's seat or on a nearby pole close to the entrance. Hold your ticket or card against the machine. If your ticket is valid, the reader will display a green tick, indicating that your ticket has been successfully validated.

If there is insufficient credit on your card or an irregularity is detected, a red cross will appear. In this case, you may need to add more credit to your card or resolve any issues with your ticket. If you encounter issues with validation, you can visit the LPP Passenger Centre in Ljubljana for assistance.

It is important to always validate your ticket when boarding a bus to avoid penalties for travelling without a valid ticket, as the fines for fare evasion can be high.

Frequently asked questions