Lake Bled: Day Trips and Tours from Zagreb

As one of the most visited day trip destinations in Slovenia, Lake Bled makes for the ideal family vacation or couple’s getaway. Spend a full day exploring the Bled Island Church and the Bled Castle to appreciate the medieval beauty.

According to Green Destinations, Slovenia is the world’s first “green” country, making Lake Bled the perfect spot for nature lovers.

How to get to Lake Bled from Zagreb?

Lake Bled is located almost 200 kilometers northwest of Zagreb. The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, sits between Lake Bled and Zagreb. Visiting Ljubjana on the way to Lake Bled is a convenient stop to get to know Slovenian culture and make the most of your day trip.

From Zagreb to Lake Bled by car

The journey from Zagreb to Lake Bled takes around two hours and 10 minutes. Make your way to the E70 highway in Zagreb and follow the E70 until you pass the Slovenian border. Once you are in Slovenia, take the A2 highway to Lesce.

Change to the E61 highway when you are arriving outside of Ljubljana. You can take the exit here for a stop in the capital. Don’t stay too long though to make sure you have plenty of time for your excursion to Lake Bled and that the journey won’t be too rushed.

Otherwise, continue your journey until you reach Lesce. Take exit number 3. Lake Bled is now 11 kilometers straight ahead.

From Zagreb to Lake Bled by train/public transport

There are a few options for your journey from Zagreb to Lake Bled by public transport. All of these routes will require a transfer in Ljubljana. A handful of trains run from Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor to Ljubljana daily.

The average cost is €25 but can drastically vary depending on the time and how far in advance you book. The train journey to Ljubljana and Lake Bled will take two hours and 12 minutes.

Another way to get to Ljubljana is taking the Flixbus. This bus provider runs several operations from Zagreb to the Slovenian capital regularly. There are several pickup points in Zagreb. The starting price for Flixbus is just €15 and the bus ride will take approximately three to 3.5 hours.

Once you are at the Ljubljana bus station, choose from the 25+ daily bus options available to reach Lake Bled. All of these bus routes will take about 70 minutes. The fees are between €2.10 and €6.30 per person. You can conveniently book tickets on arrival.

Alternatively, you can take the train from the Ljubljana central station, which is right next to your drop-off point, for €5.10 per ticket.

Guided tour to Lake Bled from Zagreb

Numerous day tours and excursions run from Zagreb to Lake Bled throughout the year. Some of these tours will include a stop in the capital, while others will show you Bled Castle and other attractions in the surrounding area. These tours vary in content and activities so you can select one that fits your needs.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Lake Bled from Zagreb?

Most tours will start at 7 AM or 8 AM to make the most out of the day and begin the journey to Lake Bled as early as possible. The pickup point will either be at your hotel or somewhere close to the bus station. Your tour guide will be there to greet you and welcome you onboard.

During the two-hour journey to Ljubljana, the tour guide will explain the history, cultural elements and plenty of fun facts about Slovenia and Croatia. You will arrive in the old town of the capital. Enjoy a walking tour of Ljubljana and get to know the mesmerizing local architectural style and historical landmarks.

After you visit the Ljubljana Castle, you will begin the journey to Lake Bled. Sit back and breathe in the fresh countryside air along the way, as your guide tells you about the unique characteristics of the lake.

After your excursion to the lake, have a taste of a traditional Slovenian gourmet meal in Bled. Afterward, the group will explore the world-famous St. Mary's Church by taking the Pletna boat out onto the water. Walk around the island and even ring the church bell which is an unforgettable experience.

Once you have soaked in the panoramic views of Lake Bled, you can conclude your day trip with a visit to Bled Castle to admire the meticulous constructed architectural details before returning to Zagreb.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lake Bled?

There is no shortage of day tours to Lake Bled. Whether you are traveling with young children, your significant other or other family members, there will be loads of activities to do in the area.

Guided tours to Lake Bled from Zagreb

A full-day tour to Lake Bled from Zagreb will last around 11 to 12 hours. Head to the meet-up point on time to enjoy the comfort of the journey in an air-conditioned bus with spacious leg room.

Based on the tour you choose, the ticket will include entrance to the Ljubljana Castle, Lake Bled Castle, St. Mary's Church and the Pletna boat ride. Visitors will have free time to join additional activities or wander around Bled by themselves for some independent exploration time.

Guided tour to Lake Bled without transport

This type of sightseeing excursion will begin directly at Lake Bled. Make your way to the destination with a rental car or private transport. Your tour guide is most likely a Lake Bled local and will focus on the unique history and cultural heritage of area, making this more than just a fun jaunt.

Private tour to Lake Bled from Zagreb

A private tour is perfect for a big family group. The exclusive care of your guide and personalized itinerary fulfill everyone’s expectations. The tour guide will take care of all your requests and special needs, and you can even tweak the itinerary to accommodate your interests.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a private car. The pickup time is flexible so that you can enjoy a bit more sleep.

How much does a tour to Lake Bled from Zagreb cost?

The most affordable option for seeing Lake Bled on a day excursion is to choose a guided tour without transport. This option generally starts at €60 per person with various activities to choose from. For a couple’s getaway, this is the perfect tour choice to maximize your time.

If you are traveling with family, a full-day guided tour with transportation might be better for your family’s comfort. These tours range from €120 to €150, with extra add-ons you can select to supplement the itinerary further.

Personalized private tours cost between €200 and €450. These tours are customized for your needs and will attend to all your family’s requests. Turn your day trip to Lake Bled into a jaunt and enjoy a beautiful day in the sun by the water.

Some tours don't include the entrance fees to Lake Bled and Bled Castle.

Entrance fees to Lake Bled:

• Adult: €6
• Students: €4
• Children: €1
• Family group: €12

Entrance fees to Bled Castle:

• Adult: €13
• Students: €8.50
• Children: €5
• Family group: €12

What will you see and do at Lake Bled?

Bled Island

The iconic Bled Island is the main attraction on an excursion to Lake Bled, with the 99 steps starting from the shore. Visitors can travel by the famous Pletna boat to get to the island.

Church of the Assumption of Mary

Dominating the Bled Island, the Church of the Assumption (St. Mary's Church) exhibits baroque architecture and 15th-century frescoes inside. Don’t forget to ring the Wishing Bell for good luck.

Bled Castle

Immerse yourself in the Slovenian atmosphere with a visit to the Bled Castle. With more than 1,000 years of history, this fascinating place takes you back in time to experience history in real time.

What are the opening times?

St. Mary's Church and Bled Castle are open throughout the year. However, the opening hours vary. Visitors should arrange their day trip to Lake Bled and guided tour of the church accordingly.

From November to March, St. Mary’s Church opens from 9 AM to 4 PM. Between April and October, the opening hours extend to 6 PM.

As for the Bled Castle, the opening hours from October through April are 8 AM to 6 PM. From May to September, the hours are between 8 AM to 8 PM.

When is the best time to visit Lake Bled?

The snow-capped Island Church makes the perfect photogenic spot in winter. Seeing Lake Bled in December gives a fairytale-like Christmas experience, which is ideal for those who love winter.

If you are traveling with family, visiting Lake Bled in summer is the best choice. During the warmer months, flowers will be blossoming and temperatures are warm with sunny skies.

Travel tips

●  Lunch is usually not included in guided tours to the lake. You need to pack a lunch box or eat at a nearby restaurant. Make sure to bring enough cash.
●  Activities such as riding the Pletna boat and visiting to Bled Castle and Island Church are not included in some tours. You may need to pay for the entrance fees separately. Ask your tour guide in advance what is included in your excursion to Lake Bled.
●  It is common courtesy to tip your tour guide at the end of your tour. Make your jaunt to Lake Bled a good experience for everyone by showing your gratitude.