Private car transfer from Zagreb to Opatija

The lush greenery of northern Croatia is just a short drive from the festival-like streets of Zagreb's bustling center. And before you know it, fresh country winds blow through your hair as you admire the changing landscape. Green, sloping woodlands make way for desert-like cliffs, and the familiar taste of salty sea air signals the final leg of your journey when you run out of road at the edge of Croatia's mainland.

The chances are you don't know many people fortunate enough to embark on this voyage. So, if you're lucky enough, make the most of this unique opportunity and keep reading our in-depth guide to traveling between Zagreb and Opatija in 2024!

Prepare for the weather

The road from Zagreb to Opatija receives over 300 days of sunshine. Therefore, you should consider packing a light bag with a few essentials to combat the elements.

Believe it or not, you can still get burned inside a car. The sun's rays can penetrate the glass, so sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water are vital at any point of the year.

Plan sightseeing stops

Most travelers overlook or don't know that countless natural, historical, and cultural landmarks are on the road from Zagreb to Opatija. As a result, they're disappointed when they speed past signs for the foodie city of Samobor and the surreal Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Book your tickets for sights in advance (it's mandatory for Plitvice!), and ensure your mode of transportation stops en route!

Book tickets in advance

Opatija is in demand by luxury-seeking tourists. But its small size means that it doesn't have an extensive transportation network.

Since seats are limited, you must book your tickets at least 30 days before departing in the high season. You'll be guaranteed a place at your desired time, and you'll take advantage of the lowest fares!

Bus from Zagreb to Opatija

The bus is the most popular way people get from Zagreb to Opatija. It's also a cheap way to travel. Several budget-friendly companies offer services on this route, including Flixbus, Nomago, and Arriva.

A direct bus will take you from Zagreb Bus Station to Opatija Bus Station in as little as 2 hours and 50 minutes. However, you can also opt for an indirect service with Flixbus and explore the city of Ljubljana along the way.

• Lowest ticket price: €11.99
• Average ticket price: €18
• Shortest journey: 2 hours, 50 minutes
• Average journey: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Earliest departure: 12:30 AM
• Latest departure: 8:00 PM

Train from Zagreb to Opatija

Although getting a train from Zagreb to Opatija is possible, it's not recommended. No direct services are available so it's more expensive and slower than the bus. Additionally, there's no station within Opatija, so you'll need to transfer to a bus in Rijeka.

You must book a ticket from Zagreb Glavni Kolod Train Station to Rijeka Train Station to travel between the cities. Once you arrive, you'll walk downtown and transfer to the local bus line 32.

• Overall cost: €17-€22
• Overall duration: 5–6 hours
• Daily trains: 3

Daytrip private car service from Zagreb to Opatija

Daytrip is the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable way of traveling from Zagreb to Opatija. Our private door-to-door service can sweep you off your feet from your hotel in Zagreb to your new one in Opatija in only 2 hours. But first, there's the matter of getting lost in a one-of-a-kind Croatian town en route.

If you're a beer enthusiast, you may have heard of Karlovac. The city is home to one of the most famous breweries nationwide and hosts an annual festival dedicated to the beverage. But you can also experience idyllic villages like Rastoke and Kastav. You're free to explore at a leisurely pace since we will safely store your bags in the trunk of your selected vehicle!

• Seats from: €44
• An English-speaking driver with local knowledge
• Equipped for children or those with limited mobility
• Sanitized, smoke-free cars
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Walk around Lungomare Promenade

Lungomare Promenade is a postcard pathway stretching over 7 miles along the coastline. Lined with palm trees and offering stunning sea views, this promenade takes you past historic villas, lush parks, and secluded beaches.

While here, stroll carefree and take your time to soak up the refreshing sea breeze. At some point, the distinguishable Belle Époque architecture will grab your attention!

Hit the beach

Nothing screams vacation more than lying on a picture-perfect beach surrounded by azure waters and green hills. Fortunately, numerous shores along the Optaija coast cater to everyone's tastes.

If you want a thrilling day on the water plunging head first into activities, head to the lively Slatina Beach. If you prefer something on the other end of the scale, visit Lipovica Beach to read a book in silence or admire the bamboo forest nearby!

Relax in Angiolina Park

Angiolina Park is as colorful as a rainbow and as relaxing as a hot bath. The vast array of flowers hugs the shaded walkways, where crisp sea air keeps you cool even in the hot summer months.

You can spend an hour relaxing on a bench while admiring the Italian-style villas. Or you can take a guided tour and learn about its fascinating history dating back to 1844.

When traveling in the spring, the daily high temperature rises to 73° Fahrenheit. This is better for lying on the beach and taking long walks along its promenade. But Opatija also receives far fewer tourists, so you don't have to worry about queuing for hours outside a restaurant you've been eyeing.

Summer is the most popular tourist period when temperatures rise to 77° Fahrenheit. June to August are the best times to visit if you appreciate the baking sun or a city buzzing at night. Just be warned that this is when prices are at their highest.

Fall is the shoulder season and the last warm period of the year. However, the most significant advantage of traveling in the fall is the attractive hotel discounts. Upscale accommodation outlets litter the city, and establishments try to fill their rooms at lower prices before the slow winter period comes.