Car Hire Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

You’ll find our Avis counter at Zagreb Airport located in the arrivals hall just after baggage reclaim. Our Avis rental car collection is a short walk away in the airport parking – to find it just turn right as you exit the terminal building.

Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) – or Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport in memory of Croatia’s first president - is the largest airport in Croatia and welcomed 4.3 million passengers in 2024.

First opened in 1907 as a private airfield, it started serving passengers as long ago as the 1920s but took off as a major hub for tourists visiting the former Yugoslavia in the 1960s. Today it serves 70 destinations in 31 countries as well as domestic flights to Pula Airport, Zadar Airport, Split Airport and Dubrovnik Airport. The airport is part of an ongoing development project to increase capacity and improve the experience for passengers travelling to Croatia.

The airport is located on the south eastern edge of the city of Zagreb with good road access via the E65 and E70 motorways.

If you are driving in Croatia for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with Croatian driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Croatia include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds.  There is a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for drivers under 25.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Zagreb?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Zagreb and the rest of Croatia is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Croatia?

To hire a car in Zagreb, Croatia, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred,
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Zagreb and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Zagreb Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Croatia or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Zagreb?

While the centre of Zagreb is easy to walk around on foot – especially the narrow streets of Gornji Grad -the old town - which are pedestrianised – and the city has a good public transport network of bus routes, trams and tourist buses, you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at Zagreb International Airport gives you freedom to travel independently as well as the opportunity to plan a Dalmatian coast road trip.

The Avis team at Zagreb Airport are experts on Zagreb and the surrounding area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Zagreb?

Parking in Zagreb is plentiful with options including central multi-storey car parks, open-air parking and on-street parking, which is chargeable.

You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council.

From the Avis car park at Zagreb Airport to the centre of Zagreb is a drive of 14.3km which will take around 30min depending on the time of day. Head north and west from the airport and take the Ul. Rudolfa Fizira following signs to the centre of the city.

Zagreb is a historic city rich in culture and renowned for its striking Austro-Hungarian architecture and twin-spired cathedral.

The city is a delight to explore and everywhere you go you’ll find statues, monuments and little squares. Trg Bana Jelačića is the central meeting point and where you’ll find numerous cafes, flower sellers and the historic statue of Ban Jelačić. The Upper Town, or Gornji grad, is where many of the city’s most iconic landmarks are located, including the Presidential Palace, the Croatian Parliament and St Mark’s Church.

Zagreb is sometimes referred to as a “city of museums”, with around 60 spread across the metropolis. The City Museum – housed within a 17th- century convent – is not to be missed and features scale models of the city’s main buildings.

When you’ve had enough sightseeing, head to Donji grad, or the Lower Town, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, theatres and parks.

Northwest Croatia is a fascinating region offering a dramatic coastline, historic cities and a host of monuments. Add to this a unique cuisine and charming culture and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable road trip.

Samobor

Just a 40-minute drive from Zagreb Airport (via the E70) is Samobor, a delightful town with a pretty main square and a selection of cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a ‘samoborska kremšnita’ or custard tart. Architectural highlights include the churches of St Anastasia and St Anne, plus the City Museum. Samabor Castle, settled to the west of town, is also worth exploring.

Varaždin

Drive for just over an hour via the E65 and E71 from Zagreb Airport and you’ll reach Varaždin, the 18th-century capital of Croatia. Start your tour in the main square of Trg Kralja Tomislava, where highlights such as the town hall, cathedral and the imposing Drašković Palace are within easy reach. The Town Museum, located inside the Old Town, Stari Grad