
Source: Photo by Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash
Slovenia is famous for its beautiful mountains, ski resorts, and lakes. A favorite place for many visitors is Lake Bled. This lake, formed by glaciers, gets its water from warm springs. It’s in the town of Bled and is well-known for its small island with a church and a medieval castle on the nearby cliffs.
Out of all the countries in Europe, Slovenia is special because of its stunning nature. Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is a place you should definitely see. The city is known for its mix of old-style buildings and modern designs from the 20th century, created by Jože Plečnik, a famous architect from Slovenia.
To explore the stunning landscapes and historic landmarks of Slovenia, renting a car is highly recommended. From mountain roads to charming villages, Slovenia has so much to offer; a car will allow you to discover it all at your own pace.
Is it Safe to Drive in Slovenia?
Train stations, bus stations, and airports are found in the major cities. The road network is also well-developed, with highways connecting all the larger towns and cities. These highways are toll-free, but some regional roads require a vignette (toll sticker) to be purchased beforehand.
In general, Slovenia has a relatively low accident rate, and is safe to drive here. However, following local traffic rules and regulations is important, especially when driving on mountain roads or in winter weather.
A winter tire requirement is in effect from November 15th to March 15th, and chains may be required in mountainous areas.
What Are the Requirements for Renting a Car in Slovenia?
- In Slovenia, 18 is the minimum age to rent a car. But the age requirement may vary by car category. You must also hold your driver’s license for at least one year.
- If you’re under 25 and want to rent a car in Slovenia, you may incur a young driver surcharge or underage driver fee.
- Some car rental agencies may also have a maximum age limit of 73 years old, with drivers between the ages of 70 and 73 possibly incurring a fee.
- When renting a car in Slovenia, you must provide your passport and a valid driver’s license.
- Additionally, you will be required to present a credit or debit card for payment and security purposes.
- It’s important to note that a car rental company may only accept credit cards, so it’s recommended to confirm their accepted forms of payment beforehand.
- Slovenia requires an international driving license to drive legally. Make sure to bring yours, especially if you’re not from the European Union.
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Do You Need Insurance for Rental Vehicles in Slovenia?
The mandatory insurance in Slovenia consists of fire and third-party liability insurance. These are included in all rentals. This means that when renting a car in Slovenia, you will not need to purchase additional insurance coverage as it’s already included.
However, if you want additional insurance coverage, such as a collision damage waiver or personal accident insurance, these options may be available for an extra fee. It’s recommended that you speak with your rental car company beforehand. This is to understand the types of insurance they offer and if any additional coverage is needed or available.
It’s also important to note that some credit card companies may offer rental car insurance as a benefit. So, checking with your credit card provider before purchasing any additional insurance from the rental car company is recommended.
Make sure to read our article “Best Car Insurance in Slovenia” and be guided on what insurance you need when renting a car.
How Much Does Car Rental Cost in Slovenia
The cost of renting a car in Slovenia varies depending on several factors. These include the type of car, duration of rental, and location.
On average, renting a car in Slovenia can cost around $30-$50 daily. This price may vary depending on the season, with higher prices during peak travel times.
It’s important to note that the cheapest prices don’t always mean the best deal. It’s necessary to consider additional costs such as child seats, additional drivers, and other add-ons. These can significantly increase the overall cost of renting a car.
To give you an idea, here’s a list of estimated daily costs for different car categories in Slovenia:
- Economy: $10/day
- Standard SUV: $39/day
- Intermediate station wagon: $53/day
- Supplier choice: $54/day
- Standard station wagon: $81/day
You should also consider the price of gas. Slovenia has plenty of gas stations, with prices similar to other European countries. The average gas price for a liter is around $1.30-$1.40.
For a single-day road trip, the cost of gas may range from $25-$50. For long-term car rental, expect to spend approximately $100-$200 monthly on gas or more.
Best Car Rental Providers in Slovenia
Now, to give you a head start, here are some of the best car rentals in Slovenia that you should consider:
- Hertz: A global rental car company that offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy to luxury cars. Hertz has many locations throughout Slovenia. This includes major airports such as Ljubljana Airport and Maribor Airport.
- Europcar: A trusted car rental brand with multiple locations throughout Slovenia, including major cities such as Ljubljana and Bled. They offer a variety of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.
- Sixt: A leading car rental company offering an extensive range of high-quality cars at affordable prices. With multiple locations throughout Slovenia, Sixt is a great option for travelers exploring the country by car. They also offer additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats.
Driving Tips in Slovenia
Source: Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
- Always follow local traffic rules and regulations.
- Be aware of speed limits, generally 50 km/h in cities/residential areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
- Remember to drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife when driving in rural areas.
- In case of an emergency, call 112 for assistance.
- Use hands-free devices when making phone calls while driving, as using a handheld device while behind the wheel is illegal.
- Ask for a driving guide or map from your rental car company to help you navigate unfamiliar roads.
Closing Thoughts
There’s no better way to enjoy Slovenia’s stunning landscapes and charming cities than by renting a car. As long as you meet the age and licensing requirements, have valid insurance coverage, and follow local driving tips, renting a car in Slovenia can be an easy and convenient way to explore this beautiful country.
So don’t hesitate to rent a car on your next trip to Slovenia for an unforgettable experience!