Zagreb International Airport

Franjo Tuđman International Airport is not merely the main air gateway to Croatia, but a true architectural gem that welcomes travelers with its futuristic design. The new terminal, opened just a few years ago, impresses with its lightweight, undulating roof that seems to float above the building, symbolizing the dynamics of flight and the Adriatic waves. Spacious halls, flooded with natural light through panoramic windows, create an atmosphere of calm and comfort, allowing you to begin your acquaintance with Balkan hospitality immediately upon landing. This is a place where modern technology harmoniously combines with comfort, turning the wait for your flight into a pleasant part of your journey.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Zagreb Airport offers passengers a high level of service, meeting the strictest European standards. The hub's main pride is the modern passenger terminal, commissioned in 2017. It features intuitive navigation, so even an inexperienced tourist will find it difficult to get lost here. For those who value privacy and comfort, the "Primeclass" business lounge is available, where you can relax in silence before departure.

The airport's infrastructure is thought out to the smallest detail: there is a spacious Duty Free area with a wide selection of perfumes and local delicacies, as well as cozy cafes, such as the popular "Cakes & Bakes" chain, where you should try fresh pastries. An important advantage is transport accessibility: you can get to the city center quickly and on a budget by using the special Pleso Prijevoz shuttle or the city bus, with stops located right at the terminal exit.

• Official Website: www.zagreb-airport.hr
• Information Desk Phone: +385 1 4562 170
• Address: Ulica Rudolfa Fizira 21, 10150, Zagreb, Croatia
• Email for General Inquiries: informacije@mzlz-zagreb-airport.hr
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on popular social networks where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost & Found: It is recommended to contact via email at lost-found@mzlz-zagreb-airport.hr or check with your airline's contacts.
• Passenger Support: For most questions, you can contact the airport's main information desk phone number.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman International Airport (ZAG) is located approximately 17 kilometers southeast of the city center. You can get to it or, conversely, from it to the center of Zagreb in several convenient ways, which differ in cost, travel time, and level of comfort.

Shuttle Bus — the most popular and balanced option. A specialized bus from the Pleso Prijevoz company runs regularly between the airport and the main bus station of Zagreb (Autobusni kolodvor). The trip takes an average of 35-40 minutes, making it a fast and reliable way to get to the terminal. Tickets can be bought online or from the driver. This is the optimal choice for most tourists.

For budget travelers, there is an alternative — city bus ZET No. 290. It follows the route from Kvaternik Square (Kvaternikov trg) to the airport, making many stops along the way. This is the cheapest way, but also the slowest: the trip can take about 60-75 minutes. This option is suitable if you have plenty of time and want to save as much as possible.

Taxi or pre-booked transfer ensures maximum comfort and delivers you directly to the desired address. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport will take about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic, but will cost significantly more than public transport. Ride-hailing apps (such as Uber, Bolt) also operate in the city. Pre-booking a transfer guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver in the arrivals hall.

If you plan to travel around Croatia by car, car rental will be an excellent solution. Offices of all leading rental companies are represented at the airport. For those arriving in their own transport, convenient parking lots are provided at the airport — both for short stops and for long-term storage of the vehicle during your absence.

Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), named after Franjo Tuđman, is a modern and compact aviation hub. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, travelers do not need to worry about complex transfers between different buildings — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place under one roof.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive and organized on several levels. The Arrivals Area is located on the ground floor (Prizemlje). Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, as well as car rental desks, currency exchange points, and tourist information centers. Immediately after exiting into the main hall, you will find shuttle bus and taxi stops.

The Departures Area is located on the second floor (Drugi kat). Passengers arrive here to check in for their flight (counters are grouped in several rows) and drop off luggage. After this, travelers proceed to the centralized security screening and passport control point. Having passed all formalities, you enter a spacious waiting hall with Duty-Free shops, cafes, restaurants, and boarding gates, which are located along a single pier, making it impossible to get lost.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones are carried out vertically using escalators and elevators. This makes navigation as simple as possible. To complete all pre-flight formalities — check-in, baggage drop, and screening — it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones. In peak seasons (for example, in summer), it is worth allocating extra time, although the airport in Zagreb is famous for its efficiency and lack of long queues.

For convenient navigation through the terminal, pay attention to the numerous signs in Croatian and English. The airport layout is logical: all key zones sequentially replace one another. If you have any questions, you can always contact the staff at the information desk located in the central part of the main hall.

The history of the main airport of Croatia goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. The first airfield in the vicinity of Zagreb appeared back in 1909, however, commercial aviation began its history here in 1928 with the opening of Borongaj Airport. It served domestic and a few international flights, becoming the starting point for the development of civil aviation in the region.

After World War II, the need arose for a more modern and larger air harbor. In 1959, civil flights were transferred to the current location in the Pleso area, where a military airfield already existed. A new passenger terminal was opened in 1962, and in 1966 the runway was extended to 2,500 meters. This allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and significantly expanded the geography of flights.

The airport received a significant impetus for development on the eve of the 1987 Summer Universiade, which was held in Zagreb. For this event, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the terminal was expanded, and the infrastructure was updated to receive a large number of athletes and guests from all over the world. This stage strengthened its status as an important transport hub in the Balkans.

The most modern chapter in the airport's history began in 2017 with the opening of a new, spacious, and technologically advanced passenger terminal. The project, implemented within the framework of a public-private partnership, allowed increasing the throughput capacity to 5 million passengers per year at the first stage. The new terminal, named Franjo Tuđman, is distinguished by futuristic architecture and a high level of comfort, which made it one of the most modern in Southeastern Europe. Today it continues to develop, serving as the main air gateway to Zagreb and the entire country.

Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) offers passengers a full range of modern services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need here — from places for rest and work to entertainment and shopping.

Throughout the terminal, there are numerous cafes, lounges, and restaurants where you can have a snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, several stores are open, including a large Duty Free shop with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, sweets, and souvenirs.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, as well as numerous stations for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be resolved at bank branches and currency exchange points, as well as by using ATMs located in the arrival and departure zones.

Passengers seeking increased comfort can use the services of the business lounge, offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and workspaces. Special mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with children. The airport is fully adapted to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, who are provided with all necessary assistance and accompaniment.

In case of necessity, first aid can be obtained at the airport. For those who need to rest between flights or before an early departure, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. The airport also offers conference room services and business centers for holding business meetings.

At Zagreb International Airport, passengers will find a decent selection of establishments to have a snack before departure or a full lunch. Dining options are designed for every taste and budget — from quick sandwiches and coffee to à la carte restaurant dishes.

Most establishments are concentrated in two main zones. In the public area (landside), before passing security control, there are cafes that are ideal for meeting or seeing off guests. Here you can leisurely drink coffee with fresh pastries. After passing control, in the secure area (airside), the choice becomes wider: passengers have access to several lounges, cafes, and a main restaurant where you can comfortably sit while waiting for your flight.

For those who want a quick snack, the best choice would be cafes offering sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages. If you have an hour or more to spare, it is worth visiting a restaurant serving hot dishes, including some specialties of Croatian cuisine. This is a great opportunity to try, for example, dishes featuring famous local cheeses.

Most establishments start working early in the morning and are open until late in the evening, focusing on the flight schedule. Prices correspond to standard airport rates. For passengers with special dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, salads and vegetable sandwiches are usually available. However, the selection of vegan or gluten-free dishes may be limited, so it is better to check the ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through Zagreb International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips. The airport is modern and well-organized, but knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5 hours. During the peak tourist season (in summer and during holidays), it is better to allocate extra time. To avoid queues, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are traveling light, to the security control point.

Security Control and Hand Luggage: The screening procedure is standard. Pack all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in a transparent bag in advance and be ready to take out laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Remember that sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Batteries and power banks should only be carried in the aircraft cabin.

Seat Selection and Savings: When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: by the window — for beautiful views during takeoff and landing, by the aisle — for more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. To save money, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing control at drinking fountains. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are usually higher, so you can bring non-liquid snacks with you.

Transfer Passengers and Customs: Zagreb Airport is quite compact, which makes transfers convenient. Follow the "Transfer" signs, and you will easily find the necessary boarding gate. If you are arriving from a country outside the Schengen area, you will have to pass passport control. Customs control for passengers from EU countries usually consists of a simple "green channel," but be ready to declare goods if their value exceeds the established limits.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights, including possible provision of meals or accommodation. The airport has cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi to pass the waiting time. It is recommended to install your airline's app on your phone to receive prompt notifications about schedule changes.