This past summer, my husband and I backpacked through Europe and spent a week in the picturesque country of Slovenia. As with most tourists, one of our top questions before our trip was, “What is the best way to get around?” For Slovenia, it was by car.
While traveling around Europe is one of the best places to be without a car, having a vehicle is one of the most reliable ways to get the most out of your Slovenia trip. Not only does it allow you to be flexible with your itinerary, you can also explore areas that may not be easily accessible by public transportation and you don’t have to rely on someone else’s time table.
Now, driving as a tourist in a foreign country can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be stressful if you familiarize yourself with road information and traffic regulations. If you choose to travel Slovenia by car, here are 15 key tips that might help you ensure a smooth journey.
Note: This post covers helpful tips based on our personal experience, but it does not cover every single item to know. Please make sure to do your own research and due diligence!
1. Have a Highway Vignette
What’s a vignette you ask? Highway vignette, also called motorway vignette, is a type of road tax that allows you to use the highway for a period of time. If you’re an American, think of it like toll roads but it works with a sticker on the windshield and you purchase it BEFORE getting on any highway.
Some rental cars already come with a vignette included in their contract. Our rental car with Sixt came with one so we didn’t need to worry about this, but definitely verify with them beforehand.
Vignettes are electronically bound to your license plate and checked by cameras. If there is a camera and you do not have a vignette, you may get a fine for every time you get on the highway. Save the headache and buy one before getting on the highway. Fines are hefty (as of 2024, it is 300-800 euros).
2. No Turn on Red
Unlike the U.S., there is NO turning right at a red light, unless there is a sign that specifically states so.
3. Have an International Driver’s License
Having an International Driver’s License is required in Slovenia. For US Citizens, it is also called an International Driving Permit (IDP).
In the US, we were easily able to get one through the American Automobile Association (AAA). AAA is the only place that is authorized by the US government to issue International Driving Permits. The process was quick and easy. No tests or DMV-style wait times. We completed the application, paid the $20 fee, took photos, and voilà – in and out in 20 minutes!
4. Familiarize Yourself With The (Slightly Confusing) Speed Limits
The speed limit system is a different than here in the US, and it can get a bit confusing.
In the US, speed limit signs are plastered everywhere to inform you what the limit is. In Slovenia, the signs are a bit sparse and far in between. The reason? There are blanket speed limits that apply to all the roads. The only exception is if you see a speed limit sign.
The standard speed limits are (unless otherwise stated by a sign):
- Residential areas: 50 kph / 30 mph
- Regional roads: 90 kph / 56 mph, basically means regular roads that connect towns
- Expressways (blue signs): 110 kph / 68 mph, basically a divided highway
- Motorways (green signs): 130 kph / 80 mph, basically a faster divided highway with less interrupted routes
Confusing Roads in Slovenia Explained
Now the confusing part is that some roads, such as the steep curvy mountain roads, are considered “regional roads” with a speed limit of 90 kph / 56 mph. If you’ve driven these types of mountain roads before, you know this is VERY fast, especially considering the blind spots, sharp curves, and cliff drop-offs. So what’s the deal? Are you supposed to go that fast on these roads?
While I couldn’t find a clear answer on this, the general consensus is to adjust your speed accordingly to ensure your safety and the safety of others. So basically, go at your comfortable speed, and pull over to let locals pass whenever possible.
5. There Are Speed Cameras
Don’t speed. One of the most lousy things to happen after coming home from a wonderful vacation is receiving a speeding ticket in the mail. Don’t let that be you! There are many fixed and mobile speed cameras that are actively in use. I’ve found that Google Maps generally does a great job at letting you know when you are approaching one.
6. Drive on the Right Side of the Road
As with the majority of Europe and all of the US, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road.
7. Gas stations are typically called ‘Petrol’ stations
Gasoline (or gas) and petrol are the same, just different terms used in different regions. ‘Petrol’ is generally used in Europe and ‘gas’ is used in North America. Slovenia calls it ‘petrol.’
8. Green is regular, Diesel is black
In the US, you’ll typically find that the black pumps are for regular gas and green pumps are for diesel gas. In Slovenia, it’s the opposite. The regular gas is green, and diesel is black. Make sure to always check your car for the correct gas type!
9. Gas Prices Are the Same Everywhere in the Country
In the United States, my husband and I are always scouting around for the cheapest gas prices. Filling up gas at a wholesale fuel station versus a retail station can mean a difference upwards of $30.
In Slovenia, gas prices are essentially the same everywhere in the country because oil prices are partially regulated. If you’re running low on fuel, just fill up at the nearest one – no need to hunt for the cheapest gas costs!
10. Headlights on during the nighttime AND daytime
According to the US Embassy of Slovenia’s website, motorists are required to have their headlights on during the daytime AND nighttime. Some countries require this because there are claims that say it makes your car more visible and reduces accidents.
11. Lots of Roundabouts
Roundabouts are not completely foreign in the United States, but I can confidently say we don’t have nearly as many as Europe. And this includes Slovenia. Roundabouts are a very common alternative to traffic signals and stop signs. Chances are you’ll come across one, or two… or many. Heck, they even have them as soon as you exit from the rental car company at the airport. Sharpen up your knowledge on how to use them properly!
12. Right lane for driving, left lane for overtaking
You’re only allowed to overtake on the left side, not the right. After you overtake someone, return to the right lane. Make sure not to speed. There are speed cameras!
13. Watch for Pedestrians
This is pretty self explanatory, but make sure you watch for pedestrians everywhere. In general, people walk a lot in Europe so it’s best to exercise caution especially in intersections.
14. If Renting, Check Your Car Transmission Type
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the small details when you’re reserving a car. If you’re like me and only know how to drive an automatic car, make sure to rent an automatic car! In Europe, manual cars are the most common. 80% of the cars sold in Europe have manual transmissions compared to the 1% in the U.S. Make sure to check that you are reserving the correct car transmission type!
15. Study the Driving Signs
Familiarize yourself with the driving signs and make sure to know the common ones such as the informational signs, speed limit signs, and traffic signs.
Check out here for visual examples of driving signs.
My Car Rental Costs in Ljubljana, Slovenia
In the summer of 2024, we rented an automatic Volkswagen Polo with Sixt and it cost an average of $38 per day, including taxes and fees. It was the cheapest option at the time and we had zero issues with the car. To be frank, we loved it because it’s incredibly fuel efficient. Because of its fantastic gas mileage (42-53 mpg), we only filled our tank once ($76) during the entirety of the trip. We also had a smooth experience with the rental car company, Sixt.
What it is Like Driving Around Slovenia as an American
Driving in Slovenia is generally not significantly different than in the United States. For example, you drive on the right side of the road, there are stop lights and similar types of roads. But of course, there’ are still differences. It’s important to do your own research and due diligence so you can know these differences and abide by the rules to safely drive through the country.
Is Driving in Slovenia Easy?
If you are an experienced driver from the United States, driving in Slovenia may generally be easy and trouble-free. The roads are very well-kept and easy to navigate. Outside the major cities, there is usually very little traffic. Ultimately, it’s pretty straightforward as long as you brush up on the signs and familiarize yourself with the common rules.
For more resources on Slovenia, check out:
– The Perfect 5-Day Slovenia Itinerary: Ljubljana and Lake Bled
– Best View of Lake Bled: Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Viewpoints
