How do you get to Piran?

There is no train to Piran, so most people arrive by bus or car. From Ljubljana it is about a two-hour bus ride or a 90-minute drive; from Trieste in Italy it is roughly an hour; and in summer a catamaran links Piran with Venice. One thing to know before you come: Piran's old town is car-free, so drivers park at the Fornače garage and ride the electric shuttle into the centre. Here is the practical version, from Nika Horjak Ceramics in the old town.

How do you get to Piran from Ljubljana?

By bus it is the simplest option: direct coaches run from Ljubljana's main bus station to Piran in about two hours, for roughly €10 to €13, several times a day. By car it is about an hour and a half via the motorway toward Koper. (Always check current timetables, as they change by season.)

From Italy, Croatia or Venice?

• Trieste (Italy): the border is about 30 minutes away; buses take roughly an hour to an hour and a half.
• Venice: a seasonal catamaran runs from about May to October and takes around two and a half to three hours, a memorable way to arrive.
• Croatia (Rovinj, Pula): about an hour by car to Rovinj and a little more to Pula, along the Istrian coast, with no border checks now that Croatia is in the Schengen area.
• Nearest airports: Trieste (about 80 km), Pula (about 95 km) and Ljubljana (about 140 km).

Where do you park in Piran?

The old town is closed to visitor traffic, so do not try to drive to your accommodation. Park at the Amfora garage in Fornače (Fornače 23), a large garage open 24 hours at the edge of town, then take the electric shuttle that runs to Tartini Square every fifteen minutes or so. The shuttle is about €1 one-way for visitors (free for residents and young children), payable by contactless card or the Arriva app. It is the easiest way in, and it saves circling the alleys.

And once you arrive?

Everything in Piran is walkable from Tartini Square. Nika Horjak Ceramics is a two-minute walk from the square, at Goriška ulica 2, a few steps up from the marina, so it is an easy first or last stop. If you are still planning, our guides to one day in Piran and Piran or Portorož will help you shape the visit. The kiln and I are here most days; if you cannot make it, the online shop ships worldwide.