Ljubljana – Maribor by Train

My train from Ljubljana to Maribor was IC 518. I bought the ticket at the ticket counter in the station hall. There are also several ticket machines. The English instructions are excellent. You simply enter your destination and travel date, and the machine shows you a list of available connections. I chose the direct IC connection. A one-way ticket cost €16.40. Tickets can also be bought online from Slovenske železnice.

Ljubljana railway station is currently a large construction site (August 2026). The platforms are clearly signposted, but you should allow some extra time.

IC 518 left on time. The carriages were pleasantly air-conditioned and clean. There was also Wi-Fi, which worked well. The toilet was clean and tidy.

Although this was an IC train, the rolling stock felt more like a regional train. There are luggage racks above the seats, but there is limited space on the floor for larger pieces of luggage.

The journey takes about two hours and passes through some very beautiful valleys. I travelled in mid-August at around noon, and the trains were never crowded. My train also arrived on time.

When you arrive in Maribor, the city centre is within easy walking distance from the railway station.

Maribor railway station, Credits: kanpoan.net

Day trip idea from Maribor: Ptuj . Travelling further in the region? See our overview on getting around the Balkans by public transport.