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Route Overview

Car Rental Rijeka to Ljubljana

Key facts before you go – distance, documents, and the best time to drive.

~€1.70/hour in the central zone

Ask supplier when booking

EU cover applies

Extra fee likely

Crossing Difficulty

Easy Crossing

The Rijeka → Ljubljana route crosses the border once at Rupa/Starod. Slovenia has not had routine border checks since June 2026; it still uses random checks. Most car drivers pass through without stopping.

Document Required 

📘 Passport

📋 Insurance certificate needed

👨‍✈️ Driving Licence

💳 Credit Card

Why go: Ljubljana is a compact, car-free capital of bridges, riverside cafés and a hilltop castle. Lake Bled and Postojna Cave are about an hour away. The 140 km drive from Rijeka takes around 1.5–2 hours.

Jan-Mar
Low
Apr–May
Mild
Jun
Mild
Jul–Aug
Peak
Sep–Oct
Mild
Nov–Dec
Low

ℹ️

May-June and Sep-Oct offer the best mix of price and quiet roads. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July–August.

Vehicle fleet

Available Cross-Border Car Rental Categories

Browse our range of vehicles, from compact cars for city breaks to spacious family vehicles and premium models, to find the perfect fit for travelling across borders.

*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.

Before you cross

What you need to book and cross the border

Everything to sort before you leave Rijeka. Slovenia is also in the Schengen area, so the crossing is simple, but your rental still needs the right approval.

Croatia Cross Border Car Rental Requirements

Book specifically for travel to Slovenia and declare it at pickup. The rental agreement must include cross-border details. You cannot add it at the border.

Suppliers hold a refundable deposit on a credit card at pickup. The card must be in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are often not accepted.

Slovenian motorways need a digital vignette tied to the number plate. It costs €16 for 7 days. Ask the supplier if the vignette is included in the rental, or buy it online from the official DARS e-Vignette Portal.

Croatia and Slovenia both use the euro. Pay for parking at street machines or with a parking app.

EU and UK licences are fine. Licences not in Latin letters need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most suppliers want a minimum age of 21.

There is no routine passport check, but carry one anyway. Random police checks can happen. Non-EU visitors should always carry a passport.

Border crossings

Which crossing to use from Rijeka

Choose your crossing based on your route and expected queues. Border waits can change significantly during summer and peak travel periods.

CrossingDistance from RJKDrive TimePeak waitNotes
Rupa–Jelšane Recommended~50 km (from RJK Airport) / ~30 km (from Rijeka city)~35–45 min1–2+ hoursMain international motorway crossing connecting Rijeka directly to Slovenia (towards Ljubljana and Trieste).
Pasjak–Starod~55 km (from RJK Airport) / ~32 km (from Rijeka city)~40–50 min30 min–1.5 hoursNearby primary alternative crossing for traffic heading into Slovenia and Italy, useful during summer peak traffic jams at Rupa.

At the checkpoint – step by step

Rupa: Croatia exit → Slovenia entry

A quick overview of the process involved at each stage of the border to save you from last-minute surprises.

⬅️

Leaving Croatia

There is no passport check when you leave Croatia. Traffic may slow near Rupa on busy days. Keep your passport or ID card and rental agreement within easy reach.

➡️

Slovenian entry (Jelšane)

Slovenia ended its fixed border checks on 11 June 2026. Police can still do spot checks. They may ask to see your ID and your rental agreement.

🚗

Driving rules in Slovenia

50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways. Keep your headlights on at all times. Your rental should include a first-aid kit, warning triangle and hi-vis vest.

↩️

Return: Slovenia exit → Croatia re-entry

The EU Entry/Exit System only applies at the outer edge of the Schengen area. Croatia and Slovenia are both inside it, so there are no fingerprint or photo checks when you cross.

Buy your Slovenian e-vignette online before you leave Rijeka. You can also buy one at petrol stations near the border, but buying it beforehand means one less stop on the way.

Vehicle Guide

Which car category suits the Rijeka – Ljubljana drive?

The A1 and D8 are both well-paved modern roads – this is not terrain that requires anything special. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way.

  • Family Trip
  • Solo Drive
  • Business Travel
  • Long Stay
  • Coastal Road Trips
  • Eco-Travel

Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage

Van/Minivan

7-9 seats

Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably

  • Long drives
  • Maximum space

From €42 /day

Automatic SUV

5 seats

Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains

  • Easy coastal drives
  • Long distance travel

From €22 /day

Full-Size Cars

2-5 seats

Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults

  • Practicality
  • Comfort on long drives

From €64 /day

Tips for this trip

If traveling with kids, book child seats during online booking and pay at pickup.

For coastal drives, a few suppliers also offer roof racks for extra luggage or sports equipment.

Ferry crossing is not permitted for all car types. Confirm with supplier before booking.

Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars

Convertible

2-4 seats

Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views

  • Fun road trips
  • Coastal vacations

From €62 /day

Compact Automatic

5 seats

Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads

  • Ample space
  • Fuel efficient

From €36 /day

Electric Economy Cars

4-5 seats

Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel

  • Quiet driving

From €48 /day

Tips for this trip

Dubrovnik Old Town is pedestrian-only. Use nearby paid parking for the rental car, then walk in.

For island hopping or scenic coastal driving, compact cars are overall best choice.

Convertibles can be limited on islands (like Hvar) and during peak season, making early booking crucial.

Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.

Luxury Car

4-5 seats

High budget premium options for corporate needs

  • Prestige
  • Savvy look

From €65 /day

Automatic Sedans

4-5 seats

Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency

  • Professional

From €48 /day

Standard Cars

4-5 seats

Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip

  • No-risk choice

From €32 /day

Tips for this trip

VAT invoices/receipts for business expense claims are generally provided by suppliers upon request.

High-end options are best found at major airport hubs like Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), and Dubrovnik (DBV).

Opt for premium insurance coverage to reduce liability for damages.

Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.

Monthly Rental

Select any vehicle

An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals

  • Best price

From €16 /day

Long Term Car Rental

Varied vehicle options

For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks

  • Flexible

From €22 /day

Automatic Car

4-9 seats

Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills

  • Comfortable
  • Easy parking

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

Costs are lower in the off-season (Nov-Mar) than in the high season (July-Aug).

Unlimited mileage is included with most long term rentals extending flexibility and convenience.

For early returns, no refunds (partial or full) will be provided for long term rentals.

Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.

Convertible

2-4 seats

Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline

  • Fun road trips
  • Open top views

From €62 /day

One Way Rentals

Select any car

Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility

  • Time-saving

From €25 /day

Compact SUV

5 seats

Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space

  • Better visibility
  • Comfort for long distances

From €35 /day

Tips for this trip

One way routes are subject to a fee which is generally upward of €100.

For driving between Split and Dubrovnik skip the Neum Corridor in Bosnia and travel via the Pelješac Bridge to avoid border crossing woes.

If your coastal trip is on a motorway, expect to pay tolls, which typically range from €10 to €30.

Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.

Electric Car

4-5 seats

Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving

  • Cost savings

From €55 /day

Hybrid

4-5 seats

Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives

  • Reduced fuel costs

From €35 /day

Small Compact

4-5 seats

These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives

  • Low cost
  • Efficient

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

EV charging stations are widely available across all major hubs, including Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb and Zadar.

Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.

Charging stations might be limited on islands – for island hopping trips hybrids are a safer choice.

Once you Arrive

What to do in Ljubljana with a rental car

The best day trips and stops around Ljubljana, ranked by how far they are from the city:

Old Town & Castle in Ljubljana

Walk through the car-free Old Town along the Ljubljanica River, then take the funicular to Ljubljana Castle for city views. Park outside the centre. Castle tickets cost €15, or €19 with a return funicular ride.

Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

Ride a small train into one of Europe’s best-known caves, then drive 9 km to Predjama Castle, built into a cliff. Cave tickets start from about €33, and parking is about €6 a day. Book well ahead in summer.

Lake Bled & Bled Castle

A mountain lake with a small island church and a clifftop castle above it. Bled Castle costs €19 for adults. Vintgar Gorge is 4 km away, open April to October, and needs a timed ticket in summer.

Škocjan Caves

Explore a UNESCO-listed underground canyon with a river running through it. Tours run at set times, so book ahead and check prices on the park’s website. Wear warm clothes; temperatures inside are around 10°C.

Lake Bohinj

A quieter, wilder lake inside Triglav National Park, with mountain views and swimming in summer. Arrive early, as the car parks near the lake fill up fast in peak season.

Piran

A Venetian-style town on the Adriatic coast. Park at the Fornače garage and take the free shuttle to Tartini Square to reach the car-free old town. A day of parking costs about €15–30. Best as a full day or an overnight stop.

Parking in Ljubljana: Parking costs about €1.70/hour in the central zone, from 06:00 to 22:00. Cars are not allowed in the Old Town. Use the nearby parking area and walk in.

Explore beyond Croatia

Other Cross-Border Car Rental from Rijeka

While not every cross-border trip is the same, driving a hired vehicle from Croatia to neighbouring countries is relatively easy and hassle-free if you know what to expect in advance. For information about entry requirements, costs and rental rules, refer to the dedicated guides below:

Travel tool

Cross-Border Rental Checker

What to expect when driving a Croatian rental car into a neighbouring country — and what to check with your supplier.

Your help hub

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rental Requirements
  • Border & Insurance
  • Cost & Vehicles
  • Routes & Day Trips

🧑

Can I rent a car for a cross-border trip from Rijeka to Ljubljana?

Yes. Most suppliers allow trips from Rijeka to Slovenia, but you need the supplier’s written approval first. Confirm the Slovenia trip when you book so the authorisation appears in your rental agreement before you collect the car.

Slovenia and Croatia are both in the EU, meaning that paperwork is simpler than for Bosnia or Serbia. The following are a few things you should know:

ItemWhat to expect
Allowed?Yes, with the supplier’s written approval
Cross-border feeVaries by supplier and rental length. Some suppliers include it on longer rentals
Green Card (insurance certificate)Not needed for Slovenia
Where the approval is shownOn your rental agreement

💳

Do I need a credit card for a car rental from Rijeka to Ljubljana?

Yes, in almost all cases. The supplier places a refundable security deposit hold on the main driver’s credit card at pickup. Since the deposit hold isn’t a payment, the supplier releases it in full after you return the car with no damage and no unpaid fines.

The card must be in the name of the main driver on the rental agreement. A few select suppliers may accept debit card deposits, but with a higher deposit or extra insurance. Prepaid cards and cards in another person’s name are usually refused.

📄

Can someone under 25 rent a car for a cross-border trip to Ljubljana?

Often yes, but extra costs and requirements may apply. Most suppliers in Croatia rent to drivers aged 21 and over. Suppliers usually charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Because the required minimum driver age varies by supplier, you should check the driver’s age and licence before you book.

Driver ageWhat to expect
Under 21Most suppliers will not rent
21–24Usually allowed, often with a young driver surcharge and some car categories off limits
25 and overStandard rental terms

Suppliers also ask that you have held your full driving licence for at least 1–2 years. You will still need cross-border approval, regardless of your age. Suppliers may restrict luxury and large cars to older drivers, especially for cross-border travel; confirm eligibility before booking.

📄

What documents do I need to cross the Croatia-Slovenia border?

Croatia and Slovenia are both in the Schengen Area. Most drivers cross without stopping, since Slovenia ended fixed border checks with Croatia in June 2026. Police may still conduct random spot checks from time to time. Travellers must keep their documents in the car and within reach.

DocumentWho needs it
Passport or national ID cardEvery passenger. Non-EU travellers should carry a passport
Full driving licenceThe driver. A licence not in Latin script needs an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Rental agreement with cross-border approvalThe driver
Vehicle registration papersNormally kept in the car by the supplier
Valid visa, if you need oneNon-EU travellers who need a Schengen visa

Travellers from non-EU countries should know that days spent in Croatia count toward the same 90-days-in-180 limit as days in Slovenia.

🛡️

Is my Croatian rental car insurance valid in Slovenia?

Yes, if the supplier has authorised the cross-border trip. Third-party liability insurance on a Croatian rental car is usually valid across the EU, meaning that it also covers Slovenia. Damage cover such as CDW works only if the supplier has approved Slovenia on your rental agreement.

CoverValid in Slovenia?What to know
Third-party liabilityYesCovers damage or injury to other people
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)Yes, if approvedYou still pay the excess
Theft protectionYes, if approvedYou still pay the excess
SCDW (reduced excess)Yes, if approvedOptional extra that lowers or removes the excess
Tyres, glass, undercarriageUsually not includedOften needs a separate extra

If the car breaks down in Slovenia, ask the supplier for a roadside help number that works there before you leave Rijeka.

🎫

Do I need a Slovenian motorway e-vignette for a rental car?

Yes, if you use Slovenian motorways. The drive from Rijeka to Ljubljana uses the A1 motorway, which requires a valid e-vignette. Croatia uses a different system, wherein you pay a distance-based toll on applicable sections, not a vignette.

An e-vignette is digital and linked to the car’s number plate. There is no sticker to put on the window. The shortest option is 7 days.

TypePrice (car)
7 days€16
1 month€32
1 year€117.50

Ask your supplier whether the car already has an e-vignette. Do not assume it does. If it doesn’t, buy one before you reach the motorway. You can buy one using the official DARS e-Vignette Portal or at petrol stations near the border. Other websites may charge extra fees.

💶

How much does it cost to rent a car from Rijeka to Ljubljana?

The total booking price includes several parts. The daily rate varies by season, car type, and supplier. Extra costs apply to cross-border rentals from Rijeka to Ljubljana. Some deals may already include a few of these added costs, while others charge them separately. Carefully review the supplier terms before you book.

CostWhat to expect
Daily rateVaries by season, car and supplier
Cross-border feeVaries by supplier. Sometimes included on longer rentals
One-way drop-off feeOnly if you return the car in Ljubljana. Set by the supplier
Slovenian e-vignette€16 for 7 days
Croatian toll (A7 near Rijeka)About €1 each time you pass the toll station
FuelPaid by you. Most suppliers use a “full to full” policy
Security depositRefundable hold on your credit card

Daily rental prices follow the usual Croatian season pattern. Prices are lowest from January to April and stay low in November and December. They start rising in May and June and peak in July and August. In September and October, they come down to a moderate level. For a trip with the cross-border extras above, the shoulder months offer the widest selection of car options at a fair price.

🚗

Are luxury car rentals available for a trip from Rijeka to Ljubljana?

Yes, but the stock is smaller than in other major Croatian cities like Zagreb or Split. Some suppliers offer premium sedans, larger SUVs, and convertibles, but not at every pickup point. Book as early as possible, especially if you plan to visit in summer. Hiring luxury vehicles may have additional fees and requirements:

What to checkWhy it matters
Minimum driver ageOften higher than 21 for premium cars
Security depositUsually higher than for standard cars
Cross-border approvalSome suppliers limit which cars can leave Croatia
Insurance excessCan be higher for premium models
Daily mileage limitSome premium rentals include only a set distance

🔁

Can I pick up a rental car in Rijeka and return it in Ljubljana?

Yes, if your supplier allows it. A one-way rental between two countries is not offered by every supplier. You will need the supplier’s cross-border travel approval, and a one-way drop-off fee usually applies. The fee depends on the supplier, your chosen car type and the one-way route.

What to checkWhy it matters
Is Ljubljana a return option?Not every supplier lists it
One-way drop-off feeCharged on top of the daily rate. May already be in the price
Cross-border approvalNeeded for the drive into Slovenia
Return location and hoursAirport and city offices may close at different times
After-hours returnNeeds advance notice and may cost extra

If a one-way trip is not a feasible option, you can plan a round trip from Rijeka, which is usually simpler.

🗺️

What is the fastest route from Rijeka to Ljubljana?

The fastest route is about 115 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It leaves Rijeka on the A7 motorway to the Rupa border, crosses into Slovenia at Jelšane, and then connects to the A1 motorway near Postojna for the final stretch to Ljubljana.

Part of the driveWhat to expect
Rijeka → RupaA7 motorway in Croatia, with a small toll
Rupa / Jelšane borderNo fixed checks. Spot checks are possible
Jelšane → PostojnaRegular roads in Slovenia, no motorway toll
Postojna → LjubljanaA1 motorway. E-vignette needed

A smaller road crosses at Pasjak and Starod. It joins the Slovenian road network further south and is slower for Ljubljana, so choose it only if you plan to visit the Slovenian coast.

🚧

Are there toll roads between Rijeka and Ljubljana?

Yes, but the costs are low. You pay a small toll in Croatia and buy an e-vignette for Slovenia.

SectionHow you payCost
A7, Rijeka–Rupa (Croatia)Toll station. Cash (euros) or cardAbout €1
A1, Postojna–Ljubljana (Slovenia)E-vignette linked to your plate€16 for 7 days

A single 7-day e-vignette covers all Slovenian motorways for the whole week. This means you can use it for a day trip and extra drives.

🚗

Can I make a day trip from Rijeka to Ljubljana with a rental car?

Yes. The round trip is about 230 km, so plan on 3 to 4 hours of driving in total. A good plan is to leave Rijeka around 8:00, spend 4 to 5 hours in Ljubljana and be back in the evening.

Cost for a day tripAmount
Slovenian e-vignette (7 days)€16
Croatian toll, near RijekaAbout €1 each time you pass the toll station
Parking, central zone in Ljubljana€1.70 per hour
Park & Ride in Ljubljana€1.50 per 24 hours

As Ljubljana’s Old Town is car-free, you will need to park outside the centre or at a Park & Ride and walk in. Ask the supplier whether your rental has a daily mileage limit, and remember that you still need Slovenia approval for a day trip.

Josip Stjepan
Editorial Contributor

Josip Stjepan

Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist

Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.

How this content is created:

  • Based on real ferry and route data
  • Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
  • Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes

Last Reviewed: October 2026