How to avoid Slovenian vignette on your way to Croatia

As of July 1, 2008, Slovenia replaced the classic toll system with vignettes. Since then, it has become very expensive to drive through Slovenia on practically all major roads – especially if you are coming from Italy and intend to pass through Koper. However, the vignettes can be avoided by using state and local roads instead of highways and expressways.

Google Maps is your best friend in this situation. When you enter your destination, set the filter to “Avoid highways” and you’re good to go. But it never hurts to prepare so you know what to expect along the way. If you’re the visual type, check out our graphical view of the route and get to Croatia – toll-free!

1. Border crossing Rabuiese (Slovenia – Italy)

Upon arrival at the Rabuiese border crossing between Italy and Slovenia, keep to the right and turn right towards the Duty Free Shop. Once you have left the main road, after about 20 meters, take the left lane (do not enter the Duty Free Shop parking lot). The road will take you to the right around the gas station. It is important to know that there have been cases where the vignette controllers have already parked in the petrol station waiting for the vehicles to arrive and have imposed fines. For this reason, we recommend that you stay on the described road, which will take you past the gas station.

2. Follow the road towards the village of Škofije

Follow the road and after about 300 meters cross the overpass. You will reach a T-junction. Turn left towards Škofije. Drive straight on for a few kilometers. The road passes through Škofije and then descends to the first roundabout. Take the second exit (direction Koper).

3. On the roundabouts exit towards Koper

Shortly afterwards you will come to another roundabout. Take the second exit here as well (direction Dekani/Ljubljana/Koper).

Continue to the next roundabout and again take the second exit (Koper/Bertocchi).

4. When in Koper, continue straight ahead

Continue on road 741 until you reach the fourth roundabout, and take the third exit towards Sv. Anton (the road leads uphill to a village called Bertoki). After 200 meters you will come to another roundabout where you will take the first exit to Koper.

Continue along the Pobeška and Istrska roads for a few kilometers. You will come to the last roundabout (you will see the Merkur store). Take the third exit towards Pula and continue straight ahead.

5. Exit Koper and continue towards the Croatian border

Continue straight ahead and after 1.5 km you will find yourself outside the town (you will pass through the villages of Šalara, Padna and Dragonja) on a road leading to the border pass Kaštel.

And now that you’ve studied all the roundabouts and exits, consult the route directly on Google Maps – from entering Slovenia from Italy to leaving Koper and joining the road leading to the Croatian border.

Have a safe trip!

Check out the route on Google Maps