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Car rental return to Ljubljana airport very early-seeking advice

Posted by on

Hi fellow travelers, my daughter and I will be in Slovenia in late June/early July. My return flight is at 6 a.m. Asking opinions of those with experience in that area: Should I try to return the rental car that morning (after hours drop box) or return it at the train station the day before? If the latter, would there be a hotel near the airport for an early morning flight (I've searched but it looks like slim options) -- or -- a bus or shuttle that runs to the airport as early as 4:45 a.m.?

Thanks!
Kathleen

Posted by
7053 posts

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!

Posted by
5 posts

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.

Posted by
4680 posts

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.

Posted by
2 posts

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?

Posted by
10 posts

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!

Posted by
1364 posts

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).

Posted by
1 posts

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

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