Driving from Venice Marco Polo into Slovenia

Posted by maryd (Maryland) on 07/21/26 05:53 PM

Hi all,
We're planning a visit to Venice in early October as well as other towns in Friuli and then we're heading to Slovenia. We'll pick up our car after our stay in Venice. We're then driving into Slovenia to see Lake Bled and Piran, but with a stop at a very small town in the southeastern part of Slovenia (ancestral home). We'll head back to Venice and stay at an airport hotel before flying home. Any recommendations for a rental car company, how to make sure to get an automatic transmission, and any other tips?

Many thanks!
Mary

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

07/21/26 05:57 PM

17997 posts

Check deals with www.autoeurope.com
They work with major rental companies.

Taking the car outside of Italy may entail additional steps/costs, so mention that to the rental desk when you pick up the car.

Posted by cwelsche

Oregon

07/21/26 07:14 PM

20 posts

I recently did a similar search & found Enterprise was very competitive - actually cheaper than Eurocar. And you can do specific search for automatic transmission (was only a few euros more). I added the extra insurance & maybe GPS because I wanted to make sure we could get good directions. Enterprise also gives you option to pay “now” or at rental car location.

I would also caution against going thru a consolidator (like Booking.com, etc) cuz you have little or no control if you need to change your reservation. Last time we wanted to return car early & did not get refund.

Posted by Mike

Boston

07/21/26 07:58 PM

1956 posts

All vehicles must purchase a digital e-vignette (e-vinjeta) to use Slovenian motorways and expressways. The e-vignette is linked directly to your license plate, and prices vary by vehicle class and duration (e.g., a 1-week car pass costs €16). You must purchase it online prior to driving on toll roads to avoid heavy fines.

When we went years ago, you could purchase a sticker for the highway at the border. I would imagine, there is still a similar option for the e-vignette. We greatly enjoyed Slovenia and Ljubljana and natural beauty - lakes, mountains, and caves.

Posted by JimmyB

Hayden Lake, ID

07/21/26 08:44 PM

59 posts

We completed a 30 day trip in Italy, Slovenia & Croatia in May 2026. Used Auto Europe / Europcar. We picked up an automatic compact SUV at the Bologna Airport & returned it 30 days later at the Venice Airport. After booking the reservation online I called Auto Europe and advised them I planned to take the vehicle into Slovenia & Croatia. They noted it on the reservation. Upon arrival in Bologna the local agency charged €12/day for the estimated days we planned to be outside Italy. I purchased the vignette at a local gas station once across the border into Slovenia. We never purchase additional vehicle insurance rather rely on Chase CC coverage. However we've never had a need to file a claim. I'd suggest calling your CC company and ask for a copy of the vehicle coverage. We stayed at the Annia Park Hotel directly across from the Venice airport w/ shuttle services. Very nice accommodations.