Slovenia: a Small Country that Makes a Big Impression
It's hard to imagine any other country besides Slovenia which can cram such a variety of natural landscapes into such a small package. From the Adriatic coast to the majestic Julian Alps, the sweeping Sava River to the craggy Karst, rolling farmlands to misty forests, Slovenia truly has something to please every eye. Lodged in the borderlands between Italy and Austria, it is a historic nation with a unique heritage and yet still has a thriving modern pulse in its major cities.
The national capital, Ljubljana, is an ideal place to begin. Easy to access and a great base for exploring, its winding lanes and atmospheric architecture, ranging from the mediaeval through Renaissance and Baroque right up to modernity, house a bustling culture of arts, festivals and nightlife. Pre-book a hire car to ensure you have the opportunity to explore further afield, as most of the country is accessible in an hour or two.
Slovenia enjoys a mild climate, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, yet the mountainous terrain is ideal for skiing and other winter sports. On the Adriatic coast the ancient town of Piran juts out into the sea on its own peninsula. Heading north instead, the waters of Lake Bled nestle in the foothills of the Alps, punctuated by the iconic, church-crowned island at its centre. Bled is also known for its hot springs, and on the route there from Ljubljana you can take in the stunning Postojna cave – Slovenia's top attraction – and visit Predjama castle clinging to its unlikely mountainside perch.
Further south, the Reka River, which rises across the border in Croatia, cuts a route through the Karst landscape including the famous Škocjan caves and some impressive gorges lined with breathtaking walkways. Finally, why not head east to Maribor to see the world's oldest vine – and enjoy some products of local viticulture exploring the region's wine roads?
Hiring a car in Slovenia is useful when you want to connect Ljubljana, the coast, the Julian Alps, Bled and the eastern cities. On Rent.it you can compare the offers available for your travel dates and choose a pick-up location that suits your itinerary.
Start your car hire search in Slovenia and compare the available options.
Where can you hire a car in Slovenia?
Locations currently listed on Rent.it include Bled, Koper, Kobarid, Celje, Črnomelj, Kranjska Gora, Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto and Portorož. Actual availability depends on dates, times and rental length: a location appearing on the country page does not guarantee that every office or vehicle category will be available for every search.
How to compare and book on Rent.it
Enter realistic pick-up and drop-off times, then compare the total price, vehicle category and office location. Open the vehicle details to check mileage, fuel policy, cover, excess, deposit, accepted cards and collection procedure. The model displayed usually represents a category and may be replaced with an equivalent vehicle.
- confirm the exact office address and opening hours
- check the requirements for the main and any additional drivers
- read the rules for delays, out-of-hours returns and one-way rentals
- keep the voucher and supplier contact details during the trip
Driving licence, documents, card and deposit
Valid licences issued in EU countries are recognised for temporary stays. Drivers with licences from other countries should confirm whether an International Driving Permit is also required. At the desk you will normally need an original valid driving licence, a passport or accepted identity document, the voucher and an accepted card in the main driver's name. Minimum age, licence-holding period and surcharges depend on the supplier and vehicle group.
Online payment does not prove that the same card is valid for the security deposit. Credit, debit or prepaid cards may be accepted or excluded by a particular offer; the card scheme, name, physical format and available funds may also matter. Check the amount and handling of the deposit in the rental conditions and do not assume that one supplier's policy applies to all offers.
Which car should you choose in Slovenia?
A compact works well for towns and the coast. For the Alps, winter or sports equipment, consider space and seasonal equipment. Winter equipment is required from 15 November to 15 March and may also be needed outside that period in winter conditions. Consider passengers, luggage, transmission, air conditioning, fuel use and conditions along the whole route, not only at the pick-up point. A larger vehicle is not always better: a compact category may be more convenient on narrow roads or in towns.
Driving in Slovenia: rules and road conditions
Traffic drives on the right and dipped headlights are required during the day. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes normally need a Slovenian e-vignette for motorways and expressways; buy it for the correct registration number through an authorised channel. Follow posted signs and limits, wear seat belts and never drink and drive. Check weather, closures and mandatory equipment before setting off; navigation apps do not override road signs.
Routes, borders and restrictions
From Ljubljana you can plan separate routes towards Bled and Kranjska Gora, the Karst and coast, or Maribor. Supplier permission, insurance and any vignette or toll requirements must be checked before entering Italy, Austria, Croatia or Hungary. Do not take the vehicle on a ferry, across a border, onto unpaved roads or into restricted areas without checking permission. The rental contract can be stricter than the law and may require advance notice, documents or a fee.
Pick-up and return checks
At collection, compare the car with the condition report, have every mark recorded and photograph the bodywork, glass, wheels, interior, mileage and fuel. Return it to the agreed place and time under the stated fuel policy. For an out-of-hours return, follow the supplier's instructions exactly and retain photographs and receipts.
Choose your location, dates and times on Rent.it to compare cars, prices, categories and rental conditions in Slovenia.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Slovenia
Where can I hire a car in Slovenia?
On Rent.it you can search available locations including Ljubljana, Bled, Koper, Kranjska Gora, Maribor and Portorož. Enter your dates and times to see the offices and categories that can actually be booked.
What documents do I need at pick-up?
You will normally need an original valid driving licence, a passport or accepted identity document, the voucher and an accepted card in the main driver's name. Always check the conditions of your offer.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Slovenia?
A valid licence issued in Italy or another EU country is normally recognised for a temporary stay. With a non-EU licence, check whether an International Driving Permit is also required.
Can I hire a car without a credit card?
It depends on the supplier and rate. Some offers may accept a named debit or prepaid card, while others require a credit card. Check the vehicle details, deposit and accepted card schemes.
How much is the security deposit?
There is no single national amount. It varies by supplier, vehicle, cover and card, and is stated in the conditions of the selected offer.
Can I cross a border or take the hire car on a ferry?
Only when the offer allows it. Check authorised countries, insurance, fees and all vignettes or tolls required on your route.
Which vehicle category should I choose?
A compact suits towns and the coast; for Alpine or winter travel, check space, tyres and the required winter equipment.