Zagreb Airport to City Centre Guide 2026: Bus, Taxi, Uber

Your Definitive Guide to Zagreb Airport Transfers in 2026

Welcome to Zagreb! You've just landed at Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), and the vibrant heart of Croatia's capital is waiting. But first, you need to navigate the 17-kilometer journey from the airport to the city centre. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of every transport option, complete with 2026 prices, schedules, and insider tips to ensure your arrival is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Understanding Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Franjo Tuđman Airport is a modern, single-terminal airport located southeast of the city centre. It's user-friendly and relatively small, making it easy to navigate. Upon exiting the baggage claim area, you'll find yourself in the main arrivals hall. Here you'll see currency exchange counters (though rates are better in the city), ATMs, car rental desks, and a small convenience store (Tisak) where you can buy SIM cards and public transport tickets.

Quick Comparison: Zagreb Airport Transfer Options

Choosing the right transport depends on your budget, time, and travel style. The airport shuttle bus is the balanced choice for most travelers, but other options offer distinct advantages. Refer to the data table above for a quick side-by-side comparison.

Option 1: The Airport Shuttle Bus (Pleso Prijevoz) - The Most Popular Choice

The official airport shuttle, operated by Pleso Prijevoz, is the gold standard for getting to the city. It perfectly balances cost, comfort, and efficiency.

Where to Find the Airport Shuttle Bus Stop

Finding the bus is incredibly simple. As you exit the main arrivals terminal doors, look directly to your right. The large, modern coaches are clearly marked with "Pleso Prijevoz" and are impossible to miss. The stop is located just 30 meters from the exit.

Airport Shuttle Bus Schedule and Frequency

The shuttle's schedule is conveniently synchronized with flight arrivals. Generally, a bus departs approximately every 30-40 minutes throughout the day, starting from around 4:30 AM until the last flight arrives late at night. You rarely have to wait long for a departure. The journey to the Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor) takes between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Ticket Price and How to Buy (2026)

• One-way ticket price: €8
• Return ticket price: €12 (valid for 30 days)

You have three easy ways to purchase your ticket: 1. From the Driver: The most common method. You can pay the driver directly with cash (Euros) or a credit/debit card as you board. 2. Online: Purchase in advance on the Pleso Prijevoz website to save time. 3. At the Kiosk: There is a dedicated Pleso Prijevoz kiosk inside the arrivals hall, though paying the driver is often faster.

The Journey and Drop-off Point

The bus provides a direct, non-stop service to the Zagreb Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor). This station is a major transport hub located about 2.5 km southeast of the main square, Trg bana Jelačića. From here, you can easily connect to the city's excellent tram network to reach your final destination (more on that below).

Option 2: ZET Public Bus (Line 290) - The Budget-Friendly Route

For the truly budget-conscious traveler who doesn't mind a longer journey, the local ZET public bus is the cheapest option available.

Locating the Public Bus Stop

The stop for bus line 290 is located slightly further away than the shuttle bus. Exit the terminal, walk past the shuttle bus stop, and continue along the main road for about 150 meters. The bus stop is clearly marked.

Public Bus Schedule and Journey Time

Line 290 runs from the airport to Kvaternik Square (Kvaternikov trg), which is slightly east of the city centre. The bus runs every 35-40 minutes. The key difference is the journey time: because it makes numerous local stops, the trip can take anywhere from 50 to 65 minutes. It does not go directly to the Main Bus Station or the city's main square.

Ticket Information for ZET Bus 290

• Price: €1.50 for a 90-minute ticket.
• Where to Buy: You can buy a ticket from the Tisak convenience store inside the airport terminal. It is slightly cheaper here than buying directly from the driver. If you buy from the driver, try to have exact change.

This option is best for those staying near Kvaternik Square or travelers who are comfortable navigating public transport and have a bit of extra time.

Option 3: Official Taxis - The Convenient Door-to-Door Service

If you prefer direct, door-to-door service, a taxi is a hassle-free choice. It's the most convenient option, especially if you have heavy luggage or are traveling in a small group.

Finding the Official Taxi Rank

The official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. The vehicles are clearly marked and lined up, ready to go. The service is regulated, and drivers are legally required to use the meter.

Expected Taxi Fare and Payment (2026)

• Estimated Fare: Expect to pay between €35 and €45 for a trip to the city centre.
• Payment: All official taxis accept both cash (EUR) and credit cards.
• Travel Time: 25-35 minutes, making it the fastest option outside of peak rush hour.

Insider Tip: Avoiding Scams

Always use the official taxi rank. Avoid any individuals who approach you inside the terminal offering a ride. Ensure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of your journey. The price should be clearly displayed on the meter.

Option 4: Ride-Sharing (Uber & Bolt) - The Modern Alternative

Uber and Bolt are both widely used and reliable in Zagreb. They often provide a slightly cheaper alternative to traditional taxis, with the convenience of in-app payment and price estimation.

How to Use Uber/Bolt at Zagreb Airport

After collecting your luggage, open your preferred app to request a ride. The app will direct you to a designated pick-up area, which is typically located just a short walk from the main terminal exit, often in the short-term parking area. Follow the in-app instructions for the exact meeting point.

Price Comparison: Uber/Bolt vs. Taxi (2026)

• Estimated Fare: Typically between €25 and €35.
• Note: Prices are dynamic and can surge during peak demand (e.g., when several large flights land simultaneously). It's always a good idea to check the price estimate in the app before booking.

Option 5: Private Transfers - The Premium Experience

For the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind, a pre-booked private transfer is an excellent choice. This is ideal for families, business travelers, or anyone arriving late at night.

Why Book a Private Transfer?

Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, assist you with your luggage, and take you directly to your accommodation in a private vehicle. The price is fixed in advance, so there are no surprises.

Average Costs and Booking

• Price: Ranges from €40 to €60, depending on the vehicle size and company.
• Booking: You can book through platforms like Booking.com, GetYourGuide, or directly with local Zagreb transfer companies online.

From the Bus Station to the City Centre

If you took the airport shuttle, you will arrive at the Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor). To get to the main square (Trg bana Jelačića), you need to take a tram.

1. Exit the bus station and walk to the tram stop located just in front. 2. Take Tram Line 6 (direction: Črnomerec) or Tram Line 2 (direction: Črnomerec). Both will take you directly to the main square. 3. The journey takes about 10-12 minutes (4-5 stops). 4. Tram tickets cost €0.80 for a 30-minute ride. You can buy them at any Tisak or iNovine kiosk near the tram stop. You must validate your ticket in the machine onboard the tram.

Local Insider Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• Currency: While Croatia is in the Eurozone, have some small Euro bills or coins ready, especially for the public bus. Most services accept cards.
• SIM Cards: You can buy a tourist SIM card from A1, Telemach, or Hrvatski Telekom at the Tisak store in arrivals for excellent data packages (e.g., unlimited data for 7 days for ~€10).
• Offline Maps: Before landing, download an offline map of Zagreb on Google Maps or Maps.me. This will help you navigate from the bus/tram stop to your hotel without needing immediate data.
• Rush Hour: Be aware that traffic into the city can be heavy on weekdays between 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to your travel time if arriving then.