Zagreb Travel Guide
Zagreb is the main and the busiest region in Croatia with the best bus, flight and train connections to the rest of Croatia.
Your best option to reach any other destination in Croatia is to go to Zagreb first and then pick a train, bus or an air plane. Here, you'll find all the timetables you might need and other useful information about Zagreb.
Hostels are cheap travel accommodations, especially when compared to staying in a hotel. Check out the best hostels in Zagreb.
Where to stay in Zagreb
A wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference from luxury hotels to affordable hostels can be found in Zagreb.
Several high-end hotels are located in the city center such as the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, and the Westin Zagreb Hotel. If you're on a budget Zagreb has a variety of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable accommodation offering basic amenities such as shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities.
Hotels and apartments in Zagreb
Best Hostels in Zagreb
Getting to/from Zagreb
Zagreb boasts an efficient transportation system comprising of buses, trams, and trains. Franjo Tuđman Airport, being the largest in Croatia, provides regular flights to major European cities. Additionally, the city's main bus station and train stations offer convenient travel options to other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries.
Flights to and from Zagreb Airport
Zagreb International Airport serves as Croatia's primary airport, offering connections to major European cities.
Located 15 kilometers from the city center, travelers can reach downtown Zagreb via taxi, with fares approximately €30 (be sure to confirm the fare before boarding), or opt for the airport shuttle bus to Zagreb Main Bus Station, priced at €8 for a one-way ticket, with a 30-minute ride duration. From the main bus station, tram number 6 provides a convenient link to the city center, just a few tram stations away.
Travelling to/from Zagreb by Bus
Zagreb's Main Bus Station is conveniently located just five tram stops or a 20-minute walk from the city center. You can buy a bus ticket online, the Main Bus station offers good connections to various destinations throughout Croatia. Zagreb also provides bus connections to various European cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Florence, Venice, Verona, Frankfurt, Halmstad, Milan, Munich, Ljubljana, Maribor, Uppsala, and Zurich and other major cities in Europe.
Trams in Zagreb
Travelling by tram is the primary mode of transportation in Zagreb. There are several tram ticket options available in Zagreb. The most affordable ticket costs €0.53 and is valid for 30 minutes. Standard tickets are priced at €0.93 for 60 minutes and €1.33 for 90 minutes. Nighttime tickets are priced at €1.99. For unlimited travel, a daily ticket is available for €3.98. Multi-day options include a 3-day ticket for €9.29, a 7-day ticket for €19.91, a 15-day ticket for €26.54, and a 30-day ticket for €53.09.
Tickets can be purchased at Tisak or other kiosks, or directly from the tram driver. We recommend to buy tram tickets from kiosks to avoid higher onboard prices. Here are the complete timetables for both daytime and nighttime tram lines, along with ticket prices and the Zagreb Tram Map.
Trains To & From Zagreb and Zagreb Main Train Station
Traveling from other Croatian cities to Zagreb? You can opt for a train journey, with connections available from major cities such as Split and Osijek. Additionally, Zagreb has train links to several European countries, including Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. While trains might take longer for domestic travel within Croatia, they offer a leisurely and scenic travel experience for those looking to explore the country at a relaxed pace.The main advantage of train travel i also that you can transport your bicycle which is not allowed on buses.
The Zagreb central train station is located approximately 1 kilometre south of Zagreb's city centre and is easily accessible on foot, taking about 15 minutes to reach.
Travelling to/from Zagreb by car
Croatia is part of the Schengen area, eliminating border controls for EU travellers entering from Slovenia or Hungary. Traveling to Zagreb by car is straightforward, with the A2, A3, and A4 highways providing easy access to the city. The A1 highway leads towards the Adriatic coast. The A3 motorway links Zagreb to Northern Europe via Bregana and Lipovac. To the East, the A4 motorway connects Croatia to Hungary. Another route is the Istrian Ypsilon, connecting Istria to the Slovenian border and Rijeka, with the A6 highway leading to Zagreb.
Zagreb also offers good public transportation, we recommend using the tram lines to travel within the city.
Explore Zagreb
Zagreb is a dynamic capital that boasts a rich history and culture. The city is divided into two distinct parts.
The historic Upper Town, or Gornji Grad stuns with it's charming cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and historic landmarks. The modern Lower Town, or Donji Grad features the lively city center, museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
For a peaceful escape visit Maksimir Park, the largest park in Zagreb with walking paths, lakes, and forests.
During winter, Zagreb transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with Christmas markets and ice skating rinks. The heart of the festivities is Ban Jelačić Square, adorned with a festive tree and live music.
Spending a few days in Zagreb? Don't miss out on the Best day trips from Zagreb
Zagreb Travel Information
Best day trips from Zagreb
Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia, is a city bursting with stunning architecture and lively energy - definitely worth dedicating at least a day to explore fully. With its multitude of attractions and activities, Zagreb will keep you captivated, but if you have a few extra days, why not venture beyond and discover the incredible destinations nearby? From national parks and serene alpine lakes to charming medieval towns and hilltop villages, Central Croatia offers a wealth of options for unforgettable day trips. Ready to add some extra magic to your itinerary? Here are some fantastic day trips from Zagreb you won’t want to miss!