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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Slovenia

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Maribor

Most international visitors to Maribor utilize either Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) or Graz Airport (GRZ).

Airport Details

  • Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU): Slovenia's main international airport, 130 km southwest.
  • Graz Airport (GRZ): In Austria, 60 km north, often a more direct and quicker option.
  • Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX): Mainly cargo/charter, not typically practical for tourists.

Airlines & Routes

Direct flights from major global hubs are not common to LJU or GRZ. Travelers typically connect through major European airline hubs.

Common Carriers

  • To LJU: Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia, Wizz Air, easyJet, Brussels Airlines.
  • To GRZ: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair.
  • Connect through hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Istanbul, London, or Amsterdam.

Flight Price Savings

Affiliate resource: Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search Tools

Affiliate resource: Skyscanner for comparing airfares.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices peak in summer and around holidays; shoulder seasons often present better value.

Airport Transfers to Maribor

From LJU Ljubljana

  • Shuttle Services: GoOpti is a popular door-to-door option.
  • Bus: Local bus to Ljubljana main station, then intercity bus to Maribor.
  • Train: Local bus to Kranj/Ljubljana station, then train to Maribor (multiple transfers).
  • Rental Car: Pick up at LJU for exploring at your own pace.

From GRZ Graz

  • Shuttle Services: GoOpti also operates from Graz Airport to Maribor.
  • Train: Local bus to Graz Hauptbahnhof, then direct train to Maribor (approx. 1 hour).
  • Bus: FlixBus offers direct international bus connections.
  • Rental Car: Available at GRZ for a quick drive to Maribor.

Airport Facilities

Standard Services

Both Ljubljana and Graz airports offer standard facilities: car rental agencies, ATMs, currency exchange.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops for souvenirs and cafes/restaurants with various food and drink options.

Connectivity & Comfort

Wi-Fi generally available throughout terminals. Lounges are an option for eligible travelers.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Maribor is a major railway hub in Slovenia, with its train station centrally located.

Rail Services

  • Domestic Connections: Frequent direct trains to Ljubljana (1.5-2 hours) and other cities.
  • International Connections: Direct services to Graz (approx. 1 hr), Vienna (3.5-4 hrs), Zagreb.
  • Trains are generally reliable, comfortable, and a relaxed way to travel.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus travel presents a cost-effective option for both domestic and international routes.

Bus Companies

  • Arriva Slovenia: Extensive network of domestic routes across Slovenia.
  • FlixBus: Direct international connections from Maribor to various European cities.
  • International Destinations: Graz, Vienna, Zagreb, and Budapest.

Self-Driving Considerations

A mandatory electronic vignette (e-vignette) is needed for all Slovenian motorways and expressways.

Driving Rules

  • Vignette: Purchase online or at petrol stations near borders.
  • Driving Side: Slovenia drives on the right-hand side.
  • Headlights: Must be on at all times, day or night.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Road conditions are generally good. Speed limits receive strict enforcement.

Reminders

  • Alcohol Limit: Strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%.
  • Winter Equipment: Winter tires are mandatory Nov 15 - Mar 15.
  • Documents: Carry valid driving license, IDP (if needed), registration, insurance proof.

Rental Car Resources

  • DiscoverCars.com for comparing car rental deals.
  • Major international companies: Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Enterprise have offices.
  • Offices in Maribor city center and at LJU/GRZ airports.
  • Book in advance, especially during peak season, for better rates.
  • Major credit card in driver's name is necessary for security deposit.
  • Minimum age for rental is typically 21 (some companies 25 for certain cars).

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City Status

Maribor is an inland city, situated on the Drava River. Direct international passenger transport by sea or large river vessels is not applicable for arrivals directly into Maribor.

River Navigation

  • The Drava River is navigable for smaller recreational boats.
  • It is not a route for international ferry or cruise arrivals.
  • Any travel by water to Slovenia would typically involve the coast.

Coastal Connection

Travelers arriving by cruise ship would typically land at the Slovenian coast.

Coastal Ports

  • Main coastal ports include Koper or Portorož.
  • From there, overland travel to Maribor would be the next step.
  • Overland transport options include bus, train, or rental car.

Land Routes

Maribor connects well by road from other Slovenian cities and neighboring countries.

Rail Links

Direct train services connect Maribor to Ljubljana, Graz, and Vienna.

Bus Networks

Intercity buses by Arriva and international routes by FlixBus.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from Slovenian airports or land borders for tourists. The cost of such fees typically finds inclusion in your airline ticket.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights (LJU or GRZ): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Intercity Train or Bus: Arrive approximately 30 minutes before departure.
  • International Bus Routes: Arriving 45-60 minutes early is wise.

Airport/Station Facilities

Airports and stations present various facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services

  • Airports (LJU, GRZ): Check-in counters, security screening areas, duty-free shops.
  • Cafes, restaurants, and comfortable waiting lounges.
  • Train and Bus Stations (Maribor): Waiting areas, ticket counters, small shops.

Departure Reminders

Reconfirm Schedule

Reconfirm your flight or train/bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure. This keeps you aware of changes or delays.

VAT Refunds

Finalize any VAT refund procedures at customs desks before security at airports.

Passport Control

For flights outside the Schengen Area, allow additional time for passport control.

Final Check

Check your luggage for any prohibited items before heading to the airport.