No, there is no direct train from Zagreb Airport. The closest train station is Zagreb Glavni kolodvor in the city center, about 17 km away. The fastest practical route is the Pleso Prijevoz shuttle (€9, ~35 to 40 min) to Zagreb's main bus station, then a 10-minute walk or one-stop tram to Glavni kolodvor. A taxi or Bolt direct (€20 to €30, ~25 minutes) is faster if you have a tight onward train connection.
Last updated: May 24, 2026. Pleso fare and rail-link planning status cross-checked on this date.
Is There a Train from Zagreb Airport?
No. Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman / ZAG) has no rail link. There is no station at or near the terminal, no spur from the national network, and no direct service running today. A future link is in planning (covered further down), but it is not built.
This catches people out because many European airports have rail links. Zagreb does not. The closest equivalent is reaching Zagreb Glavni kolodvor (the main train station, in the city center) and catching your train from there.
How to Reach Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor from the Airport
Three practical routes. Pick by luggage, budget, and how tight your onward train is. For the wider picture across modes, see all transport options from Zagreb Airport.
Route A: Pleso Shuttle Plus a Short Walk (Recommended for Most Travelers)
Take the Pleso Prijevoz shuttle from outside the Arrivals exit to Autobusni kolodvor (main bus station, AKZ). From AKZ, Glavni kolodvor is a 10-minute walk through the parks, or a one-stop ride on tram 6.
Breakdown: shuttle ~€9, ~35 to 40 min; walk or tram ~10 to 15 min. Total roughly 50 minutes, around €9 to €10.
Route B: Bus 290 Plus Tram 13
Take ZET bus 290 from the stop across the road from the airport to Kvaternikov trg (the route's terminus on the city side). Transfer to tram 13 toward the center; it stops within walking distance of Glavni kolodvor.
Breakdown: bus ~€0.95 (60-min kiosk ticket), ~45 to 50 min; tram ~€0.53 (30-min kiosk) or onboard rate, ~15 min. Total roughly 70 minutes, around €1.50 to €2.
Route C: Taxi, Bolt, or Uber Direct to Glavni Kolodvor
The fastest option. A taxi or rideshare goes from the airport to the station in 25 to 30 minutes off-peak.
Breakdown: typical €20 to €30 by app (Cammeo, Eko, Bolt, Uber); €30 to €45 from the rank. No transfers; the fastest of the three.
Which Route to Pick
Budget first with light luggage: Route B. Standard luggage and a reasonable schedule: Route A (the recommended default for most travelers). Heavy luggage, late at night, or a tight onward train: Route C.
About Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (Main Train Station)
Glavni kolodvor is Zagreb's main train station, about 1 km south of Ban Jelačić Square. The neo-classical building dates to 1892. Tram lines 6 and 13 serve the station; the walk to Ban Jelačić Square takes about 15 minutes through the parks. Luggage lockers inside the station are available for a few euros for a few hours.
Onward Train Connections from Zagreb
From Glavni kolodvor you can catch trains to several Croatian cities and a handful of international destinations. Croatian rail is limited compared to bus for most domestic travel, but useful for specific routes.
Domestic Train Destinations
The main domestic routes from Zagreb run to Rijeka, Karlovac, Osijek, Varaždin, and Sisak; service to Split exists but is slow compared to the bus. For most travel within Croatia, intercity buses out of Autobusni kolodvor are faster and more frequent.
International Train Destinations
Main international connections include Ljubljana, Vienna, Munich, Budapest, and Belgrade (limited); a Zürich service runs seasonally. International schedules shift each year and some routes have been suspended in recent years; check the current Croatian Railways (HŽPP) timetable before you plan.
Where to Buy Train Tickets
Domestic tickets are available on the HŽPP website or at station counters. International tickets often need to be bought in person at the international counter inside Glavni kolodvor; the online system does not show all cross-border routes. Rail Europe and Trainline cover some routes if you prefer to book online before you arrive.
The Planned Airport Rail Link
A direct rail link between Glavni kolodvor and Zagreb Airport is in the planning stage with HŽ Infrastruktura, the Croatian rail infrastructure body. The route was defined in early 2026: a 6.2 km branch from the existing Odra stop, with a roughly 2.8 km tunnel passing under parts of Velika Gorica and ending at two new airport stations (Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport - Old Terminal, and Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport - New Terminal as the final stop).
No timeline has been confirmed for construction or service start. Public statements indicate construction is unlikely to begin before the next decade. Treat this as future planning, not an active project. We will update this section as concrete dates emerge.
Insider Tips for Onward Train Travel from Zagreb Airport
The Pleso plus walk route is underrated. Most pages push bus 290 (cheapest) or taxi (fastest). The shuttle drops you about 10 minutes from Glavni kolodvor with no city-side transfers, which is usually the best balance.
Arrive at Glavni kolodvor 30 minutes early for international tickets. Especially for Ljubljana, Vienna, and Munich. Some international tickets at the dedicated counter are still cash-only.
For very early trains, the shuttle has not started yet. Bus 290 starts around 04:20 weekdays and 05:20 Sundays. For a 06:00 international train, plan a taxi rather than gambling on the first shuttle.
Use the luggage lockers if you arrive early. A few euros for a few hours buys you a chance to walk into the historic center without dragging a suitcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Zagreb Airport to the city center?
No. The closest train station is Glavni kolodvor, about 17 km away. The fastest practical route is the Pleso Prijevoz shuttle to Autobusni kolodvor and a short walk or one-stop tram to Glavni kolodvor.
Is there a train station at Zagreb Airport?
No. No station, no spur from the national rail network. A direct airport rail link is in planning (HŽ Infrastruktura, route defined early 2026), but construction is not expected before the next decade.
How do I get from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb's main train station?
Three routes: (A) Pleso shuttle plus a short walk to Glavni kolodvor, ~50 min, ~€9. (B) Bus 290 plus tram 13, ~70 min, ~€2. (C) Taxi or Bolt direct, 25-30 min, €20-€30.
How far is Glavni kolodvor from Zagreb Airport?
About 17 km by road. Driving takes 20 to 30 minutes off-peak; public transport routes take 45 to 70 minutes.
Will there be a train to Zagreb Airport in the future?
A direct rail link is in planning. HŽ Infrastruktura defined the route in early 2026 (6.2 km branch from Odra with a 2.8 km tunnel). Construction is not expected before the next decade; no service date is confirmed.
What is the fastest way from Zagreb Airport to Glavni kolodvor?
A taxi, Bolt, or Uber direct, 25 to 30 minutes off-peak, €20 to €30. For value, the Pleso shuttle plus a short walk is the recommended option for most travelers.
Can I store luggage at Zagreb's main train station?
Yes. Glavni kolodvor has luggage lockers for short-term storage at a few euros for a few hours. Useful if you arrive early and want to explore.
Are international train tickets sold at Zagreb Glavni kolodvor?
Yes, at the dedicated international counter inside the station. The HŽPP online system does not always show cross-border routes, and some tickets at the counter are cash-only.