According to the National Motorway Construction Programme in the Republic of Slovenia in the period 2003-2013, EUR 3.5 billion is being allocated to the construction and modernisation of the road network (motorways, public roads and railway system).

Road network

The motorway density in Slovenia is higher than EU-27 average. The links with the neighbouring EU Member States and the southeast Europe is equally good as well. In other words, you will easily reach Slovenia from anywhere in Europe by car or lorry within a day or two.

Proportion of motorways compared to the total road network

Road network in Slovenia in km, 2010

Implementation of the National Motorway Construction Programme began in 1994 when Slovenia had less than 200 km of motorways. Currently, there are about 700 km of well-maintained motorways and around 800 km of trunk roads. In the period from 1994 till the end of 2011, almost 530 km of motorways, expressways and other roads have been built. The completion of the extended motorway network is scheduled for 2013.

Further information: Motorway Company in the Republic of Slovenia 

Railway network

As railway service is regaining its importance, infrastructure modernisation on the Pan-European Transport Corridors No. V and X is one of national priorities. Freight traffic is well developed, and the rail links between the Adriatic Sea and the landlocked CEE countries offer plenty of opportunities. The density of the rail network in Slovenia is above the average density of EU-15 countries.

The Slovenian railway network is 2,187 km long. 

The broad network of railway lines enables door-to-door cargo transport services and the shunting yard in Ljubljana guarantees quick transport across Slovenia. 

Both freight and passenger service with southeastern Europe has grown over the last few years.

The national rail operator Slovenian Railways  (SŽ) runs both passenger and freight service and operates railway infrastructure including 60,000 m² of warehouses. It also provides combined transport services, and has container terminals in Ljubljana, Maribor and Celje. In 2010, Slovenian Railways transported 17.3 million tons of goods and its trains travelled 3,617 million net ton kilometres.

National and international railway goods transport (1000 tonns), 2009-2010

Passenger trains connect all parts of Slovenia. The Slovenian Railways network is linked to all major European cities with modern InterCity and EuroCity trains.

Maritime transport

Maritime cargo throughput in the Port of Koper, 2000–2010 (in 1000s of tons)

The Port of Koper , the largest of Slovenia's ports, represents the southern gateway to international commercial links between Europe and overseas. It lies on the shortest transport route linking commercial centres in Central and Eastern Europe with Mediterranean countries and countries along the Suez Canal. Shipping to the Port of Koper means gaining 7 to 10 days for ships arriving from Asia compared with sailing Europe’s northern ports. Your goods will be in Vienna, Munich or Prague in 24 hours or in two days’ time in Warsaw, Copenhagen or London. These facts have contributed to the development of the Port of Koper into a logistical and distribution centre significant at all times.

There are currently 11 modern and fully equipped terminals specialised for various types of goods. Port of Koper has also indoor and outdoor warehouses for general cargo and several special warehouses: 

• Indoor warehouses for general cargo, 275,400 m2
• Special warehouses for fruit, 73,000 m2
• Outdoor warehouses for general cargo, 960.000 m2
• Grain silos, 60,000 tons
• Soya warehouse, 55,000 tons
• Reservoirs for liquid cargo, 53,647 m3
• Depots for dry bulk, 110,000 m2

Companies can enjoy special advantages in the port’s economic zone, which spreads over an area of 4.7 mn km2 and features 324,000 m2 of covered and sheltered warehouse facilities and slightly less than 1 mn m2 of open-air storage. With its entire range of high-quality basic and additional port services, confirmed by acquisition of the ISO 9001 quality certificate, as well as with all the advantages offered by the port’s economic zone, the Port of Koper establishes opportunities for business success. In making contacts, it also offers logistical, marketing, financial, information and investment support.

The Port of Koper also pays great attention to the environment. An environmental management system was therefore introduced in accordance with ISO 14001 standards.

In the year 2008, the Port of Koper set a new record as the maritime throughput achieved the mark over 16 million tons. The figures for 2010 (15.4 million tons) showing signs of recovery.  

Maritime cargo throughput structure in the Port of Koper in 2010

At present the port is considering further expansion and is also debating the possibility of expanding the railway network in the region, which could lead to a further boost in business.

Air transport  

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport , 25 km from the capital is the main Slovenian airport for passengers and cargo. It is the sixth biggest passenger airport in the new EU-12 members. The airport has been recently renovated, its infrastructure extended and the cargo terminal modernised. Regular and charter flights carry passengers to all important European destinations.

Ljubljana Airport in figures