Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman) sits about 17 km south-east of the city centre, and while there's no rail link, the choice is simple: a dedicated airport bus straight to the main station, a cheaper city bus for those on a tighter budget, or a taxi for a direct door-to-door ride.
The standard way: the Pleso airport bus
The Pleso Prijevoz airport bus is the most popular option for visitors, running directly between the terminal and Zagreb's main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor), which sits adjacent to the railway station and a short tram ride from Trg bana Jelačića, the main square. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic, and buses are timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures rather than running on a fixed public-transport-style schedule.
Tickets are bought from the driver or at a kiosk in the terminal, and the bus is comfortable, with luggage space and no need to transfer once you're at the main station — from there, trams and city buses fan out across the centre.
The cheaper way: city bus 290
Bus 290, part of the regular ZET city network, also connects the airport to the city, running to Zagreb Avenue where you can transfer to trams into the centre. It's noticeably cheaper than the Pleso airport bus and uses standard ZET tickets, but it runs less frequently and involves a transfer, making it a better fit for budget-conscious travellers who don't mind the extra step than for anyone in a hurry or carrying heavy luggage.
Taxis and Bolt
An official taxi rank operates outside arrivals with metered fares to the centre, typically taking 25–35 minutes outside heavy traffic — fares can be considerably higher than either bus option, so it's worth agreeing an estimate or checking the meter before you set off. Bolt and Uber both operate in Zagreb and tend to offer a more predictable price shown upfront in the app, making them a popular alternative to the traditional taxi rank for many visitors.
Car hire at the airport
Several car hire desks operate in the terminal, useful if you're planning to explore beyond Zagreb — the Plitvice Lakes, the wine country of the Zagorje hills, or a wider loop through Slovenia are all realistic with a rental car. Driving into and parking within central Zagreb itself is less convenient than using the tram network once you're there; a car earns its keep more on day trips out of the city than on the transfer itself. See our guide to driving in Croatia for tolls and rules.
Why there is no train to the airport
Zagreb Airport has no rail connection, and unlike some Central European capitals, there is no dedicated airport rail project currently under construction to change that. The Pleso airport bus was built specifically to fill this gap, which is why it remains the default recommendation over the slower, transfer-requiring city bus 290 for most visitors carrying luggage. If your travel plans change and a rail link is announced, it's worth checking current advice before your trip, but for now the bus and taxi options above are the full picture.
Connecting onward from the main station
Because the Pleso airport bus terminates right next to Zagreb's railway station, it doubles as a convenient way to reach onward rail connections without a separate transfer across the city. If you're passing straight through Zagreb en route to Ljubljana, Split or Belgrade, factor the 30–40 minute airport bus journey into your total connection time, and allow a little extra buffer if your onward train or coach departs soon after you land, since the bus schedule is tied to flights rather than a fixed clock-face timetable.
Luggage, timing and first-timer tips
Zagreb Airport is a manageable size and clearly signposted in English and Croatian, with the bus stops for both the Pleso airport bus and city bus 290 a short walk from arrivals. Ticket machines and kiosks generally accept card payment, though it's worth carrying a small amount of cash as a backup, since Croatia moved to the euro relatively recently and not every kiosk accepts card for small purchases.
If you're arriving late at night, check the current Pleso bus schedule before you fly, since services are timed around flights rather than running all night — a taxi or Bolt is the more dependable fallback outside the bus's operating hours.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors, the Pleso airport bus is the easiest and most comfortable choice, dropping you at the main station with a straightforward onward tram connection. Bus 290 suits budget travellers happy to make a transfer. Taxis and Bolt are worth it for late arrivals, groups, or anyone who'd rather go straight to their accommodation without a change.
Once you're settled in, our guide to Zagreb public transport covers the tram network and the historic Uspinjača funicular in full. If you're continuing on, see Zagreb to Belgrade or Zagreb to Ljubljana.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Zagreb Airport to the city centre?
The Pleso airport bus runs directly to the main bus station in around 30–40 minutes. City bus 290 is a cheaper alternative that requires a tram transfer, and taxis or Bolt offer a direct door-to-door ride.
Is there a train from Zagreb Airport to the city?
No — there is currently no rail connection to Zagreb Airport. The Pleso bus, city bus 290, and taxis or ride-hailing are the realistic options.
How much does the Pleso airport bus cost compared to a taxi?
The Pleso bus is considerably cheaper than a taxi for a single traveller, though a taxi or Bolt can work out comparable in cost for a group splitting the fare.
Does Zagreb use the euro?
Yes, Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, so no currency exchange is needed if you're arriving from another eurozone country.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman) official site.
- Airport bus timetables: Pleso Prijevoz.
- City transport network: ZET (Zagrebački Električni Tramvaj).