Goriška Brda, a section of Slovenia’s western wine region, is about 75 miles (120 km) north of the seaside town of Piran. The most convenient way to travel between the two is by car—rental or private transfer—which takes about 1.5 hours. The route is quite scenic, as it cuts through and along rolling hills and vineyards.
If you have extra time and wish to expand your exploration of this region, consider this 11-day tour that highlights the Julian Alps and dips down into Croatia.
Another option is the bus, with a private company operating a route to Piran from nearby Nova Gorica, which acts as a transportation hub for Goriška Brda. It is a longer route, however, with a total journey time of about three hours. The regional bus is also available, but a required connection increases the time to about 4.5 hours.
The fastest way to reach Piran from Goriška Brda is either by rental car or private transfer. Both can be arranged in nearby Nova Gorica. If you are staying in the heart of the region—and don’t already have a rental car—you’ll require an additional 20 minutes by local bus or taxi to reach Nova Gorica.
The most convenient route mainly stays in Slovenia and takes you through the scenic Primorska Wine Region, which is full of small towns perched on hillsides. It’s easy to create your own winery tour along the way, but keep in mind that Slovenia’s drinking and driving laws are more strict than other countries.
Most of the route is set on major roadways, including the H4 expressway and the A1 highway that take you to the city of Koper. From there, you’ll merge onto the H5/H6 expressways and make your way to the coast. Note that this option includes a brief—less than one mile—pass into Italy. You won’t need to stop at any borders, however, thanks to Schengen Zone laws.
The cultural heritage town of Šmartno makes for an excellent stopping point for some incredible views of the region. Škocjan is great for underground cave exploration, and Koper has a historic old town with many cafes and restaurants. If you wish to stop at a winery, you can find many in the valley west of the H4 expressway.
It’s also important to note that Piran’s old town is mostly car-free, so you’ll have to park your rental car in a paid lot. There are many from which to choose, with two being near the port and three up the hill near the old town walls. It’s best to carry a bit of cash with you for parking.
Bus routes are much less convenient than driving due to longer journey times and restrictive timetables. You do have two options, though. A private company, Avrigo, offers 1-2 morning departures per day directly from Nova Gorica to Piran with a travel time of about 3 hours. Otherwise, you can rely on regional buses that require a connection in Postojna. The journey will take 1.5 hours from Nova Gorica and 1.5-2 hours from Postojna, plus a connection of at least one hour.
Postojna is, however, a destination in itself with some of Slovenia’s most popular caves. A 5-minute taxi can take you from the bus station to the caves.
If you have extra time and wish to expand your exploration of this region, consider this 11-day tour that highlights the Julian Alps and dips down into Croatia.
Another option is the bus, with a private company operating a route to Piran from nearby Nova Gorica, which acts as a transportation hub for Goriška Brda. It is a longer route, however, with a total journey time of about three hours. The regional bus is also available, but a required connection increases the time to about 4.5 hours.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1.5 hoursThe fastest way to reach Piran from Goriška Brda is either by rental car or private transfer. Both can be arranged in nearby Nova Gorica. If you are staying in the heart of the region—and don’t already have a rental car—you’ll require an additional 20 minutes by local bus or taxi to reach Nova Gorica.
The most convenient route mainly stays in Slovenia and takes you through the scenic Primorska Wine Region, which is full of small towns perched on hillsides. It’s easy to create your own winery tour along the way, but keep in mind that Slovenia’s drinking and driving laws are more strict than other countries.
Most of the route is set on major roadways, including the H4 expressway and the A1 highway that take you to the city of Koper. From there, you’ll merge onto the H5/H6 expressways and make your way to the coast. Note that this option includes a brief—less than one mile—pass into Italy. You won’t need to stop at any borders, however, thanks to Schengen Zone laws.
The cultural heritage town of Šmartno makes for an excellent stopping point for some incredible views of the region. Škocjan is great for underground cave exploration, and Koper has a historic old town with many cafes and restaurants. If you wish to stop at a winery, you can find many in the valley west of the H4 expressway.
It’s also important to note that Piran’s old town is mostly car-free, so you’ll have to park your rental car in a paid lot. There are many from which to choose, with two being near the port and three up the hill near the old town walls. It’s best to carry a bit of cash with you for parking.
By Bus
Duration: 3-4.5 hoursBus routes are much less convenient than driving due to longer journey times and restrictive timetables. You do have two options, though. A private company, Avrigo, offers 1-2 morning departures per day directly from Nova Gorica to Piran with a travel time of about 3 hours. Otherwise, you can rely on regional buses that require a connection in Postojna. The journey will take 1.5 hours from Nova Gorica and 1.5-2 hours from Postojna, plus a connection of at least one hour.
Postojna is, however, a destination in itself with some of Slovenia’s most popular caves. A 5-minute taxi can take you from the bus station to the caves.
Map
