Postojna
A transit stop for two of Slovenia's top attractions – the cave and the castle in the cliff
Postojna. Overview
About the city
Postojna is a small town in the Notranjska region, between Ljubljana and the coast. The town itself holds little tourist interest: people come here for Postojna Cave (24 km of underground passages, an underground railway, and the 'Brilliant' stalactite hall) and Predjama Castle – a medieval fortress built into a 123-meter cliff face, 9 km from the cave. This is Slovenia's most visited attraction: over 39 million visits since it opened in 1819. Nearby is the lesser-known Planina Cave, where an underground river surfaces.
From Ljubljana – 50 minutes by car via highway (you'll need an eVinjeta), 1 hour by train (€5.80, trains every hour), or 50 minutes by bus (€5–10). Postojna sits on the Vienna–Venice railway line, with direct trains from Zagreb, Koper, and Salzburg. From the train station to the cave is a 25-minute walk. Most visitors come for half a day – enough for the cave and the castle. If driving, note: parking at the cave costs €6/day, at the castle €3/hour. The combo ticket for cave + castle starts at €46.50 (cheaper than buying separately). Temperature inside the cave is 10°C year-round – bring a jacket.
Weather now · Postojna
31°
ClearWed33°/18°
Thu25°/15°
Fri29°/15°
RegionKarst & Caves
When to goMay – September
AirportLjubljana (LJU)53 kmLocal time—Slovenia
Postojna. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Postojna. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Postojna. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Postojna. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
How much does Postojna Cave cost?+
Adult ticket starts at €32.90. A combo ticket for the cave + Predjama Castle + Vivarium starts at €46.50 and saves €6–8 versus buying separately. Buy online in advance – queues form at the box office in season. You select a specific tour time when purchasing.
How do I get from Ljubljana to Postojna?+
Train – every hour, ~1 hour journey, €5.80. Bus – 50 minutes, €5–10, several departures daily. By car – 50 minutes via highway (eVinjeta required). Cave parking is €6. From the train station to the cave – 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Can I see both the cave and the castle in one day?+
Yes, this is the standard itinerary. The cave tour lasts ~1.5 hours. Predjama Castle is 9 km away, a 15-minute drive. Allow another hour for the castle. Note: the shuttle between the cave and castle only runs in July–August. The rest of the year you'll need a car, taxi, or organized tour from Ljubljana.
Is it worth staying overnight in Postojna?+
For most visitors – no. Half a day is enough. But if you arrive late or want to also visit Planina Cave, you can stay. Hotel Jama is right at the cave entrance (bonus: discounted tickets for guests). Apartments Proteus are nearby with free parking. Rates start at €70–100 per night.
What should I wear to the cave?+
It's 10°C year-round inside with high humidity. You need a jacket or warm sweater even if it's +30°C outside. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Part of the route is walked on damp paths. Strollers and wheelchairs can pass – confirm when booking.
Is it too crowded?+
In July–August – yes, groups of up to 100 people, and the guide isn't always audible. Tip: take the earliest tour (usually 9:00–10:00 AM) or visit in May–June or September. For a more intimate experience, there's the 'Trek through Three Caves' tour – small group, three caves, pricier but much calmer.
What currency and do I need cash?+
Euro (EUR). Tickets, parking, restaurants, and shops at the cave all accept cards. Cash is only needed for small items.
Can I combine Postojna with other destinations?+
Is there food near the cave?+
The cave park has several restaurants and cafes, but prices are touristy (lunch €15–25). In Postojna town, 2 km away – cheaper and more authentic. If you're driving onward, eating en route is often better.
Do I need a visa and insurance?+
A Schengen visa is required for Russian citizens. Medical insurance is a visa requirement. There are no specific risks in the cave, but paths and steps can be slippery – be careful.
Postojna. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
