Skocjan Caves: Day Trips and Tours from Ljubljana

No visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia, would be complete without a day trip to the Skocjan Caves. This network of caverns is the largest in Europe and is protected by UNESCO. Skocjan Caves were carved out by the underground river, Reka, with a hidden canyon, limestone corridors, halls and mineral formations waiting for you.

Day trips to the Skocjan caves include stops at other places of natural and historical beauty, such as Walls of Piran on the Adriatic Sea, and the lakes and marshes surrounding the caves. Take a glimpse of all Slovenia has to offer on a day tour from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves.

You will find all you need to know about the Skocjan Caves, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Ljubljana.

How to get to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana?

Skocjan Caves are located in the southwest corner of Ljubljana, not far from Trieste, Italy. You can easily access them by car or train from the Slovenian capital. Your journey through the countryside to this natural wonder is easy and includes many possible stops along the way.

From Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves by car

Driving is the fastest way to reach the caves. It takes an hour and is about 80 kilometers from the capital. From Ljubljana, take the E61 south. You may also take the A1 out of town and connect to E61 at Podsmreka. Continue on the E61 toward Divaca and follow the signs to the caves.

From Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves by bus

Bus or train trips from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves take 3 hours, allowing for stops for other passengers and transferring or walking time. From there, take the Goriče pri Famljah bus for 6 minutes until you reach the Skocjan stop. The caves are a 20-minute walk from here.

Bus fare is from €13 to €30 each way. From the Tobacna stop in Ljubljana, take the bus for 1.5 hours to Divaca.

From Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves by train

Trains to Skocjan Caves leave from Ljubljana Train Station every four hours. Take the train from Ljubljana Train Station to Divaca for 1.5 hours. From Divaca, either take a taxi directly to the caves or take the Goriče pri Famljah bus to the Skocjan stop.

Train tickets range from €12 to €60 each way per person.

Guided tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana

Leave your planning to professionals by taking a day tour to Skocjan Caves. Most day tours include stops along the way at destinations that you might otherwise miss!

Common attractions include the Lipica Horse Farm, the Karst region for wine and prosciutto tasting, and the mysterious Predjama Castle.

Most tours include a stop at Piran, a medieval town on the Adriatic coast known for its beaches and fresh seafood.

How much does the entrance ticket to Skocjan Caves cost?

Tickets to enter Skocjan Caves are €16 to €20 per person, depending on the season. Some guided tours include entry to Skocjan Caves in their packages, but for other tours it is an additional cost.

Surrounding the caves is a network of trails to explore, and there is a museum to pique your curiosity, both of which are included in the price of an entry ticket.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana?

Your day tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana starts around 8 AM, and many tours offer pickup from your hotel. For other tours, guides will meet you at a central location in Ljubljana. You will ride in air-conditioned minivans toward your first destination.

A direct trip in a private vehicle will take you to the Skocjan Caves in about 50 minutes. However, most tours include stops at cultural and natural attractions during the drive there and back.

Stops along the way often include Lipica Horse Farm, the medieval village of Stangel, the Karst region for local food tasting, the coastal town of Piran, and Predjama and Socerb Castles.

Visits to the caves last 1.5 to 2 hours, though private tours take more time and can include lesser-visited areas of the park. Most return trips include stops as well. You will return to Ljubljana around 7 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Skocjan Caves?

There are half- and full-day tours, private and small group tours, and even a self-guided driving tour you can download to your mobile device. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a day trip to fit your tastes.

Guided tours to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana

Join a guided group tour to access hidden corners of Slovenia during your trip to Skocjan Caves. The caves are the main attraction, but all full-day tours include other captivating sites like castles and villages along the way.

Small groups are capped at eight to 15 people, making for a manageable size. Tours last from 8 to 12 hours.

Private tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana

Perfect for families or groups of friends, a private tour is a special experience where your group (two to eight people) is the center of attention.

Most private tours meet you at your hotel, and you will hop in a minivan. Stops are similar to those in a group tour, but the freedom of traveling with your own group adds comfort at a pace you choose.

Half-Day tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana

Half-day tours last from 4 to 6 hours, and longer ones still allow time for other visits on the way. Tours closer to 4 hours will feature only a visit to the caves. There are tour options with a visit to Lipica Horse Farm, which take about 6 hours.

Self-guided tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana

This innovative option is entirely accessible by mobile device, allows the most freedom, and is very affordable.

In your self-driven car, follow the itinerary provided to sites that group and private tours visit with the advantage of total independence. The service also provides historical and cultural information for each site, as well as insider tips like great restaurants and convenient parking.

How much does a tour to Skocjan Caves from Ljubljana cost?

There are day tours to fit most budgets and time frames. The most affordable option is the €10 self-drive trip. This is a self-guided tour that you follow on your mobile device.

Half-day tours range from €80 to €120 per person, depending on whether entry tickets to the caves or other sites are included.

Full-day tours range from €80 to €200 per person, depending on additional destinations and whether entry tickets to the caves or other attractions are included.

Private tours cost from €100 to €575 per group. They include private transportation and personalized guided experience. Tour prices are higher for groups larger than four people.

What will you see and do on a Skocjan Caves day trip from Ljubljana?

Only half-day tours are limited to just a visit to the caves. The route from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves passes through many sites that are too good to miss.

Lipica Horse Farm

Lipica Horse Farm is a common stop. The famous “dancing white horses” bred here are part of a bloodline traced back to the Hapsburgs. For most tours, this is a 20-minute photo opportunity, but a few tours allow time to have a thorough tour of the farm.

Karst region

The route to Skocjan Caves takes you through the rocky Karst region, where climate and geological conditions make for bountiful agriculture.

Choose a tour with a stop at Stangel, an ancient village nearly untouched by time.

For foodies, many tours include stops at an additional cost (around €6) for “pršut,” a Slovenian take on prosciutto, local Teran wine and fresh foods grown in the area.

Piran

Piran is at the southern end of most tours. This walled town is a popular getaway for Slovenians, and it's perched on the Adriatic Sea, making it a great place to hit the beach or enjoy fresh-caught seafood.

These tours allow from 1.5 to 3 hours to stroll through the winding streets or simply lounge on the sand.

Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is a typical stop on the return trip to Ljubljana.

This fortress has been guarding the mouth of a cave for 800 years and has a system of tunnels leading from its walls into the caves beneath. Its elevation makes for great views, and the caves and tunnels make this castle one of a kind.

Guides return you to Ljubljana around 7 PM, either to your lodging or to a central location.

When are Skocjan Caves open over the year?

Skocjan Caves are accessible all year long, though some months offer fewer tours. June through September are the busiest months with longer visiting hours. During the winter, the park offers family packages for discounted prices.

What are the opening times?

Opening times for Skocjan Caves vary by season. You must tour the caves with a group, setting out at the same time. Below are the tour times by month:

• November to March: 10 AM and 1 PM
• April, May and October: 10 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM
• June through September: hourly tours from 10 AM to 5 PM

When is the best time to visit Skocjan Caves?

You can visit Skocjan Caves in any season, as the caves have a pleasant temperature all year.

Summer is the most popular season and best if you want to include a dip in the Adriatic when in Piran. Outside of the high season, you’ll find fewer crowds and lower entry prices to attractions.

Are there any tours to the Skocjan Caves from other cities in Slovenia?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Slovenia:

• Day trips to the Skocjan Caves from Koper

Travel tips

• Bring a jacket, as temperatures in the caves are 10-12 degrees Celsius year-round.
• Bring a swimsuit if your tour goes to Piran or nearby lakes.
• Wear shoes and clothing suitable for an active day.
• Bring cash in euros for tips.