Zagreb Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Franjo Tuđman airport is 17 km south-east of the centre, 20-35 minutes by car: the bus to the central bus station takes about 30 minutes (8€, departures every 30 minutes until 8pm) and a taxi 20 minutes (25-35€), with Bolt often cheaper. For a day or two in the city, the historic centre remains the most convenient choice, within walking distance of almost everything; those leaving very early in the morning or arriving late at night can instead rely on a hotel on the road to the airport, while business travellers find a whole district of modern towers along Radnička cesta.

Trg Bana Jelačića and the historic centre

City centre · About 17 km and 20 minutes by taxi from the airport; the Pleso shuttle stops at the bus station, 10-15 minutes on foot from this area.

Best for: Travellers who want the Dolac market, the Upper Town and the evening life within walking distance.

Pros

Hotel Dubrovnik is practically on the main square, 2 minutes' walk from the heart of the city
Dolac market, the Upper Town and the funicular are reachable without any transport

Cons

No direct connection to the airport: a shuttle or taxi is always needed
Rooms with a square view can be noisy on weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: Built in 1925 for Orient Express passengers, it's Croatia's first luxury hotel: overlooking Starčevićev trg, a 4-minute walk from the railway station and about 900 metres from Trg Bana Jelačića.
Hotel Dubrovnik: Right on Trg Bana Jelačića, along Ilica: the most central position possible in Zagreb, with breakfast among the things guests appreciate most.

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Theatres and museums of the lower centre

Neighbourhood · About 20 minutes by taxi from the airport; from here the historic centre is a 10-minute walk away.

Best for: Travellers looking for an international 5-star hotel a few minutes' walk from the main square.

Pros

The Westin is next to the Croatian National Theatre and the Mimara Museum, in the heart of Lenuci's Horseshoe gardens
The Sheraton is about 1 km (10 minutes on foot) from the main square, near Zrinjevac park

Cons

An office and theatre district, less lively in the evening than the historic centre
5-star rates, higher than the city average

Recommended hotels in this area

The Westin Zagreb: Next to the Croatian National Theatre and the Mimara Museum, amid Lenuci's Horseshoe gardens; 0.1 miles from the city centre according to OTAs.
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel: On Kneza Borne, about 1 km from the main square; closer to the centre than the Westin according to several guest reviews.

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Radnička cesta, the business district

Neighbourhood · About 20-25 minutes by taxi from the airport; the historic centre is reachable in 15-20 minutes by tram or car.

Best for: Business trips and trade fairs, with modern chain hotels often cheaper than the centre.

Pros

The DoubleTree and the Hilton Garden Inn are just 390 metres apart, in the Green Gold complex
Rates are generally lower than in the historic centre

Cons

An office district: little to do on foot in the evening outside the hotels
A tram or taxi is needed to reach Trg Bana Jelačića

Recommended hotels in this area

DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb: Opened in 2012 in the Green Gold complex on Radnička cesta, Zagreb's growing financial district; indoor pool and gym.
Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb - Radnička: At number 21 Radnička cesta, between the business district and the city centre, about 390 metres from its twin DoubleTree.

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On the road to the airport

Airport area · 4.3 km (about 10 minutes by car) from the terminal, with a free shuttle to the airport; a public bus stop for the centre is right outside the hotel (15-minute ride).

Best for: Very early morning departures or late-night arrivals, with a budget hotel near the runways.

Pros

Free shuttle to and from the airport, no need for a taxi
Public bus stop for the centre a few steps from the entrance

Cons

It's on the main road into the city, with no restaurants or bars nearby
An evening out in Zagreb still needs the bus or a taxi, both ways

Recommended hotels in this area

Best Western Airport Hotel Stella: 4.3 km from Zagreb's terminal, with a free shuttle to the airport on request; sauna and massages available for those with only a few hours between two flights.

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