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Take the train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana in 13 hours
If you want to travel from Heidelberg to Ljubljana by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Heidelberg to Ljubljana by train to take around 14 hours 56 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 13 hours on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 20 trains per day running on this route, which spans 356 miles (573 km). You’ll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Ljubljana. Both DB and ÖBB trains operate on this route, offering modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage as standard.
You can save money on train tickets from Heidelberg to Ljubljana if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Heidelberg to Ljubljana if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Heidelberg to Ljubljana by train
| First train | 01:52 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:13 | |
| Departure station | Heidelberg | |
| Arrival station | Ljubljana | |
| Journey time | From 13h 0m | |
| Distance | 356 miles (573 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, EC (Eurocity) and ÖBB trains from Heidelberg to Ljubljana
Deutsche Bahn
EC (Eurocity)
ÖBB
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
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- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
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- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity classes from Heidelberg to Ljubljana
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity when travelling from Heidelberg to Ljubljana.
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
Second Class
Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Economy
The Economy Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power sockets
- Catering at your seat
First Class
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and at-seat catering service.
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power sockets
- Catering at your seat
Onboard services on Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Heidelberg to Ljubljana.
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.
When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
A restaurant carriage is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible for the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.
Cheap train tickets from Heidelberg to Ljubljana
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Heidelberg to Ljubljana by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Heidelberg to Ljubljana? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana take?
The average journey time by train between Heidelberg and Ljubljana is 14 hours and 56 minutes, with around 20 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Heidelberg and Ljubljana by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana is 13 hours and 0 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana?
No, there are no direct train services from Heidelberg to Ljubljana. Travelling from Heidelberg to Ljubljana by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana leave?
The first train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana leaves at 01:52. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana leave?
The last train from Heidelberg to Ljubljana leaves at 21:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Heidelberg and Ljubljana by train?
Trains travelling from Heidelberg to Ljubljana cover a distance of around 356 miles (573 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Ljubljana to Heidelberg.