Getting between Slovenia’s two most iconic lakes is surprisingly easy, and honestly, it's one of the most scenic drives in the country. Forget the hassle of car rentals; the Bled to Bohinj bus is your ticket to a stress-free adventure. This isn’t just a simple transfer—it’s a beautiful journey that skirts the edge of Triglav National Park, setting the stage for the wild beauty that awaits.
Your Essential Guide to the Bled to Bohinj Bus
Exploring beyond Lake Bled is an absolute must. While Bled is postcard-perfect, Lake Bohinj offers a wilder, more authentic experience that feels a world away. You could drive, but the local bus service is so well-organised that it’s often the smarter, safer choice. It completely removes the stress of navigating narrow alpine roads and hunting for notoriously limited parking spots, especially in the peak summer months.
As guides at Outdoor Slovenia, we use this bus route all the time to meet our groups for canyoning and kayaking adventures in the Bohinj Valley. It’s reliable, it's authentic, and it lets you soak in the stunning mountain scenery without having to keep your eyes on the road. Trust us, the bus is more than just transport here; it’s part of the local fabric.
Bled to Bohinj Bus At a Glance
Here's a quick summary of what to expect on your bus journey between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, with details on operators, cost, and travel time.
| Operator | Average Journey Time | Typical Price Range | Primary Destination Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Slovenia | 36 minutes | €3 – €4 | Bohinjsko jezero/lake |
This route is a lifeline for both locals and adventurers, making a day trip between the two lakes incredibly simple and quick.
The Journey Itself
The bus covers the 32 km road distance in about 36 minutes, making a spontaneous trip to Bohinj totally doable. It’s operated mainly by Arriva Slovenia, and with tickets costing just €3–€4, it's a fantastic option for families, solo travellers, and groups looking to explore more of the Julian Alps without splashing out. For a detailed look at schedules and alternative transport, this Rome2Rio overview is a great resource.
This short bus ride is an adventure in itself. As you pull away from Bled, the landscape transforms almost instantly. The road winds right alongside the Sava Bohinjka river, giving you breathtaking glimpses of its emerald water and the towering peaks that frame the valley. It’s the perfect preview of the raw, natural beauty waiting for you in Bohinj.
Whether you're planning a full day of hiking up to Savica Waterfall, joining us for a professionally guided water activity, or just want to see the grandeur of Lake Bohinj with your own eyes, the bus is the smartest way to get there. Think of it as your hassle-free ticket to one of Slovenia’s most treasured locations.
Finding Timetables and Buying Your Bus Tickets
Alright, let's talk logistics: bus schedules and tickets. Getting your spot on the Bled to Bohinj bus is simple, but knowing where to look and what to expect can save you a headache, especially during peak season. Your main port of call is the Arriva Slovenia website, as they're the primary operator for this route.
When you're checking their site, pay close attention to the day of the week and the season. Timetables can shift for weekends and public holidays, and there's a big difference between the summer schedule (July-August) and the rest of the year. A bus that runs every hour on a weekday in July might only appear every few hours on a Sunday in October.
Where to Purchase Your Ticket
You have a couple of easy options, and both work perfectly well.
- Online via the Arriva Website: This is a solid choice if you're on a tight schedule or have a tour booked and want the peace of mind that your seat is guaranteed. No surprises, no stress.
- In-person from the Driver or Station: Honestly, this is what most locals and adventurers do. You can buy your ticket right from the driver when you board (cash is your best friend here) or at the main bus station in Bled. It’s perfect if your plans are a bit more spontaneous.
Local Tip: Our guides at Outdoor Slovenia often check the timetable online the night before to get an idea of departure times, but then just buy the ticket from the driver. It gives you that bit of flexibility in case your morning coffee in Bled runs a little longer than planned.
If you're looking for more general tips on navigating bus travel, a resource like this complete guide to affordable bus travel can offer some great insights that apply almost anywhere.
Syncing with Your Adventure
Timing is everything, especially if you have an activity booked with us. For instance, if you're joining our canyoning trip in Bohinj, we always suggest catching a bus that gets you there at least 30-45 minutes before our meeting time. This safety buffer accounts for any small delays and gives you a moment to use the restroom or soak in the view at Ribčev Laz.
And a word to the wise for all day-trippers: always, always check the time of the last bus back to Bled. You don’t want an amazing day in nature to end with a very expensive taxi ride!
If you're starting your journey from Slovenia's capital, our guide on getting from Ljubljana to Lake Bled will help you nail down that first leg of the trip.
Finding Your Way: Key Bus Stops and What to Expect on the Route
The ride on the Bled to Bohinj bus is so much more than just a way to get from A to B. It’s a mini scenic tour through the heart of the Julian Alps, with gorgeous views of the Sava Bohinjka river pretty much the whole way. Think of it as the perfect warm-up for your adventure.
You’ll most likely kick off your journey at the main Bled bus station (Bled Avtobusna Postaja), which is central and easy to spot. Once on board, the bus meanders through charming alpine villages before the landscape opens up into the truly spectacular Bohinj Valley.
Main Stops Around Lake Bohinj
The bus makes several stops, but there are two you really need to know. Getting off at the right one makes all the difference for a smooth day of exploring.
- Ribčev Laz: This is the first main stop you'll hit right at the eastern edge of Lake Bohinj. It's the perfect spot to hop off for that iconic postcard view of the lake with the Church of St. John the Baptist. It's also the meeting point for many Outdoor Slovenia activities, making it a critical hub for adventurers joining our trips.
- Bohinjska Bistrica: This is a larger town and a major transport hub you’ll pass through before reaching the lake itself. You might end up changing buses here for other destinations or stopping for supplies, as it has more services like supermarkets and restaurants.
For most visitors heading straight to the lake, Ribčev Laz is your stop. It puts you exactly where you need to be for classic photos and lakeside walks. If you’re heading to the Vogel cable car, just stay on the bus until the final Bohinjsko Jezero/Lake stop at Ukanc on the far side of the lake.
Knowing which stop is which turns a simple bus journey into a savvy part of your travel plan. It means you land in the right place, ready for a day of hiking, kayaking, or meeting your guide, without any of that last-minute "where are we?" panic.
Winter Travel and the Bohinj Ski Bus
When snow blankets the Julian Alps, the regular Bled-Bohinj bus transforms into the essential "Ski Bus," your direct line to the slopes. Forget trying to navigate icy alpine roads and searching for parking—they're practically non-existent. This service is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to ski or snowboard at Vogel or Soriška Planina.
The bus is perfectly set up for winter sports. Most buses on this route come equipped with racks for skis and snowboards, making travel with gear incredibly easy. As local guides, we can't stress enough how much simpler and safer this makes a day out on the mountain.
The Winter Bled Bus Service
In the heart of winter, a dedicated service called the Winter Bled Bus makes things even better. It’s a sustainable shuttle running on a fixed schedule, designed specifically to get skiers and snowboarders from Bled straight to the Vogel ski area.
For instance, from 19 December 2025 to 8 March 2026, the bus departs Bled at 08:30, arriving at the Vogel cable car by 09:30. The return journey leaves Vogel at 16:00, getting you back to Bled by 17:00—perfect timing for a full day on the slopes. You can find more details about this special service on the official Bled tourism site.
Our top tip for winter travel is to embrace the bus. It’s not just about avoiding the stress of driving; it's about safety. The local drivers are experts on these roads in all conditions, ensuring you get to the slopes and back securely, so you can focus on the fun.
Making Your Ski Trip Affordable
This service isn’t just convenient; it’s also incredibly easy on the wallet. The journey is often free for certain visitors, which adds amazing value to your ski trip.
- Julian Alps Card Holders: If you're staying in the area and have this card, your ride is typically free of charge.
- Children: Kids under 12 who are travelling with an adult also ride for free on the dedicated winter bus.
This frees up your budget for the important things, like lift passes and a warm drink at the mountain lodge. For a comprehensive look at the slopes you'll be heading to, check out our guide to the Vogel Ski Resort, one of Slovenia's best winter playgrounds.
Smart Travel Tips for the Bohinj Area
Once your bus from Bled arrives in Bohinj, you’ll find the valley is much larger and more spread out than Bled. Don't worry, though. A brilliant local transport network makes getting around a breeze, and this is where you can start travelling smarter, not harder.
The secret weapon for exploring the area is the Julian Alps–Bohinj Card. It's a total game-changer, and something we at Outdoor Slovenia always recommend our guests get. The card is packed with discounts, but its single best feature is free, unlimited public transport.
The Power of the Bohinj Card
This card is an absolute must if you're staying anywhere in the Bohinj area. It effectively turns the local bus network into your own personal, cost-free shuttle service, helping protect the fragile ecosystem of Triglav National Park.
If you're a guest staying for two or more nights, you can get the card and unlock 100% free rides on all the local Alpetour bus routes. This sustainable initiative is so successful that public transport use among cardholders jumps to a massive 65% in the summer, taking a huge number of cars off the park roads.
The real beauty of this system is the freedom it gives you. You can take a bus to Ukanc, hike up to the stunning Savica Waterfall, and then just hop on the next bus from a completely different stop without a second thought about tickets or parking. It’s absolutely seamless.
Maximising Your Adventure Time
In the summer months, special ‘hop-on-hop-off’ bus routes constantly circle the lake. These are designed to connect all the key trailheads, villages, and viewpoints. It means you can start a hike at one end of the lake and simply catch a bus back from the other—total freedom to explore.
By combining the main Bled–Bohinj bus with these free local services, you can plan action-packed days just like we do. For example, you could catch an early bus from Bled, meet us for a morning of canyoning, and then use the free local bus to discover a hidden corner of the valley before making your way back.
And if you're planning your trip right from Slovenia's main travel hub, be sure to check out our complete guide on Ljubljana Airport bus connections to get everything sorted from the get-go.
Your Bled to Bohinj Bus Questions, Answered
Planning a trip between Bled and Bohinj, you've probably got a few questions. We get them all the time from our guests. Here are the straight-up answers to the most common queries, based on our years of guiding in the area.
Can I Bring Luggage or a Bike on the Bus?
Got a large suitcase or a trekking backpack? No problem. The buses running this route are usually coach-style with large storage holds underneath. Just let the driver know as you're boarding, and they'll get it stowed away safely for you.
Bikes, however, are a different story. The regular public buses, including the main Arriva service, are not equipped to carry bicycles. Your best bet is to rent a bike when you get to Bohinj—there are plenty of great rental shops right near the lake.
How Often Do Buses Run in Summer vs. the Off-Season?
There's a massive difference, so this is crucial for planning.
In the peak summer months, especially July and August, the Bled to Bohinj bus runs frequently. You can expect a bus at least every hour, sometimes even more often, which makes it super easy to be spontaneous.
But once you head into the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) or winter, the schedule thins out dramatically. You might find there are only a handful of buses a day, often with a few hours between them. This is when checking the online timetable becomes non-negotiable if you don't want to get stranded.
A little pro tip from our guides: always, always double-check the weekend and public holiday timetables. They can be completely different from the weekday schedule, even in the middle of summer.
Can I Pay with a Credit Card on the Bus?
Don't count on it. While you can use a card to buy tickets online in advance or sometimes at the main ticket office in Bled, it’s a cash-only world when you’re paying the driver directly.
Most drivers on this route only accept cash (Euros). To make things smooth and quick for everyone, try to have smaller notes and coins ready. It'll get you on board and on your way to adventure without any fuss.
Ready to turn that scenic bus ride into a real adventure? Outdoor Slovenia offers professionally guided canyoning, kayaking, and rafting trips that begin right where the bus drops you off in Bohinj. We provide all the safety gear and expert instruction so you can focus on the thrill. Let us handle the logistics while you soak in the beauty of Triglav National Park. Book your unforgettable Slovenian adventure with us today!