Planning a Postojna Cave Day Trip from Ljubljana: What You Need To Know

Postojna Cave has been one of Slovenia’s biggest tourist attractions for over two centuries, so it was only natural that day trips were introduced to facilitate travelers who want to take advantage of its unique beauty and vast underground system. And since Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and a major center of transportation, it’s one of the best places to start a Postojna Cave day trip.

But what exactly does a Postojna Cave day trip involve, and where can you get the best deals? This guide explains everything you need to know about planning a trip to the spectacular cave system from Ljubljana, Slovenia.

About Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave sits on the Karst Plateau near Slovenia’s border with Croatia. The cave system is around 24 kilometers long, making it one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular underground networks. It was discovered in 1818 by scientists, who were amazed by its vast size and geological features.

Since then, Postojna Cave has become one of Europe’s top tourist attractions, with thousands of visitors per year. It may be best known for its incredible stalactite formations, which hang like icicles from the cave’s ceiling, but that’s not all. Its unique underground network includes three inky lakes, an enormous limestone tunnel, and an old railway station.

How to Get to Postojna Cave

The easiest way to travel to Postojna Cave from Ljubljana is by train. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the cave from the city’s main train station. You can purchase tickets online or at any train station in Ljubljana. Once you arrive at Postojna station, the cave is just a 5-minute walk away.

If you prefer to drive, there are also several car rental services in Ljubljana. The drive from the city center to Postojna Cave takes around one hour, depending on traffic.

Postojna Cave Tour Options

Once you get to Postojna Cave, there are a variety of tour options. The most popular tour is the “Cave Entrance” tour, which lasts approximately two hours and takes you to some of the cave’s most iconic sights, such as its natural pools and unique limestone formations.

There’s also the “Cave Exploration” tour, which is slightly longer but includes a far more comprehensive exploration of the cave system. This tour lasts 3-4 hours and features a ride on an underground train as well as a visit to the largest cave chamber in Slovenia.

Both tours are guided by an experienced guide and are available in a variety of languages, including English and Italian.

The Cost of a Postojna Cave Day Trip

The cost of a Postojna Cave day trip from Ljubljana varies according to your tour option and whether you opt for public transport or car rental. In general, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Train tickets: Tickets for a return trip from Ljubljana to Postojna cost around $30.
• Car rental: Depending on the car you choose, rental costs vary between $50 and $150 per day.
• Cave entrance ticket: Tickets for either tour are around $20 per adult or $10 per child.

For a more detailed cost breakdown, book the Postojna Cave day trip on GetYourGuide.

What Else Should I Know?

The temperature inside the caves is quite low, so make sure to bring some warm clothing. Also, flash photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the caves, so leave your cameras behind when you enter the cave system.

Finally, there are a few restaurants near Postojna Cave where you can grab a bite to eat after your tour. Bear in mind that these restaurants aren’t necessarily open during peak tourist season (April-September). If you plan on dining in one of these restaurants after your tour, make sure to check its opening hours online beforehand.

Conclusion: Is A Postojna Cave Day Trip from Ljubljana Worth It?

Absolutely! Postojna Cave is without a doubt one of Europe’s most breathtaking sites and planning a day trip from Ljubljana is an excellent way to experience it. The journey takes around an hour-and-a-half each way and is relatively inexpensive, especially if you opt for public transportation. That being said, if you’re short on time or traveling solo, or simply want the convenience of having everything wholly arranged for you, then we suggest booking a tour package with GetYourGuide, who offer several convenient picks that include round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours. Either way, adding Postojna Cave to your itinerary is well worth your time and effort — it will undoubtedly be one of your favorite memories from your time in Slovenia!