If you’re flying into Zagreb for the first time, getting from the Zagreb airport to the city centre is straightforward.
Franjo Tuđman Airport is located around 14 kilometres from central Zagreb, and the journey by car usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re travelling by public transport, expect the journey to take around 35 to 50 minutes.
There are several ways to reach the city centre, including the official airport shuttle bus, the ZET public bus, taxis and car rental. The best option depends mainly on how much luggage you have, how quickly you want to reach the city and whether you’re planning to continue travelling around Croatia after your stay in Zagreb.
Zagreb Airport transport options
| Transport option | Journey time | Price |
| Airport shuttle bus | 35–40 min | €9 |
| ZET bus 290 | 45–50 min | €0.93–€1.33 |
| Official taxi | 20–30 min | Up to €35 |
| Car rental | 20–30 min | Varies |
If you’re travelling to Croatia from outside the Schengen Area, read our guide, EES Europe: What the New System Means at Borders and Airports in 2026, to find out how the new Entry/Exit System will affect travel across the European Union.
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› Shuttle bus from Zagreb Airport to the city centre
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Where is Zagreb Airport?
Franjo Tuđman Airport is Croatia’s largest and busiest airport, serving both Zagreb and much of the country’s inland region. It is located about 14 kilometres southeast of Zagreb’s city centre, near the town of Velika Gorica.
By car, the journey to central Zagreb usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, while public transport takes slightly longer.
The airport terminal is relatively compact, clearly signposted and much easier to get around than many larger European airports. Whether you choose the shuttle bus, public transport or a taxi, reaching the city centre is straightforward, even if you arrive late in the evening.
Shuttle bus from Zagreb Airport to the city centre
For most visitors, the official airport shuttle bus is the most convenient way to travel from Zagreb Airport to the city centre. It operates directly between Franjo Tuđman Airport and Zagreb Bus Station, which is located close to the city centre and provides easy connections by tram, taxi or on foot to many hotels and apartments.
The shuttle bus departs directly outside the Arrivals terminal. After leaving the terminal building, simply follow the signs for buses and coaches. The stop is only a short walk from the exit.
The journey takes 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. A one-way adult ticket costs €9, while children under the age of seven travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Pleso website before your journey or directly from the driver. Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Buses operate regularly from 6:00 am until 10:30 pm. After that, departures are adjusted to the arrival of late flights and continue until 1:00 am. As a rule, the bus departs 30 to 40 minutes after the aircraft lands, so it’s always worth checking the latest flight schedule for any changes.
The shuttle bus runs directly from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb Bus Station, located just east of the city centre. From there, you can reach Ban Jelačić Square in around 5 to 10 minutes by tram or about 20 minutes on foot.
Public bus from Zagreb Airport to the city centre
If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey and making a transfer after arriving in the city, the cheapest way to reach Zagreb is ZET bus line 290. This public bus operates between Kvaternik Square and Velika Gorica, stopping at Franjo Tuđman Airport in both directions.
Buses run approximately every 25 to 30 minutes, while the journey to Kvaternik Square takes around 45 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, you can continue to Ban Jelačić Square or Zagreb’s Main Railway Station by tram or on foot, depending on where you’re staying.
A single ticket, valid for 60 minutes, costs €0.93 if purchased in advance through the ZET app or at newspaper kiosks, or €1.33 if bought from the driver.
The ZET bus stop is located outside the Arrivals terminal, near the other bus and shuttle stops. After leaving the terminal building, simply follow the signs for public transport.
Although it’s not the fastest option, bus 290 is an excellent choice for travellers looking to save money and travelling with lighter luggage.
Taxi from Zagreb Airport
If you’d like to travel directly to your hotel or apartment without changing transport, taking a taxi is the simplest option. Official taxi services at Franjo Tuđman Airport are provided by the Velika Gorica Taxi Association, with vehicles waiting immediately outside the Arrivals terminal.
You can pay by cash or card. The maximum starting fare for a standard taxi is €2.95, while the maximum price per kilometre is €1.95.
For most visitors, the most useful information is that the official price list also sets maximum fares for the most common destinations. A taxi ride to Zagreb city centre should not cost more than €35, while the maximum fare to Zagreb Bus Station is €30 and to Zagreb Main Railway Station €35.
The journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re travelling in a group or have more luggage than fits into a standard car, larger taxi vans are also available for groups of more than four passengers.
Car rental at Zagreb Airport
If you’re planning to explore more of Croatia after visiting Zagreb, such as Plitvice Lakes, Istria or the Dalmatian coast, renting a car offers the greatest flexibility.
Around ten car rental companies operate at Franjo Tuđman Airport, allowing you to pick up your vehicle immediately after landing. This is particularly convenient if you’re planning to visit several destinations or travel to parts of Croatia where public transport is less frequent.
If you’re staying in Zagreb for just a few days, however, you’ll probably find that you don’t need a car. The city’s public transport system is well organised, and many of Zagreb’s main attractions are within walking distance of one another.
If you’re travelling directly to Split, Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes, you may not need to enter Zagreb’s city centre at all. From Zagreb Bus Station, you can continue your journey by long-distance coach, while travellers planning to explore Croatia by road may find it more convenient to rent a car directly at the airport.
If you don’t plan to rent a car, our guide Travelling around Croatia without a car explains the country’s public transport network in more detail.
Which transport option should you choose?
For most first-time visitors, the shuttle bus is the easiest option because it takes you directly from the airport to Zagreb Bus Station without any transfers.
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, ZET bus line 290 is by far the cheapest option, although the journey takes a little longer. On the other hand, if you’re travelling with lots of luggage, young children or arriving late in the evening, a taxi will be the most comfortable choice.
If you’re planning to continue travelling around Croatia immediately after arriving, renting a car at the airport is well worth considering.
Zagreb Airport to the City Centre FAQ
Is there a direct bus from Zagreb Airport to the city centre?
Yes. The official airport shuttle bus operates directly between Franjo Tuđman Airport and Zagreb Bus Station, without any transfers.
Is Uber available at Zagreb Airport?
Yes. Uber is available at Franjo Tuđman Airport and operates 24 hours a day. Prices depend on demand and the time of day, but typically range between €15 and €30.
How long does it take to get from Zagreb Airport to the city centre?
By car, the journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The shuttle bus takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, while the public bus takes around 45 to 50 minutes.
Can I buy shuttle bus tickets at the airport?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased online before your journey or directly from the driver before departure.
Can I pay by card at the airport?
Yes. All transport services mentioned in this guide accept both card and cash payments.
Is public transport available from the airport?
Yes. ZET bus line 290 connects Franjo Tuđman Airport with Kvaternik Square and runs approximately every 25 to 30 minutes.
If you’re still planning your wider Croatia trip, you may also find our guide Planning a Trip to Croatia? The Basics You Need to Know First useful before you finalise your route, transport and travel dates.
