Zagreb car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Zagreb
The best car rental companies in Zagreb are Sixt, Hertz, Avis. Prices start from €21/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Zagreb
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€23/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€22/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€20/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€21/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#6
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€21/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#7
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Zagreb Auto Rent
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€18/day
base rate
View Zagreb Auto Rent deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Zagreb
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €21 | Fiat Panda | 4 |
| Compact | €26 | Škoda Fabia | 4 |
| SUV | €42 | Dacia Duster | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €58 | Opel Zafira | 7 |
| Luxury | €84 | Škoda Superb | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Zagreb
Airport — Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG)
Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport sits about 17km southeast of downtown, with rental desks inside the terminal building and a short walk or shuttle to the pickup lot.
Downtown — Zagreb city center
Downtown desks near the main train station serve business travelers and those combining a city stay with onward road trips into Slovenia, Hungary, or the Croatian coast.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | ZAG airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €10–20/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €5–10/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border fee (Slovenia/Hungary/Austria) | €20–50 | Driving beyond Croatia |
| Motorway vignette / toll (A1 to coast) | €20–35 | Driving south to Split or Zadar |
| Refundable deposit | €200–450 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Zagreb
- Franjo Tuđman Airport sits about 17km southeast of downtown Zagreb, roughly a 20–25 minute drive via the airport expressway.
- Zagreb is Croatia's lowest-cost rental base nationally, typically 10–20% cheaper than coastal cities like Split or Dubrovnik, especially outside July–August.
- The A1 motorway south to Split and the Dalmatian coast is fully tolled, with a one-way trip running roughly €20–35 depending on distance and vehicle class.
- Zagreb's Lower Town and Upper Town core is compact and walkable, with several streets pedestrianized or tram-only — a rental car is best picked up only when heading out of the city.
- Zagreb makes an easy road-trip base for Plitvice Lakes National Park (about 2 hours south) and cross-border trips into Slovenia or Hungary, both under 3 hours away.
- Winter driving (December–February) sometimes requires winter tires or chains by law on mountain routes toward Karlovac and the coast — check rental terms before a winter booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Zagreb
Do you need a car in Zagreb?
Not for the city center, which is compact and served by trams. A car is most useful for day trips to Plitvice Lakes National Park or road trips onward to the coast, Slovenia, or Hungary.
Is it cheaper to rent a car in Zagreb than in Split or Dubrovnik?
Generally yes — Zagreb rates run 10–20% below coastal cities, especially outside peak summer, making it a popular pickup point for travelers planning a longer Croatia road trip.
Are there tolls between Zagreb and the coast?
Yes — the A1 motorway to Split and beyond is fully tolled, with a one-way trip costing roughly €20–35 depending on distance, payable by cash, card, or transponder.
Can you drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes in a rental car?
Yes, it's about a 2-hour drive south via the A1, and one of the most popular day-trip routes for visitors renting a car in Zagreb.
Do you need winter tires to rent a car in Zagreb in winter?
Croatian law can require winter tires or chains on mountain routes between December and February. Confirm with your rental agency that winter equipment is fitted if traveling in that window.
Can you take a Zagreb rental car into Slovenia or Hungary?
Most agencies allow it for an additional cross-border fee, typically €20–50, covering the extra insurance requirement — confirm before booking if your trip crosses borders.
What is the cheapest car type in Zagreb?
Economy cars like a Fiat Panda start around €21/day, among the lowest rates in Croatia. A 7-seat minivan for group travel starts around €58/day.
Nearby trips
