Zagreb Franjo Tudman Layover Guide (ZAG)

What are you looking for in ZAG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is an international airport located in Velika Gorica, about 15 km (9.3 miles) from downtown Zagreb. The airport officially opened in 1962. Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and charming architecture. The city offers a mix of medieval and modern attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking both cultural experiences and leisure activities.

Can you leave Zagreb Airport (ZAG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with a valid Schengen visa or visa-free nationals may exit Zagreb Airport during a layover, subject to passport control. Third-country citizens without visa exemption must obtain a Croatian short-stay (C) or valid Schengen visa. Check national rules before travel. Also verify transit rules at ZAG for your airline procedures. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Zagreb Cathedral Marvel at Croatia’s tallest building, a neo-Gothic gem housing centuries-old art, relics, and ornate chapels. Ascend the south tower for panoramic city vistas, soaking in sacred ambiance and architectural grandeur. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.)
• Ban Jelačić Square Stroll through Ban Jelačić Square, the pulsating heart of Zagreb. Admire 19th-century architecture, lively cafes, street performers, and the iconic equestrian statue, immersing yourself in Croatia’s vibrant daily urban culture. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.)
• Gornji Grad (Upper Town) Explore Gornji Grad (Upper Town), Zagreb’s medieval enclave featuring cobblestone lanes, atmospheric vibes, historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Church, small museums, ancient charming shops, and panoramic viewpoints over the city. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.)
• Museum of Broken Relationships Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique collection of personal mementos chronicling love stories gone awry. Engage with heartfelt narratives and varied artifacts in an intimate, immersive emotional setting. (official site) (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 40 minutes by bus + tram or 20 minutes by taxi.)
• St. Mark’s Church Admire St. Mark’s Church, famed for its colorful tiled roof depicting medieval coats of arms. This Gothic-Romanesque masterpiece showcases intricate frescoes and provides a picturesque historic backdrop for memorable photographs. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: 30 minutes by bus + tram or 20 minutes by taxi.)

Things to Do in Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Primeclass Lounge and GAT lounge offer comfortable seating, self-service buffet, wireless internet, business corner with laptops, TVs, newspapers and magazines. Located after security in Schengen departures on level 2, these lounges provide quiet, air-conditioned environments with charging stations and shower facilities, ensuring passengers can unwind or work undisturbed before flights. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Connected via covered walkway, the Hilton Garden Inn sits adjacent to Terminal A offering 180 modern rooms, 24-hour front desk, fitness centre, and on-site bar. The airport also has boutique Hotel Panorama a five-minute drive away with convenient shuttle. Both options provide comfortable beds and soundproofed rooms for restful stays. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Zagreb Airport (ZAG) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Zagreb Airport lacks dedicated sleeping pods or rest zones, but offers numerous ergonomic seats with charging outlets in departure and transit areas. Quiet corners near Gates 11 and 13 are popular for naps. Travelers recommend eye masks. Food court benches and GAT lounge seating also provide limited overnight rest options.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the new passenger terminal under the “Zagreb_Airport_Free” network. Simply enable Wi-Fi, select the network, accept terms and privacy policy, and start browsing. Coverage includes all public areas, lounges, restaurants and retail zones with no time limits, ensuring unlimited, continuous, seamless, fast, reliable connectivity for passengers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid physical SIM cards from Hrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach are sold at Tisak convenience stores in both Arrival and Departure Halls. Plans range from 10 GB to unlimited data with validities of 10–30 days and no EU roaming. eSIMs are not available at the airport; only SIMs can be purchased. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Zagreb Airport (ZAG) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis operate 24/7 from ranks outside Arrivals. Fixed rates apply: approximately €25–€30 to Zagreb city centre (12 km) and up to €50 for destinations within 40 km. All vehicles are metered, air-conditioned and driven by licensed drivers. Payment in cash (kunas or euros) or contactless cards accepted easily upon request.

Train: No direct train service operates from the airport. Travelers can take the Pleso Prijevoz bus to Zagreb Central Station, where Croatian Railways (HŽPP) run trains every 30–60 minutes to major destinations. Tickets start at HRK 20 and are available online or at kiosks. On-board conductors also accept cash and cards. (more info)

Bus: Pleso Prijevoz operates regular shuttle bus services between Zagreb Airport and Zagreb Central Bus Station up to every 30 minutes. The ride takes approximately 35–40 minutes and costs HRK 30–40. Tickets can be comfortably purchased online, at kiosks, or directly from the driver. Frequency increases during peak hours. Luggage allowances apply. (more info)

Shuttle: Several reliable private shuttle companies offer door-to-door transfers between Zagreb Airport and city hotels. Services run on demand, require advance booking online or by phone, and start at €25 per vehicle. Vehicles seat up to eight passengers with luggage compartments. Pick-ups operate 24/7 for flight arrival. Reservations include meet-and-greet assistance.

Car rentals: All major car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) have desks in the Arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compacts to SUVs with GPS, insurance options and optionally child seats available. Drivers must present a valid licence and credit card. Prebooking online secures best rates and vehicle availability. 24/7 assistance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term (P1) and long-term (P2, P3) parking areas are located within walking distance of terminals. Rates start at HRK 10 per hour for P1, HRK 20 per day for P2, and HRK 15 per day for P3 economy. All lots offer secure covered barrier control, monitored CCTV and accessible electric vehicle charging points.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Zagreb Airport does not provide public luggage storage or lockers. Instead, travelers can use the Lost & Found office for baggage inquiries and a paid external luggage storage service located near the Pleso Prijevoz bus stop off-site. Alternatively, secure, affordable short-term storage facilities are available 24/7 at Zagreb Central Station. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Zagreb Airport (ZAG) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks