Train from Rijeka to Ljubljana

I took it the other direction in 2015 (train Ljubljana to Rijeka, walked to the rental car office, drove to Rovinj). I don't think it is reserved, so no need to buy tickets in advance. It can't sell out. I suppose you could wind up standing if the train fills up, but I suspect the train is rarely crowded.

Note that it may be about a 15-20 min walk from the center of Rijeka to the train station. I walked dragging a couple of small bags and am used to doing that, so I didn't mind, but I think some people might prefer to take a local bus or a taxi to the station (if you can't get the rental car people to drop you there). You could drop your companion(s) with bags at Rijeka train station ahead of time, then drop the car yourself and walk back to the station. Meanwhile, the other person at the station could buy the train tickets.

Great information, very helpful, thanks.

Why not take the train to Pula? The Slovenia rail company does not have online purchases so you buy at the station. The link below has helpful advice:

http://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Croatia.htm

The direct train between Pula and Ljubljana runs only seasonally; off season there is service only with two connections, a long train ride. The train between Rijeka and Ljubljana runs twice a day all year and is direct and is under three hours. The drive from Rovinj to Rijeka is just over an hour and pretty easy. That's why I chose Rijeka not Pula to train from Ljubljana.

John, I would add that if driving from Rovinj to Rijeka, I would be more worried about traffic than the drive I did the other way, when I had no time constraint in getting to Rovinj. (I didn't have to catch a train.) Although it was an easy drive for me, just over an hour mostly on the Epsilon (toll road), I can imagine that road getting congested at busier times - it's only two lanes as I recall even though it is sort of an expressway. I'd probably plan on getting to Rijeka a little early to be safe.

There seems to be a good bit of local traffic to and form the beaches during peak season. I'm guessing that it's worse Fri-Sat-Sun, but don't know for sure.

Thanks Andrew. We will be making the trip in late May so hopefully the traffic will be on the lighter side but your observations are welcomed. I hate the thought of being late anywhere and with the only other train leaving late in the day I will be sure to allow us plenty of time to drop off the car and get to the station.