Venue 2026

IAIO 2026 Venue
IAIO 2026 Venue
The 2nd International Winter AI Olympiad will be hosted at the prestigious Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, a landmark venue in the heart of Ljubljana. This elegant establishment seamlessly blends modern sophistication with rich cultural heritage, providing the perfect backdrop for this international gathering of AI professionals and enthusiasts. For detailed information about the venue’s amenities and history, visit:
Grand Hotel Union

Welcome to Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital city offers a unique blend of Central European charm, Mediterranean vibrancy, and Alpine freshness. Known for its green initiatives and pedestrian-friendly center, Ljubljana provides a picturesque and relaxing environment for conference attendees.

Photo by Kenzie de Schepper on Unsplash

Ljubljana Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city.

Photo by Janesca on Unsplash

Tivoli Park

The city’s largest green space.

Photo by Wei Khang Chong on Unsplash

Central Market

A vibrant open-air market showcasing local produce and crafts.

Photo by Eugene Kuznetsov on Unsplash

Ljubljana River

The emerald waterway winding through the city, lined with charming cafés.

Getting to Ljubljana

By Air

Main airport:
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), located 26 km from the city center.

Airport Transfers:

  • Shuttle buses run regularly (€10-15 per person)
  • Taxis take approximately 30 minutes (€30-40)
  • Rental cars available from major international companies

Flight Information:
For flight schedules and airport information, visit the Ljubljana Airport website.

By Train

Ljubljana Railway Station:
Centrally located with excellent connections is well-connected to major European cities:

  • Vienna (6 hours)
  • Zagreb (2 hours)
  • Budapest (8 hours)
  • Venice (6 hours)

Train information:
For schedules and tickets, consult Slovenian Railways

By Bus

Ljubljana Bus Station:
The main bus station is adjacent to the railway station in the city center

Operators:
International operators include:

By Car

Connections:
Well-maintained highways connect Ljubljana to neighboring countries:

  • Italy (via A2/E61)
  • Austria (via A1/E57)
  • Hungary (via A5/E653)
  • Croatia (via A2/E70)

Note:
A vignette (toll sticker) is mandatory for driving on Slovenian highways. For more information visit the official Webshop for Slovenian e-vignettes.

Getting around Ljubljana

Public Transport

  • LPP bus network covers the entire city
  • Purchase the Urbana card (€2) and load it with credit at kiosks or the main station
  • Single journey costs €1.30 and is valid for 90 minutes
  • Most buses run from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Bicycles

  • BicikeLJ city bike sharing system offers affordable rentals
  • The first hour is free with registration
  • 38 stations throughout the city center
  • Register online or at Tourist Information Centers

Walking

  • The compact city center is entirely pedestrianized
  • Major attractions are within walking distance from Hotel Union
  • Free guided walking tours depart daily from Prešeren Square

Practical Information

Visa Information

  • EU citizens do not need a visa
  • Many visitors can enter Slovenia visa-free for up to 90 days
  • For detailed visa requirements, check the Slovenian Foreign Ministry website
  • Conference attendees may request a formal invitation letter for visa purposes by contacting the organizers

Currency & Payments

  • Slovenia uses the Euro (€)
  • Credit cards are widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard most common)
  • ATMs are readily available throughout the city
  • Many places also accept contactless and mobile payments

Key Contacts

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd International Winter AI Olympiad 2026 in Ljubljana!