How to get to and from Zagreb Airport in Croatia
UPDATED: 6.6.2023.
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.
In this post, we cover:
The facts are these…
Transport to and from Zagreb Airport, Croatia
Where is Zagreb Airport situated in Croatia?
Zračna Luka Franjo Tuđman aka Zagreb Airport is not actually located in Zagreb. It is in a smaller city called Velika Gorica about 20 minutes southeast of Zagreb.
Ways to get to and from Zagreb Airport
#1 Croatia Airlines airport bus
One of the transport options 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 35-40 minutes.
The cost is 8 euros per person each way. Tickets can be purchased on the bus in cash or online here.
The bus picks up and drops off outside Arrivals at the airport. If requested, the bus will make short stops 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 learn more about Zagreb public transport, view this guide.
The latest timetable for the Croatia Airlines airport bus to and from Zagreb airport is available here.
#2 Public transport
The cheapest option to get to Zagreb Airport is by public transport. Take the local bus 290 at Kvaternikov trg in Zagreb. The bus drives all the way to Velika Gorica and stops at the airport.
The bus runs every 35-40 minutes, but rides may be less often on Sundays. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and sometimes even less if the route is not crowded, for example, in the late evening.
You can find the latest timetable for bus 290 here.
The one-way ticket costs only 0,53 euros.
[Read: ZET – Public transportation system in Zagreb, Croatia]
#3 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 with a meter. Registered taxis will have all of their licensing information displayed.
A taxi to the center of Zagreb will cost between 20 and 34 euros, 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 significantly cheaper than a taxi. A flat fee is approximately 19 euros.
#4 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.
Tips on the Zagreb Airport, Croatia
Zagreb Airport is the busiest airport in Croatia. It offers domestic and international flights and serves more than 30 airlines. Some are Air France, Air Serbia, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, and Vueling.
Passengers who travel from Zagreb Airport must arrive at the airport earlier to have enough time to pass the required procedures smoothly. The airport is busier during the summer when Croatia has more tourists. Come at least two hours before the flight.
If your airline allows online check-in, use this option to save time.
Remember that the ZET bus is the cheapest option to get to the city. Its main stop at Zagreb is at Kvaternikov trg, which is near the city center and very well connected to the rest of the city.
The prices at the airport and relatively high, so instead, buy food and necessities for the trip in the city of Zagreb.
You can view more information about the Zagreb Airport on their official pages available here.
View our other airport guides
- How to get to and from Dubrovnik Airport
- How to get to and from Rijeka-Krk Airport
- How to get to and from the airport in Pula
- How to get to and from the Zadar-Zemunik Airport
- How to get to and from the Split Airport
Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.
