Expat in CroatiaHow to get to and from Zagreb Airport
Zagreb is home to Croatia’s biggest airport hub, connecting you to dozens of destinations throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While Split and Dubrovnik are also very well connected to international destinations during the summer, Zagreb offers the most destinations especially during the winter when options to/from the coastal cities diminish.
Where is Zagreb Airport?
Zračna Luka Franjo Tuđman aka Zagreb Airport is not actually located in Zagreb, but in the small city of Velika Gorica about 20 minutes southeast.
Getting to and from Zagreb Airport
Croatia Airlines airport bus
The best option for inexpensive transfers between the city center and the airport is the Croatia Airlines bus. The timetable corresponds with arrivals and departures for Croatia Airlines, but is open to everyone. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.
The cost is 30 kuna per person each way, or 40 kuna for a same day round trip (if, for example, you have a long layover). Tickets can be purchased on the bus in cash.
The bus picks up and drops off outside Arrivals at the airport. The bus will then make short stops if requested on its way to the main bus station in Zagreb. The final destination is Autobusni Kolodvor in central Zagreb, which is only a 10-minute walk from the main train station. From the bus station, you can then pick up local buses and trams.
To get the latest timetable for the Croatia Airlines airport bus to and from Zagreb airport, visit the Pleso Prijevoz web site.
Airport Bus Map
Taxi Service and Uber
Taxis pick up just outside baggage claim at the curb. Be sure to pick a registered taxi with a yellow sign on top of the car that has a meter. Registered taxis will have all of their licensing information displayed. A taxi to the center of Zagreb will cost between 150 and 250 kuna, depending on traffic. If you don’t get a registered taxi, be sure to set an agreed price before leaving the airport.
You may also use Uber, which is a flat fee of 95 kuna, so significantly cheaper than a taxi.
Rental Cars
Just outside Arrivals, there are many rental car agencies from all over the world. During peak season, it is highly recommended that you reserve a car in advance of your arrival.
Traveling beyond Zagreb? Check out our other airport transfer guides:
March 1, 2018 @ 5:03 pm
Hi, Sara. Is there Uber in Croatia?
March 1, 2018 @ 7:25 pm
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the question! Yes, there is Uber in Croatia. In fact, it is much more affordable than regular taxis. The fares to/from the airports are usually flat fares within Uber.
Cheers,
Sara
December 2, 2019 @ 12:16 am
I was in Zagreb with my family twice. The first time we used the bus to the bus station which is I think the cheapest option. The second time we traveled with transferyst shuttle service ( https://www.transferyst.com/zagreb-airport-shuttle.html) which was much faster and closer to our hotel in the center.
December 3, 2019 @ 8:56 pm
Thanks for the tip, Juan!
May 15, 2019 @ 3:54 am
Can you order an Uber form the airport. Will they pick you up at the same spot as taxis?
May 15, 2019 @ 10:36 am
Hi Lee,
Yes, you can order Uber from the airport. They will not pick you up at the same spot as the taxis. Instead they will pick you up around 100 meters away, where individuals pick up people. There is a long awning that goes out into the parking lot. That is where Uber usually picks up.
Cheers,
Sara
June 18, 2019 @ 10:56 pm
Hi Sara I’m planing to visit Pula fromJuly 16-21, my question is I need to catch my flight back home from Zagreb at 4:30 Pm, so I need to travel from Pula to Zagreb by airplane timetables don’t work so I might need to on bus or car. Which is the most cos effective way? Thanks for your tips
June 26, 2019 @ 2:53 pm
Hi Maria,
The most cost effective way would be by bus. Here is a post:
Regards,
Sara
July 18, 2019 @ 4:32 pm
Hi Sara,
You are so lucky to be living in Croatia, eh? We wish. We are needing to get from Airport to city centre (I would think) and then need a hotel for one night. We will spend two days in Zagreb exploring and learning about my family roots. Would like a hotel that is somewhat upscale and is in an area of the city where we step out and have access to exploring easily. After our 2nd day of exploring, we will get to bus station at night and take a bus to Venice, Italy. I’m just looking for ease of traveling.
Thanks for any tips!
July 22, 2019 @ 2:42 pm
Hi Andrea,
If you are looking for ease of traveling over price, then take an Uber to and from the airport. The cost is 95kuna flat. For travel within Zagreb, the city center is very walkable. For travels beyond the city center, use the tram but make sure you purchase tickets in advance as it will be a lot cheaper.
Regards,
Sara
July 19, 2019 @ 7:11 am
Hi, do kids pay the same price for the Croatian airline bus?
July 22, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
Hi Em,
Yes, kids pay the same price.
Regards,
Sara
August 11, 2019 @ 6:59 pm
Hi Sara,
Thanks a lot for all the information which helps me a lot in planning for my trip in October.
One thing I’m a bit concerned is the currency exchange. How can I get some cash before getting on the bus, as you say in the article that cash is accepted on board?
Thank you so much for helping.
Regards,
Jasmine
November 8, 2019 @ 11:46 pm
Hi Sara, we are flying from Vienna to Dubrovnik via Zagreb. Several flights seem to have a 35 or 55 minute connection, which seems light to me. Assuming the fight arrives on time, does this really seem do-able? Do we need to pass through Passport Control if we have a connecting flight?
Thanks!
Terry
November 11, 2019 @ 2:28 pm
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the question!
Yes, it is doable. However, I would make sure that the flights are all on the same itinerary so that the airline is aware they need to wait for you for the flight to Dubrovnik. You will have to go through passport control to board the flight to Dubrovnik. The new Zagreb airport is pretty efficient, so you can swiftly move through from one flight to another.
Hope that helps!
Sara
December 27, 2019 @ 6:48 pm
I’m flying from Vienna to Zagreb next week and would like to take the bus to the city center. My fight lands at 8:35 pm. Is the bus a safe option at that time of night? Thanks.
January 7, 2020 @ 5:48 pm
Hi Loralee,
Yes, it is definitely safe. Zagreb is a very safe city. 🙂
Cheers,
Sara