Ljubjana to the Skocjan Caves? Pros and Cons?

I drove there. I seem to recall a blurb in an older Rick Steves book that it's possible to get there from Ljubljana by public transportation, just kind of a pain. I'd wonder what the latest guidebook will say when it comes out - Cameron was just there researching and an update is due out soon. I'm sure you could pay for some sort of excursion/shuttle from Ljubljana to get there. All tours through these caves are guided by someone.

The caves are really nice. I was disappointed at the time that I was not allowed to take photos with my DSLR.

Andrew, Thanks for the recommendation.... photos were not allowed to be taken in the caves? Why is that?

We also drove, so can’t answer your question but will note that driving is very easy.

Correct that photos are not allowed. No reason given that I can remember.

I used this company to take a day tour to Postojnska caves. They were a very reliable company and easy to do business with. I would expect that they also do tours to the Skocjan Caves.
https://www.slovenia-explorer.com/

I took a public bus. It didn't go all the way to the caves. I told the driver where I was going, and I had the impression that he might have dropped me off a bit beyond the official bus stop on the highway so I wouldn't have as far to walk, but I don't know for sure that he did that. This was in 2015, and I wasn't yet using maps on my smartphone all the time. There may have been a transfer required in Divaca, too.

Rome2Rio (not always reliable!!) says to expect a 1.2-mile walk from the bus stop to the caves. That feels fairly accurate.

The park website has this information about rail service:

By train:
Get off the train at the Divača railway station. There is a map at the station showing a footpath to the Škocjan Caves. The path is around 3 kilometres long and well marked. It will take you around 35 minutes of walking.
(http://www.slo-zeleznice.si/)

That sounds easier, and possibly faster, than using buses, but there may be decent bus service during high season.

Googling will uncover some links to TripAdvisor threads on this topic.

I found the staff at the Ljubljana tourist office very helpful. I'd suggest stopping in there at your first opportunity, after first checking TripAdvisor. I'm sure the tourist office will have the latest scoop on bus service.

Thanks to all on the great information.

I saw this post and discovered another reason to go back to Slovenia and Ljubljana . Caves look great. I was Intrigued by no picture rule.

Per cave website it is home to many bats.

Saw this and read how light affects the bats. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12275177

Skocjan Caves... awesome... well worth the effort to see. We entered an enormous cavern on the tour. I found myself wanting to grab a staff, slam it to the ground, and shout "You shall not pass!" in my best Gandalf voice.

I can see not allowing using a flash inside of the caves, but what's wrong with using a camera on a tripod? I had mine with me. Yes, I know it's a guided tour and I can't hold up the group while pause to fiddle with my tripod for five minutes all the time, but I am sure I am not the only photographer who would have wanted to take a few flash-less shots. Maybe one or two designated photo stops and that's it.

I suspect it's more of a marketing reason: protect images of the caves so that the can be sold and licensed exclusively.