Car Rental at Zagreb Airport

Airport travel guide

Sometimes overlooked in favor of the country’s long Adriatic coast, the capital of Croatia is a fascinating place to visit if you give it a chance. More Central European than Mediterranean in look and character, it has an impressive concentration of historical landmarks but also doesn’t lack more contemporary attractions. After seeing Zagreb itself, you can use the city as a hub for exploring the rest of the country’s northwest. With that in mind, these are three of the most interesting attractions in and around Zagreb:

• Upper Town. Divided further into two sections, Gradec and Kaptol, Gornji Grad or the Upper Town is the medieval core of Zagreb. Unsurprisingly, then, this part of the city is where you’ll find many of its landmarks such as the 13th century Zagreb Cathedral, the Old Town Gate, Klovičevi Dvori Gallery, and even the Sabor or the Parliament of Croatia.

• Cathedral of Zagreb. The Cathedral of Zagreb is a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Croatia. With its soaring spires and intricate architectural details, this historic cathedral has symbolized the city for centuries and is a must-see for religious and architectural enthusiasts.

• Museum of Broken Relationships. Dedicated to the stories of failed relationships from around the world, the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is a uniquely poignant and emotionally charged museum. Its collection features a diverse array of personal artifacts and memorabilia, each accompanied by heartfelt narratives. Visitors are treated to a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss and human connection.

• St. Mark's Church. The St. Mark's Church in Zagreb is a historical and architecturally significant landmark, known for its colorful tiled roof, which features the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this 13th-century church is not only a beautiful example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture but also a symbol of Zagreb's rich cultural and historical heritage.

• Rijeka. Located on the picturesque Kvarner Bay, Rijeka (or Fiume, as the city is known in Italian) is Croatia’s third-largest city and one of its most interesting destinations. A large port city, it is known for its commercial prowess, scenic architecture, and creative spirit. The drive from Zagreb takes about two hours. Rijeka is also known as a jump-off point for the region's idyllic islands like Krk (which is connected to the mainland by a bridge) and Cres (which can be accessed by ferry from either mainland or Krk — most ferry companies let you take a car with you, but ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it).

Top international routes

• Frankfurt
• Munich
• Vienna
• Dubrovnik
• Split
• Amsterdam
• Belgrade
• Paris
• Zurich
• Sarajevo

Main airlines

Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Germanwings, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines

Terminals

The single passenger terminal building was opened to passengers in 2017, replacing the old terminal.

Location

The airport is about 10 km (6.2 miles) southeast of Zagreb city center. Savska, Sajmišna cesta, and Damira Tomljanovica streets and Liberty Bridge are the main routes connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $9 per day
• Medium cars - from $12 per day
• SUVs - from $11 per day
• Station wagons - from $14 per day
• Large cars - from $13 per day
• Premium cars - from $55 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• Convertibles - from $103 per day

Car rental desks

Most are located in the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

Although the airport is not large, you’ll find many bars and cafeterias, ATMs, duty-free shops, a lost and found service, baby changing facilities, and a prayer room. Zagreb Airport is easily accessible for travelers with reduced mobility, and special assistance is provided if requested in advance. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Lukoil at Zagrebačka Street 2c can be reached in less than ten minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations nearby.

Popular one-way rentals

• Dubrovnik (609 km / 378 mi). Located on the Adriatic Coast near the borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Dubrovnik is one of the most picturesque cities in Croatia. Internationally well-known as one of the filming locations of the Game of Thrones, the city attracts visitors with its beautiful old town, impressive city walls, and well-preserved churches.
• Split (418 km / 259 mi). Croatia’s second city and the capital of the historic Dalmatia region, Split is famous for its long, beautiful beaches and fun nightlife. But there’s even more about this city, from history that’s dating back for millenia to its proximity to Croatia’s most beautiful islands.
• Podgorica (723 km / 449 mi). The capital city of Montenegro is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Although it is not that famous as a travel destination, the city has its fair share of delights like the Old Turkish baths and beautiful Serbian Orthodox churches. Podgorica’s number one attraction, however, is its proximity to Montenegro’s stunning beaches and nature areas. It’s important to keep in mind that if you plan to travel from Zagreb to Podgorica, Sarajevo, Budapest, or Belgrade, you’ll be crossing an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Also, make sure you don’t need a visa to enter (Croatia and Hungary are both part of the EU and Schengen Area, but every other country in the region has its own unique visa policy).
• Sarajevo (396 km / 246 mi). The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo’s reputation suffered during the wars of the 1990s that followed the break-up uf Yugoslavia. Although the city still bears some scars of this gruesome experience, it is nowadays a perfectly safe place to visit, and has recently reinvented itself as a place of culture. After seeing Sarajevo, drive to see the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its impressive natural parks, and well-preserved wooden mosques.
• Budapest (339 km / 210 mi). Although Hungary is not usually associated with the Balkan region, its capital, Budapest, is just a few hours’ drive north of Zagreb. Considered by many to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, it is home to many impressive castles, the Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, and cozy restaurants serving traditionally spicy Hungarian food.
• Belgrade (387 km / 240 mi). Still undiscovered by tourist masses, Serbia remains a fascinating off-the-beaten-path destination in the heart of Southeast Europe. Its impressive capital, Belgrade, attracts visitors with the impressive Belgrade Fortress, Temple of Saint Sava, and many museums and galleries.