Zagreb is Croatia’s capital, its largest city and the most underrated destination in the country. While tourists flock to Split and Dubrovnik, Zagreb has the museums, the cafés, the Austro-Hungarian architecture and the nearby national parks — without the crowds or the inflated prices. Hiring a car in Zagreb gives you the capital and the countryside in one trip.
We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and local Croatian operators. Compact cars start around €18/day in winter and €30–€45/day in summer. Zagreb is cheaper than the coast for car hire, and the motorway network is excellent.
Why Hire a Car in Zagreb
Zagreb’s public transport is excellent — the trams cover the city and the bus network reaches the suburbs. But the best of Croatia is outside the capital: Plitvice Lakes, the Istrian peninsula, Opatija and the Slovenian border are all within day-trip range and poorly served by bus.
- Plitvice Lakes: 2 hours south. Croatia’s most famous national park — 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. No train reaches it and the bus takes 3 hours with changes.
- Istria: 2.5 hours west. Hill towns, truffles, wine and the Roman amphitheatre at Pula. The peninsula is car-dependent — buses connect the main towns but miss the villages and vineyards.
- Slovenia: 1.5 hours north. Ljubljana and Lake Bled are easy day trips. Most Croatian rental agreements allow cross-border travel to Slovenia with prior notice.
Pick-up Locations in Zagreb
Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman) has the biggest fleet and the most competition. City branches are in the centre near Jelačić Square, at the bus station and at the main hotels. If you are staying in the city centre and only doing day trips, a city pick-up avoids the airport surcharge.
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer. Zagreb is increasingly popular year-round.
- Fuel policy is full-to-full. The INA and Petrol stations on the A3 and A4 motorways are the most convenient.
- Toll roads require an e-vignette. Most rental cars come with one; the fee is usually included.
- Out-of-hours returns vary by branch — confirm the key drop arrangement.
Driving in Croatia
Croatia drives on the right. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns. The A1 to Split, the A3 to Slavonia and the A6 to Rijeka are excellent motorways. The A2 to Slovenia and the A4 to Hungary are also well maintained. Rural roads in the hills can be narrow and winding.
Parking in Zagreb is straightforward by European standards. The city centre has paid zones Monday–Friday, 07:00–20:00. Underground car parks charge HRK 8–12 per hour (roughly €1–€1.50). In the suburbs and rural areas, parking is free.
Where to Go from Zagreb
Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2 hours south on the A1 and D1. The 16 terraced lakes and waterfalls are Croatia’s most visited attraction. Arrive early (before 08:00) to avoid the coach tours. The upper lakes are quieter than the lower lakes.
Istria — 2.5 hours west on the A6. The hill towns of Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum are the highlights. Pula has the Roman amphitheatre. The peninsula’s interior is truffle and wine country — book tastings at least a week ahead.
Ljubljana — 1.5 hours north on the A2. Slovenia’s capital, with a castle, a riverside old town and excellent food. It is quieter and cheaper than Zagreb. The drive is easy — the A2 is a modern motorway all the way.
Lake Bled — 2 hours north on the A2. The island church, the castle and the Vintgar Gorge are the highlights. It is Slovenia’s most famous destination and an easy day trip from Zagreb.
Varaždin — 1 hour north. A Baroque city with a castle, a cathedral and one of Croatia’s best-preserved old towns. It is quieter and more authentic than Zagreb.
Split — 4 hours south on the A1. Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva and the ferry port to the islands. The drive is long but the A1 is excellent. Consider stopping at Plitvice on the way.
Booking Tips for Zagreb
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer. Zagreb is busy year-round, especially during Advent.
- Check the excess. Croatian operators often set it at €800–€1,200.
- If you are driving to Plitvice, any car will do. The roads are good.
- GPS is useful for the motorways — the A1, A2 and A3 junctions can be confusing.
- If you are visiting Slovenia, confirm the car is allowed across the border. Most agreements permit this.