Getting around — Zagreb region

Zagreb and Continental Croatia have the best transport network in the country — the capital is a central rail, road and air hub.

The international airport of Zagreb Franjo Tuđman (ZAG), 17 km southeast of the centre, is the country's main airport, served by Croatia Airlines (direct flight to most European capitals), Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and several low-cost (Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet). The Pleso prima shuttle reaches the bus station in 35 minutes for about €8.

In Zagreb itself, the ZET network (trams and buses) is efficient and cheap — 4 main tram lines covering the centre, extended by a dense bus network to the outskirts. The €1.30 ticket is valid for 30 or 90 minutes depending on type. The historic centre (upper and lower town) is fully walkable. Bolt and Uber work well in Zagreb for occasional rides.

Croatian Railways (HŽ) trains connect Zagreb to major cities: Split (6-7h, day or night train), Rijeka (4h), Osijek (4h30), Pula (5h30). Internationally, direct trains to Vienna (6h30), Munich (8h via Salzburg), Ljubljana (2h30), Belgrade (6h30) and Budapest (6h). The central station (Glavni kolodvor) is 10 min walk from Ban Jelačić square.

Long-distance buses (Croatia Bus, FlixBus) are often faster and cheaper than the train for the coast: Zagreb-Plitvice (2h, 4-6 departures/day), Zagreb-Zadar (3h30), Zagreb-Split (5h), Zagreb-Dubrovnik (10-11h, night train not recommended in winter). Autobusni kolodvor bus station 15 min walk from the centre.

A car is essential to explore the hinterland (Risnjak, Zagorje, Slavonia). All major agencies are at the airport. The A1 motorway to Split (380 km, 4-5h) is one of the most beautiful road axes in Europe, crossing the Velebit and Lika massifs. The A3 motorway to Belgrade serves Slavonia (Osijek 280 km, 3h). The A6 motorway reaches Rijeka in 2h (passes close to Risnjak). Cumulative tolls Zagreb-Split: about €25.