If you’re planning a visit to Zagreb, you’ll discover that getting around this compact city is both affordable and surprisingly enjoyable thanks to the excellent public transport system in the city.
I’ve spent years using Zagreb’s public transport, and I’m here to share my firsthand tips and tricks for a smooth journey covering trams, buses, and even the famous funicular.
Croatia’s capital is served by an extensive network of buses and trams which are operated by the Zagreb Municipal Transit System (ZET). There is no metro in the city, though.
I have already shared a map of the public transportation network in the city (plus other maps), so make sure you check that article as well. Or you can install the moj ZET app which deals with the public transport system in the city (available on Android and iOS).
Zagreb’s a relatively small city with a flat layout, making it ideal for walking. We rarely use buses or trams when we’re near the city center or the train station since most key locations are just a short walk away.
For example, to visit the most important Zagreb sights, everything is a 30 minutes walk from Jelacic Square – located in the heart of the city.
However, for those times when you’re pressed for time or want to avoid a long stroll, the public transportation system is here to help.
Trams in Zagreb
Zagreb’s electric tram system is quick, efficient, and reliable, and it runs 24/7 (with some exceptions – read on to find about them).
Tram routes cover mainly the central Zagreb area and connect to buses that run to outlying areas and suburbs.
Most lines meet at the main train station, the Zagreb bus station and Ban Jelacica Square.
The city is covered by 15 tram lines that run from 04:00 AM to 24:00 PM and 4 night tram lines that run from 24:00 PM to 04:00 AM.
Tram ticket prices in Zagreb:
- Single fare, daytime (valid 30 minutes): 0,53 €
- Single fare, daytime (valid 60 minutes): 0,93 €
- Daily ticket: 3,98 €
- 3 days: 9,29 €
- 7 days: 19,91 €
- 15 days: 26,54 €
- 30 days: 53,09 €
You can also buy tickets from the driver directly, but you will pay more (€0,80 for the single fare compared to the regular price of €0.53).
Remember to validate your ticket with a time stamp at the orange machines onboard. Random ticket checks are common, and fines for riding without a valid ticket range from €66 to €106.
Where to buy the tram or bus tickets to get around Zagreb?
To buy tickets, find the nearest newspaper (Tisak) kiosk or the rarer ZET ticket offices and ask for a “tramvajska karta” (tram ticket). Alternately, you can use the app I linked to at the begging of the article.
If you aren’t familiar with the city or the language, it can be difficult to figure out whether a tram goes to your destination because only the final destination and a stop or two are listed on the tram or bus itself.
Tips: Almost none of the tram operators speak English. Ask the younger or middle generation as the most of them speak at least decent English (as well as German or Italian). Remember, locals are very polite and ready to help you!
Full details of the tram system can be found at the Zagreb tram website.
Buses in Zagreb
In addition to the tram traffic, to get around Zagreb you can use buses for the same price as trams, using the same tickets or passes, but if you get a single fare ticket, you will have to validate a new one if you change the means of transportation.
Buses complement the tram system perfectly. They cover areas that trams don’t reach, especially when it comes to connecting outlying districts.
The Zagreb bus network is therefore more widespread, with 133 day lines and 4 night ones. As an interesting tidbit, you will notice that the Zagreb center (Upper and Lower town) isn’t covered by bus service. You can read more fun facts about Croatia here.
There are several important bus terminals around Zagreb, if you are planning to visit some sights near the city (I’m marking them on Google Maps below):
- From the terminal at Britanski Trg (British square), take bus line N° 102 to Mihaljevac and from there bus line N° 140 to Sljeme Ski Center.
- From the Kaptol terminal you can take bus N° 106 to the famous Mirogoj cemetery.
- From the terminal Ljubljanica you can take bus N°113 to the Jarun lake.
- Take bus 105 from Britanski Trg for a day tour to Medvedgrad Tower.
Zagreb’s Hop On Hop Off Panoramic bus
If you don’t want to take advantage of the public transportation network and if you also don’t want to walk, you also have the option of getting a sightseeing tour with the open-top buses in the city.
Provided by Zagreb City Tour (bookable here), these hop on, hop off type of busses cover the important parts of the city. There is also a virtual tour guide available, giving you the details about the places you visit and it is available in eight different languages.
The price of the day ticket is around 20 Euros for an adult, but kids under 7 travel for free. Also, children between 7 and 18 years of age pay half the price. I recommend booking the tickets in advance to avoid not finding an empty spot (or more, if you have a bigger group).
These buses have a starting station at Palmotićeva ulica 2 (Tourist Bus Station) at 10 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM – but you can jump in wherever you see the bus, as long as you have a valid ticket.
You can check out the booking link here to find out more, including the exact stops (to visit or jump in or off).
The Zagreb Funicular
The Zagreb funicular is one of the main attractions in the city, although not extremely useful when it comes to getting around Croatia’s capital, as it is the shortest funicular in the world, with a length of just 66 meters.
Built in 1890, it is still in use today mostly because of its original appearance and construction. The Zagreb cable car is under protection as a cultural monument.
It connects the Lower and the Upper Town every day from 6:30 AM to 10 PM. It runs every ten minutes and the price of a one-way ride is €0,66.
However, when we last visited, we got to ride it for free – so expect special occasions to offer free access.
This funicular connects the Lower and Upper Town, providing an easy start for your tour of attractions like the Strossmayer Promenade and Lotrscak Tower. It’s also a great spot for a quick photo opportunity with stunning views of the city.
Speaking of which, I strongly recommend reading my ultimate guide to Zagreb (it’s free!) to learn everything about Croatia’s capital.
Looking Ahead: The Metro, Maybe
At the moment, there is no metro running in Zagreb, although this project has been in the works (or, better said – in the talks) for several years now.
However, since the city is not that large and it’s extremely walkable, the options listed above – such as the tram and buses, but also the free options will be more than enough to have you travel around Zagreb easily and very cheap.
If you have additional questions regarding the public transportation options in the city, let me know by commenting below.
Hi
I’m travelling to Hvar
what is the bus service like?
the trips out are extremely expensive – how much cheaper is it to organise yourself – ie wine tastaing – paddleboarding
wahts the weather likely to be like – terrible packer
thanks
solo traveller