Planning a trip to Croatia and want to get around easily? Here’s our guide to renting a car in Zagreb!
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Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is located in the north-west of the country, inland. For this reason, it is often overlooked by tourists, who prefer the coastal cities of Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula or Split. Yet the Croatian capital has many treasures to offer. You’ll appreciate its architecture, museums, coffee culture and authentic atmosphere. It’s also ideally located for exploring the Croatian hinterland.
Would you like to discover the city by car, or are you planning a road trip from here? Find out everything you need to know about car rental in Zagreb.
Where to rent a car in Zagreb?
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At the airport
If you’re planning to rent a car in Zagreb, allow between 20 and 30 minutes to reach the city center by car from the airport. Several car rental companies are located at the airport, including Avantcar, NOVA and Mack.
To ensure your arrival, if possible, book online, with sites such as Rentalcars. You’ll then be sure to get the type of vehicle you want at the date and time you want.
In the city center
You can also reach the city center from the airport by public transport. Once in the center, you can still rent a car in Zagreb quite easily. There are several companies to choose from, including Sixt, Nova, Avantcar and Enterprise.
However, we recommend that you rent a car at Zagreb airport on arrival. You’ll then have your vehicle at your fingertips for your transfer to the center, getting around the city and discovering the surrounding area afterwards.
Itinerary in Zagreb by car: some road trip ideas
What better way to explore the city than by renting a car in Zagreb? If you want to feel free to move around and discover all the must-see things to do in Zagreb, it’s a great idea! Here are a few ideas for itineraries in and around the city.
2-4 day itinerary in Zagreb
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- Discover Zagreb’s upper town, the historic heart of the capital. Admire the emblematic roof of the sublime St. Mark’s Church. Visit the elegant Zagreb Cathedral and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center.
- Climb to Strossmartre, considered Zagreb’s mini Montmartre. Up there, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the entire capital. On the esplanade, concerts and shows are often performed in spring and summer.
- Visit the Gric tunnel, an unusual and astonishing place. Once a refuge from the Second World War, it is now one of the capital’s major cultural sites.
- Stroll through the lower town: start at the main Jelacic square, with its Austro-Hungarian facades. Then stroll along Ilica, Zagreb’s main street. Take the opportunity to go shopping or visit some exciting museums.
- Admire the magnificent Croatian National Theatre with its incredible architecture.
- Enjoy some peace and quiet in the city’s beautiful parks, led by Tuskanac with its Summer Garden. It’s an ideal place for a summer drink.
7-day itinerary in Zagreb
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Here are a few more ideas for a week’s stay in the Croatian capital:
- Explore the Dolac market: this authentic market is the ideal place to shop during your stay.
- Visit the gigantic Maksimir Park to the east of the city. Here you’ll find a zoo, several lakes and dozens of paths for beautiful walks.
- Take a trip to Hrelic, Zagreb’s flea market, to pick up some unusual souvenirs.
- Discover the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique and astonishing museum.
- Take time for a tasting of Croatian wines.
- Head to Lake Jarun for pebble beaches, water sports and summer festivals.
- Go skiing on the Slijeme mountain in winter.
Itinerary for two weeks or more
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Are you coming to Croatia for more than two weeks? Then you’ll probably want to leave the Croatian capital for a few excursions further afield. Your rental car will come in very handy:
- Enjoy hiking in the Samoborska mountains on the border with Slovenia.
- Stop off in the charming town of Samobor, located between Zagreb and the mountains.
- Discover the beautiful Baroque town of Varazdin, just an hour’s drive north of Zagreb.
- Visit the Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb with your rental car. This incredible place is only a two-hour drive from the capital.
How to compare and book your rental car in Zagreb online?
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Is your itinerary complete? Then all you need to do is rent a car in Zagreb and set off on your voyage of discovery. To find the best value for money, we recommend using a price comparison service like Rentalcars. It brings together all the car rental companies in Zagreb and compares them with each other.
Thanks to this platform, you’ll be able to adjust your search according to your specific criteria. First, simply select your dates and type of vehicle. You can then search through the many online car rental companies to find the best option for you.
How much does a rental car cost in Zagreb?
Per day
Car rental companies in Zagreb generally adjust their rates according to season and vehicle category. Some rental companies also charge extra for certain options. This is the case, for example, if you wish to drop off the rented vehicle in another city.
Expect to pay between €60 and €100 per day for your car rental in Zagreb. For collision and theft insurance, please allow a further €40.
For a week
The price of a one-week car rental in Zagreb varies according to the same variables as above. You may pay less for a long-term rental. In any case, expect to pay between €300 and €550 for a week.
Driving in Zagreb: traffic rules to know
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As in France, driving in Croatia is on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on national roads and 130 km/h on freeways. Please note that freeway signs are green.
Children under 2 must also be seated in a baby seat. Children aged 2 to 5 must be seated in a suitable child seat. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front passenger seat.
Parking is almost always regulated. We therefore recommend that you always opt for marked parking spaces.
Our tips for your car rental in Zagreb
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To ensure a good car rental experience in Zagreb, here are a few tips. First of all, we recommend that you add a full warranty in most cases.
Then always check the insurance conditions when renting a car in Zagreb. You should also consider unlimited mileage for greater freedom.
Finally, we recommend renting a car in Zagreb in advance to take advantage of the best prices and ensure a hassle-free trip.
Renting a car in Zagreb: what are the requirements?
To rent a car in Zagreb, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driving license. An international driving license is not required. A French driving license is normally recognized in Croatia. You’ll need to bring your vehicle registration document and international green card for car insurance.
Limited or unlimited mileage?
If your trip is for 5 days or more, we strongly recommend renting a car in Zagreb with unlimited mileage. You’ll then have complete freedom.
If you’re visiting Zagreb for a weekend or have a specific itinerary, you can opt for limited mileage. This will reduce your expenses.
Do I need insurance to rent a car in Zagreb?
We recommend that you take out insurance when you rent a car in Zagreb. You’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about accidents or theft.
Where can I park in Zagreb?
There are no free parking lots in the center of Zagreb. For your parking, you’ll have to opt for a pay parking lot, either covered or not. There are several in and around the center. You can also park in on-street spaces. Please be aware of the different parking restrictions.
In Zagreb, they are color-coded according to rules and rates. Red zones are limited to 2 hours’ parking for HRK 12. Yellow zones are limited to 3 hours for HRK 5 per hour and blue zones are normally unlimited for HRK 2 per hour.
What is the most practical type of car for visiting Zagreb?
If you’re staying in the city, we recommend a compact, practical car. But you can rent a car in Istanbul to suit your needs. Just be aware of the size of your vehicle when parking.