Cheap Car Rental Zagreb Train Station –
Save upto 70% with Local Expert Tips

4.8/5

Based on 10,000+ reviews

Car Rental Companies

3000+ happy customers booked this month · Most chose 3-5 day rentals

Car Types

Best Deals found for Car Rentals in Croatia

A broad selection of rental cars ranging from economical to luxurious segments are made available by our partner suppliers to meet the diverse needs of customers.

*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.

Rentals for every journey

What Kind of Trip Are You Planning?

Select your journey type for tailored rental options

  • Family Trip
  • Solo drive
  • Business Travel
  • Long Stay
  • Coastal Road Trips
  • Eco-Travel

Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage

Van/Minivan

7-9 seats

Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably

  • Long drives
  • Maximum space

From €42 /day

Automatic SUV

5 seats

Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains

  • Easy coastal drives
  • Long distance travel

From €22 /day

Full-size cars

2-5 seats

Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults

  • Practicality
  • Comfort on long drives

From €64 /day

Tips for this trip

If traveling with kids, book child seats during online booking and pay at pickup.

For coastal drives, a few suppliers also offer roof racks for extra luggage or sports equipment.

Minivans are generally allowed on car ferry crossings to most inhabited Croatian islands.

Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars

Convertible

2-4 seats

Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views

  • Fun road trips
  • Coastal vacations

From €62 /day

Compact Automatic

5 seats

Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads

  • Ample space
  • Fuel efficient

From €36 /day

Electric Economy Cars

4-5 seats

Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel

  • Quiet driving

From €48 /day

Tips for this trip

Dubrovnik Old Town is pedestrian-only. Use nearby paid parking for the rental car, then walk in.

For island hopping or scenic coastal driving, compact cars are overall best choice.

Convertibles can be limited on islands (like Hvar) and during peak season, making early booking crucial.

Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.

Luxury car

4-5 seats

High budget premium options for corporate needs

  • Prestige
  • Savvy look

From €65 /day

Automatic Sedans

4-5 seats

Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency

  • Professional

From €48 /day

Standard Cars

4-5 seats

Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip

  • No-risk choice

From €32 /day

Tips for this trip

VAT invoices/receipts for business expense claims are generally provided by suppliers upon request.

High-end options are best found at major airport hubs like Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), and Dubrovnik (DBV).

Opt for premium insurance coverage to reduce liability for damages.

Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.

Monthly rental

Select any vehicle

An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals

  • Best price

From €16 /day

Long Term Car Rental

Varied vehicle options

For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks

  • Flexible

From €22 /day

Automatic Car

4-9 seats

Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills

  • Comfortable
  • Easy parking

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

Costs are lower in the off-season (Nov-Mar) than in the high season (July-Aug).

Unlimited mileage is included with most long term rentals extending flexibility and convenience.

For early returns, no refunds (partial or full) will be provided for long term rentals.

Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.

Convertible

2-4 seats

Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline

  • Fun road trips
  • Open top views

From €62 /day

One Way Rentals

Select any car

Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility

  • Time-saving

From €25 /day

Compact SUV

5 seats

Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space

  • Better visibility
  • Comfort for long distances

From €35 /day

Tips for this trip

One way routes are subject to a fee which is generally upward of €100.

For driving between Split and Dubrovnik skip the Neum Corridor in Bosnia and travel via the Pelješac Bridge to avoid border crossing woes.

If your coastal trip is on a motorway, expect to pay tolls, which typically range from €10 to €30.

Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.

Electric Car

4-5 seats

Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving

  • Cost savings

From €55 /day

Hybrid

4-5 seats

Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives

  • Reduced fuel costs

From €35 /day

Small Compact

4-5 seats

These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives

  • Low cost
  • Efficient

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

EV charging stations are widely available across all major hubs, including Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb and Zadar.

Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.

Charging stations might be limited on islands – for island hopping trips hybrids are a safer choice.

About Zagreb Train Station

Known locally as Glavni Kolodvor, Zagreb’s main railway station is located about 1 kilometer south of the city center and a mere 10-minute walk from the city’s main square. Built in 1892 in classic neoclassical style, Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor is the largest train station in Croatia.

The station has a total of 7 platforms, three of which are directly accessible from the street. Popular routes from Zagreb train station are Ljubljana, Munich, Budapest, Venice, Vienna, Salzburg, Trieste, Dubrovnik, Brno, Prague, Split, Paris, Zurich, London, etc.

How far is Zagreb Train Station from the Old Town? Zagreb Main Train Station (Glavni kolodvor) is approximately 2 km from Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad). Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes around 8–12 minutes.

Official Name: Zagreb Main Railway Station (Glavni kolodvor Zagreb)

Address: Trg kralja Tomislava 12, 10000 Zagreb

Transport Hub: Croatia’s Main Railway Terminal for Domestic & International Routes

Nearby Connections: Zagreb Bus Terminal (via tram), City Centre & Ban Jelačić Square

Distance to Airport: ~15 km from Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Your Journey Doesn’t End at the Platform

Continue Exploring Croatia with a Rental Car from Zagreb Train Station

A convenient transition point to switch from rail travel to driving, picking up a rental car at Zagreb Train Station allows travellers to start exploring Croatia immediately without worrying about other transfer options. A hired vehicle at their disposal straight after finishing their rail journey is ideal for visitors looking for flexibility in their travel plans. Reaching popular tourist destinations like Plitvice Lakes, Split, Istria, Zadar, Varaždin, and Lake Bled (Ljubljana) on your own schedule and time becomes seamless, which wouldn’t otherwise be possible with buses or even shared tours.

For an uninterrupted start to your road trip, continue where the Zagreb rail network ends and rent a car to continue your journey without the constraints of fixed schedules. Besides providing you the convenience and flexibility to explore the city and beyond on your terms, a car hire will also let you enjoy the freedom that you wouldn’t have otherwise with public transit. So take advantage of our reliable booking engine and reserve your Zagreb Central Station rental car at the most economical rates.

Zagreb Train Station

Rental & Driving Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

Local knowledge that saves time, money and frustration – from the moment you arrive at the train station.

~2 km

Train Station to Zagreb Old Town

~15 km

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

€30–60/day

Car Rental Price

2–4 wks

Book Ahead

Car Rental Tips

Before you pick up the car

🕘

Best Time to Book

Avoid July and August peak pricing. January, March, November and December offer the lowest daily rates in Croatia.

Fuel & Mileage Policy

Always choose a “full to full” fuel policy with unlimited mileage — saves money on return and eliminates mileage concerns.

Benefit from Optional Add-ons

Enhance your trip with child seats, GPS, winter tyres, snow chains, WiFi or an additional driver at affordable extra cost.

📅

Book in Advance

Reserving early secures below-average rates and gives you access to a wider selection of vehicle categories.

🚔

Select the Right Car Category

Mostly city driving? An economy or compact car keeps fuel costs low and suits tighter budgets and narrow Croatian roads.

⚖️

Comparison is Key

Use our platform to compare prices, ratings, reviews and inclusions across leading suppliers to find the best fit for your budget.

Driving tips

On the road from Zagreb Train Station

🚫

Don’t drive into the Upper Town

Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is mostly pedestrian-only. The zone is restricted to residents or authorized vehicles. Park the rental car nearby and walk, or take the short funicular.

🚋

Watch for tram-only lanes

Several streets near the station carry both cars and trams in same lanes. Never park or drive on track sections marked in yellow, and stay alert at junctions where trams cross.

🧭

Use navigation to leave the city

Zagreb’s one-way street network can be a bit confusing for first time visitors. When travelling from the station towards A1, follow Google Maps or another GPS app for hassle free navigation.

🚧

Motorway tolls apply outside Zagreb

Motorways on Zagreb to A1 coastal routes are toll roads. Pay by cash (euros accepted) or by card at staffed booths.

🅿️

Save on Parking by Timing Your Pickup

In many on-street parking zones, parking is free overnight (8 pm to 8 am) and on Sundays. Certain restrictions might still be applicable by zone.

🚘

Leave Zagreb Before Rush Hour

If heading to destinations such as Plitvice Lakes, Varaždin, Zadar, or Split, leave 30–60 minutes earlier than planned. This can help you avoid the bottleneck traffic congestion.

Local Knowledge · Rental Car Guide

Parking zones for visitors in Zagreb

Rates across all 8 parking types – from €0.30/hr budget outer zones to €4/hr premium central zones. Click any zone for full details.

🅿️

Zagreb Airport (ZAG) · Velika Gorica

Short stay, long stay, and rental car lots available · 17 km from city centre

Short stay

Long stay

Rental return

€2-30

per hour (short stay)

€12–18 / day

long stay

Details & Features

🔹

Terminal drop-off

10-minute free grace period at the arrivals kerb

↩️

Rental return

Dedicated rental car lot ~100m from the terminal

👍

Long stay lot

More affordable option for multi-day airport parking

Practical Info

📅

Book long stay ahead

Peak season long-stay fills fast – pre-book online

💶

Long stay rate

€12–18/day – cheaper than city centre garages

🚓

For rental cars

Straightforward return – follow Rental Return signs

🅿️

Ban Jelačić Square & Donji Grad

Zone 1

City centre · closest to Zagreb’s historic core · max 2-hour stay

2-Hr Max stay

Camera zone

€1.60

per hour

€13–16

per day

Details & Features

🚶

Walk to Upper Town

Under 10 minutes on foot

🔹

Max stay

2-hour limit strictly enforced

👍

Enforcement

Camera-enforced – fines are automatic

Practical Info

📈

High Demand

Fills quickly on weekdays – don’t rely on finding a spot

💶

Daily rate

€13–16/day in peak season

🚓

For rental cars

Not recommended – short limit and high fine risk

🅿️

Main Railway Station & Business Districts

Zone 2

Central area · good tram access · better availability than Zone 1

Good tram access

All-day parking

€0.70

per hour

€6–8

per day

Details & Features

🚋

Tram access

Multiple tram lines to all central destinations

Stay duration

Extended stays permitted – check signs locally

👍

Best value central

Half the cost of Zone 1 with similar access

Practical Info

Smart base zone

Leave the car here and use the trams for sightseeing

💶

Daily rate

approx. €6–8/day

🚓

For rental cars

Recommended – best balance of price and access

🅿️

Residential Areas outside Centre

Zone 3

Budget-friendly · longer stays · tram connections into central Zagreb

Budget option

Long stay

€0.30

per hour

€2-4

per day

Details & Features

🔹

Residential streets

Quieter spots with high availability

Stay duration

Full-day and overnight stays common

👍

Tram connections

Regular tram access to the city centre

Practical Info

🚫

Permit check

Some streets have resident-only restrictions – check signs

💶

Daily rate

€2–4/day – lowest street parking in Zagreb

🚓

For rental cars

Good for multi-day stays on a budget

🅿️

Outer Zagreb & Park and Ride

Zone 4

Long stay · lowest daily cost · ideal for overnight or full-day parking

Park & ride

Overnight friendly

€1–30

per day

Flat

daily rate

Details & Features

🚋

Park & Ride

Dedicated lots with bus/tram connections to the centre

🚖

Overnight parking

Safe and widely available at a low cost

📌

Location

Outer ring roads and peripheral suburbs

Practical Info

🔹

Best for fly-drive

Ideal if collecting the car just before leaving Zagreb

💶

Daily rate

~€1.30/day flat – city’s lowest rate

🚓

For rental cars

Best for overnight storage or pre-departure day

🅿️

Langov Trg · Tuškanac · Cvjetni

Garage

Covered parking · most convenient for central Zagreb · no space-hunting stress

Covered

Central access

24hr available

€2-4

per hour

€20–35

per day

Details & Features

🛡️

Covered & secure

Sheltered from weather – ideal for longer stops

👍

Availability

Guaranteed space – no circling required

📌

Central locations

Walking distance to Jelačić Square and Tkalčićeva

Practical Info

🚫

Height restrictions

Check clearance before entering – SUVs may be limited

💶

Daily rate

€20–35/day depending on garage and duration

🚓

Fore rental cars

Best option for peace of mind in the city centre

🅿️

Hotel Parking · Various Locations

Secure overnight · available to guests · varies significantly by property

Secure

Overnight

Guest only

€10–25

per night

Guest

rate varies

Details & Features

🛡️

Secure and gated

Managed access – lower theft and damage risk

🌙

Overnight included

Often included in higher-tier hotel rates

📌

Location varies

Central hotels may use off-site partner garages

Practical Info

📅

Book with a stay

Confirm parking availability when booking – not guaranteed

💶

Nightly rate

€10–25/night depending on hotel tier and location

🚓

For rental cars

Most convenient option if your hotel offers it

🅿️

Private Lots · Various Locations

Independently operated · flexible rates · quality varies by operator

Flexible rates

Pre-book advised

€10–25

per day (varies)

Often cheaper

than garages

Details & Features

🔹

Scattered across the city

Often found near bus and rail stations

📅

Flexible durations

Daily and weekly rates usually available

🛡️

Variable security

Quality and lighting vary – inspect before leaving the car

Practical Info

✔️

Check reviews

Use ParkMobile or local listings to compare options

💶

Daily rate

€5–15/day – can undercut public garages significantly

🚓

For rental cars

Use with caution – confirm operator reputation first

Pay by:

📱 mParkiraj App

🅿️ Parking Meters

💬 ZgPark app / SMS parking

💳 Online pre-pay

🏪 Tisak kiosks

Zagreb Train Station · By Car

Best Day Trips from Zagreb Train Station by Rental Car

A rental car gets you through destinations not easily accessible by bus or taxi in the region around Zagreb. Travellers flying in and driving straight out can take routes from the airport to popular drives.

Your matches for

Nature & Views

🌲

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia’s most famous national park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and wooden walking trails. A rental car lets you arrive early, avoid public transport timetables, and continue your journey at your own pace.

  • UNESCO Site
  • Waterfalls
  • Scenic Drive

~130 km

🏞️

Žumberak Nature Park

A peaceful mountain region west of Zagreb filled with hiking trails, traditional villages, and quiet countryside roads—ideal for travellers seeking a slower pace.

  • Hiking Trails
  • Rural Croatia
  • Scenic Drives

~45 km

🐦

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

One of Europe’s largest protected wetlands, famous for birdlife, wooden villages, and tranquil cycling routes.

  • Wildlife
  • Birdwatching
  • Traditional Villages

~95 km

💡

Your matches for

Castles & Historic Towns

🏛️

Samobor

A charming historic town known for colourful streets, relaxed cafés, and its famous kremšnita custard slice.

  • Historic Town
  • Café Culture
  • Easy Escape

~25 km

🏰

Trakošćan Castle

Croatia’s best-known fairytale castle, surrounded by woodland, walking trails, and a picturesque lake.

  • Fairytale Castle
  • Historic Estate
  • Lakeside Walks

~80 km

🏘️

Krapina

A traditional Zagorje town home to the acclaimed Neanderthal Museum and beautiful rolling countryside.

  • Historic Region
  • Museum Stop
  • Family Friendly

~55 km

💡

Your matches for

Views & Photos

🌇

Sljeme Viewpoint

Located on Medvednica Mountain, Sljeme offers panoramic views across Zagreb and the surrounding countryside.

  • Panorama
  • Mountain Roads
  • Sunset Spot

~30 km

⛰️

Okić Fortress

A short uphill walk leads to medieval ruins overlooking central Croatia and the nearby hills.

  • Scenic Hike
  • Historic Ruins
  • Photography

~40 km

🏞️

Japetić Lookout Tower

A hidden wooden observation tower surrounded by forests and peaceful countryside.

  • Hidden Viewpoint
  • Forest Views
  • Quiet Escape

~50 km

💡

Your matches for

Hidden Spots

🛤️

Rastoke Village

Often called “Little Plitvice,” Rastoke is a picturesque village where waterfalls flow between historic watermills and traditional houses.

  • Hidden Gem
  • Waterfalls
  • Traditional Village

~105 km

🏘️

Kumrovec

A beautifully preserved rural village showcasing traditional Zagorje architecture and Croatian heritage.

  • Rural Heritage
  • Quiet Escape
  • Cultural Stop

~65 km

🏊‍♂️

Mrežnica River

Crystal-clear swimming spots, riverside picnic areas, and peaceful nature away from Croatia’s busiest tourist destinations.

  • River Swimming
  • Local Favourite
  • Nature Escape

~60 km

💡

Your matches for

Eat & Drink

🍷

Plešivica Wine Region

Rolling vineyard landscapes and family-run wineries producing some of Croatia’s finest sparkling wines.

  • Wine Tasting
  • Scenic Vineyards
  • Gourmet Stops

~35 km

🏪

Jastrebarsko

A relaxed market town surrounded by vineyards, wine roads, and traditional restaurants.

  • Wine Country
  • Rural Charm
  • Easy Drive

~40 km

🏘️

Samobor Countryside

Quiet villages, local taverns, and scenic back roads just beyond the historic centre.

  • Local Food
  • Countryside Roads
  • Relaxed Pace

~30 km

💡

Your matches for

Quick & Easy

Samobor

One of the easiest and most rewarding short drives from Zagreb, perfect if you’ve just arrived by train.

  • Closest Escape
  • Café Stops
  • Easy Walks

~25 km

🏞️

Medvednica Nature Park

A quick drive into the mountains for fresh air, forest trails, and panoramic viewpoints above the capital.

  • Quick Nature Escape
  • Mountain Air
  • Scenic Drive

~20 km

🏛️

Varaždin

An elegant Baroque town known for its colourful architecture, castles, and beautifully preserved old streets.

  • Baroque Town
  • Historic Centre
  • Easy Day Trip

~85 km

💡

Verified Reviews

Customer Reviews

Here are some of the testimonials from our satisfied customers which reflects the quality of our services.

4.8 out of 5

Based on 400+ reviews

  • D

    Impressed

    Verified

    Easy to use website and interface. Had no issues during booking and very good rental rates offered. Especially like the feature where i get to compare offers from multiple car hire companies.

    8 July 2026
  • D

    Will book again

    Verified

    I have been vary of car rental experiences in the past as they haven’t always been good. Croatiarentalcars were brilliant – from the beginning to the very end. Making a reservation through their platform was seamless and hassle free. I hired a car for pick up at Zagreb main railway station. There was an issue – my fault, not theirs – and they sorted it completely. I was very pleased with the way they extended the help. Excellent customer service and will definitely use them again.

    15 June 2026
  • M

    Brilliant service

    Verified

    Have used Croatiarentalcars for a while and found them to offer the lowest prices for car rentals. Not only that, when we had trouble understanding few terms and conditions the customer support team was really helpful and offered quick resolution. 5 stars for quick follow-up customer service.

    11 June 2026
  • S

    All went well

    Verified

    Everything went smoothly, a good experience.

    2 June 2026
  • J

    Really good

    Verified

    Brilliant service at both pickup and drop-off. The car was brand new and immaculate, and it was the cheapest price I found online. I will definitely use their services again.

    18 May 2026

Learn more about our reviews (We ask users to review the service provided after they have completed their rental. Only presenting a section of reviews here; the review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of the overall feedback collected.)

×

Submit Your Review

Your help hub

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pickup Location & Logistics
  • Driving Rules & Routes
  • Day Trips & One way/Cross-Border Travel
  • Documents & Requirements

🏢

How far are the car rental offices from Zagreb Train Station?

Although there are no car rental desks inside the station premises, most suppliers operate from offices within a short walking distance. Clustered around Trg kralja Tomislava, Kneza Borne, Petrinjska Street, and the surrounding city centre, the offices of rental suppliers are easy to reach on foot.

🧳

Can I leave my luggage at Zagreb Train Station before collecting my rental car?

Yes, travellers can store their luggage in the dedicated left-luggage facility at Zagreb Main Train Station (Glavni kolodvor). This is an ideal option for renters planning to spend the first few hours exploring Zagreb on foot and collect their rental car later when they’re ready to begin their journey.

Need to KnowInformation
📍 Where is it?Inside Zagreb Main Train Station, near the main entrance and ticket office.
🧳 What can I store?Most standard luggage, including suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags.
💳 How do I pay?Payment is usually made at the left-luggage office (cash accepted; card availability may vary).
🕒 When is it open?Generally from early morning until late evening, though opening hours can change seasonally or on public holidays.

↩️

Can I return my rental car to Zagreb Airport after collecting it at the train station?

Yes, most car rental companies allow you to pick up the car at Zagreb Train Station and return it at Zagreb Airport (ZAG). Booking a one way car rental for such routes is a popular option for travellers arriving in Zagreb by train who plan to explore Croatia before flying home.

🚗

Is Zagreb Train Station a better pickup location than Zagreb Airport?

It depends on your itinerary. If arriving in the city via rail, collecting your rental car at Zagreb Main Train Station is a more convenient option. Though if flying into or out of the city, Zagreb Airport (ZAG) may be the better choice, particularly if you’re returning the car at the airport before departure. Here’s how the two pick-up locations compare:

Choose Zagreb Train Station If…Choose Zagreb Airport If…
🚆 You’re arriving in Zagreb by train✈️ You’re arriving or departing by plane
🚗 You want to start your road trip immediately🛄 You want to collect your car after landing
💰 You want to avoid the cost and time of travelling to the airport🔄 You’re returning the car before your flight
🏙️ You’re already staying near the city centre✈️ Your itinerary starts and ends at the airport

👨‍✈️

Can I drive my rental car into Zagreb’s Upper Town?

Not usually. Much of Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is pedestrian-only or restricted to residents and authorised vehicles, making it unsuitable for sightseeing by rental car. Here’s a quick breakdown:

DestinationCan Visitors Drive There?Best Option
🏰 Upper Town (Gornji Grad)❌ Mostly no – pedestrian-only or restricted accessPark nearby and walk
⛪ St. Mark’s Church❌ No public vehicle accessWalk from a nearby garage
🚶 Historic streets & squares❌ Pedestrian-onlyExplore on foot
🅿️ Public garages below the Upper Town✅ YesPark and continue on foot or take the funicular

🗺️

Which direction should I head from Zagreb Train Station to reach the A1 motorway?

From Zagreb Train Station, the most direct route toward the A1 (heading to Karlovac, Plitvice, or the coast) is south via Vukovarska or Slavonska Avenija, picking up signs for the A1/A3 junction at Lučko. 

🚧

Are there toll roads immediately after leaving Zagreb?

After driving through Zagreb’s city streets, you will only encounter toll roads once you enter the motorway network. You won’t encounter a toll booth immediately after leaving Zagreb Train Station. If you’re heading towards Split, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes, Rijeka, or Slovenia, your route will determine when (or if) you’ll reach a toll road.

DestinationMotorwayToll?Approx. Toll
🏞️ Plitvice LakesA1€4–6*
🌊 SplitA1€26–28
🌅 ZadarA1€17–19
🌊 RijekaA6€9–11
🏰 SamoborLocal roadsFree
🏛️ VaraždinA4€4–6
🇸🇮 LjubljanaA2~€2 (Croatia) + Slovenian e-vignette

🚘

Can I drive straight to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb Train Station?

Yes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular day trip destinations for travellers collecting a rental car at Zagreb Train Station. Here’s a quick route overview:

Route InformationDetails
📍 Distance & Drive Time~130 km (~2 hours)
🛣️ Fastest RouteA1 motorway + state roads
💶 Motorway TollApproximately €4–6 (passenger car)
🌅 Best Time to LeaveBefore 8:00 am to avoid Zagreb rush-hour traffic and arrive before the busiest visitor period
🚗 Worth Renting?✅ Yes – the easiest and most flexible way to visit Plitvice Lakes

➡️

Is it possible to pick up my rental car at Zagreb Train Station and drop it off in Split or Dubrovnik?

Yes. Most car rental companies offer one way rentals, allowing you to collect your vehicle at Zagreb Train Station and return it to Split, Dubrovnik, and all other major Croatian cities. Note that rentals for such routes often incur a drop-off fee, which varies by supplier, vehicle type, and season.

🛂

Can I drive from Zagreb Train Station to Bosnia and Herzegovina or Slovenia?

Yes, crossing the border in a rental car from Zagreb Train Station to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia is allowed with prior permission from the supplier. Such routes usually incur a cross border fee which varies based on supplier and route. Here’s a quick overview:

CountryGenerally Allowed?Typical RequirementsNotes
🇸🇮 Slovenia✅ Yes, usuallySupplier approval + vehicle documentsSlovenian e-vignette required for motorways.
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina✅ Yes, usuallyWritten permission + Green Card (if required)Most major suppliers permit cross-border travel; some local companies may not.

📄

What documents do I need to rent a car at Zagreb Train Station?

You will need to present the following at pick-up:

  1. Valid driving licence — must have been held for at least 1–2 years (varies by supplier). 
  2. Passport or national ID card — EU citizens can use an ID card; non-EU visitors need a passport. 
  3. Credit card in the renter’s name for the security deposit.

🧑

Can I rent a car at Zagreb Train Station if I am under 25?

As with most major EU countries, car hire companies in Zagreb permit drivers aged 21 and above to rent a car. A young driver surcharge will be applied to drivers under 25 (typically €5 – €10 per day). Drivers under 25 renting a car will likely have limited car choices.

🆔

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a car at Zagreb Train Station?

Whether you will need an International Driving Permit when renting a car at Zagreb Train Station will depend on where your driver’s license was issued and the alphabet it’s printed in. Most car rental companies will accept foreign licenses written in the Latin alphabet without requiring an IDP. As an overview:

Licence TypeIs an IDP Usually Required?
EU / EEA driving licence❌No
UK/US/Canadian driving licence❌Usually no
Australian or New Zealand licence (Latin alphabet)⚠️Usually no, but sometimes recommended
Licence in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Korean)✅ Yes
Josip Stjepan
Editorial Contributor

Car Rental Croatia

Josip Stjepan – Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist

Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.

How this content is created:

  • Based on real ferry and route data
  • Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
  • Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes

Last Reviewed: September 2026