Renting a Car at Zagreb Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Zagreb Airport Franjo Tuđman (ZAG), opened in 2017, is Croatia's newest and most modern airport. Rental desks are on the arrivals level — Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Croatian operators ORYX and Carwiz share the space. Zagreb is the starting point for drives to the Plitvice Lakes, the Istrian peninsula, and Slovenia's Lake Bled (just 2 hours away).
🎯 Quick Tip
Zagreb is Croatia's cheapest rental car market — rates here are 15-20% lower than Split or Dubrovnik airports. If your itinerary allows it, start from ZAG and do a one-way rental to the coast for the best deal.
Compare Prices at ZAG
Check these trusted platforms for the best car hire deals at Zagreb Airport:
Airport Pickup Tips
ZAG's modern terminal has well-organized rental desks on the arrivals level. Present passport, EU license or IDP, credit card. Croatian operators accept most international licenses. If crossing into Slovenia, Bosnia, or Montenegro, confirm cross-border insurance and request the green card. Pickup: 10 minutes.
Continental Croatian roads are well-maintained. Check standard areas: bumpers, mirrors, tires. ZAG's modern parking facility has good lighting. If heading to Plitvice Lakes, verify the spare tire — the last stretch of road to the park is winding and isolated. Winter visitors: check for winter tires (mandatory November-April).
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Zagreb by Car
Croatia's capital is the starting point for driving south along the spectacular A1 motorway to Split, or east into Slavonia's rolling countryside and the Plitvice Lakes — Croatia's most famous national park.
Top drive from Zagreb: Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2.5 hours south
Getting from Zagreb Airport to the City
ZAG is 17 km southeast of Zagreb center (20 min). For Plitvice Lakes, A1 south to Karlovac exit then D1 (2 hours). For Split, A1 south (4 hours). For Dubrovnik, A1 south (6 hours). For Ljubljana (Slovenia), A2 north (1 hour 30 min). For Lake Bled (Slovenia), A2 north then A1 (2 hours). For Budapest (Hungary), A4 north (3 hours 30 min).
ORYX operates from Velika Gorica, 3 km from ZAG, with free shuttle. Carwiz (a Croatian start-up) has offices near the airport and offers the best rates for one-way rentals between Zagreb and coastal cities. Both operators include green insurance cards for cross-border travel at no extra charge.
What to Know Before Driving from ZAG
Croatia drives on the right. Motorway limit: 130 km/h. The A1 Zagreb-Split is Croatia's main artery — fully tolled (approximately €25 for the full run). Winter equipment (winter tires or chains) is mandatory November 15 - April 15. Croatian police use radar extensively on the A1 and D-roads. Parking in Zagreb center: use the underground lots at Ban Jelačić Square or Importanne Center.
ZAG connects to the A1 (south to Split/Dubrovnik), A2 (north to Slovenia), A3 (east to Slavonia and Serbia), and A4 (north to Hungary). Croatia requires headlights on at all times. The HAK motorway app shows live traffic and toll information. Croatian motorway tolls are paid at exit booths (cash or card).
Fuel Stations Near ZAG
INA and Petrol stations are on the A1 and D30 near ZAG. Fuel: Eurosuper 95 approximately €1.55/L, diesel €1.50/L. The INA at the airport access road is the closest to ZAG. Croatian motorway service stations have fair pricing — no significant markup compared to off-motorway stations.
Local Driving Tip
Zagreb's tram network makes driving in the centre pointless — park at the Arena Centar mall garage near the Sava river and take tram 6 to the main square. Winter tyres are mandatory November through April and rental companies charge €50–80 for the swap.