Taking a taxi in Slovenia without a surprise on the bill

Airport taxis into town

The airport awards its taxi rank by tender, the current one running to the end of March 2027, and every authorised taxi displays its permit behind the windscreen. It also publishes a list of what each one may charge, from the fee on the meter when you set off to the cost of each kilometre, each minute of waiting and, where there is one, each bag, with indicative prices to several destinations. The current list has 41 vehicles, with starting fees of €1.95 to €5 and €1.20 to €2 per kilometre. To Ljubljana bus station, indicative fares run from €37.95 to €63.50; to Kranj, €13.95 to €30, and to Bled, €43.95 to €73.75, always within a 10% margin. The ride to the centre takes about 25 to 35 minutes, according to Ljubljana’s tourist board. The meter switches from the distance rate to the time rate whenever the car drops below a set speed, in jams or at lights, so fares rise at rush hour. Other ways out of the terminal are in Ljubljana Airport.

Taxis in Ljubljana

Taxis wait at signed ranks and can be booked by phone, online form or app. According to the city’s tourist board, you’re most likely to find a free one in the centre, at the railway and bus station and outside the big hotels. When booking, say where you want picking up, where you’re going, how many of you there are and how much luggage, whether you need a child seat or a bigger car and how you’ll pay. If you want to pay by card, check first. The firms it lists include Taxi Metro, Taxi Laguna, Taxi Rondo, Taxi društvo Ljubljana, Rumeni taxi and Intertours. The centre is pedestrianised, so a taxi often drops you at its edge; getting around the city is covered in getting around Ljubljana.

Paying, receipts and avoiding surprises

Buses, trains and other options are covered in getting around Slovenia. The airport bans touting for passengers and asks you to avoid drivers who offer rides in the terminal. When paying, by card or cash, ask for a receipt showing every element of the fare. A tip isn’t expected, and if you want to show your thanks, rounding up is enough, as I explain in tipping in Slovenia. If anything doesn’t feel right, refuse the ride and ask another taxi. And if you booked a car that’s waiting away from the rank, check the number plate the driver has sent you. For longer trips, to Bled or the coast, compare with the bus, which is far cheaper from Ljubljana, as I explain in buses in Slovenia.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Ljubljana and choose by the reviews.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.