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Car hire in Zagreb at the Best Prices

It's easy to understand why the national capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is known as the city with a million hearts. This is the perfect holiday destination for those who fancy a culture-filled city break with amazing food, exciting entertainment options, stunning nature and fewer crowds than other popular touristic cities. Zagreb is teeming with a wide range of various attractions - there is something for everyone here.

Discover at your own pace all the different sides of this Croatian gem with a car hire in Zagreb. Not only will you be the captain of your own ship and plan the journey according to your preferences, but you will also save money with our great deals in the process. Auto Europe is committed to helping our clients improve their travel experience. This is why we operate in over 24,000 locations in 180 countries worldwide and offer a vast catalogue of vehicles at the best prices. For even more information, please call us on our phone number +44 1233225114. Our consultants are available 7 days a week to help you make the most of your trip! Read the comments posted by other Auto Europe customers on our Zagreb car hire reviews page for extra peace of mind before booking your next car rental in the city.

How is the traffic in Zagreb?

Zagreb is a regional hub with eight motorways that radially lead into the city. The A1/A6 leads to Dalmatia, A2 leads northwest to Central Europe, A3 connects the city to Slovenia, A4 leads to Hungary and on to Eastern Europe, while A11 is used to drive southeast and D10 leads to the eastern part of Croatia.

Much like any other major capital, traffic in Zagreb can be very dense, especially during rush hours. The many trams, cars, buses, and pedestrians sharing the same streets require more attention when driving in the city centre. Speed limits are generally 31 mph (50 km/h) within the city and 68 mph (110 km/h) on major roads. Keep in mind that cars drive on the right here. For more details on traffic regulations, please consult our driving guide and have a safe journey with your car rental in Zagreb!

Where can I park my car hire in Zagreb?

Zagreb's centre is distinguished by three paid parking zones, indicated by signs. Zone 1 (red) costs 6 kunas per hour with parking limited to 2 hours and operates from 7 am to 9 pm. Zone 2 (yellow) costs 3 kunas per hour, maximum 3 hours and Zone 3 (blue) costs 1.5 kunas per hour, with no limited hours. Both Zones 2 and 3 operate from 7 am to 8 pm. On weekends, all three zones work from 7 am to 3 pm. You can pay either via meter machines on sidewalks or by SMS on your mobile phone. More information is available on Zagreb's official website. In addition, several car parks operate 24 hours per day throughout Zagreb, such as Petrinjska, Langov trg and Tuskanac. Prices vary depending on the location, ranging from 4 to 8 kunas per hour. It's possible to purchase daily tickets.

Zagreb Airport

Zagreb Airport, officially named Franjo Tudman Airport, is located almost 9 miles south-east of the city. This is the largest and busiest international airport in Croatia, with one passengers' terminal and a second terminal exclusive for cargo. It is a modern building divided into three levels, with several cafés, 10100 car park spaces and 30 check-in desks. The airport first opened in 1909 and currently serves 180 routes with 33 airlines. Low-cost airlines regularly fly from here to other airports in the area, such as Ljubljana and Trieste.

Airport of Zagreb (ZAG)
Website: Airport of Zagreb
Address: Ulica Rudolfa Fizira 1, 10150, Zagreb, Croatia
Phone: +385 1 4562 170

What to do in Zagreb

Perhaps the best way to truly get to know Zagreb is by exploring its picturesque streets filled with local stores and small cafes! There is always something happening in this charming city, especially in the many marketplaces. Take the time to visit the Archbishop's Palace, St. Mark's Church and Jelacic Square, as well as to admire the beautiful mansions with Austro-Hungarian style facades. Nature lovers should plan a visit to Maksimir Park, an old zoo that has been modernized and is currently one of the best places to exercise in the open air in the city. Another option is the Zrinjevac Park, near the Old Town, which is suitable for a family picnic or a long stroll. Zagreb's nightlife is unlike any other capital, and attracts tourists from around the world looking to dance the night away to the beats of the best DJs. With our top recommendations below, a perfect holiday is guaranteed!

• Tkalciceva: Tkalcićeva Street is a traditional street in the city centre. It's very close to the main square and lined with lots of souvenir shops, pubs and inviting cafes. Perfect for a nice walk or afternoon tea, this street is a very popular tourist attraction. Be sure to stop at one of the local restaurants and have a bite of the delicious Strukli, a traditional dish consisting of dough filled with cottage cheese and sour cream. For something heartier, try the meat and vegetable stew known as Cuspajz. Both will have you asking for second portion!


• Ban Jelacic Square: This is the central square of Zagreb, known by the locals as Jelacić plac. It's a busy place, but also great to have lunch while admiring a variety of creative and entertaining street performers, as well as the iconic statue of ban Josip Jelacić, mounted on a horse. It´s impossible to miss this monument of this Croatian hero, remembered for his military battles during the Revolutions of 1848. To the east, it features the Mandusevac fountain. The square provides an excellent example of the fascinating architecture that exists around the historic areas of Zagreb, ranging from classicism, secession and modernism.


• Maksimir Park: Maksimir Park, one of the oldest public parks in Zagreb, is matched by few other places. This beautiful and well-kept green space is the habitat for many different plant and animal species, as well as part of the city's cultural heritage. This is a great park at all seasons, excellent to spend a lazy afternoon, visit the large zoo inside and take the children to one of the many playgrounds. With numerous trails surrounding lakes and the forest, places to drink a nice cup of coffee and benches to sit down and relax, you will have a lovely weekend here.


• Zagreb City Museum: Established in 1907, the Zagreb City Museum provides an interesting experience to its visitors, which includes theme music, interactive displays and sprawling city models. It helps elucidate the development of Zagreb through a comprehensive overview of the history of the city, from prehistoric times to the most recent developments. This truly awesome place offers information in Croatian, English, German and Braille, as well as mobile guides in several other foreign languages. Curious fact, the building used to be a convent. The opening hours are: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission tickets average 20 to 30 kunas - less than £4!


• Museum of Illusions: If you are looking for an even more interactive and thrilling experience, this unique museum will make you feel like a kid again! With several attractions featuring optical illusions, a playroom filled with intriguing games and puzzles, and much more, this amazing place cannot be missed. It's guaranteed to blow your mind. Visitors here can test their perception, as things do not appear as they should, up is down and down is up. Experience this world of illusions, where the impossible could be possible, every day from 9 am to 10 pm for jut 40 kunas. English, German, Italian and Croatian are the available languages here.

Best day trips with my car rental in Zagreb

With a car hire in Zagreb, it's easy to include in your itinerary other nearby destinations, making your journey even more memorable.

Split

If after visiting Zagreb you are craving the scent of the ocean, head south, to Split, a town on the Dalmatian Coast. This four-hour day trip is the perfect way to explore Croatia's countryside in all its beauty. Upon arriving in Split, you can bask in the sun at the beach, admire the terracotta buildings, and visit the 4th century Diocletian's Palace. During the summer, the changing of the Diocletian Guards Ceremony happens every day at noon. The city has numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels and touristic attractions. End your day with a cold drink at a riverside bench, observing this vibrant environment.

Pula

If you rent a car in Zagreb, you can drive to another seafront city in Croatia, Pula. It's located on the Istrian Peninsula, just three hours away from the capital city. Perhaps most known for its impressive Roman ruins, Pula reflects the wealth of Roman architecture in all its glory. A special highlight is the most famous landmark in town, the Amphitheatre, popularly called the Arena of Pula. Here, gladiator fights used to take place as early as in the 1st century AD! You can learn about the city's heritage by joining a walking tour or exploring the old centre and its lovely streets at your own pace. Alternatively, you can spend a relaxing day on the sand and pebble beaches, looking for the hidden coves and islets.

Ljubljana

Why not take advantage of Croatia's proximity to Slovenia and visit the absolutely stunning city of Ljubljana? Following the E70, this trip will take you less than two hours. Stretch your legs during a walking tour of the historic Slovenian capital, buy some fresh fruits at the local market and enjoy the jaw-dropping views from Ljubljana Castle. To learn more about the history and culture of Slovenia, visit one of the several museums in the city, such as the National Museum of Slovenia and the Museum of Modern Art. Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, so we highly recommend spending some time at Tivoli Park, a safe and relaxing place for picnics and hikes just at the western end of the city centre.

Geographic Information & History

Zagreb lies in the north of Croatia, just a little over 12 miles from the border with Slovenia. The city is built on both banks of the Sava River and lies 105 miles away from the Adriatic Sea. To its north, the Medvednica Mountain marks the territory, towering at 3,396 feet (highest point). The oceanic climate in Zagreb ensures that temperatures in the summer stay mostly above 25°C. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 21°C and nine hours of sunshine. On January, temperatures drop down to 0°C or even lower. The wettest month in Zagreb is November. Our suggestion is to visit Croatia between May and September, as the weather is mild or warm and the water is still perfect for a good swim.

Zagreb is, in fact, the largest city in Croatia, with almost 800,000 residents and a rich, contorted history to tell. A Roman settlement between the 1st and 5th centuries evolved into what is known today as the city of Zagreb. By the 8th and 9th centuries, forts, churches and residences were already spread around the Gradec and Kaptol hills. The city endured several invasions and changes of power, being part of the Venetian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, as well as Yugoslavia. It was built by the Hungarian King Ladislaus, as a diocese, and the first record of this name being used dates back to 1094. Zagreb became a free royal city in 1242. Modern day Croatia was only founded in 1991 and Zagreb was proclaimed its capital in that same year. Decades later, Zagreb is a reference for business, tourism, politics and innovation in the country and worldwide.

How to get around Zagreb

Zagreb has a robust public transportation system, organized in several layers. The inner parts of the city are serviced by trams, while the surrounding suburbs are connected through bus lines and rapid transit commuter rail. Most of them are controlled by ZET alongside with the national company Croatian Railways, responsible for the train lines. Tourists will benefit from the ZET Value Card, used across all zones and lines with a single ride costing just 10 kunas, or approximately 1.20 pounds. In addition, the Zagreb Card offers 72 or 24 hours of free rides on ZET buses (1st zone), trams (1st zone) and the funicular.

Train

The main railway station of the city is called Glavni Kolodvor near the King Tomislav Square. Here, you will find both national connections to Split, Rijeka and Osijek as well as international connections to Vienna, Budapest and Venice.

Tram

Mobility in the city is made easier with the 15 daily tram lines (1-9, 11-15 and 17) that run from 4 am to midnight. At night, 4 special tram lines (31-34) run from midnight to 4 am. A single ticket costs 10 kunas (15 kunas for night trams) and they are valid for 90 minutes.

Bus

The central bus station of Autobusni Kolodvor can be reached by tram lines 2 and 6. The offered connections range from stops within the city to suburbs and other cities in the country. With long-distance buses, you can also reach the neighboring countries. Bus tickets are the same price as tram tickets, and are available from the driver on buses, at kiosks or ZET stores. Reaching Zagreb from the airport, for instance, can be easily done by taking the airport bus, parked outside the main arrival terminal. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and at the main bus station, you can take tram connections to the city centre.

Taxi

In the city, you will find numerous taxi companies, which can take you cheaply to your destination. The initial fare varies from 10 to 15 kunas. The most common taxi companies are Taxi Cammeo, Radio Taxi and Ekotaxi. At the airport, the taxi rank is located on the right side out of the terminal. A taxi ride to the centre of Zagreb costs at least 150 kunas (18 pounds). Uber operates in Zagreb as well.

Useful Links

Tourism Information

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