by InTrieste
International ferry connections between Trieste, Slovenia’s coast and Croatia’s Istrian peninsula resumed on Thursday, restoring a seasonal service that regional authorities say has grown steadily in popularity.
The high-speed route, operated by Liberty Lines under an agreement with the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government, will run through Aug. 31, connecting Trieste with the Slovenian town of Piran and the Croatian destinations of Poreč, Rovinj and Mali Lošinj.
According to the regional government, approximately 18,000 passengers used the service during the 2025 summer season, a 3 percent increase from the previous year. Officials said the ferries operated with an average occupancy rate of 75 percent. The region has invested €4.5 million in the service.
The vessel assigned to the route has already arrived in the Port of Trieste, with final technical preparations completed ahead of the start of operations.
The ferry will operate six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays, offering travelers a maritime alternative for reaching several of the northern Adriatic’s most popular coastal destinations.
Passengers may bring bicycles on board, subject to availability, for an additional fee of €3 each way or €5 for a round trip, a feature aimed at accommodating travelers exploring the region’s expanding network of cycling routes.
The service also includes discounted fares for families, provisions for transporting pets and accessibility measures for passengers with disabilities and their companions.
Regional officials describe the ferry network as part of a broader strategy to expand public transportation options along the Friuli Venezia Giulia coastline while strengthening cross-border connections with neighboring Slovenia and Croatia. The initiative complements other transportation investments, including rail, bus and cycling infrastructure, intended to improve regional mobility while reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Schedules, fares and ticket information are available through Liberty Lines and authorized ticket offices. Travelers purchasing tickets on the day of departure are advised to arrive at the ticket office at least 45 minutes before boarding.
