An essential part of any vacation is deciding how you want to travel once you arrive, whether that means renting a car or relying on public transportation. For many visitors staying near Bled bus station, public transport quickly proves to be a convenient, affordable, and stress-free way to explore the region.

In this blog, we’ll cover Bled’s main bus station and explain what amenities you can expect to find there. You’ll also find a complete overview of the destinations you can reach from the Bled bus station within one hour, using regular bus lines as well as seasonal tourist shuttle services. This will help you plan practical day trips such as Bled to Bohinj, Pokljuka Plateau, Radovljica, Kranjska Gora, Mojstrana, Gozd Martuljek, Bovec, and even the Vršič Mountain Pass.

If navigating buses feels complicated, or if you prefer a more social and organised experience, you can also join one of our guided day trips from Bleda great way to meet new people and see the highlights with a local guide. You can explore the complete list of available tours on our website.

If you’re organising your trip to Bled and feeling overwhelmed by questions like where to stay, what to see, whether it’s worth staying overnight, or if it’s better to visit on a day trip from Ljubljana, feel free to explore our comprehensive Lake Bled, Slovenia Travel Guide to help you plan easily.

But first, let’s take a closer look at why public transport in Slovenia can be a better choice than renting a car, and what advantages it offers for travelers visiting this part of the country.

Why Public Transport Makes Sense in Slovenia

Public transport in Slovenia offers several advantages that are specific to the country’s size and landscape.

  • Short distances between destination: Most key places around Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley are less than an hour apart, making buses a realistic option.
  • Limited and regulated parking in tourist areas: Places like Bohinj, Vrata Valley and Pokljuka have paid or restricted parking, which makes public transport easier than driving.
  • Seasonal shuttle buses reach restricted areas: In summer, special shuttles run to places where car access is limited, such as Pokljuka and Vrata Valley.
  • Mountain roads can be stressful for visitors: Narrow alpine roads and hairpin passes like Vršič are easier to enjoy as a passenger than a driver.
  • Good connections from Bled bus station: Bled serves as a transport hub with regular bus links to Bohinj, Radovljica, Jesenice, Kranjska Gora, Mojstrana and Bovec.
  • Better for protected natural areas: Public transport helps reduce traffic in Triglav National Park and other sensitive alpine valleys.

Now that you understand why we strongly encourage visitors to use public transport, let’s take a closer look at Bled Bus Station—where it is located and what you can expect once you arrive.

Bled Main Bus Station: Location & What to Expect

Bled main bus station is located just a short walk from the lake, making it one of the most practical arrival points in town. While Bled doesn’t have a single, clearly defined centre where everything is grouped together, the area around the bus station comes very close.

From here, most essentials are within walking distance, which is especially helpful if you’re arriving by public transport or planning a day trip. The station itself offers basic traveller facilities, and you’ll also find food, snacks, and services immediately nearby—ideal if you have time before your next connection or have just arrived in Bled.

Amenities at Bled Main Bus Station and Nearby

  • Toilets are available at the bus station
  • Ticket office for regional and long-distance buses
  • Trafika is right next to the station for snacks, drinks, newspapers, and small essentials
  • Mega Burger is directly behind the station for a quick meal
  • Gostilna Pri Planincu is just across the street for a proper sit-down Slovenian meal
  • The pharmacy is approximately a 3-minute walk from the station
  • Lake Bled is reachable in about 5 minutes on foot

If you’d like to grab a meal before departing on your trip from Bled, here’s our local selection of the best places to eat in Bled.

How Public Transport Works Around Lake Bled

Public transport around Lake Bled is simple to use and well-suited to travellers who want to explore the region without a car. Instead of city buses, the area is served by regional bus lines that connect Bled with nearby towns, alpine valleys, and key transport hubs.

  • Bled is connected by regional routes, not local city buses
  • Most services depart from or pass through Bled main bus station
  • Routes are organised by municipalities, which is why some journeys go via Jesenice or Radovljica

Seasonal differences to be aware of:

  • Summer (June–September): more frequent departures and additional tourist shuttle lines
  • Off-season: fewer daily connections, so planning return trips in advance is important

Where to find lines, departures, and tickets:

  • All bus lines and departure times are displayed at the Bled bus station
  • Timetables can also be checked online via the Ljubljana Bus Station Official Website or the Bus operator Arriva.
  • Tickets are usually bought directly from the driver (cash is commonly accepted)

IMPORTANT: There is no need to buy bus tickets in advance when travelling around Lake Bled. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver on the day of travel. We also strongly recommend avoiding third-party websites that offer advance ticket sales for local bus lines.

Seating on regional buses around Lake Bled works on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reserved seats, and tickets do not guarantee a specific seat. Once the bus reaches its seating capacity, additional passengers may need to wait for the next departure, especially during peak summer periods. For this reason, arriving a few minutes early at the bus stop is always recommended.

Location list of all Lake Bled bus stations: 

In addition to the Bled main bus station, there are several smaller bus stops located around town. You can view a map of all bus stops here to find the one most convenient for your accommodation. Keep in mind that not all stops are served by every route, so for some destinations you may still need to travel via the main bus station. The stations are:

  • Bled (main bus station)
  • Bled Gmajna
  • Bled Mlino
  • Bled Union
  • Koritno/Bledu
  • Rečica/Bledu
  • Rečica/Bledu LIP
  • Sebenje/Bledu 

HOW TO GET FROM BLED TO BOHINJ BY BUS

Bohinj Valley attracts tourists from Lake Bled to visit for at least one day. It’s just half an hour of driving before you enter Triglav National Park, and you are rewarded with stunning views of the Julian Alps that surround Lake Bohinj, our largest permanent lake. Lake Bohinj is also one of the best places to start hiking to the mountains, such as Mount TriglavMount Vogel, or the surrounding peaks in the Seven Lakes Valley.

Bohinj is the name of a valley and a lake at the beginning of Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. If you want to get there by bus, you need to know the names of the towns surrounding Lake Bohinj. Local buses from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj usually depart every hour. 

If you’re planning to continue your journey from Bled, our guide on how to get to Lake Bohinj covers public transport options and practical tips.

Ukanc

The name literally means “at the end” because people living here used to believe that this was the town at the end of the world. This small village is charming and calm, an excellent place for a walk along Lake Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka River, where you can continue hiking right to its source, the famous waterfall Savica. It takes around an hour of easy, peaceful hiking through nature. You can find a detailed guide to the Savica waterfall hike here.

Stara Fužina 

The oldest historical town of Bohinj will probably leave the best impression on you. Exploring narrow streets and colorful houses, set against the backdrop of the mountains, will bring you closer to Slovenian Alpine tradition

A 15-minute walk from the town center, there is a famous Mostnica Gorge, which you can explore in a couple of hours. If you wish to go higher, you can hike up to Vogar mountain hut, where you will be rewarded with amazing views of Lake Bohinj and the Lower Bohinj mountain ranges. 

Ribčev Laz 

The most popular village in Bohinj Valley is on the eastern side of Lake Bohinj. Here you can stand on a famous bridge with a church behind, walk to the statue of the Golden Horn on the southeast side, or relax on the many beaches on the northeastern side of Lake Bohinj. 

Vogel križišče/crossroad

A bus stop at the crossroads of Ukanc and Mount Vogel is where you need to hop off the bus if you want to catch a cable car to reach the top of Mount Vogel. 

SHUTTLE BUS AROUND BOHINJ

Bohinj operates a seasonal shuttle bus system that allows visitors to move around the valley and reach key attractions without a car. The system complements regular regional buses and is designed to reduce traffic around the lake and trailheads. Shuttle buses stop at the main villages and transport hubs in Bohinj. Stops are clearly marked, and shuttles work on a hop-on, hop-off basis.

Summer Shuttle Lines (High Season)

Operating mainly from late spring to early autumn, summer shuttles connect:

  • Lake Bohinj villages (Bohinjska Bistrica, Ribčev Laz, Stara Fužina, Ukanc)
  • Savica Waterfall
  • Mostnica Gorge / Voje Valley
  • Popular hiking starting points around the valley

Winter Shuttle Lines

In the winter season, shuttle services focus on Ski and winter hiking connections to Vogel and surrounding areas (conditions dependent).

Tickets & Practical Notes

  • Shuttle seating is first come, first served
  • Tickets are valid for unlimited travel within a day
  • Shuttle tickets are separate from regular bus tickets
  • Always check seasonal timetables, as routes change between summer and winter

Plan your day in Bohinj here with bus timetables.

HOW TO GET FROM BLED TO POKLJUKA

When you enter Triglav National Park from the eastern side, you come to Pokljuka, the most extensive mountain plateau in Slovenia, covered with tall and mighty spruce trees. This beautiful region is home to the second-largest forest in Slovenia, offering a peaceful getaway from bustling tourist spots. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and breathe in some fresh air, the Pokljuka plateau is the perfect destination for you.

The Julian Alps, including Slovenia’s highest mountain, Mount Triglav, can be accessed from Pokljuka. During the summer months (July 1st – August 31st), a free shuttle bus service helps visitors get around. However, please note that buses run only twice a day, so it’s essential to check the timetable in advance.

If you plan to visit outside the summer months, unfortunately, there is no public transport to Pokljuka. If you need a transfer to Pokljuka, you can contact us, and we will be happy to arrange one for you. 

HOW TO GET FROM BLED TO RADOVLJICA

Radovljica is a small but picturesque town that offers a rich cultural, historical, and culinary experience:

  • The famous and most delicious chocolates in Slovenia: Radolška čokolada
  • The traditional manufacture of gingerbread hearts: Lectar house
  • One of the best restaurants in Slovenia with a Michelin star: Hiša Linhart
  • An apiculture museum that reflects a rich tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia
  • A beautiful St. Peter’s Church from the 10th century 
  • A lot of typical architecture dating from the 16th to the 19th century

Numerous viewpoints overlook our crystal-clear Sava River, the Karavanke mountain range, and the forests on the Jelovica mountain plateau. To reach Radovljica, you will need to board the bus at Bled Central Bus Station, Mlino Station, or Union Station. By bus, it takes only 15 minutes to drive from Lake Bled to Radovljica, depending on the traffic. From the bus station, it’s a 5-minute walk through the park to reach Radovljica’s old town center.

HOW TO GET FROM BLED TO KRANJSKA GORA  

Kranjska Gora is a well-known alpine resort town set at the edge of the Julian Alps. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities, mountain landscapes, and a relaxed alpine atmosphere. From Kranjska Gora, you can hike towards nearby mountain peaks, take a refreshing dip in Lake Jasna, or simply stroll through town, relax by the water, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.

When travelling from Bled to Kranjska Gora, we recommend planning a few short stops along the way, as explained below. The route passes through scenic alpine areas and smaller towns that are well worth a visit, especially if you enjoy mountain scenery and outdoor life.

Public transport connections are straightforward but require one bus change. First, take a bus from Lake Bled to Lesce ŽP (Train Station), then change to another bus at the opposite bus station for Kranjska Gora. Local buses on this route run frequently, usually about once per hour, making the connection easy to manage.

Mojstrana Dovje

After getting off the bus, cross the road and continue along it, passing over the bridge over the Sava Dolinka River. Within a few minutes, you’ll arrive in Mojstrana, a small alpine town often described as the cradle of Slovenian mountaineering. While you’re here, it’s worth visiting the Slovenian Alpine Museum, which offers excellent insight into the country’s alpine history.

Mojstrana is also the main gateway to some of Slovenia’s most iconic natural sights. From here, routes lead into Vrata Valley and towards Peričnik Waterfall. The valley’s name literally means “door” in Slovenian, fittingly opening the way to the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, including Mount Triglav, famous for its dramatic north face.

To help protect this sensitive alpine environment, a free seasonal shuttle bus operates from Mojstrana. It safely transports visitors from the Mojstrana bus stop to Peričnik Waterfall and further up the valley to Aljaž Lodge, making it easy to explore the area without driving.

Gozd Martuljek – Spodnje Rute (Sp. Rute)

This is the bus stop where you should get off if you want to visit Hvadnik Gorge, a narrow and refreshing alpine canyon hidden above the village. The only way to experience Hvadnik is by climbing it via a protected via ferrata route, making it a unique adventure for active travellers.

Gozd Martuljek – Zgornje Rute (Zg. Rute)

Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Špik Mountain Range, this is a perfect stop if you want to enjoy some of the finest mountain views in the area. For the best panorama, take a short 5-minute walk back along the road to the Triangel Boutique Hotel. This modern wooden hotel is well known locally for excellent coffee and traditional Slovenian dishes, all served with open views of the Špik peaks.

From Triangel Hotel, an easy forest hike leads to the beautiful Martuljek Waterfalls. Follow the cycling path across the bridge, turn left at the first crossroads, and right at the second. The route is clearly marked, so navigation is straightforward.

After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Lower Martuljek Waterfall, a 30-metre cascade tucked into the forest. From there, you can continue to the Upper Martuljek Waterfall, which drops around 50 metres. The final section is more demanding and involves climbing over slippery rocks, so good footwear and caution are essential. Reaching the upper waterfall takes roughly one additional hour.

Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is best known as Slovenia’s leading winter sports resort, with ski slopes and snow-covered mountains shaping the town’s identity in the colder months. In winter, it becomes a hub for skiing, sledding, and other snow activities. In summer, however, Kranjska Gora turns into a lively alpine base for hikers, cyclists, and mountain lovers, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities in a relaxed setting.

A pleasant walk through town leads you along the Pišnica River towards Lake Jasna, which you’ll reach in about 30 minutes. The lake is a popular spot for a swim on warm days, and you can also rent a SUP board. There are cafés and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to enjoy lunch, an ice cream, or a refreshing drink while taking in views of the Julian Alps.

For a rewarding hike, continue upstream from Lake Jasna towards Krnica Valley. Follow the road and footpath along the Pišnica River, keeping left at the main crossroads. After around 1.5 hours of easy to moderate hiking, you’ll reach a mountain hut in Krnica Valley, set beneath impressive alpine peaks.

Another worthwhile excursion is Zelenci Nature Reserve, located west of Kranjska Gora. This protected area is known for its striking emerald-green springs and is the source of Slovenia’s longest river, the Sava River. The walk takes about one hour and passes through forests, meadows, and small villages. You can follow the walking and cycling path via Podkoren alongside the main road, or take a bus to Podkoren and enjoy a shorter 30-minute walk to reach Zelenci.

HOW TO GET FROM BLED TO BOVEC

Bovec is situated in the picturesque Soča Valley, surrounded by the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park. Bovec is known for its stunning natural beauty, the emerald River Soča, and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports. The town itself has a charming atmosphere, with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traditional architecture.

Getting to Bovec from Lake Bled by bus is possible only in the summer months, from June 25th to August 31st. Keep in mind that there are no direct connections, so you’ll have to change buses three times.

The first bus takes you from your nearest Lake Bled station to the Lesce ŽP bus station. There, you cross the road and take the bus to Kranjska Gora. In Kranjska Gora, there are only three bus departures daily to take you through the Vršič mountain pass to Bovec, so be careful when planning your journey.

Vršič Pass

On the way to Bovec, buses cross Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass and one of the most scenic points in the Julian Alps. If you decide to get off the bus at the top of the pass, you’re rewarded with wide mountain views in every direction—but it’s important to plan ahead. Buses over Vršič are infrequent, and you should expect a wait of up to six hours before the next connection continues towards Bovec.

Right at the pass is Erjavčeva koča, a welcoming mountain hut and an ideal place for a proper lunch break or a warm drink. Vršič is also a starting point for several excellent hikes, making it a good stop if you’re happy to spend a few hours in the mountains.

Bovec

Bovec is the adventure capital of the Soča Valley, and once you arrive, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor activities. The emerald Soča River is the main attraction, offering everything from white-water rafting to kayaking, where you can explore the river at a slower pace and take in the scenery of the surrounding valley.

If water sports aren’t your thing, Bovec also offers plenty of adrenaline on land and in the air. You can try ziplining from high above the valley, or for the truly adventurous, experience a tandem skydive from around 4,000 metres with panoramic views of the Julian Alps. One of the best ways to experience the Soča Valley is canyoning, which combines hiking, swimming, sliding, jumping, and rappelling through narrow alpine gorges.

So, consider taking a bus on your next trip and see what exciting places and experiences you can discover!   

Altitude Activities is a proud recipient of a TripAdvisor 2024 Certificate of Excellence. Thank you all for the great reviews!

Trip Advisor 5 stars

The best thing ever. I took my old boss to experience Slovenia in one day. And boy I am happy I chose Altitude Activities to do so. Our tour guide Jerry was awesome, funny and you could just see he knows what he is doing. We went to the canyon of Jermanka and even though there is a drop almost 45m high we felt extremely safe. Overall highly suggest going canyoning with Altitude Activities

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JURE U

AUGUST 23, 2024

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