Your driver will meet you at your address in Budapest.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youβll travel in comfort for 3 h 50 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Zagreb.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
350 km3 h 50 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Budapest to Zagreb
What is the distance from Budapest to Zagreb?
As the crow flies, 186 miles separate the two cities. The road distance from Budapest to Zagreb is 214 miles. At a safe speed, you should arrive within four hours.
Where is Zagreb?
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. It's situated in the north of Croatia, in the northwest of the Balkan Peninsula.
Is Zagreb safe for tourists?
Zagreb is one of the safest cities in Europe. It scores 80 on the safety index, making it a secure spot for solo and female travelers.
Is there much to see and do in Zagreb?
Zagreb is packed with things to see and do for people of all ages. You can admire the Cathedral of Zagreb, relax in Park Maksimir, get lost in the Upper Town, or enjoy Zoo Zagreb.
What is the best way to get from Budapest to Zagreb?
Overall, a private car with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Budapest to Zagreb. Our English-speaking drivers offer fast, comfortable, and convenient rides between the cities with the opportunity for sightseeing.
What is the schedule for night buses?
Flixbus offers a daily night schedule. Buses leave Budapest at 11:59 PM and arrive in Zagreb at 5:45 AM the following morning. The average cost is between β¬25 and β¬40.
Where is the best place to stay in Zagreb?
Boutique Bed & Breakfast Casablanca is the best place to stay in Zagreb. The three-star hotel offers five-star service and affordable rooms, and it's conveniently located in downtown Zagreb.
Are there direct flights from Budapest to Zagreb?
As of 2024, there are no direct flights from Budapest Airport to Zagreb Airport. However, several airlines, including Austrian Airlines, KLM, and Lufthansa, offer connecting flights between the cities. The journey will take between 3 and 6 hours in total, making it one of the longest and most expensive modes of transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyβre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Every inch of the 214-mile car trip from Budapest to Zagreb is a postcard view, ready to ignite your sense of adventure. Scenic woodlands cling to rolling hills, and terracotta-style roofs sit upon magical medieval villages. Wanderlust fuels this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and it delivers a rewarding end. A vacation to the historic Croatian capital!
Since Zagreb isn't as popular as other coastal towns such as Spilt or Dubrovnik, many people overlook this journey bursting with potential. We created the ultimate Budapest to Zagreb guide to ensure you don't make the same mistake. Buckle up because we're telling you how far, the best mode of transportation, and everything else you need to embark on this driving voyage!
About Zagreb
When you travel from Budapest to Zagreb, you'll visit Croatia's capital and largest and most populous city, with over 807,000 residents calling the city home. Hugging the Sava River in the country's north, it was wedged between the Roman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, which has created its long and prosperous history.
### The beginning of Zagreb
The city of Zagreb dates back to the 1st century AD. It was founded by King Ladislau when he built a diocese after returning from his battle with the Kingdom of Croatia. As time moved on, a permanent settlement emerged. It didn't grow until the Romans conquered the area and established the town of Andautonia near present-day Ε Δitarjevo.
### The growth of Zagreb
During the medieval period, Zagreb saw much financial wealth. The settlements of Gradec and Kaptol developed on opposite hills. Gradec was a secular town, while Kaptol was the ecclesiastical center with its cathedral and bishop's residence.
For centuries, Zagreb remained under the control of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. However, in the 1800s, the city experienced significant urban growth as it became the capital of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia.
### Independent and modern Zagreb
After witnessing the occupation by Nazi Germany and its addition to Yugoslavia following the war, Zagreb was badly damaged and underdeveloped. In 1990, Yugoslavia collapsed, and Zagreb was declared the Croatian headquarters.
Fortunately, Zagreb is a 21st-century city with reminders of its past dotted along its streets. In 2013, the nation officially joined the EU, and the cash injection has revived this exciting city that matches the vibrant lanes throughout.
From Budapest to Zagreb: travel tips
You may think traveling by bus, train, or car from Budapest to Zagreb is a long and dull trip. But our travel tips will ensure you wish this journey would never end!
Understand the country differences
In January 2023, Croatia joined Schengen and the Eurozone, so border controls are no longer required. Both Hungary and Croatia score highly on the English professional rate, but each has national languages. Both regions are in the same time zone (GMT+1).
The ride from Budapest to Zagreb allows you to read up on these differences.
### Opt for the scenic route
The quickest route from Budapest to Zagreb is along the M7 and E65. However, there are countless hidden gems along its scenic routes. With Daytrip's private door-to-door service, you can enrich your travel day by stopping at the city of Varazdin, Helikon Castle, or Tapolca Lake Cave.
### Learn about the food scene
Croatian cuisine doesn't get as much recognition as Mexican or Italian. However, its hearty dishes are jam-packed with delicious flavors. Ask your Daytrip driver for the best local eats in Zagreb, or to stop along the way and refuel with a mouthwatering authentic meal!
How to get from Budapest to Zagreb
Last year, Croatia received almost 730,000 visitors from Hungary. The majority traveled from Budapest to Zagreb. Due to its rising popularity and relatively short distance, if youβre trying to figure out how to travel between the two cities, youβll be happy to hear you have several options.
Every year, Zagreb's population almost triples, with 1.5 million people visiting the city. Be sure to put these unmissable things to do when you get to Zagreb on your itinerary!
### Eat and drink your way through TkalΔiΔa Street
For centuries, TkalΔiΔa Street divided the two towns of Gradec and Kaptol. What's more interesting is that it wasn't a street, but a river! The contaminated waters that made their way to nearby shops caused the city to divert its waterway underground.
Today, the street is the beating heart of Zagreb. You can find everything here, from Irish pubs to cozy cafes and restaurants to souvenir stores!
### Venture through the Upper Town
This picturesque neighborhood is known for its medieval architecture, narrow alleyways, and charming squares. Begin at St. Mark's Square, home to the iconic St. Mark's Church, with its colorful tiled roof portraying the coat of arms of Zagreb and Croatia.
From there, wander through the cobblestone lanes and discover hidden gems like the LotrΕ‘Δak Tower, which offers panoramic city views. Don't forget the Stone Gate, a shrine adorned with religious artifacts.
### Relax in Maksimir Park
Maksimir Park is the city's oldest and most picturesque green space. The area is only 1.5 miles from downtown Zagreb. But it feels like a different planet. Leafy walkways, glimmering lakes, and local wildlife spread across 780 acres of land.
On a warm summer day, you can pick up some fresh products from Market Dolac and enjoy a picnic under the sun's rays. In the winter, head to one of the cafes for a hot chocolate or take a leaf from the locals' books and sled down the snowy slopes!
Best time to visit Zagreb
Driving from Budapest to Zagreb is an unforgettable journey filled with lifelong memories. But some periods will suit your preferences over others.
Budapest to Zagreb is one of the most popular interrail routes. Summer is the high season when most people visit, and temperatures can soar over 90Β° Fahrenheit. Public transport is often crowded, and some cheap options don't offer air conditioning.
Spring is the best time to travel to Zagreb and Croatia as a whole. This period from March to May sees a pleasant average temperature of 74Β° Fahrenheit, but the later you come, the higher it will be.
One final bonus is that hotels always offer an attractive price to attract customers. The more money you save, the more you can put towards the lively food and drinking scene!
Visit these sights on the way
Szekesfehervar
Founded by the crown prince, Hungaryβs medieval capital has retained its noble heritage.Β Seat of the White CastleΒ
Tihany Abbey
With the only medieval royal tomb left in the country, this elegant abbey on the shores of Lake Balaton is an invaluable piece of Hungarian history.Β Rest Like a KingΒ
Tapolca Lake Cave
Tapolca Lake Cave is a strictly protected cave beneath the streets of Hungary. It offers a unique underground boat trip on the illuminated, blue waters of the underground lake.Β Cave hiding beneath the streetsΒ
Helikon Castle
The Festetics Palace, located in Keszthely, is Hungaryβs third largest and most visited palace. The two-story, U-shaped Baroque palace now houses the Helikon Palace Museum and an events center.Β Castle and museumΒ
The city of Varazdin is one of Croatiaβs best-kept secrets. Once the capital of Croatia, Varazin is a charming and picturesque city worth visiting.Β Little ViennaΒ
βWe were very happy with our trip and so glad to have found DayTrip when we did. We had originally booked (from home in the States) a train trip from Budapest to Zagreb. Once we were in Europe, we double-checked the booking and found that it would not actually reach Zagreb at all! My husband found DayTrip in a Google search and after reading some reviews, we booked a trip. Our driver, Darko, was very professional and made our trip effortless. We have the DayTrip app on our phones now and will definitely be using them for future adventures!β
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Discover05512976791
βWe used Daytrip for our transportation needs when traveling from Zagreb to Budapest, Budapest to Vienna and Vienna and Prague. Our driver's were great, they were on time, professional and provided us with local information as we traveled. We used Daytrip so we wouldn't have to deal with getting to a bus/train station with our luggage. Easy to book online. I would highly recommend Daytrip.β
βMy husband and I booked Daytrip for our transfer from Budapest to Zagreb. We chose the 2 recommended sightseeing stops and were so happy with the trip from start to finish. Our driver was punctual, friendly, knowledgeable, professional and a safe driver. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2 stops that Daytrip recommended because not only did it break up the drive but more importantly, it enabled us to see new villages that we had not previously experienced.
We would highly recommend Daytrip to others as you can sit back and relax, whilst enjoying the amazing scenery.β
βWe recently used Daytrip for a ride from Zagreb to Budapest. The drive went extremely well. The driver picked us up on time an delivered us to our destination on schedule. The vehicle was immaculate and comfortable. The driver Dario was very professional, courteous and friendly. We would certainly recommend them to any one needing door to door service or just a quick trip to the airport.β
βMy brother and I recently did a trip from Budapest to Zagreb. Our driver, Attila, was very prompt, a very good driver and a good guide. We had scheduled a couple of stops along the way and he was able to share the history of the areas and find good stops for lunch and a coffee. What we enjoyed the most was finding out about life in Hungary. Itβs always interesting to hear from a local.
We would certainly book this again!β
βHighly recommend this company. I especially enjoyed the recommended tourist stops on our drive from Budapest to Zagreb. Our driver was helpful, very safe, and the car was comfortable.β
βThis was the first private car that I have ever booked. To be honest, I was a little anxious about the entire experience. I am so glad I took the plunge. I am beyond impressed with the excellent service Daytrip provided. My driver, Adnan, showed up on time with a vehicle in excellent condition. My husband and I really enjoyed Adnan's company on the drive. He was so nice! We had an amazing transportation and experience and, to our surprise, we feel like we made a friend in Adnan.β
βHello, fellow world travelers! I just got back from an incredible trip in east Europe. As a solo traveler meeting up with 7 other photography buffs all converging in Zagreb, Croatia as the beginning and endpoint of our time together. I used Daytrip from Budapest, Hungary to Zagreb (and back). It was faster, more comfortable than taking the train! The trip between these two capital cities takes about 4 hours with a short stop for espresso and the mandatory but perfunctory border patrol stop between Hungary and Croatia to check passports. My drivers were very different in personality but both were proficient in English, safe and experienced. How did I find out about Daytrip.com? The leader of my photography tour actually hired them for passage from Zagreb to Split (with an overnight stop in Plitvice National Park) and then after our week-long Adriatic cruise, from Split, Croatia to Slovenia (overnight stops in Lake Bled and Ljubljana) and ending back to Zagreb, Croatia. Our entire group was pleased with the comfortable vans and/or cars used though I must say, the very first one spoiled us all and set an incredibly high standard! Apparently Brad Pitt had hired this especially fancy Mercedes model during a visit! The driver produced photos and articles to prove it!β
βWe recently travelled as a family from
Budapest to Zagreb. The driver was lovely, car seat was appropriate for my son and car was spacious and clean. Our driver spoke excellent English and allowed for stops along the way. I was really impressed by this service.β
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler 385TamaraR
Good to know
Children
If youβre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnβt included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youβre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donβt worry if you donβt know your exact address at the time of booking - youβll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select βReturnβ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select βOne Wayβ or βReturnβ to change the type of trip you need. Itβs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donβt see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
