Car rental return to Ljubljana airport very early-seeking advice

I haven't done this, but the issues reported after an unmanned rental car drop off relate to folks being charged for damages. I think it's much safer to drop off to an employee, along with photos and videos of the condition of the car at drop off. In addition, take photos and videos of the rental car when you pick it up.
Good luck, and have a great trip!

We ended up taking a different flight out of LJU the last time around but we had spotted the Jagodic Garni Hotel which is very close to the airport, has good reviews and has an "anytime" shuttle for 15 euros. The Hotel Azul in Kranj also has a shuttle, it is close to the big Mercator on the road between Kranj and the Airport.

In 2019, I had a similarly early flight out of LJU airport and dropped off the rental that morning at the airport. I don't remember the exact mechanism for dropping off the car (probably leaving key in a box), but it worked out fine for me.

Hi Kmills.mills,

I have an upcoming trip and exactly the same situation. What did you finally end up doing? If you rented a car and dropped off at the airport, can you please share the rental car company and how was your experience? If you returned the day before, did you stay near airport or took a shuttle from town?

Hi, we decided to rent and return our car to the train station in Ljubljana. We will be returning it the day before our flight. This was the easiest option, especially as our accommodation is near the train station. We are going to take a cab to the airport very early on the day of our departure. Good luck!

Renting/dropping at the train station is fine, just note that (at least for Sixt) the cars
are actually located ~1/4 mile east, through the parking lot in a non-obvious lot
(until you get close and see the signs).

I had the exact same situation this week. I returned the car the night prior and stayed at a hotel less than 10 minutes from the airport. Took a taxi from the airport to the hotel, and the hotel arranged a 4:15 AM taxi for our return. All worked out well. Now that I know what I know, I would have kept the car.
Taxi was 30 Euro each way - an extra day of car rental would have been less.
Taxi worked out great, but was added stress wondering if they would show up.
Car return can be done easily after/before office hours. Just park in the adjacent garage in designated spaces and bring key the the drop at the rental office. I was worried that this would be an issue which is why I chose what I did, but would have been fine and less stress to just keep the car.
If you are looking for a place to stay near LJU - I recommend Domacija Vodnik, very nice, inexpensive, and staff was very helpful. A peaceful, rural setting for your last night in Slovenia.
https://domacija-vodnik.si/en

Thank you jeg633; this is very helpful!

following this thread - can you recommend a car rental company in Ljubljana? We're hoping to rent one in the city when we arrive via train, but return it at the airport before flying home. Any idea if that's ok?

Hi, yes, I don't think renting in one spot and returning to another is a problem in Slovenia. I've always used EuropCar for my rentals in Europe. I've never had an issue, and I think I got a good price. There are other companies at the Ljubljana airport, obviously, but I feel confident going with a company I've used many times before.

Thank you jeg633! We are renting from Alamo in a few days and have that same 6:00am (I'm assuming) KLM flight out of Ljubljana. We have decided to return at the airport, early morning, the day of our flight. Can I ask which rental company you used? Are all the early returns in one central garage? Hoping this all goes as smoothly as possible. I hate stress on travel days!

Ahoy everyone! I'm the original poster and am now in Ljubljana. First, let me say that the airport is super tiny (2 baggage carousels). I have not been there first in the morning to return a car, but I can't imagine it's difficult. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport and it's my understanding the airport open at 4:30 a.m. Those returning at the airport should have no trouble.