Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), known as Zagreb-Pleso-Velika Gorica Airport, is located about 15 kilometres south of the city centre, in the direction of Velika Gorica, and about 10 kilometres from the Zagreb railway station. Close to the airport is the A3 motorway.
The airport is changing its face thanks to the construction of the new terminal, which has been long awaited but is finally on its way. The new airport operator, Aeroporti di Parigi, wants to make Zagreb Airport a crucial hub both for connections within Croatia and a transit point within the Balkans.
The main airlines connecting Zagreb with the rest of Europe and the world are Croatia Airlines, Aeroflot, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air, as well as cargo airlines such as Miniliner and Trade Air.
The connection between Zagreb Airport and the city center is efficient and offers various transportation options. The average travel time is 30 minutes, with variations depending on the chosen means of transport and traffic conditions. During peak hours, it’s advisable to allow slightly longer times, especially when using road transportation.
The dedicated bus service, operated by Pleso Prijevoz company, represents one of the most convenient ways to reach the center of Zagreb. The shuttle buses depart from the platform located directly in front of the arrivals terminal and arrive at Zagreb’s main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor), with an intermediate stop at the central railway station (Glavni Kolodvor).
The frequency is high, with departures coordinated with flight arrivals, and the travel time is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic. The ticket cost is about 30 Croatian kuna (approximately 4 euros) and can be purchased directly from the driver or at the terminal information office. The service operates from early morning until midnight, covering all major arriving flights.
Official taxis are available 24 hours a day at the arrivals terminal exit and offer a faster and more personalized service. The travel time to the city center is about 20-25 minutes, depending on the specific destination and traffic. Fares are regulated, with an average price of around 150-200 kuna (20-27 euros) for the airport-center route.
It’s possible to book a taxi in advance through various applications such as Uber or Bolt, often at more advantageous rates compared to traditional taxis. Most upscale hotels in Zagreb also offer private transfer services for their guests, which can be arranged at the time of room booking.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Zagreb Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Zagreb Airport airport visit this site.
Car rental is a practical option for those who want more autonomy during their stay or intend to explore the surrounding regions. All major international companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) and local ones (Oryx, Nova) are present at the airport, with counters located in the arrivals area.
The travel time to the city center is about 25 minutes, following the main road that connects the airport to the capital. It’s important to note that parking in downtown Zagreb is paid and may be limited, especially in the upper town (Gornji Grad) and pedestrian zones of the historic center. Car rental is particularly recommended for those who wish to visit Croatia’s numerous national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes (about 2 hours) or Risnjak National Park (about 2 hours and 30 minutes).
To rent a car in Zagreb we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
Although there is no direct rail connection to the airport, it’s possible to use a combination of means. From the arrivals terminal, you can take the bus to Zagreb’s central railway station (Glavni Kolodvor), from where trains depart for numerous national and international destinations.
This option is particularly useful for those who need to continue their journey to other Croatian cities such as Split (about 6 hours by train) or international destinations such as Ljubljana in Slovenia (about 2 hours and 30 minutes) or Budapest in Hungary (about 6 hours). The total travel time from the airport to the railway station is about 30-35 minutes, using the dedicated bus service.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Zagreb Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near theZagreb Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Zagreb Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the zagreb Airport, to book click here.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the zagreb Airport. To compare rates click here.