Zagreb public transport

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Zagreb's public transport is dominated by its distinctive network of blue trams — the iconic image of the city's streets since the late nineteenth century. The Zagrebački Električni Tramvaj (ZET) operates trams, buses and the world's shortest funicular, which climbs the hill between the lower town and the historic upper city. For visitors, the tram and funicular cover almost everything you need.

ZET Trams: the city's main network

Zagreb's tram system is extensive and unusually well preserved for a city of its size. The fleet mixes modern low-floor trams with older Tatra cars that have been running the same routes for decades, giving the network a character all its own. All trams are coloured a distinctive deep blue, making them easy to spot from a distance.

The network has a central spine running along Ilica (the main shopping street) east–west, and another axis running north–south through Trg bana Jelačića, the main city square. Key routes for visitors include:

• Tram 1: runs along the main east–west corridor of Ilica through the city centre.
• Tram 6: connects the railway station area with the eastern city.
• Tram 11: provides a north–south link through the busy Savska and Vukovarska corridors.
• Trams 13 and 14: night trams running through the city on modified routes when the daytime services stop.

Daytime trams run from approximately 04:00 to midnight, with reduced frequency on Sundays and public holidays. Night trams (overnight routes) operate on weekend nights, running at lower frequency but covering the main corridors.

The main tram interchange for visitors is Trg bana Jelačića, where many lines converge. From here, most of the lower city is accessible on foot or within one or two tram stops. The main railway station (Glavni Kolodvor) is a short tram or walk from Jelačića Square.

The Funicular: Uspinjača

Zagreb's Uspinjača funicular is a local institution. Running just 66 metres, it connects Ilica (lower town) with Strossmayerovo šetalište at the top of the Gornji Grad (Upper Town) hill. It dates to 1890 and is one of the oldest public funiculars in the world still in regular operation.

The journey takes about one minute. It saves a reasonably steep walk up through the Stari Grad (Old Town) neighbourhood, though the staircases are also worth taking for the views. The funicular runs frequently during the day and is covered by the standard ZET ticket — a modest and rather charming way to gain altitude in the city.

The top of the funicular leads you directly into the historic Upper Town, close to St Mark's Church, the Croatian Parliament and several museums. The views over the lower city from the Lotrščak Tower promenade are among the best in Zagreb.

City Buses

ZET buses serve the outer suburbs, residential districts and areas beyond the tram network. They are numbered and cover the whole metropolitan area. For most city-centre visits, trams handle the core routes and buses are mainly needed for:

• Reaching Mirogoj cemetery (one of Europe's most impressive and a visitor attraction in its own right) — bus 106 from Kaptol.
• Connections to outer districts such as Sesvete and Dubrava.
• The route towards Jarun lake and the western recreation areas.

Getting to and from Zagreb Airport

Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman Airport, ZAG) is located about 17 km south-east of the city centre. The main connection is the Pleso Prijevoz airport bus, which runs between the airport and the Zagreb bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor), adjacent to the main railway station, in approximately 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run to coincide with flight arrivals and departures.

A taxi or rideshare from the airport to the centre typically takes a similar time to the bus but costs considerably more. There is currently no direct tram or rail connection to the airport.

Tickets and Passes

ZET uses a zone-based ticketing system. For visitors, all journeys in central Zagreb fall within the city zone (Zone 1).

• Single ticket (30 minutes): valid for 30 minutes from validation on a single vehicle — no transfers.
• Single ticket (60 minutes): valid for 60 minutes from validation, allowing transfers between trams and buses within Zone 1.
• Day pass (24-hour): unlimited travel in the zone for 24 hours — good value for a full day of exploration.
• 7-day pass: available for weekly visitors.

Tickets can be bought at ZET kiosks (blue kiosks at major tram stops), from tobacconists and newspaper stands, or via the ZET mobil app. Buying on board the tram from the driver is possible but costs more. Validate in the yellow machines when you board — tickets are checked by inspectors regularly.

The Zagreb Card (available for 24 and 72 hours) bundles unlimited public transport with free museum entry and restaurant discounts, and is worth comparing against buying transport and tickets separately.

Walking in Zagreb

The city divides naturally into the Donji Grad (lower town) — a grid of Austro-Hungarian boulevards around Jelačića Square — and the Gornji Grad (upper town) — the medieval hilltop neighbourhood above. Both are excellent for walking. The lower city's green horseshoe of parks (the zelena potkova) connects several main museums in a long leisurely stroll.

The distance from the railway station to Jelačića Square is walkable in about 10 minutes; from Jelačića to the funicular takes another 5–10 minutes on foot.

Tips for getting around Zagreb

• Trg bana Jelačića is the hub for almost all tram lines — start here and work outwards.
• The funicular to Gornji Grad is covered by a standard ZET ticket and saves a steep climb.
• Buy 60-minute tickets rather than 30-minute ones if there's any chance you might transfer — the price difference is small.
• The airport bus is reliable and cheap compared to a taxi; buy tickets from the driver.
• Zagreb is a compact city: many main sights (Lower Town museums, Dolac market, Cathedral) are walkable from the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Does Zagreb have a metro?

No. Zagreb does not have an underground metro. The city relies on a surface tram network (ZET), city buses and the historic Uspinjača funicular. Plans for a metro or light rail system have been discussed for many years but construction had not yet begun as of mid-2026.

What is the Zagreb funicular (Uspinjača)?

The Uspinjača is a 66-metre funicular railway connecting Ilica (lower town) with the historic Gornji Grad (Upper Town). It has been operating since 1890, is one of the world's shortest public funiculars and is covered by a standard ZET ticket.

How do I get from Zagreb Airport to the city centre?

The Pleso Prijevoz airport bus runs to the main bus station (next to the railway station) in around 30–40 minutes. Buses run to connect with flight arrivals. Taxis and Bolt/Uber are available but significantly more expensive.

Are Zagreb tram tickets valid on buses too?

Yes. A ZET ticket covers trams and buses within the same zone. A 60-minute ticket allows transfers between vehicles within that window — the 30-minute ticket is valid for a single vehicle only.