Getting Around Zagreb: A Practical Transport Guide
Zagreb has a well-developed public transport system combining trams, buses, and trains, making it straightforward for visitors to navigate the city. The system is managed by Zagreb Electric Tram (ZET), a public company that handles most urban mobility. You can plan routes using the official ZET app, Google Maps, or the Easyway journey planner.
The Tram Network
Trams are a backbone of Zagreb's transport system and operate 24 hours a day. During daytime hours (from around 04:30 to just after midnight), there are daytime tram lines operating frequently. From midnight to around 04:30, night lines take over with reduced frequency, typically every 30–40 minutes. Some daytime tram lines do not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, so it's worth checking schedules if you're traveling on weekends.
The funicular railway is another unique tram-based option, connecting the lower and upper towns. It operates every 10 minutes and takes just one minute to traverse, making it one of the world's steepest and shortest funicular railways. You can use a regular ZET ticket, or pay an additional fee for an immediate ride if you prefer not to wait.
Buses and Wider Coverage
Buses complement the tram network and extend coverage to areas outside the city center and neighboring towns in Zagreb County. There are extensive daytime bus lines as well as night lines, so buses are available around the clock. Buses use the same ticketing system as trams, making it convenient to switch between modes. Google Maps is helpful for planning specific bus routes, as comprehensive bus route maps are not widely distributed.
Commuter Rail
Croatian Railways operates a parallel commuter rail system serving the wider region around Zagreb. Trains connect Zagreb to several surrounding towns and can be useful for day trips or onward travel to other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries.
Buying Tickets and Passes
There are several flexible ticketing options for trams and buses. Paper tickets and chip cards can be purchased at newsstands and kiosks (marked "Tisak"), including at the airport. Buying tickets at kiosks is cheaper than purchasing from drivers.
For regular users, stored-value electronic chip cards offer convenience. You can buy these at ZET company offices for a small fee and load them with credit in advance. These cards work with the ticketing machines on vehicles and are particularly useful since buses and trams often have fewer machines that accept paper tickets.
A smartphone option is available through the MOJ ZET app, which works on both iOS and Android. You can top up the app with credit using a credit card and purchase tickets directly on your phone. To activate a ticket, scan the blue QR code near vehicle doors or use NFC technology.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are widely available in Zagreb. Several companies operate taxi services, including Bolt, Uber, Wizi, and Eko taxi, giving you multiple options for booking rides. The taxi market was liberalized in early 2018, introducing competition while pricing is still regulated to remain affordable.
Walkability
Zagreb's downtown area (Donji Grad) features a quasi-rectangular street plan built largely in the 19th century, making it relatively walkable. However, many other neighborhoods have less organized street layouts. The city is largely flat except for the northern areas near Medvednica mountain, making it generally easy to navigate on foot in central areas.
Cycling
Zagreb has bike lanes totaling several hundred kilometers, though coverage is concentrated mainly in the city center and along major avenues. Individual neighborhoods often lack cycling infrastructure. The city operates a bike-sharing system called Bajs, which launched in 2025 and consists of bicycles available at multiple locations throughout the city. However, be aware that the city is not among the world's most bike-friendly destinations, and many lanes are painted on curbs rather than on the road itself.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Franjo Tuđman Airport (also known as Zagreb Airport) is located about 17 kilometers southeast of the city center. There are several practical ways to reach the city:
- Pleso Prijevoz shuttle buses: Dedicated airport shuttle buses depart from the airport at 07:00 and then every 30 minutes between 08:00 and 20:00. Outside these hours, buses run whenever a Croatia Airlines flight lands. The journey takes about 30 minutes. A single ticket costs €8, and buses head to the main bus station (Zagreb Bus Station). You can check timetables on the Pleso Prijevoz website. From the main bus station to the airport, buses operate between 04:30 and 20:30. These buses depart from the northeast wing of the main bus station—look for "Croatia Airlines" and "Eurolines" banners.
- Local ZET bus 290: This is a more budget-friendly option. Bus line 290 runs from the main airport road outside the terminal and connects to Eugen Kvaternik Square in the city center via the satellite city of Velika Gorica.
- Taxi, Bolt, or Uber: You can order a taxi or use ride-hailing apps. Rides from the airport to the city center typically cost €14–20.
Long-Distance Travel: Rail and Bus Stations
Zagreb has two main long-distance terminals located in the city center. Zagreb Glavni kolodvor (the main railway station) is a grand neo-classical building from 1892 and serves domestic and international trains. Zagreb Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Zagreb) handles long-distance bus services and is located about a 10-minute walk from the railway station, or three tram stops away using tram lines 2 or 6. Both stations are conveniently positioned in the wider city center, making onward connections to trams and buses straightforward.