Transportation

Transportation in Croatia

Getting around Croatia is manageable with good public transit in cities and an extensive bus network connecting the country.

Zagreb Public Transit

Zagreb has the most comprehensive public transportation:

Trams (tramvaji):

• 15 tram lines covering the city
• New low-floor trams introduced in 2025
• Operating hours: ~4am to midnight
• Ticket: €0.53 (kiosk) or €0.80 (driver)
• 30-minute validity with transfers

Buses:

• Complement tram network
• Serve suburbs and outer areas
• Same ticketing as trams

ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram) app:

• Buy tickets digitally
• Real-time schedules
• Route planning

Monthly pass: ~€40 (unlimited travel)

Split Public Transit

Split has a bus network operated by Promet Split:

• Covers city and surroundings
• Less frequent than Zagreb
• Ticket: ~€1.50
• Cash only on buses (exact change recommended)

Intercity Travel

Buses:

• Best intercity option in Croatia
• Comfortable, frequent, affordable
• Zagreb-Split: ~5 hours, €15-25
• Zagreb-Dubrovnik: ~8 hours, €25-35
• Book at: GetByBus, BusCroatia, FlixBus

Trains:

• Limited network, slower than buses
• Zagreb-Split: ~6-8 hours, €15
• Scenic but not practical for most routes
• Book at: HŽPP (Croatian Railways)

Flights:

• Croatia Airlines and low-cost carriers
• Zagreb-Split: 45 minutes
• Useful for Dubrovnik (far from Zagreb)

Ferries

Essential for island access:

• Jadrolinija (national operator)
• Various private ferry companies
• Zagreb is inland; ferries depart from Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Dubrovnik
• Book ahead in summer

Driving in Croatia

License requirements:

• EU licenses valid
• International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-EU
• Valid for 6-12 months for visitors

Car rental:

• Available at airports and cities
• €30-60/day depending on vehicle
• Unlimited mileage common

Road conditions:

• Highways (autocesta) are excellent with tolls
• Coastal roads scenic but winding
• Winter tires required November-April in mountains

Fuel costs: ~€1.50/liter

Ride-Sharing & Taxis

• Bolt: Most popular ride-hailing app
• Uber: Available in major cities
• Traditional taxis: Available, use licensed ones
• Prices reasonable compared to Western Europe

Cycling

• Growing infrastructure in Zagreb
• Nextbike bike-sharing in Zagreb and other cities
• Coastal areas can be hilly
• E-bikes increasingly popular

Tips for Getting Around

1. ZET app essential for Zagreb transit
2. Book intercity buses online for best prices
3. Ferries require advance booking in summer
4. Rent a car for exploring Istria or islands
5. Bolt is cheaper than traditional taxis