Zagreb city center (Ban Jelacic Square) is about 10 km northwest of the airport.

About Zagreb City Center

Zagreb's city center is an underrated European capital, split between the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad) on the hill and the elegant 19th-century Lower Town (Donji Grad) below. The Upper Town features the iconic Church of St. Mark with its colorful tiled roof depicting the Croatian and Zagreb coats of arms, the Stone Gate with its revered shrine, and the Lotrscak Tower where a cannon fires daily at noon.

The Lower Town follows a horseshoe of parks and grand Austro-Hungarian buildings, including the Croatian National Theatre, the Art Pavilion, and the Archaeological Museum. Ban Jelacic Square, the central meeting point, connects the two areas. Zagreb's cafe culture is deeply ingrained—Tkalciceva Street (affectionately called Tkalca) is lined with outdoor terraces where locals spend hours over coffee. The city's food scene mixes Croatian traditions with Viennese, Hungarian, and Mediterranean influences, all at remarkably affordable prices for a European capital.

Nearby Landmarks

Ban Jelacic Square St. Mark's Church Tkalciceva Street Croatian National Theatre

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-25
Time 20-30 min

Arrivals exit, follow ride-hailing signs

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit arrivals and find the Pleso Prijevoz bus stop directly in front of the terminal. 2. Buy a ticket at the counter or from the driver. 3. Shuttle runs to Zagreb Central Bus Station. 4. From the bus station, it is a 10-minute walk or short tram ride to the main square.

Pleso Prijevoz

Cost $6
Time 30-40 min
Frequency Every 30 minutes (more frequent during peak hours)

Directly in front of the arrivals exit

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-25 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $6 30-40 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The airport shuttle bus runs until the last flight arrival, typically around midnight. Taxis operate 24/7 and cost approximately 150-200 HRK ($20-27) to the center. Uber and Bolt work in Zagreb. Night trams run limited routes from midnight to 4 AM.

Luggage Tips

Airport shuttle buses have luggage compartments underneath. Taxis handle luggage easily. Zagreb's Lower Town is flat with smooth sidewalks, but the Upper Town has steep cobblestone streets and stairs. The funicular connects the two levels.

Accessibility

The airport shuttle bus has luggage space but limited wheelchair access on some older vehicles. Zagreb's trams are mostly accessible with low-floor entry. The Lower Town is flat and wheelchair friendly. The Upper Town is accessible via the funicular, which has been modernized.