Introduction: The Adriatic-to-Atlantic Crossing
The fastest route from Ljubljana to Dublin covers 1,900 km and requires two ferries (Channel crossing and Irish Sea). On the A2 motorway north of Ljubljana, you'll pass the Karawanks Tunnel—at 7.9 km, one of Europe's longest road tunnels, connecting Slovenia to Austria. This trip combines alpine passes, French autoroutes, and UK motorways. For tips on planning stops, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
3-Day Itinerary: Ljubljana to Dublin
Day 1: Ljubljana to Reims (1,200 km, 11 h driving)
Leave at 6 AM. Drive A1 to A2, through Karawanks Tunnel. Stop in Munich for lunch (recommend: Augustiner Bräustuben). Continue on A8 towards Stuttgart, then A6 to A4. Arrive Reims by 7 PM. Dinner at Le Foch (€40/person).
Day 2: Reims to Holyhead (900 km, 10 h + ferry)
Drive A4 to Calais (2.5 h). Take 11 AM ferry to Dover. From Dover, take M20/A2 to M25, then M40/M6 to Holyhead (5.5 h). Arrive 7 PM, catch 8 PM ferry to Dublin. Sleep on the ferry or book cabin (€60).
Day 3: Dublin arrival
Ferry docks at 11:30 PM (Day 2) or early morning. Pick up car and drive to hotel. Spend day exploring: Guinness Storehouse (€25), Trinity College Book of Kells (€14).
Total cost: ~€250 fuel, €150 tolls, €200 ferry, €300 accommodation and food.
Best Stops Between Ljubljana and Dublin
Munich, Germany
Stop at the English Garden (much larger than Central Park) for a beer at the Chinese Tower beer garden. Free parking at Park & Ride Fröttmaning (€4/day).
Reims, France
Visit Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral (Gothic, coronation site of French kings). Try a biscuit rose at Fossier factory shop. Exit A4 at junction 23.
Dover, UK
Before boarding the ferry, walk to the White Cliffs viewpoint (free parking at National Trust car park).
Chester, UK
Roman walls and Chester Cathedral. Park at the Chester Racecourse (€5 for 2 hours).
Holyhead, Wales
If time allows, visit South Stack Lighthouse (cliffside walk, entry £6).
Route Logistics: Highways, Ferries, and Driving Times
| Leg | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ljubljana to Munich | 390 km | 4 h |
| Munich to Calais | 850 km | 8 h |
| Calais to Dover (ferry) | 34 km | 1.5 h |
| Dover to Holyhead | 520 km | 5.5 h |
| Holyhead to Dublin (ferry) | 110 km | 3.5 h |
Total driving time: ~22 hours (excluding ferry crossings). Use the A1 in Slovenia, A2 in Austria, A8/A93 in Germany, A26/A16 in France, M20/M6 in UK, and M50 in Dublin. Book ferries in advance (P&O or Irish Ferries) to save time.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Ljubljana to Dublin?
Driving time is about 22 hours over 1,900 km, plus ferry crossings (1.5 h Channel, 3.5 h Irish Sea). With stops, plan 3 days.
Is it worth driving from Ljubljana to Dublin?
Yes, if you enjoy a road trip through multiple countries and want flexibility. However, flights are cheaper and faster (€80, 3 h). Drive if you have time for stops.
What are the best stops between Ljubljana and Dublin?
Top stops: Munich (beer gardens), Reims (cathedral, champagne), Dover (White Cliffs), and Chester (Roman walls).
Do I need a visa for this road trip?
Ljubljana to Dublin crosses Schengen area (Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France) and then UK (non-Schengen). Check visa requirements for your nationality.
Your voluntary support keeps the project running and fuels our future development
