Zagreb Airport has desks for most major international brands (Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Firefly) and several local operators (Oryx, Nova, Avantcar, Mack) that are often cheaper. Economy cars typically start around €15 to €25 per day when booked in advance; summer and weekend rates are higher. Croatia uses gate-based motorway tolls (no vignette). Cross-border travel to Bosnia, Montenegro, or Serbia requires a Green Card and a cross-border fee arranged at pickup.
Last updated: May 24, 2026. Operator roster cross-checked against the official Zagreb Airport rent-a-car page and major aggregators on this date.
Car Rental Companies at Zagreb Airport
A mix of international and local operators have desks in or beside the terminal at ZAG. Most desks are inside the passenger terminal near Arrivals, and the cars are parked roughly 100 meters from the exit. For the wider picture across all modes, see compare all transport options from the airport.
International Brands at ZAG
The international roster includes Hertz, Firefly, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Payless, Europcar, Alamo, National, and Enterprise. Avis/Budget/Payless and Alamo/National/Enterprise typically share counters. A couple of operators park in a nearby lot with a short shuttle; the desk will say which.
Local and Regional Brands at ZAG
Local operators include Oryx, Nova, Avantcar, Mack, and Fleet Rent a Car, plus regional players like Keddy and Green Motion. These often beat the global brands on price for the same vehicle class.
Pick international for loyalty programs and a known service standard; pick local for price and flexibility. Both are licensed.
Zagreb Airport Car Rental Prices
Prices vary by company, season, lead time, and vehicle class. Ranges below are typical for a 2026 booking two weeks ahead; confirm a live quote.
Typical Daily Price Ranges (2026)
| Vehicle class | Typical daily range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto) | €12 to €20 | City use, short stays, two people light luggage |
| Economy (Renault Clio, VW Polo) | €15 to €25 | Two to three people, weekend trips |
| Compact (Opel Astra, VW Golf) | €20 to €35 | Comfortable for four, road trips |
| Midsize (Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia) | €30 to €50 | Long-distance comfort, business |
| SUV | €45 to €90 | Groups, mountain roads, luggage |
| Van (7-9 seats) | €60 to €120 | Groups, family with bags |
March is typically the cheapest month. July and August are the most expensive, often by a factor of two or three. Weekend rates can also double weekday rates.
What's Usually NOT Included in the Base Price
Quoted base rates often exclude: additional driver, child seats, GPS, premium insurance (full damage waiver), cross-border fees, after-hours return, young-driver surcharge, one-way drop-off, and fuel. The real total can be 30 to 50 percent above the headline rate.
Picking Up and Returning Your Car at ZAG
Where the Rental Desks Are
Most desks are inside the passenger terminal in a marked rental row near Arrivals. Walk through the Arrivals hall and look for the rental signage; the desks are clustered together.
Deposit Holds
Expect a credit card hold of about €800 to €1,000 for economy and standard cars, and €2,000 to €3,500 or more for luxury, SUV, and premium classes. The hold is released after return assuming no damage and no outstanding traffic fines. Debit cards are usually refused for the deposit; bring a credit card in the main driver's name.
After-Hours Return
Most operators allow after-hours return with advance arrangement and an extra fee of around €30 to €50. Drop the car in the designated supplier bay and the keys in the marked drop-box. If you are returning a rental, it does not use the public car park; for general airport parking, see airport parking.
Driving in Croatia from Zagreb Airport
Motorways are excellent, signage is clear, and Croatian drivers are unremarkable by European standards. The airport sits about 17 km south of the city center, with quick access to the A3 (east-west) and A1 (south to Split and the coast). For the inbound side, see notes on driving to Zagreb Airport.
Croatian Motorway Tolls
Croatia uses a gate-based toll system: take a ticket on entry, pay on exit by distance and vehicle class. There is no national vignette, unlike Slovenia or Austria. Toll booths accept card, cash, contactless in newer lanes, and the ENC transponder. All in euro since January 2023.
Speed Limits and Basic Rules
Default limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on expressways, 130 km/h on motorways unless signed otherwise. Headlights required in winter. Blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/kg for drivers 25 and older; zero tolerance under 25 and for professional drivers.
Cross-Border Travel with a Croatian Rental Car
This is where many travelers get caught out. Cross-border is allowed by most operators but needs advance notice, paperwork, and a fee.
EU Neighbors (Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Germany)
Typically allowed with a cross-border fee of €20 to €85 per rental. Notify the rental company at pickup. Slovenia and Austria require a vignette; the Slovenia 7-day e-vignette runs about €16 and is best bought online before you cross.
Non-EU Neighbors (Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania)
Allowed by most operators with higher fees (around €50 to €85+) and additional paperwork. A Green Card (insurance proof) is required and must be requested at pickup. Some companies require Super CDW.
Zagreb to Mostar is a popular weekend trip. Confirm cross-border permission, get the Green Card and your passport before you set off; without them you can be turned around at the border.
Toll and Vignette Rules by Country (Quick Reference)
| Country | Toll system | Vignette required |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia | Gates, pay on exit | No |
| Slovenia | Vignette only | Yes (~€16 for 7 days) |
| Austria | Vignette + sectional tolls | Yes |
| Italy | Gates, pay on exit | No |
| Hungary | Electronic vignette (county or national) | Yes |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Gates on motorways, cash or card | No |
What to Bring at Pickup
Driver's License and IDP
EU/EEA, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian licenses in Latin script are typically accepted without an International Driving Permit. Licenses in non-Latin scripts (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese) require an IDP. Confirm with the specific rental company before you fly.
Payment and Identification
Credit card in the main driver's name (debit usually refused for the deposit), passport or national ID, the booking confirmation, and the rental voucher if pre-paid.
Insider Tips for Renting a Car at Zagreb Airport
Check the Croatian operators first. Oryx, Nova, and Avantcar often beat the international brands on price for the same vehicle class.
Book 2+ weeks ahead. Walk-up rates at ZAG are notably higher, and cheaper classes run out fast in summer.
Confirm cross-border permission and the Green Card before you drive off. Without the Green Card, you can be turned around at the Bosnia, Montenegro, or Serbia border.
Photograph the car at pickup. Walk around and photograph every existing scratch and dent; email the photos to yourself with a timestamp. Damage disputes are the most common rental complaint and photos win them.
Refuse fuel pre-purchase unless you cannot return full. The operator's per-liter rate on empty returns is significantly above pump prices. Most rentals are full-to-full; keep the last fill receipt.
If you only need a ride into town, see taking a taxi instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a car at Zagreb Airport?
Economy cars typically start around €15 to €25 per day when booked two weeks ahead. Compacts and midsize cars run €25 to €50; SUVs and vans start around €50 and climb in summer.
Which car rental companies are at Zagreb Airport?
International: Hertz, Firefly, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Payless, Europcar, Alamo, National, Enterprise. Local: Oryx, Nova, Avantcar, Mack, Fleet Rent a Car.
Can I drive a Croatian rental car into Bosnia?
Yes, with most operators, but cross-border permission and a Green Card must be arranged at pickup. Cross-border fee around €50 to €85+. Without the Green Card you can be turned away at the border.
Do I need a vignette to drive in Croatia?
No. Croatia uses a gate-based motorway toll system: take a ticket on entry, pay on exit by distance. Slovenia and Austria do require a vignette.
What deposit do car rental companies hold at Zagreb Airport?
Roughly €800 to €1,000 for economy and standard cars; €2,000 to €3,500 or more for luxury, SUV, and premium. Released after return if no damage and no outstanding fines.
Can I rent a car at Zagreb Airport with a debit card?
Usually not for the deposit hold. Most operators require a credit card in the main driver's name; bring one to avoid being refused at the desk.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Croatia?
EU/EEA, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian licenses in Latin script are typically accepted without an IDP. Licenses in non-Latin scripts require one. Confirm with the rental company.
Where do I pick up my rental car at Zagreb Airport?
Most desks are inside the passenger terminal near Arrivals; the cars are parked roughly 100 meters from the exit. A couple of operators use a short shuttle to a nearby car park.