Lake Bled is the famous postcard picture representing Slovenia. This resort town, about 34 miles from the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, is a small and scenic getaway that’s well worth a day trip. Here’s what you need to know about taking the train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by train.
Church of the Assumption on Bled Island, Slovenia during autumn. Image Credit: Getty Images, Ekaterina_Polischuk
At a glance: Ljubljana to Lake Bled’s train stations
- Ljubljana’s station: Ljubljana
- Lake Bled’s stations: Lesce-Bled | Bled Jezero
- Distance from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by train: Approximately 34 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: No high-speed trains available
- Average duration for general trains: 1h 15m to 1h 30m | 2h
- Number of trains per day: 15 to 20
- Ticket prices: As low as $7.20 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 5 a.m.
- Latest departure: 9 p.m.
Church of the Assumption and Bled Castle on Lake Bled, Slovenia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Antonio Sharaliev
How do I get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana?
Getting to Lake Bled from Ljubljana isn’t difficult, but there is one important note: you can’t take the train directly to the lakeshore. Your destination platform from Ljubljana’s central station is Lesce-Bled, with Lesce being the arrival town. Lesce is about 2.5 miles from Bled, so you’ll need to grab a bus, taxi, or walk to Lake Bled.
How long does it take to get to Lake Bled?
The travel time from Ljubljana to Lake Bled varies depending on which station you are heading to. If you take the train to Lesce-Bled, the journey typically takes between 1h 15m to 1h 30m. If you choose to travel to Bled Jezero, on the west side of Lake Bled, the trip takes around 2h. Both stations are outside the main town of Bled, so once you arrive, you’ll need to walk or use other transportation options, such as a bus or taxi, to reach the lakeshore and the heart of the resort town.
How frequent is the train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
There are typically about 15 to 20 trains running between Ljubljana and the two stations serving Lake Bled (Lesce-Bled and Bled Jezero) per day.
Lake Bled in Slovenia with the Church of the Assumption in the background. Image Credit: Getty Images, Photography by Deb Snelson
Can you do a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
Yes, a day trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from the Slovenian capital. This fairytale-like resort town is a huge draw for tourists and locals, so you won’t be alone making the train trip from Ljubljana to Lake Bled.
How many hours do you need in Lake Bled?
You can comfortably spend a whole day exploring Lake Bled, from the lake itself to the surrounding attractions like Bled Castle and the Church of the Assumption on Bled Island.
How much does it cost to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled?
Ticket prices for the train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled can vary, so it’s best to book in advance to get the lowest fare. Expect a starting price of around $7.20 for a one-way ticket in second class.
View of Bled Island, SLovenia, from a hill. Image Credit: Getty Images, serts
Is Lake Bled free to visit?
Yes, Lake Bled is a public lake surrounded by towns that welcome visitors free of charge. Well, not completely free – you’ll still have to pay for the usual things like hotels, food, activities, souvenirs, etc. But you are welcome to gaze at one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe without spending a dime.
Do I need cash in Lake Bled?
Yes, it’s a good idea to keep cash on hand when vacationing in Lake Bled. Slovenia uses the Euro (€) as its currency, which is super convenient if you’re traveling to neighboring countries using the Euro, like Italy, Croatia, and Austria.
How much is Bled Castle entrance?
Tickets to enter Bled Castle range from €7 to €17 ($8 to $19). Any tickets you purchase online can be used up to one year after your date of purchase. How convenient – you can buy tickets to enter Bled Castle and your train tickets from Ljubljana to Lake Bled before you even leave for Slovenia.
Panoramic view of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Ian.CuiYi
Is it better to stay in Bled or Ljubljana?
Bled versus Ljubljana isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, so either will be “better” for certain travelers. Let’s imagine you have three nights to spend: choose two nights in Bled if you want a relaxed schedule that allows you to see the small resort town at an easy pace. Alternatively, you should spend the two nights in Ljubljana if you’re keen to pack your visit with sightseeing like museum-hopping or getting a feel for the local life.
To get to Lake Bled, you’ll need to get to Ljubljana first. Allow us to help. Download the Trainline app today to streamline your travel planning from Ljubljana to Lake Bled by train.
Church of the Assumption on Bled Island on Lake Bled, Slovenia. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Anastasia Babenko
