2026 Ljubljana Marathon: Where to Stay and Park Without Worries
Running Weekend in Ljubljana: Where to Park and Where to Stay?
An October morning in Ljubljana smells of fallen leaves and coffee, and thousands of runners are gathering on Slovenska Street, shifting from foot to foot as they wait for the starting gun. The 2026 Ljubljana Marathon will be the 30th edition of the event: on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026.
If you’re coming from elsewhere, there are two key questions: where to stay and where to park your car when the city center is closed to traffic. The Urban Ring Hotel, located on the southern edge of Ljubljana, right next to the bypass, offers a solution to both.
The 2026 Ljubljana Marathon at a Glance
When: Saturday, the 17th 10. (10-km run at 4:30 p.m., children’s and school races), Sunday, the 18th 10. 2026 (marathon: 42.195 km and half-marathon: 21.098 km, both starting at 9:00 a.m.).
Start and finish: start on Slovenska Street (near Ajdovščina Square), finish at Kongresni Square.
Entry fees: Pick up only at the “Tečem” fair at the Economic Exhibition Center, Sept. 15–17. 10. 2026. There are no pickups on Sunday.
Where to stay: outside the closed city center, along the bypass, with free parking in front of the hotel and breakfast included in the price.
Dates, Distances, and Entry Fee Collection
The NLB Ljubljana Marathon is the largest running event in Slovenia, and this year it is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The program is spread over two days:
| Day | Distance | Distance | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, the 17th 10. | VITA Kids’ Run | 200 m | 9:30 |
| Saturday, the 17th 10. | School Races | 500–3,150 m | varying |
| Saturday, the 17th 10. | GARMIN 10 km Run | 10 km | 4:30 PM |
| Sunday, the 18th 10. | Generali ZAME Half Marathon | 21.098 km | 9:00 a.m. |
| Sunday, the 18th 10. | Heineken 0.0 Marathon | 42.195 km | 9:00 a.m. |
Pickup of Starter Packs
You can pick up your starter pack at the Tečem fair at the Gospodarsko Exhibition Center between October 15 and 17, 2026. According to the organizer, the fair is open on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (10-km runners until 3:00 p.m.). Please bring a valid ID and your registration confirmation (printed or on your phone); pick-up is available in person only.
They do not issue race numbers on Sunday, so please plan to arrive in Ljubljana no later than Saturday.
The time limit for the marathon is 6 hours, for the half-marathon 4 hours, and for the 10-kilometer run 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Road Closures and Parking During Marathon Weekend
During the marathon, the center of Ljubljana is closed to traffic for several hours. Last year, the roads along the marathon route were closed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the LJ Bežigrad and LJ Vodnikova interchanges on the northern bypass were also closed.
The organizer notes that parking lots near the city center fill up very quickly with such a large crowd of runners and spectators, and recommends using P+R parking lots on the outskirts and taking the city bus.
Good news for runners: with your race number, you can ride LPP buses for free. The organizer also mentions special sponsor vans that run from the parking lot along the southern bypass (Center exit) to Križanke.
So, when it comes to parking during the Ljubljana Marathon , there’s a simple rule: leave your car outside the city center, preferably where you’re staying.
Why a Hotel Along the Bypass Is a Smart Choice
The Urban Ring Hotel is located at Dolenjska cesta 242c, on the southern edge of the city, just a few minutes from the southern bypass. For the marathon weekend, this means:
Free parking in front of the hotel. You park your car when you arrive and won’t need it until you leave. No need to search for a spot downtown or worry about the parking meter.
Quick access from the highway. By taking the bypass, you can avoid traffic congestion in the city when you arrive on Friday or Saturday.
Public transportation to the city center. LPP City Line 3 (Litostroj–Rudnik) runs along Dolenjska and Karlovska Streets toward the city center; it takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach the center by car or bus. On Marathon Sunday, expect detours due to road closures.
Peaceful sleep. Modern rooms with air conditioning, a 42-inch TV, and free Wi-Fi, away from the Saturday hustle and bustle in the city center.
Practical little things. The front desk is open 24/7, and luggage storage is free, so after you check out (by 11:00 a.m.), you can leave your bags at the hotel and come back on Sunday after your run.
Read more about the location in the article “The Ljubljana Beltway and a Hotel with a Great Location.”
The Day Before and the Morning of the Race: A Schedule for a Stress-Free Start
Saturday: fair, light jog, early to bed. Check in after 3:00 p.m., drop off your belongings, and head to the Economic Exhibition Center to pick up your race packet. The day before the marathon is the time for a short, relaxed run and a meal rich in carbohydrates. The Urban Ring restaurant serves fresh salads and sandwiches daily; lunches and dinners for groups are available by prior arrangement. Get your race number, chip, and running clothes ready the night before.
Sunday: breakfast and then off to the starting line. Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and is served daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: eggs cooked to your liking, pancakes, cereal, fruit, nuts, whole-grain bread, and homemade walnut roll. If you’re starting at 9:00 a.m., breakfast at 7:00 a.m. is just right; eat what you’ve tried during training.
Be sure to leave early, as the roads in the city center will be closed before the race starts. The coat check at Republic Square opens at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Post-Run Recovery: Golovec, Supernova, and Wellness
After 42 kilometers, your legs are begging for gentle exercise, not the couch. The hotel is located at the foot of Golovec, a wooded hill where a Monday stroll along the soft forest trails is a great way to relax your muscles. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Golovec also features the well-maintained Golovec Trails; see the Activities page for more information.
Right next to the hotel is the Supernova Ljubljana Rudnik shopping center, which features restaurants, stores, and a pharmacy. It’s convenient if you need compression socks, bandages, or simply a big meal after your run.
If you’re looking for a true getaway after the marathon, our sister hotel, the SIBON Wine & Spa Resort in Jerusalem, awaits you amid the Prlekija vineyards: Finnish and infrared saunas, wooden massage tubs, and massages in a former wine cellar. It’s about a two-hour drive from Ljubljana to Jeruzalem.
Tips for Runners and Fans
For Runners
Please pick up your starter kit by Saturday at the latest; it cannot be picked up after the event.
Warm clothes: October mornings are cold, so bring an old sweater or a trash bag to the starting line—you can just throw it away afterward.
Free transportation: With your race number, you can ride city buses for free—so take advantage of this to get to the starting line and back.
Nothing new: Don’t try out new energy gels or running shoes on the course.
For Fans
You can accompany your family members to the entrance of the starting area, and then cheer them on along the route or at the finish line on Kongresni Trg.
Follow the runners via the organizer’s mobile app or the live broadcast on POP TV and 24ur.com.
Take the bus or walk to the city center. It will be difficult to get close by car on race day.
For Groups and Running Clubs
Are you coming with a club or a group of coworkers? Urban Ring makes logistics easier for groups:
Parking for all cars in front of the hotel, with no need to coordinate where each car will park.
Group dining: lunches, dinners, and finger food for groups by prior arrangement; buffet dinner for groups of more than 20 people by prior reservation.
Space for a pre-race meeting: the Urban Hall (up to 70 people) or a conference room for up to 8 people for a tactical briefing, route review, or club awards ceremony. A section of the restaurant (up to 30 people) is also suitable in the afternoon for socializing or watching videos.
For group offers, please email sales@urbanring.si or call +386 51 44 77 33.
Practical Tips in One Place
Make your reservation as soon as possible. The organizer notes that there is high demand for accommodations during the marathon.
Come on Friday or Saturday morning to enjoy the fair without the crowds.
Leave your car in the hotel’s free parking lot and take the bus to the city center.
On the day of the race, check the road closures and LPP detours on the marathon’s official website.
After your run, extend your stay for a day of recovery or head to a spa.
Book Accommodations for the 2026 Ljubljana Marathon
There are only a few days left until the start, so book your accommodations now. Free parking, breakfast included, and a quiet night near the bypass: everything you need for a great result.
Urban Ring Hotel
Dolenjska cesta 242c, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Phone: +386 51 447 733
Website: urbanring.si
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Ljubljana Marathon
When is the 2026 Ljubljana Marathon?
The 30th NLB Ljubljana Marathon will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026. On Saturday, there will be children’s and school races, as well as a 10-kilometer run; on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., the marathon and half-marathon will take place.
Where do I pick up my race number for the Ljubljana Marathon?
At the Tečem trade show at the Economic Exhibition Center, October 15–17, 2026. You will need a valid ID and your registration confirmation; pickups are not available on Sunday.
Where are the start and finish lines of the Ljubljana Marathon?
The start is on Slovenska Street near Ajdovščina Square, and the finish is at Kongresni Square. The distance between them is about 500 meters.
Which roads are closed during the Ljubljana Marathon?
Roads along the route in the city center will be closed—as they were last year between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.—as well as some junctions on the northern bypass. The organizer will publish a detailed list of road closures for 2026 on its official website.
Where can I park for the Ljubljana Marathon?
The organizer recommends using P+R parking lots on the outskirts and taking the bus into the city center. If you’re staying at a hotel with free parking along the bypass, simply leave your car in front of the hotel.
Is the LPP bus free for runners?
Yes, according to the organizer, you can ride LPP buses for free with your race number.
Which hotel in Ljubljana offers free parking?
The Urban Ring Hotel at Dolenjska cesta 242c offers free guest parking in front of the hotel, and breakfast is included in the room rate.
What time is breakfast served at the Urban Ring Hotel?
Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., which is just right for a 9:00 a.m. start. For any special requests, please contact the front desk, which is open 24 hours a day.