Lake Bled is one of the most photographed spots in Slovenia—an alpine lake with a fairytale island and a clifftop castle. It’s often visited on day trips from Ljubljana, but if you’re staying in Trieste, Italy, it’s surprisingly easy to reach as well.
A day tour from Trieste makes it possible to see both Lake Bled and the Slovenian capital Ljubljana without having to change accommodation or hire a car.
👉 Book the Lake Bled & Ljubljana tour from Trieste here
Why start from Trieste?
Trieste sits right on the Italian-Slovenian border, making it one of the best bases outside Slovenia for exploring the western side of the country. While it might look like Lake Bled is far inland, it’s only around a 2-hour drive from Trieste—well within reach for a day trip.
Trieste to Lake Bled by public transport
It’s also possible to get from Trieste to Lake Bled by public transport, although it takes a little longer. Forget the train, however – it’s too slow and convoluted.
There are, however, several buses a day travelling from Trieste to Bled. GoOpti runs a series of shuttles from the Port of Trieste, taking two hours. However, these are very expensive and aimed at fleecing cruise ship passengers.
Flixbus service from Trieste to Bled – or take a tour?
For any travellers staying in Trieste, the slightly slower Flixbus Trieste to Bled service is a more affordable option, with tickets costing from €14. Alas, there’s only one service per day. That leaves Trieste at 21.15 and arrives in Bled at 23.43.
This is obviously useless for a day trip.
That means it’s worth considering a day tour to Lake Bled and Ljubljana from Trieste.
This small-group tour combines Lake Bled and Ljubljana in one day, offering a chance to experience both Slovenia’s natural beauty and its elegant capital without needing to sort out your own transport or border logistics.
What the tour includes
The tour begins with pick-up in central Trieste and crosses the border into Slovenia in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. It visits:
- Lake Bled – with time to admire the lake, take photos, and explore the castle or rent a boat to Bled Island
- Ljubljana – where you’ll get a guided walking tour followed by free time to explore the riverfront, cafes and shops
The tour lasts around 8–9 hours, returning to Trieste in the evening.
👉 See full details and availability here
Is it worth doing as a day trip?
If you’re only visiting the region for a few days and don’t want to change hotels, this is a smart way to experience Slovenia’s main highlights. Public transport between Trieste and Bled is overpriced or inconvenient, while hiring a car adds extra costs and tolls.
By contrast, this tour is hassle-free: transport is taken care of, the timing is structured, and you’ll get a guide who can explain the cultural and historical background of both places.
Practical info
- Duration: Full-day (approx. 8–9 hours)
- Departure point: Central Trieste hotels or meeting point
- Group size: Small group, typically under 8 people
- Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle
- Language: English-speaking guide
Who this tour is ideal for
- Travellers based in Trieste looking to make the most of a short stay
- Anyone without a car who wants to see Lake Bled and Ljubljana in one day
- Cruise passengers docked in Trieste for a limited time
- Visitors wanting guidance as well as free time in each location
Trieste may be in Italy, but it opens up easy access to western Slovenia. If you’re staying there, a day tour to Lake Bled and Ljubljana is one of the best-value ways to experience Slovenia’s top sights without the stress of planning it all yourself.
👉 Click here to book the Lake Bled & Ljubljana tour from Trieste
More journeys from Trieste
Other articles about travelling to and from Trieste on Planet Whitley include:
- How fast is the Treviso to Trieste train?
- Should you take the bus or train from Ljubljana to Trieste?
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission.
