Introduction of a New Traffic Regime on the Vršič Pass in the 2026 Tourist Season
1. 6. 2026
The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency have prepared a press release on the introduction of a new traffic regime on the Vršič Pass in the 2026 tourist season and the provision of free public transport.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency inform the public that, as of 15 June 2026, a renewed traffic regime will come into force in the area of the Vršič Pass. The main objective of the new measures is to calm traffic and protect the sensitive Alpine environment, while a key part of the project is the introduction of a public bus service across the pass, which will be free of charge during the 2026 tourist season.
Below, we present the key information on transport operations, parking arrangements and the operation of the barrier system in this year’s tourist season.
1. Free public bus transport
In order to reduce the traffic burden on the mountain pass, a free bus line will be organised during the summer season, connecting both sides of the pass:
- Period of operation: from 1 June to 30 September 2026.
- High season (increased frequency): between 26 June and 31 August 2026.
- Starting points and route: Buses will operate in both directions from two main starting points – Kranjska Gora and Bovec – and provide two-way transport across the Vršič Pass.
More information about the free bus line is available on the DUJPP website.
Timetable Kranjska Gora – Vršič – Bovec
2. Parking situation and the impact of weather conditions on construction works
Users of the area are informed that the car parks in the pass area will not be fully completed by the start of the 2026 summer season.
The delay in the implementation of the works was caused by two key factors: the long winter season practically transitioned directly into the summer period, preventing the contractor from completing the construction of the parking arrangements within the planned timeframe, while the continuation of construction works on site is also being significantly hindered and limited by the ongoing illegal parking of vehicles in the pass area, causing additional delays in implementation.
3. Operation of barriers and transit traffic regime
The barrier system for entry into the restricted traffic area on Vršič will operate according to an adapted protocol in the 2026 season:
Passage through the barrier system into the area of the Vršič road will be free of charge and not time-limited. The barriers will be intended for directing and informing drivers about the established regime, as well as for monitoring entries and exits.
The barriers will allow transit traffic and access to the established car parks within the closure area; however, parking at the very top of the Vršič Pass will not yet be possible in the 2026 season.
Accordingly, in the area of the barriers, where the road widens into two lanes, the right lane, which is otherwise intended for parking on the pass, will remain permanently closed in 2026.
Appeal to visitors and mountaineers
The Agency and the Ministry once again call on all visitors, especially those who wish to use the Vršič Pass as a starting point for a mountain visit or a shorter excursion, to act responsibly.
Please leave your vehicles in the valley and travel to the pass by free public scheduled transport (DUJPP). By doing so, you will contribute to the faster completion of construction works, greater traffic safety and the preservation of the unspoilt nature of Triglav National Park.
P.S. The crossed-out stops in the timetables are currently still under construction. It is expected that the two crossed-out stops on the Bovec side, namely Kršovec and Soča, will become operational immediately after completion of the works, which, in agreement with DRSI, is planned by the end of June 2026.
Source: Municipality of Bovec