By Car in Slovenia

From Budapest and Vienna the Slovenian border is no more than a two-hour drive; from Prague it's eight hours. A tunnel speeds traffic through the Karavanke Alps between Slovenia and Austria. From Vienna the passage is by way of Maribor to Ljubljana, with a four-lane highway most of the way. Slovenia's roads also connect with Italy's autostrada.

You don't need a car if you are not planning to leave Ljubljana; however, traveling by car undoubtedly gives you the chance to reach remote areas of the country when and as you wish. Main roads between large towns are comparable to those in Western Europe. Toll plazas are frequent, so have small bills and change handy.

Gas stations on border crossings and main roads leading to larger towns are open 24 hours a day; others are open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM.

To rent a car you must have a license that is valid in the issuing country. A midsize car costs about EUR 100 for 24 hours, with unlimited mileage—but much better rates are available for longer periods or if the car is booked in advance over the Internet. You'll also need a valid credit card. Rental agencies can be found in all major towns and at the Ljubljana Airport.

Information

AMZS-Hertz (Dunajska 122, Ljubljana. 01/530-5380. www.hertz.si). Avis (Cufarjeva 2, Ljubljana. 01/430-8010. www.avis.si). Budget (Miklosiceva 3, Ljubljana. 01/421-7340. www.budget.si). Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental (Brnik air terminal, Brnik. 04/236-5750. www.subrosa.hr). National Rent a Car (Baragova 5, Ljubljana. 01/588-4450. www.nationalcar-slovenia.com).

Rules of the Road

Slovenes drive on the right and are obliged to keep their headlights on at all times. Speed limits are 50 kph (31 mph) in urban areas and 130 kph (81 mph) on highways. Local drivers are courteous by European standards. The permitted blood-alcohol level is 0.05%; drivers caught exceeding this level can expect penalties similar to those of other European countries.