Zagreb is Croatia's underrated capital — a Habsburg-era city of tree-lined boulevards, outdoor cafés, quirky museums, and a food and coffee culture that surprises visitors expecting only beaches. While most tourists head straight to the Dalmatian coast, Zagreb rewards those who linger, and a rental car opens up the continental interior that most visitors never see, plus the fastest route to Plitvice Lakes and the coast.
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is 17 km southeast of the city center. A modern terminal opened in 2017 houses car rental desks from Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget, and Croatian operators like Fleet Rent a Car and Oryx. Economy cars start from €18-€32/day. Croatia adopted the euro in 2026, simplifying pricing.
Croatia has invested heavily in its motorway network, and the routes from Zagreb are excellent:
Tolls are paid at barrier plazas by cash or card. An electronic ENC tag is available for frequent users.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is 135 km south of Zagreb on the D1 road (not the A1 motorway). The park has two entrances, each with a large car park (€10/day). Arrive before 8 AM in summer to avoid queues for the limited daily visitor numbers. The park offers two main routes: the Upper Lakes (easier, waterfalls) and the Lower Lakes (more dramatic, boat crossing). Allow 4-6 hours for a full visit. The drive from Zagreb takes about 2 hours and passes through quiet rural towns.
The Croatian interior is largely undiscovered by international tourists, making it a rewarding driving destination:
The drive from Zagreb to Dubrovnik (600 km, 6 hours) is one of Europe's great road trips. The A1 motorway runs to Ploče, then the coastal D8 road hugs the Adriatic past Makarska and through the narrow Neum corridor (a strip of Bosnia that briefly interrupts Croatian territory — passports needed). Alternatively, the inland route through Bosnia via Mostar is longer but avoids the border crossing and adds the stunning Stari Most bridge. Split makes an ideal overnight stop.
Croatia uses the euro. Fuel costs approximately €1.50-€1.70/liter. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Croatian motorway tolls total about €25 for the full Zagreb-Split run. Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to April 15 on marked mountain routes. Cross-border travel to Slovenia, Hungary, and Serbia is usually included by rental companies; Bosnia and Montenegro may incur surcharges. The best driving season is May-October.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Zagreb:
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Croatia — parking tips, toll info, and more.
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (Gornji Grad / Donji Grad) | €1.30/hr | Central zone covering Upper and Lower Town. Maximum 2 hours. Pay at meters or via the mParking app. |
| Zone 2 (Inner Ring) | €0.80/hr | Surrounding neighborhoods including parts of Trešnjevka and Maksimir. Maximum 3 hours. |
| Langov Trg / Importanne (Garage) | €12/day | Underground garage beneath the main square, steps from Ban Jelačić square. The most convenient central option. |
Traffic note: Zagreb is a mid-sized European capital with manageable traffic. The city center has a grid layout in the Lower Town (Donji Grad) and narrow streets in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). The A1 motorway south to Split and Dubrovnik and the A2 north to Slovenia are modern and well-maintained. Croatia adopted the euro in 2026 and joined Schengen. Tram lines cover the city center comprehensively. The main congestion points are the approaches to the city from the A1 and A3 motorways during morning and evening rush hours.
Compare car rental prices in Zagreb → →Book your Zagreb rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at ZAG pickup locations.
Croatia's most famous natural wonder — 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls in a forested canyon. Wooden boardwalks wind through the park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that rivals any in Europe.
A charming small town famous for its kremšnita (custard cream cake), medieval castle ruins, carnival celebrations, and walking trails in the surrounding Samoborsko Gorje hills.
The 'Little Vienna' of Croatia — a beautifully preserved baroque city with a white fortress, painted palaces, and the famous Špancirfest street festival in late August.
Rental companies in Croatia charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
Reduce your excess to zero from $49/trip
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Croatia — parking tips, toll info, and more.
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