Zagreb Airport, officially Franjo Tuđman Airport, is the main air gateway to Croatia’s capital. Getting into the city is straightforward, with several practical options: the airport shuttle to Zagreb’s Main Bus Station, ZET public bus 290, an official airport taxi, a pre-arranged transfer or a rental car.
For most visitors, the best option depends on where you are staying. The airport shuttle is usually the simplest public-transport choice for central Zagreb, while ZET bus 290 is cheaper and useful if Kvaternik Square suits your route. A taxi or private transfer is easiest with heavy luggage, children or a late arrival.
For broader trip planning, see our Zagreb & Central Croatia guide and Croatia itineraries.
Zagreb Airport to the city centre: quick comparison
- Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle: direct to Zagreb Main Bus Station; official airport guidance gives a typical journey time of about 35–40 minutes.
- ZET bus 290: runs between Kvaternik Square, Zagreb Airport and Velika Gorica; the airport gives a typical journey time of about 45–50 minutes.
- Taxi: direct door-to-door travel from the official taxi pick-up area outside Arrivals.
- Private transfer: useful for families, groups, late arrivals and travellers who want a driver waiting.
- Rental car: best only if Zagreb is the start of a wider road trip.
1. Airport shuttle to Zagreb Main Bus Station
The official Pleso Prijevoz shuttle is the most straightforward public-transport option for many first-time visitors. Zagreb Airport confirms that the service operates between the passenger terminal and the Main Bus Station in Zagreb.
The airport currently lists a typical journey time of 35–40 minutes. Travel time can be longer in heavy traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours or major roadworks.
Where does the shuttle leave from?
At the airport, the stop is outside the passenger terminal near the Arrivals area. In Zagreb, the shuttle uses the Main Bus Station.
Who is the shuttle best for?
- first-time visitors staying in central Zagreb;
- travellers connecting to long-distance buses;
- visitors who want a direct public-transport option without changing vehicles at the airport;
- solo travellers and couples with manageable luggage.
What about the fare?
Because airport-bus fares and departure times can change, check the current Pleso Prijevoz timetable and ticket price shortly before travel. Zagreb Airport directs passengers to the operator’s official website for live fare and schedule information.
2. ZET bus 290: the cheaper public-transport option
ZET bus line 290 runs on the route Kvaternik Square – Zagreb Airport – Velika Gorica. It stops at the airport in both directions and is part of Zagreb’s public-transport network.
Zagreb Airport currently gives a typical travel time of about 45–50 minutes. This can vary depending on traffic and where you join or leave the route.
When is bus 290 a good choice?
It is particularly useful if your accommodation is near Kvaternik Square or if you are comfortable continuing by tram from there. It is less convenient than the airport shuttle if you are staying near the Main Bus Station or carrying a lot of luggage.
ZET ticket prices
As of September 2026, ZET lists standard city fares of €0.53 for a 30-minute ticket, €0.93 for 60 minutes and €1.33 for 90 minutes under the normal tariff. Travel between the airport and central Zagreb may involve more than one tariff zone depending on the exact journey and ticket used, so confirm the correct ticket before boarding.
ZET’s autumn timetable has been in effect since 7 September 2026. Always check the current line 290 schedule before your flight day because timetables and roadworks can change.
3. Taxi from Zagreb Airport
The official airport taxi pick-up area is located immediately outside the Arrivals section of the passenger terminal. Zagreb Airport currently identifies the Taxi Association of Velika Gorica as the taxi provider under contract with the airport operator.
The airport states that taxi services accept cash and a range of card and digital-wallet payments, although not every vehicle necessarily supports every card type. It is sensible to confirm the payment method before starting the ride.
How much does a taxi cost?
Taxi prices depend on the destination, traffic and the applicable tariff, so ask for the estimated fare before departure. The airport currently publishes a maximum taxi start price of €2.95 for a car and €3.30 for a van; this is the starting charge, not the total fare to central Zagreb.
When is a taxi worth it?
- you arrive late at night;
- you have several bags;
- you are travelling with young children;
- your accommodation is far from the shuttle or bus stops;
- two or more travellers can share the fare.
4. Private airport transfer
A pre-booked private transfer is usually the easiest option if you want someone waiting in Arrivals with your name and a fixed destination already arranged. It can also be useful for larger groups that need a van.
Prices vary by provider, vehicle and destination. Use a reputable operator, confirm the total price before travel and make sure the booking clearly states whether waiting time, child seats or late-night surcharges are included.
5. Rental car from Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport has multiple car-rental desks in the terminal area. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to leave Zagreb soon after arrival and continue into the countryside or toward another Croatian region.
For a normal Zagreb city break, however, a rental car is unnecessary. Central Zagreb is walkable and well served by trams, while parking can make a car more trouble than help.
If Zagreb is the beginning of a driving holiday, see our Croatia road trip guide.
Which option is best for central Zagreb?
For most visitors staying in or near the historic centre, the airport shuttle to the Main Bus Station is the simplest balance of convenience and cost. From the bus station, you can continue by tram, taxi or on foot depending on your accommodation.
If your hotel or apartment is closer to Kvaternik Square, ZET bus 290 may be more logical.
Which option is best for Ban Jelačić Square?
There is no airport rail link directly into the main square. A practical route is to take the airport shuttle to the Main Bus Station and then continue by tram or taxi.
If you are tired after a flight or carrying large luggage, a taxi or private transfer directly to your accommodation is more comfortable.
Which option is best at night?
For late arrivals, first check whether the airport shuttle still matches your flight time. Zagreb Airport states that the shuttle operates in scheduled intervals and is organised around scheduled air traffic, but exact departures should always be verified on the operator’s current timetable.
If public transport no longer suits your arrival time, an official airport taxi or pre-arranged transfer is the safest simple option.
Travelling from central Zagreb back to the airport
Do not simply reverse your arrival trip without checking the latest timetable. Airport departures are less forgiving than city arrivals, so build in additional time for traffic, waiting and the walk from your accommodation to the departure point.
- For the airport shuttle, check the latest departures from Zagreb Main Bus Station.
- For ZET bus 290, check the current timetable and any service notices.
- For a taxi or transfer, book enough time for weekday traffic.
How early should you leave Zagreb for the airport?
The correct departure time depends on your airline, check-in requirements and traffic. As a general principle, work backward from the time your airline wants you at the terminal, then add transfer time plus a sensible buffer.
Zagreb traffic can slow down during weekday peaks and roadworks. In 2026 the city has several major infrastructure projects, so a journey that looks short on a map may take longer at busy times.
Can you use Zagreb public transport with luggage?
Yes. Standard airport-sized luggage is common on both the shuttle and public buses. Keep bags close and avoid blocking doors or aisles. ZET specifically asks passengers to manage bags responsibly inside vehicles.
Is there a train from Zagreb Airport to the city?
No direct passenger train currently links Zagreb Airport with the city centre. The main public-transport choices are the airport shuttle and ZET bus 290.
Practical arrival tips
- Check the shuttle or bus timetable before landing, not after you leave the terminal.
- Keep your accommodation address available offline.
- If using a taxi, confirm the payment method before departure.
- Do not rent a car only for a central Zagreb stay unless you have a specific reason.
- Allow more time during morning and afternoon traffic peaks.
Final recommendation
For most travellers, take the Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle to Zagreb Main Bus Station. Choose ZET bus 290 if its route suits your accommodation and you want the public-bus option. Use a taxi or private transfer when door-to-door convenience matters more than price.
Once you arrive, continue planning with our Zagreb & Central Croatia guide, Croatia itineraries and Croatia weather by month.
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