English How to get from Ljubljana Airport to Opatija
The journey is around 135 km and takes approximately two hours. From Ljubljana Airport in Brnik, the route follows the motorway past Ljubljana and Postojna, crosses into Croatia at the Rupa (Jelšane) border crossing and, once in the Kvarner region, continues towards Matulji before joining the D8 coastal road to Opatija. As this is a Schengen crossing, there is normally no need to stop at the border.
Most of the journey is on Slovenian motorways, with a slower final section as the road descends towards the coast and passes through the resorts along the Riviera.
A border crossing you will barely notice
Although Opatija is in another country, the crossing from Slovenia into Croatia at Rupa is now an internal Schengen border, with no routine border checks. What does change is the motorway toll system, although not the currency.
Electronic vignette
Slovenian motorways require an electronic vignette linked to the vehicle registration number. On a transfer with a fixed fare, this is already included.
Motorway tolls
The Croatian motorway towards Rijeka uses tolls rather than a vignette. These are also covered by the transfer fare.
No currency exchange since 2023
Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, so there is no need to exchange money during this journey: you can pay in euros in both Slovenia and Opatija. This differs from other cross-border routes in the Balkans.
Drop-off along a Riviera spread across the coast
Opatija is not a single point: its Riviera stretches along the coast between Volosko and Lovran, with hotels spread across several resorts linked by the Lungomare promenade. When booking, it is best to provide the town and the name of your accommodation rather than simply "Opatija", as the drop-off point can be several kilometres away depending on the location.
| Location | On the Riviera |
|---|---|
| Volosko | A former fishing village at the northern end, with narrow streets around the harbour. |
| Opatija | The central resort, with large seafront hotels and busy access roads. |
| Ičići & Ika | The middle section, with a marina and small coves between Opatija and Lovran. |
| Lovran | The southern end of the Riviera, around twelve kilometres from Volosko. |
The Lungomare is pedestrian-only
The seafront promenade linking the Riviera is closed to vehicles. Hotels facing the sea are accessed from the road, so your drop-off will be arranged at the nearest vehicle-accessible point to the entrance.
Vehicle, luggage and return journey
A two-hour journey involving a border crossing and a coastal-road arrival calls for a vehicle with plenty of boot space, particularly for the longer spa stays Opatija is known for. The number of passengers and pieces of luggage determines the vehicle assigned.
You can view the available options in the Zonetransfers fleet. If you would rather have a driver at your disposal for travelling between the resorts along the Riviera or taking trips around Istria, there is also a chauffeur service in Ljubljana. Stops and waiting times are subject to the service terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Ljubljana Airport to Opatija?
About two hours for the 135 km journey, crossing into Croatia at the Rupa border crossing. The final section along the coastal road is slower than the motorway.
Do I need to change currency when I arrive in Opatija?
No. Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, as did Slovenia, so you can pay in euros throughout the journey without changing currency at the border.
Are there passport checks at the border?
Not routinely: Slovenia and Croatia are both part of the Schengen Area. Even so, it is advisable to carry a valid ID card or passport in case of an occasional check.
Are the vignette and motorway tolls included?
Yes. The Slovenian section requires an electronic vignette and the Croatian section uses motorway tolls; both are included in the fare for a transfer with a fixed price.
Why do you need the resort as well as the hotel name?
Because the Riviera stretches for around twelve kilometres between Volosko and Lovran. Knowing whether your accommodation is in Opatija, Ičići, Ika, Lovran or Volosko ensures the correct drop-off point is arranged.
Can the car reach a hotel overlooking the Lungomare?
The Lungomare is pedestrian-only, so the drop-off takes place from the road, as close as possible to the entrance of the accommodation.
Can I combine the journey with Rijeka or a town in Istria?
Yes, stops can be arranged when booking. Rijeka is only a few kilometres from Opatija, and many routes into Istria pass through the same area.
How do I arrange the return journey to Ljubljana Airport?
Book with the exact pick-up point on the Riviera and your flight time, allowing around two hours for the journey again, plus sufficient time for check-in.
Get a quote for your Opatija transfer
Provide the date, flight number, number of passengers and pieces of luggage, and the resort along the Riviera together with the accommodation name (Volosko, Opatija, Ičići, Ika or Lovran). With these details, we can prepare a fixed fare including the vignette and motorway toll.
Available from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.