Getting around
Getting Around Zagreb: Complete Transportation Guide for North American Travelers
Getting around
Getting Around Zagreb: Complete Transportation Guide for North American Travelers
Updated Sun, Jan 18, 2026
Zagreb combines walkable streets with reliable trams and buses. Most attractions cluster in the compact center, perfect for exploring on foot.
Overview
Ease of getting around
Zagreb offers excellent transportation options for North American visitors. The city features efficient trams, buses, and funicular railways covering all major attractions. Most central sights sit within walking distance of each other. The historic Upper Town connects to Lower Town via a century-old funicular. Trams run frequently and accept contactless payments. Walking remains the best way to explore the compact city center. Rental cars work well for day trips but parking downtown proves challenging. Bike-sharing systems operate throughout the city with dedicated lanes on major streets. Public transport tickets cost around $1.50 and provide access to the entire network.
Public transit
Zagreb's public transport includes trams, buses, and a historic funicular. The ZET system operates from 4 AM to midnight with night services on weekends. Single tickets cost 10 kuna ($1.50) and day passes offer unlimited rides. Buy tickets at kiosks, machines, or use contactless payment on board. The Zagreb Card includes free transport. Visit zet.hr for routes and schedules.
Driving
Major rental companies operate at Zagreb Airport and downtown locations including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Prices start around $25 daily. International driving permits required for US/Canadian licenses. Downtown parking costs $2-3 hourly with limited street spaces. Park-and-ride lots connect to tram lines. Cars excel for Plitvice Lakes and coastal day trips. Book through Kayak or directly with companies.
Walking
Zagreb's compact center makes walking the preferred exploration method. Upper and Lower Towns connect via pedestrian streets and the funicular. Major attractions lie within a 15-minute walk of each other. Cobblestone streets require comfortable shoes. Well-marked pedestrian zones keep foot traffic separate from vehicles. The Green Horseshoe park system provides pleasant walking routes through the city center.
Biking
NextBike operates Zagreb's bike-sharing system with 60 stations citywide. Daily passes cost around $7 with the first 30 minutes free. Dedicated bike lanes run along major streets including Ilica and around Jarun Lake. The flat terrain makes cycling easy. Rent bikes from shops near the main square. Weekend rides to Maksimir Park and Jarun Lake offer scenic routes away from traffic.
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