-Europe.Slovenia.Postojna-
I have been wanting to re-visit the Postojna cave for some time but there was always some reason or other to skip it. Partly because we have already visited it a very long time ago. My friend came for a short visit and we decided to bring her there. Even then this visit almost did not happen because of the timing. We encountered a heavy traffic jam enroute but narrowly made it on time for the tour.
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Getting to Postojna Cave
Postojna is located in the south western part of Slovenia and is about a 45 minute drive south of the capital Ljubljana. The main attraction is of course the cave and 10km away the Predjama castle.
*Note: If you don’t have a European sim card, do yourself a favour by getting an e-sim. I always use Airalo for my travels.
By Car
Seeing Slovenia by car is the most flexible way and in Postojna Cave there is paid parking which costed a pretty hefty 6 Euros for the 90-minutes we were in there. It isn’t hard to find the place with google maps. There are also clear signs along the highway leading to the place.
If you are looking to rent a car – I usually use Rentalcars to get an overview of what is available.
By Bus
From the Ljubljana bus station it is easy to catch the bus to other places , as well as Postojna Cave. The Arriva buses goes at intervals that co-incides with the tour times of the cave. It costs only about 5,30 per way and you can check the bus schedules here
By Train
Trains go from Ljubljana to Postojna at 1.5 hourly intervals. However there is still a 30-min walk to reach the cave. Check the bus schedules and prices here .
There is an attractive package available in co-operation with the Postojna Cave Park which includes return train tickets, entry tickets in to Postojna Cave and Predjama castle as well as shuttle buses. Check schedule and links here
By Taxi
For door-to-door service the taxi is always very convenient but pricy as well. A trip per way to Postojna cave costs around 89 Euros (at time of posting) . Check here for the taxi contact.
With a tour with transport from Ljubljana
Pick-up available from popular spots in Ljubljana including transport and tour to Postojna cave is another option if you don’t have your own transport and looking for an all-in solution.
What to expect from a visit to Postojna Cave
Things to know before visiting Postojna Cave:
There is a schedule of tour times that is allowed in the different months.
Tour duration is 90 minutes.
Be there 15 minutes before the tour to board the train that brings you into the cave. The train ride is around 3.5km long and then there is 1.5km of walking.
If you are there with your own car, parking is to be paid. See section above.
Buying a ticket
Usually I would advice to buy the ticket online (Link here). During the purchase you have to choose your tour time. However sometimes there is traffic jam that could delay your arrival. If unsure just go to the counter to get the tickets like we did. Additionally there is an audio guide available in 17 languages that can be rented for 3,50 Euro.
Proper attire
The cave is around 10 degrees Celcius do be prepared with a warm jacket. There is some walking to be done on slight ascents , the cave can be wet therefore wear appropriate shoes.
Watch your head on the train ride , the ceiling is low in some places ! After that it feels like being transported into another world. Like the upside down in “Stranger Things” – there are so many structures in different formations , like seeing skyscrapers formed from rocks only its designed by water falling on soluble stone such as limestone.
Come along with us and view the wonders of the cave on this video.
Here are some photos to browse through of the beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites and the formations – some look like curtains and some with colours.
There are a few more attractions near to the cave. You can get tickets for the Vivarium which to meet the dwellers of the cave: among them the Olm that some people call the human fish. The Expo cave karst exhibition is also on the grounds. Check out other attractions close by here
There is a seasonal shuttle bus should you decide to visit both Postojna cave and Predjama castle. Check if it is running here
I must admit we are always worried about re-visiting spots we enjoyed and finding it so much less appealing than our memories. I am glad that your return visit to Postojna Cave did not disappoint. Good to know that there are different ways to get to the caves. And fun to know there is a train ride to get closer to the cave. Properly dressed this looks like a fun spot to explore if we ever get to Slovenia.
We thought about visiting the Postojna caves too when we spent five days in Lubljana last autumn. Unfortunately we had only time for one day trip and decided to visit the historic mercury mines in Idrija. But the caves are on the list for a future visit. Thanks for the tips on how to get there by public transport!
I have visited Slovenia a couple of times, but I am yet to visit Postojna cave. I have heard it is very beautiful and it makes an easy day trip to Ljubljana. It’s great that if you don’t rent a car, you can still get there very easy by public transport, both train and bus. The interior of the cave looks very spectacular, with so many incredible stalactites and stalagmites. It reminds me a little bit of the Nerja Cave in Spain. It’s good to know that the temperature inside is a constant 10 degrees, so even in summer bring a jacket.
I love caves! Postojna caves seem to be perfect. I love the cold feeling and seeing those stalactites and stalagmites. Nature is simply amazing. It is interesting there is a train ride to see the cave closer. Looks like a great place to visit when you are in Slovenia.
I enjoy visiting caves, and Postojna Cave seems like a lovely one. I’d like to see it in combination with the palace, too. It seems like a great duo to visit. I’m glad you mentioned bringing a jacket, and about the shoes b/c, sometimes caves can be super slippery inside if you’re wearing footwear without a lot of traction. I haven’t been to Slovenia, but I’d love to add this to my itinerary if I get there someday!
At first, I thought you took the train and then walked to the Postojna Cave entrance. What a long way to see a cave! I misinterpreted your opening. lol. However, it looks cool to experience a cave from a train. There’s even a Murano chandelier inside the cave! My friend’s husband has to watch his head when visiting because he is very tall.
The caves look amazing and they seem to be made tourist friendly too with those platforms and lights. Good tip on the warm clothing and also, the bit about the ascent. I usually have done caves that require a descend, never really crossed my mind that I might have to climb. I guess it is time I try something new. Thanks for sharing this.
We love caves. Would like to visit this when in Slovenia. Thanks for the video. It was so good. Especially the train journey section.
Wow! This is fascinating and the formations are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad to know that there are several ways to get there but I guess we’d simply opt for a tour and just get an all-in solution.