All-inclusive car rental in Zagreb
An all-inclusive rental in Zagreb includes full insurance with zero excess - ideal for continental Croatia and as a starting point for Plitvice Lakes and the coast.
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, sits inland and makes a practical start or end point for a road trip. A car brings the Plitvice Lakes, the baroque town of Varaždin and the rolling Zagorje hills with their castles within easy reach.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Zagreb Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Zagreb
| Pick-up point | Zagreb Airport (ZAG) |
|---|---|
| Star day trip | Plitvice Lakes (~2 hours) |
| Also nearby | Varaždin, Zagorje castles |
| To the coast | Rijeka ~2h, Zadar ~2.5h via A1 |
Continental Croatia by car
Plitvice Lakes is around two hours south, making Zagreb a common gateway for a coast-and-lakes road trip. The Zagorje region north of the city is dotted with hilltop castles and spa towns, and Varaždin’s baroque centre is under an hour away.
The A1 motorway links Zagreb efficiently to the Dalmatian coast. Zero-excess cover is reassuring on busier routes and in city parking.
Practical tips
Zagreb’s centre is walkable with trams - park and explore on foot. Croatian motorways are tolled; pay by card at the barriers.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Picking up your car at Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is about 20 minutes from the centre, with the rental desks near arrivals, so collection is quick. From the airport the A1 takes you towards Plitvice and the Dalmatian coast without crossing the city.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence, and there is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Zagreb can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Zagreb car rental - FAQ
Is Zagreb a good base for a road trip?
Yes - it links easily to Plitvice and, via the A1, to the Dalmatian coast, making it a practical start or end point.
How far is the coast from Zagreb?
Rijeka is about two hours and Zadar around 2.5 hours via the A1 motorway.
Are Croatian motorways tolled?
Yes - the main motorways such as the A1 are tolled, payable by card at the barriers.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Zagreb?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Can I add a child seat or extra driver in Zagreb?
Yes - add child seats and additional drivers when you book so they are confirmed in advance and ready at the desk.