Guide · section 7
Getting around
Zagreb is a tram city. The blue trams run frequently, cover almost everything you need, and double as a mental map: understand the route network and you understand the city.
ZET: trams and buses
Zagrebački električni tramvaj is the city operator. Daytime tram lines run from roughly four in the morning until midnight, after which a night network takes over under different numbers. Buses reach where the rails do not, including the districts across the Sava and up towards the hills.
Tickets come from the driver, from Tisak kiosks, or through the app. Validate on boarding — inspectors exist, and the fine dwarfs the fare.
If you live here, get a monthly or annual pass; it pays for itself quickly. Students, pensioners and several other categories get reduced rates.
The funicular
The short line from Ilica up to the Upper Town is, formally, among the shortest in the world, and also genuinely part of the transport system. A tourist attraction that also saves your legs.
Everything else
Cycling
Zagreb is mostly flat and cycling infrastructure exists, if patchily. In summer it is often the fastest way across the centre.
Taxis and apps
Bolt and Uber both operate, at moderate prices by European standards. Conventional taxis are around too.
Car sharing
Available in the city and solves the "I need a car twice a month" problem without owning one.
The airport
Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) sits roughly 15–20 km out. A shuttle bus runs to the main bus station, and taxis are available. Allow extra at rush hour.
Cars
Driving licences
EU licences are valid in Croatia. Third-country licences are recognised for a limited period after you take up residence, after which you must exchange or sit a test — the route depends on the issuing country and any agreement in place. Establish your own case in advance: the exchange window is limited, and people who miss it end up taking the full test.
Parking
Central parking is paid and zoned: the closer to Ban Jelačić Square, the dearer and the shorter the maximum stay. Payment is by app or SMS. Residents of a zone can apply for a permit — if you rent centrally, ask your landlord whether this is available to you.
Winter
From autumn into spring there are winter equipment requirements for vehicles, particularly for mountain routes. Fines apply — check the current dates and requirements before the season.
Around the country
Buses are the backbone of intercity travel in Croatia. The network is dense, the coaches comfortable, and Zagreb's main bus station connects to almost everywhere. On most routes the bus beats the train.
Trains are slower and less frequent, but handy and cheaper on certain routes.
A car is the practical option for the coast, the national parks and Zagorje. The motorways are tolled and in good condition.
Ljubljana, Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade are all a few hours away. This is one of the underrated features of living in Zagreb: leaving the country for a weekend is genuinely easy.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Zagreb?
Living centrally or on a tram line, probably not. In the suburbs, with children, or travelling out of town often, probably yes.
How do I pay for transport?
Tickets at Tisak kiosks, from the driver, or in the app. Passes are arranged through ZET; reduced categories need supporting documents.
Is my licence valid at first?
Generally yes, for a limited period. Exact deadlines and exchange conditions depend on the issuing country — check before the deadline, not after.
How far is the sea?
The nearest coast is about two hours by car; Split and Dubrovnik are considerably further. Zagreb is a continental city, and it is worth setting expectations accordingly.
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