Zagreb: Getting there & around

Zagreb is connected domestically to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Rijeka and Zadar and internationally to all European capitals plus Munich, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Damascus.

Zagreb's big, modern bus station on Avenija M Držića has a large, enclosed waiting room where you can stretch out while waiting for your bus (but be warned - there's no heating in winter). Buy most international tickets at window Nos 11 and 12. Buses depart from Zagreb bound for most of Croatia, Slovenia and places beyond. You'll need to purchase an advance ticket at the station if you're planning on travelling far.

Trains link Zagreb to destinations across the country and internationally. The train station is located close to the town centre.

Zagreb is a fairly easy city to navigate, whether by car or public transport. Traffic isn't bad, there's sufficient parking and the efficient tram system should be a model for more polluted, traffic-clogged European capitals.

The Croatia Airlines bus to Pleso Airport, 17km (10mi) southeast of Zagreb, leaves from the bus station every half-hour or hour from about 04:00 to 20:30 depending on flights, and returns from the airport on about the same schedule. A taxi is a costly option.

The major car rental firms are all represented in Zagreb. Bear in mind that local companies usually have lower rates. Driving in Zagreb is quite simple; boulevards are wide, traffic isn't too dense and parking is relatively abundant. Watch out for trams buzzing around. The Croatian Auto Club (HAK) Information Centre (tel: 46 40 800; Draskoviceva 25) helps motorists in need.

Zagreb's taxis all have meters, but are not cheap. Furthermore, on Sunday and at night from 22:00 to 05:00 there's a 20% surcharge. At these rates, you'll have no trouble finding idle taxis, usually at blue-marked taxi signs, or you can call ahead (tel: 970) to reserve one.

Public transport is based on an efficient but overcrowded network of trams, although the city centre is compact enough to make them unnecessary.

Zagreb has installed tram maps at most stations, making the system easier to navigate. Trams 3 and 8 don't run on weekends. Buy tickets at newspaper kiosks or on the bus. You can use your ticket for transfers within 90 minutes, but only in one direction. A dnevna karta (day ticket), valid on all public transport until 04:00 the next morning, is also available at most Vjesnik or Tisak news outlets.