📍 Local Expert Summary:
To reach Bled Island, take a pletna boat from Mlino, Kazina, Vila Bled or Velika Zaka. A round trip costs €20 per adult and €10 per child (4 to 12 years). In 2026, boats ran from 10:00 to 19:00 in May to September and left when full. The crossing takes about 20 to 25 minutes each way. Church entry on the island is a separate ticket of €12. I found no change announced for 2027. Last verified: 2 November 2026
Want to see more than the lake?
Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bohinj and Radovljica are all a short drive from Bled, and awkward without a car. I run private transfers to all three, starting at €49 for the whole car. I can wait for you or come back at a set time.
How to Reach Bled Island by Pletna Boat
The traditional way to reach Bled Island (Blejski otok) is a wooden pletna boat. A round trip costs €20 for adults and €10 for children aged 4 to 12. A boatman (pletnar) rows you across, and the boat leaves when it is full. There is no booking. According to the Bled tourist board and the pletna association, the boats run every day at these hours:- May to September: 10:00 to 19:00
- April and October: 10:00 to 18:00
- November to March: 10:00 to 15:00
Where to Board Your Pletna Boat
According to the Bled tourist board, pletna boats leave from four places on the lake:- Mlino: On the south shore, closest to the island. This is the shortest crossing.
- Kazina (Bled center): On the town side of the lake, near the Park Hotel. This is the longest and most scenic ride.
- Vila Bled: At the Vila Bled landing.
- Velika Zaka: On the western side, near the rowing center.
Is the Pletna Ride Worth It?
Yes, if you want the tradition. The pletna is a flat-bottomed wooden boat, and the boatmen pass the work down in their families. The ride is quiet and slow. The €20 fare is higher than the electric boat, so decide by what you want: the experience or just a crossing. For cheaper options and exact prices, see my pletna price guide.
How Much Time Do You Get on the Island?
The pletnar waits for you on the island. Reports differ on the time: from about 30 minutes to one hour. Ask your boatman for the return time when you board. About 40 minutes is a common figure. That is enough to climb the 99 stone steps, ring the wishing bell and look around. The church, bell tower and museum have a separate ticket of €12 per adult. The Bled tourist board says the island visit itself has no time limit if you return on the first free pletna. See my guide to the Bled Island church and wishing bell. If you would rather hear the story of the island and the lake from a local, join my Lake Bled walking tour.
📍 Key Takeaways:
- Four piers: Mlino, Kazina, Vila Bled and Velika Zaka. The Spa Park pier is no longer used.
- Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 from May to September. Boats leave when full, with no booking.
- Price: €20 per adult, €10 per child (4 to 12). Bring cash.
- Church is extra: €12 per adult.
Parking near the lake is limited, and the bus can be slow. I run private transfers from Ljubljana Airport to Bled and across Slovenia. Door to door, with a driver who knows the lake. See all private transfers in Slovenia.
Private Transfers in Slovenia
Tanya 🚗
🌟 Tanya’s Local Tip:
Go as soon as boats start. In summer, the first boats leave around 10:00. Arrive a little earlier, and you are ahead of the tour buses and the lake is calm. Choose Mlino for the shortest crossing, or Kazina if you want the longest, most scenic ride.
📖 Read also: Walking around Lake Bled and Things to do in Bled.
📊 Pletna Boat: Practical Info (2026 Rates)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price, round trip | €20 adult, €10 child (4 to 12) |
| Piers | Mlino, Kazina, Vila Bled, Velika Zaka |
| Hours | May to September 10:00 to 19:00. April and October 10:00 to 18:00. November to March 10:00 to 15:00. |
| Departure | When the boat is full. No booking. |
| Crossing time | About 20 to 25 minutes each way |
| Electric wooden boat | €16 adult, €8 child. Leaves from in front of Casino Bled. |
| Island church, tower and museum | €12 adult, €5 child (up to 15 years) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where do pletna boats leave from?
From four piers: Mlino, Kazina, Vila Bled and Velika Zaka. The Spa Park pier is no longer used. Mlino has the shortest crossing.What time do pletna boats run?
In summer, from 10:00 to 19:00. In April and October, from 10:00 to 18:00. From November to March, from 10:00 to 15:00. Boats leave when full.Does the boat price include entry to the island church?
No. The boat fare covers only the round trip. The church, bell tower and museum have a separate ticket of €12 per adult.How long do you get to stay on Bled Island?
Reports range from about 30 minutes to one hour. The pletnar waits for you. Ask for the return time when you board.
ℹ️ Official source: Piers, hours and prices come from the Bled tourist board pletna page. The operator is Čolnarsko združenje Pletna Bled. Check before your trip, because hours and prices can change.
📸
Follow me on Instagram
Get daily Slovenia travel tips, hidden gems, and behind-the-scenes stories directly from a local!
@tanyaguide.si