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Zagreb Airport car rental and driving in Croatia: Key facts
Language
Croatian, English
Drive on
Right-hand side
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Country calling code
+385
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit on motorways
130 km/h or 80 mph
Airport location
Velika Gorica, southeast of Zagreb
Speed limit on expressways
110 km/h or 68 mph
Common fuel policy
Varies by supplier
Distance to Zagreb
~17km to the city centre
Minimum rental age
Generally 18+ (varies by supplier, Young Driver Fees may apply)
Common rental car types
Economy, compact
Time zone
Central European Time (CET)/Central European Summer Time (CEST)
International Driving Permit (IDP) required?
Depends on the issuing country and driving licence format. Check the requirements with the supplier before travel.
Permitted countries for cross-border travel
Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro.
Zagreb Airport Car Rental (ZAG)
Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) is an apt starting point if you plan to explore the Croatian capital and the surrounding regions by car. With a rental car, you can move beyond the city centre and plan day trips to nearby destinations at your own pace.
Visit Samobor for its historic centre and local food, head to Medvednica Nature Park for scenic surroundings. For a longer day trip, drive around 130 km from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park via the A1 motorway towards Karlovac, then follow the D1 road through Slunj and Rakovica. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (depending on traffic).
Zagreb Airport is located around 17 km from the city centre by road. To reach the city, follow the D30 towards Zagreb, then continue towards Radnicka cesta towards the centre. The drive usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. It also works well if Zagreb is the first stop on a wider Croatia road trip, with routes leading towards destinations across the country.
From compact and economy cars to SUVs and larger vehicles, VIP Cars lets you compare rental options from different suppliers at Zagreb Airport. Choose a vehicle that suits your plans, whether you are staying in Zagreb or using the city as a starting point for exploring Croatia.
Where are the rental desks at Zagreb Airport?
Zagreb Airport is a convenient pickup location for travelers planning to explore Croatia by car, thanks to its connection to the city's main road network and the A3 motorway. This provides easy access to Zagreb and onward routes towards eastern Croatia and other parts of the country.
Most on-site car rental desks at Zagreb Airport are located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, after baggage reclaim. You can complete the rental formalities at the counter and collect your vehicle from the designated rental parking area a short walk from the terminal.
Furthermore, the airport has several car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Hertz, Europcar and SIXT, giving travelers different options depending on their vehicle requirements and travel plans.
Here is how you can pick up your rental car at Zagreb Airport:
- Collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals area on the ground floor of the passenger terminal.
- Look for the "Rent a Car" signs and proceed towards the rental desks.
- For SIXT, the counter is in the Arrivals hall. After leaving the customer area, turn left and continue to the end of the hall. The desk is next to Nero cafe bar.
- For Avis, the counter is located in the Arrivals hall just after baggage reclaim. Exit the terminal and turn right to reach the airport parking area where the rental cars are picked up.
- For Enterprise, Alamo and National, the rental office is inside the main Arrivals Hall near the passenger terminal, so no shuttle is required to reach the rental desk.
- Once the verification or paperwork is done at the desk, follow the supplier's directions to its designated parking area and get familiarized with the car before leaving the airport.
- Green Motion, Surprise, addCar and Cargini Rent A Car offer shuttle transfers from Zagreb Airport to their rental locations. Check the pickup and transfer instructions before booking.
Note: Keep your Rental Confirmation Voucher handy because it contains meeting points, contact details and pickup instructions of your respective supplier.
Where to return your rental car at Zagreb Airport (ZAG)?
Returning your Zagreb Airport car rental involves taking back to your supplier’s designated return area before heading to the terminal for your departure. Since rental companies can use different parking locations and return processes, check your supplier’s instructions before driving to the airport.
- As you approach Franjo Tudman Airport, follow the signs towards the passenger terminal at Ulica Rudolfa Fizira 21.
- Once at the terminal, follow the “Rent a Car” signs to the rental car parking area.
- Look for your supplier’s designated parking area. For example, SIXT's parking is at the Passenger Terminal, located at the beginning of the ‘Rent a Car’ parking area.
- Park in the designated area of your supplier and remove all personal belongings from the vehicle.
- Complete the vehicle handover and return the keys according to your supplier's instructions.
- After returning your car to the designated rental parking area, follow the signs back to the passenger terminal. If your supplier operates from an off-airport location, check whether a shuttle service is provided to transfer you to the terminal.
Returning to an off-site supplier
If your rental provider operates from a location outside the main airport terminal, the return process can be different from an on-airport rental. Here is what you need to do:
- Follow your off-site supplier's return directions mentioned in the booking voucher.
- Return the vehicle to the supplier's designated office or premises.
- If the company provides a shuttle, use the arranged transfer to get back to the passenger terminal.
- Allow extra time for the vehicle return and transfer, especially before an international flight and during rush hours - early morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
After-hours returns
Some Zagreb Airport rental companies allow vehicles to be returned outside their standard hours such as Enterprise. Check the supplier's instructions for the designated parking area and key drop box service mentioned in your booking voucher. Once the rental has been fully processed, head towards your departure gate.
Zagreb Airport (ZAG): Overview and passenger facilities
| Address: | Zagreb Airport, Ulica Rudolfa Fizira 21, 10410 Velika Gorica, Croatia |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | ZAG |
Croatia's primary international airport, Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) is the country's largest and busiest airport. Named after Croatia's first president, Franjo Tudman, the airport is located around 15 km (9 to 10 miles) from Zagreb city centre and provides connections to destinations across Croatia, Europe and beyond.
Zagreb Airport handled more than 4.72 million passengers and 12,408 tonnes of cargo in 2025, according to the airport's latest annual statistics. It currently serves airlines including Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, Trade Air, Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, among others.
The airport's modern passenger terminal has been in operation since March 2017 and covers around 65,000 square metres.
Passenger facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs and currency exchange services: IN KAPITAL exchange office and ATMs are in the Meet & Greet Zone on the ground floor of Arrivals, after Customs Control. An ATM is also available on Level 2 in Departures, before security screening.
- Cafes, restaurants and bars
- Shops and duty-free shopping
- Primeclass Business Lounge: Located on Level 2 in the Schengen Departures area, opposite Gate 23, after security screening.
- Baggage wrapping services: Available in the Departures area on Level 2, before security screening.
- Medical assistance: Emergency medical assistance is available from 5 am to 11 pm. AEDs are located at several points throughout the passenger terminal, including Arrivals and Departures.
- Prayer room
- Baby buggies: Available in the Level 2 check-in area before security screening and in the Level 1 Schengen and Non-Schengen Arrivals areas.
- Car rental services
Popular Road Trips from Zagreb
Zagreb makes a convenient starting point for road trips across Croatia, with well-connected routes leading from the capital towards the Adriatic coast and the country's historic cities.
Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka and Pula are popular destinations to include in a longer drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop at national parks, coastal towns and other attractions along the way.
If you do not plan to return to Zagreb, these routes can also work well as one-way car rentals, allowing you to complete your journey at your destination or a nearby airport. Popular road trips include:
Zagreb to Dubrovnik
Driving time: ~7.5 to 8 hours
Zagreb to Split
Driving time: ~4 to 4.5 hours
Zagreb to Zadar
Driving time: ~3 hours
Zagreb to Rijeka
Driving time: ~2 hours
Zagreb to Pula
Driving time: ~3 hours
Cross border car rental from Zagreb
You can take your rental car from Croatia to another country if your supplier allows cross-border travel. Before booking, check the following:
- Countries permitted: Popular neighboring destinations include Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. Confirm that your destination is covered by the supplier’s cross-border policy.
- Cross-border fees: Suppliers may charge an additional fee (varies by supplier) for taking a Croatian rental car into another country.
- Border checks and documents: Croatia is part of the Schengen Area, so there are no routine passport checks when crossing into Slovenia and Hungary. Borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro are external Schengen borders with full checks.
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Since spring 2026, the EES has operated at all Schengen external borders. Croatia uses it at all 77 international crossings. Non-EU travelers provide fingerprints and a photo on their first entry.
- Green Card Insurance: A Green Card is needed for countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia.
- Motorway tolls and vignettes: Croatia uses toll booths, while Slovenia and Austria require vignettes. Slovenia offers 7-day, monthly and annual e-vignettes, which are enforced automatically by cameras. Make sure to contact your supplier to check whether it's included in the rental. If not, we suggest you consider looking them only through the official DARS website or at authorized points of sale.
- Vehicle restrictions: Certain vehicle categories such as premium, luxury and some others may not be allowed to cross international borders.
Popular cross-border routes
| Location | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia | 525 km | 5 hours |
| Albania | 924 km | 11 to 12 hours |
| Switzerland | 892 km | 9 hours |
| Norway | 2,270 km | 22 to 24 hours |
Things to do with Zagreb Airport Car Rental
Zagreb combines historic landmarks, lively public squares and museums, with many of its main attractions located around the city centre and Upper Town. If you are arriving by car at Zagreb Airport, explore these popular sights that are within a short drive from the airport.
St. Mark’s Church
A historic church in Zagreb’s Upper Town, known for its colourful tiled roof.
Museum of Broken Relationships
A unique museum in the Upper Town featuring personal objects and stories connected to ended relationships.
Ban Jelacic Square
Zagreb’s central square is a good starting point for exploring nearby attractions, including Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral and the Upper Town. You can drive to nearby public parking garages and continue on foot, as the square itself is pedestrianized.
Stone Gate
One of the historic entrances to Zagreb’s Upper Town and home to a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Things to check before booking a Zagreb Airport rental car
Taking a rental car on a ferry may require the supplier's approval and an additional fee. For example, Enterprise currently applies a ferry-use fee for travel to Croatian islands.
Most car rental desks at Zagreb Airport are located in the ground-floor arrivals hall, just after baggage reclaim. However, some suppliers operate from off-site locations and provide a shuttle service to their vehicle pickup point. Before booking, check whether your selected supplier offers an on-site or off-site pickup service and review the meeting point and transfer arrangements.
Opening hours vary by supplier. Some may offer after-hours pickup for an additional fee, while others may arrange key collection through a key drop box or ask you to share your arrival time in advance. Check your supplier’s policy before booking.
Minimum age requirements in Zagreb typically range from 18 to 21 years, while premium and luxury cars may require drivers to be at least 25. Young-driver surcharge may apply for drivers under 25. Check the supplier’s rental terms for exact age limits and fees before booking.
Your rental agreement will specify whether the vehicle must be returned with a full tank or according to another fuel policy. Make sure you adhere to what's been mentioned in the agreement to avoid last-minute hassle.
If you need a low or no deposit rental, check the available options while searching. Use the deposit filter on VIP Cars and choose your ride from the available options.
If you are driving to Plitvice Lakes or the Croatian coast in winter, keep these rules in mind - use dipped headlights or daytime running lights from 1 November to 31 March, and carry the required winter equipment from 15 November to 15 April on designated winter roads, regardless of the weather. Driving without it can result in a fine.
Before driving in Croatia, check that your rental car has a first-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest and spare bulbs where required.
If you plan to drive outside Croatia, check whether your destination is permitted and whether a cross-border fee or additional authorization applies. Some suppliers list different fees for EU and no-EU destinations.
Check the payment method accepted for the rental and, importantly, which card is required for the security deposit. Enterprise, for example, may accept debit cards for certain payments but requires a valid credit card for the deposit.
If you plan to pick up your car at Zagreb Airport and return it at another Croatian location such as Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik, check whether your supplier offers one-way rentals and whether a drop-off fee applies.
Two cars in the same category can have different included coverage, excess amounts and optional protection products. Review these terms carefully before booking.
