Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Layover Guide (LJU)

What are you looking for in LJU?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is an international airport located near Brnik, Slovenia. It’s situated about 26 km (16 miles) from downtown Ljubljana. The airport officially opened in 1963. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is known for its charming architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and green spaces. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle and rich history, making it a delightful place to visit. It’s also a gateway to Slovenia’s stunning natural landscapes.

Can you leave Ljubljana Airport (LJU) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover you may leave Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport to explore the city. Since LJU is inside the Schengen Area, exiting the transit hall requires Schengen entry rights: you must be from a visa-exempt country or possess a valid Schengen C-type short-stay visa. Airports transit visa rules apply otherwise. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ljubljana Castle Perched atop a hill, Ljubljana Castle offers panoramic views of the city, interactive museum exhibits, and a medieval courtyard with live performances. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Preseren Square (40 min), then funicular or 15 min walk)
• Old Town Walking Tour Stroll through the charming Old Town’s cobbled streets, marvel at Baroque architecture, the Triple Bridge, and hidden courtyards. Discover local cafes, artisan shops, and vibrant street art around every corner. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Preseren Square (40 min))
• Tivoli Park Escape to Tivoli Park’s lush greenery, tree-lined promenades, and ornamental ponds. Relax by the Jakopič Promenade, visit the Tivoli Mansion art gallery, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic with friends. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Tivoli stop (45 min))
• Dragon Bridge Admire the iconic Dragon Bridge, decorated with fierce dragon sculptures symbolizing the city’s protectors. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and history buffs exploring Ljubljana’s folklore-inspired landmarks. Plan visits for sunrise views. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Njegošova stop (40 min), then 5 min walk)
• Central Market Browse the vibrant Central Market’s stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local cheeses, and handcrafted souvenirs. Sample regional delicacies, mingle with vendors, and soak up authentic Slovenian culinary culture by afternoon. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Preseren Square (40 min), then 5 min walk)
• Metelkova Experience Metelkova’s alternative art scene in colorful repurposed military barracks, featuring street art murals, live music venues, and underground bars. A hub of avant-garde creativity and countercultural energy after dusk. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Trubarjeva stop (40 min), then 3 min walk)
• Museum of Illusions Step into the Museum of Illusions for mind-bending exhibits like rotating tunnels, holograms, and optical puzzles. Engage your senses, capture surreal photos, and challenge perceptions in a playful environment today. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Glavni trg stop (40 min), then 2 min walk)
• Ljubljanica River Cruise Cruise along the Ljubljanica River aboard an open-air boat, glide under historic bridges, and learn stories of Ljubljana’s past from a charming local guide. Perfect for relaxation and photo ops. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus 28 to Preseren Square (40 min), then 5 min walk)

Things to Do in Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Business Lounge at Ljubljana Airport (Departure Hall after security) welcomes Priority Pass members or fee-paying guests. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, newspapers and magazines. A quiet work area and bar service ensure a tranquil environment to unwind or catch up on work before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several countryside-style hotels lie within 5 km of the airport, including Bed & Breakfast Pr’Sknet and Dvor Jezeršek Brnik. They feature cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast and paid or complimentary shuttle transfers. Ideal for early departures or overnight stays, these hotels offer mountain views and convenient online booking. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Though Ljubljana Airport’s terminal closes overnight, passengers inside before closing may remain landside. Padded benches in the check-in hall and upstairs offer basic resting spots. No dedicated sleep pods or lounges are available. Travelers should bring a travel pillow or sleeping bag for added comfort during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (“Fraport Wifi”) is available throughout the main passenger terminal and General Aviation Centre at Ljubljana Airport. The network is open-access with no password and no time-limit. Simply select the network on your device and connect. Charging points are located behind seating areas and near several outlets in lounges and gates.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local mobile operators A1, Telekom Slovenije and Telemach offer prepaid SIM cards at kiosks in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, purchase an eSIM online (via Airalo or similar) before travel for instant data. SIM packages include data, calls and texts. Remember to carry passport identification when buying a physical SIM. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis queue outside the arrivals hall, operating under regulated fares (start €0.80–€1.50 plus €0.70–€1.70/km). A ride to Ljubljana city centre (26 km) costs around €20–€45 and takes 25–30 minutes. For best rates, book by phone in advance or enquire before boarding to confirm the fare with the driver.

Train: There is currently no direct train service to Ljubljana Airport. The nearest railway stations are in Ljubljana city and Kranj, approximately 26 km away. Travelers can combine bus or taxi services with rail connections at Ljubljana Central Station. more info

Bus: Bus line 28 connects Ljubljana Airport with Ljubljana Central Bus Station. Departures run every 30–60 minutes from 06:02 to 21:00 (06:09–21:00 on weekends). The one-way fare is €3.90 weekdays (€1.90 weekends). Buses depart from the station between P1 and P2 car parks. more info

Shuttle: Nomago and GoOpti operate shared shuttle buses from outside the terminal to various city hotels and Ljubljana Bus Station. Tickets cost around €12 per person and trips take about 40 minutes. Pre-booking online is recommended to secure seats and avoid long waits during peak times.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, Dollar, Thrifty, ABC, Agio, Avant, Atent) have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to vans. Advance online reservations guarantee availability and best rates. Drivers must present a valid license, passport and credit card deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Ljubljana Airport provides 3,200 parking spaces: a 1,300-space multistorey car park opposite the terminal and two open-air lots (P1 and P2) with 1,900 spaces. Short-term “kiss & fly” drop-off is free for 15 minutes. Parking fees apply; pay at the 24-hour terminal cashier. EV charging points are available in P1.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage storage facilities, lockers or left-luggage services within Ljubljana Airport terminal. Travelers needing secure storage should use services in Ljubljana city centre or at the main bus station before entering the airport premises. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ljubljana Airport (LJU) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks