Private car transfer from Split to Zagreb

Zagreb, on the other hand, is located in central Croatia and has more of the Baroque-style architecture found in Central Europe. Town squares are surrounded by medium-sized buildings with detailed designs, stained glass windows, and grand entrances.

A trip by car with a private driver is the best way to see both parts of Croatia and the whole rainbow of sights in between. For example, Plitvice Lakes is at the exact halfway mark between Split and Zagreb. The stunning array of waterfalls and lakes make this UNESCO-listed national park one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Krka National Park is another protected landscape with hundreds of animal species and the perfect backdrop for vacation photos, plus the historic towns of Trogir, Sibenik, and Rastoke.

The history of Zagreb traces back to the Middle Ages when two settlements, Gradec and Kaptol, emerged on neighboring hills. After hundreds of years of a tense relationship, these settlements eventually merged to form one city, Zagreb.

Zagreb grew in significance during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and experienced rapid development in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the building of impressive buildings, parks, and cultural institutions. Despite the challenges of many wars and political changes, Zagreb has retained its historical charm while evolving into a cosmopolitan city.

Today, Zagreb has lively streets, bustling squares, and charming outdoor cafes. Fresh food is available year-round at the outdoor markets, and a tram system will take you all over the city. Throughout the year, Zagreb hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, including the Zagreb Film Festival and the INmusic Festival. Advent in Zagreb has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe multiple times. The city's culinary scene is equally vibrant, with traditional Croatian dishes served in its restaurants.

Don’t expect English everywhere

The most touristy areas of Split and Zagreb will both have services in English, but this falls off sharply the further away you get. Learn a few important phrases in Croatian and get a translator app with the Croatian language downloaded for offline use. German is a very common foreign language in Croatian schools, and many Croatians speak better German than English, so this is another communication option.

Fortunately, Daytrip drivers speak both English and Croatian, so they will be happy to help you at any sightseeing stops or give you a crash course in Croatian.

Split to Zagreb by bus

Traveling from Split to Zagreb by bus is a popular and convenient option. Several buses depart each day during the height of summer, but they're less frequent at other times of year. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. You should definitely purchase tickets online in advance rather than trying your luck by buying them directly at the bus station.

Split to Zagreb by train

There is a train service available from Split to Zagreb operated by Croatian Railways. The train journey offers scenic views of the Croatian countryside and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach Zagreb. Trains depart from Split's main train station, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance. Make sure it is a direct train to avoid having to transfer to another city like Rijeka.

Split to Zagreb by flight

A direct flight is the fastest way to get from Split to Zagreb. There are several daily flights operated by Croatian Airlines, and the flight time is approximately 1 hour. After factoring in getting to and from the airport and waiting for check-in and security, the total travel time is about 4 hours.

Travel back in time to the Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The Upper Town is home to charming cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower. St. Mark's Church has been around since the 13th century and has a unique tiled roof that displays the coat of arms of Zagreb and the coat of arms of the historic Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia. Lotrščak Tower is also from the 13th century and has the Grič cannon, which fires at exactly noon every day. Listen out for it!

If you are staying in the lower town (Donji Grad) and do not care for the stairs heading up to the Upper Town, head to Tomić Street and take the funicular! It is one of the shortest funiculars in the world, with 217 feet (66 meters) of track. It was built in 1890 and, while it has been updated over the centuries, it still does the same job of connecting the two levels of Zagreb.

Ban Jelačić Square

Experience the vibrant heart of Zagreb at Ban Jelačić Square, a bustling hub surrounded by shops, cafes, and important landmarks. It's a great starting point for exploring the city. There are often farmers markets, street artists, and concerts on this square. It is also a major transfer point for the trams that connect you to other parts of Zagreb.

If you're visiting during December, don't miss Zagreb's famous Advent festivities on Ban Jelačić Square. Enjoy Christmas markets, live music, ice skating, and festive decorations throughout the city as well. Make sure to pick up some licitars or decorated heart-shaped cookies. They are mostly used for decoration and are a symbol of Zagreb and broader Croatian culture

Have dinner on Ivana Tkalčića Street

Stroll along Ivana Tkalčića Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. It's the perfect place to soak up Zagreb's atmosphere and enjoy some people-watching with local dishes like Zagrebački odrezak, veal wrapped around cheese and ham, which is then breaded and fried.

Springtime brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers picturesque foliage, creating beautiful backdrops for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, these shoulder seasons tend to have fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing you to enjoy Zagreb's attractions with fewer crowds and potentially better prices on accommodations and activities.