Private car transfer from Zagreb to Venice

The adventure begins as the bubbling cauldron of Zagreb's vibrant Ban Jelacic Square pours you into the lush countryside of northern Croatia. You'll continue to flow like the crystal-clear rivers running through Slovenia's ridged valleys and around its soaring peaks until the Italian border. With the Alps on your right and the sprawling vineyards on your left, you begin to feel La Dolce Vita until the nation's most iconic city floating in the Adriatic Sea comes into view.

Driving in three countries and through rugged terrain can feel overwhelming if this is your first time touring from Zagreb to Venice. So, we created this one-stop-shop travel guide to ensure you immerse yourself in the laidback Italian lifestyle before you arrive!

The beginning of Venice

Although Venice is a bustling, sought-after city today, it began life as a sanctuary for refugees fleeing invading tribes after the Roman Empire collapsed. At noon on March 25, 421 A.D., locals proclaimed the area a city called Venetia. From 697 until 1797, Venice thrived as a republic, leading to the stunning architecture you'll see today.

Modern Venice

With no roads, people turn to the maze of picturesque walkways and iconic canals to move around. The Grand Canal is like a main artery, cutting through the island's historical heart. A famous gondola ride here will reveal some of the city's most impressive structures, including the Rialto Bridge, Santa Maria della Salute, and Palazzo Grassi. However, no trip from Zagreb to Venice is complete without sampling a refreshing Aperol Spritz and a tasty cicchetti in one of the many lively bars!

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Subtropical
• Plug types: C and F
• Peak tourist season: late June–early September

Embrace simplicity

Public transportation has limited storage space and often charges more for extra or oversized luggage. Therefore, embracing simplicity by packing light and taking only the essentials is important.

Also, if you stop to explore the extraordinary sights en route, you must carry your bags through towns or attractions. The last thing you want to do is trek over cobbled lanes and under the summer sun with a pack straining your back!

Reserve your spot in advance

There isn't a vast transportation network from Zagreb to Venice, and transportation companies know this. As a result, businesses often inflate the price of last-minute tickets, especially overnight carriages, as travelers have no choice but to use their service.

Also, Venice is one of Europe's most visited cities, so the museums and well-known restaurants are booked well in advance. Make sure to check the times and reserve your tickets before your trip from Zagreb to Venice. Whenever possible, buy skip-the-line tickets!

Pro tip: Book your free 15-minute spot at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop viewing platform today, as spaces are limited and sell out months in advance!

Bus from Zagreb to Venice

The bus is the most popular way for local and international travelers to transfer from Zagreb to Venice. It's also the cheapest way to travel, as budget-friendly services, including Flixbus and Union Ivkoni, operate on this route.

The most vital thing to note is that buses don’t arrive on the island of Venice. Instead, you'll travel from Zagreb Bus Station to Mestre Train Station. You can take a short, 11-minute train to the floating city from here.

• Lowest/average cost: €25-€32
• Quickest/average duration: 5 hours, 40 minutes; 6 hours, 25 minutes
• First/last departure: 2:00 AM–9:30 PM

Trains from Zagreb to Venice

Unfortunately, no direct trains run from Zagreb to Venice. However, you can catch an indirect service, covering a total distance of around 187 miles. This is also the most scenic way to travel between the cities.

OBB operates the most convenient service, where you only have to transfer once in Villach, Austria. You can also opt for a mix of Slovenian railways and Trenitalia, switching to Ljubljana and Trieste before arriving at Venice Santa Lucia station. Remember to research the times and book 30 days before you depart for the lowest fares.

• Lowest/average cost: €40-€55
• Quickest/average duration: 10 hours, 18 minutes; 11 hours, 22 minutes
• First/last departure: 7:05 AM–7:38 PM

Daytrip from Zagreb to Venice

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to transfer from Zagreb to Venice. We will sweep you off your feet at your accommodation and bring you to Venice in a comfortable vehicle in just over 4 hours. Whether you need help with luggage or information about Italy, your English-speaking driver will be more than happy to assist you. And if your accommodation is in the center of Venice, your driver will bring you to the water bus station at Piazzale Roma.

Yes, you can sit back, relax, and watch the stunning views unfold from your window, but why not turn your journey into an adventure? You can roam the Disney-like streets of Ljubljana, shop until you drop at Palmanova Outlet shopping village, or visit Gorizia, a small city most travelers overlook!

• Seats from: €86
• Pet friendly
• Equipped for children or those with limited mobility
• Complimentary water
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Bask in the beauty of St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square was Europe's center of culture and entertainment for centuries. Today, St. Mark's Basilica dominates the area and is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, symbolizing Venice's wealth and power during the height of the Republic.

Intricate mosaics, marble columns, and stunning artwork decorate the interior. But remember to ascend to the balcony for a breathtaking view of Piazza San Marco and the surrounding cityscape.

Cross the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the first permanent structure to cross the awe-inspiring Grand Canal. It dates back to 1588, but it's still only one of four that cross the city's primary waterway today.

Here, you can catch iconic canal views wedged between floating buildings. Once you've finished snapping up pictures for social media, head to the cozy stores lining the bridge to pick up a handmade souvenir.

Take a gondola ride

The gondola is a mark of Venice, bedded deep in its past. Although travelers mainly use the boat for touring the city, it was once the most favored mode of transportation for locals.

Today, you can opt for a shared gondola ride and save some cash. Or you can hire a private boat to weave through its labyrinth of canals, viewing sights lit up at night, such as Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Venice in Spring

Spring in Venice lasts from mid-March to mid-June. The average daily temperature is 74° Fahrenheit, which is perfect weather for exploring the canals, though it gets considerable water towards the end of this period. In spring, the maze of narrow paths bursts into life as the blooming flowers hang from buildings. It's arguably the most beautiful time to explore Venice, and you have enough personal space, unlike in the summer.

Venice in the Fall

In the fall, temperatures start to cool, which is more pleasant for immersing yourself in the platter of cultural activities and tours. However, the air is still warm. So you can enjoy an Aperol spritz on one of the many outdoor terraces, even at night. October to November is also the best time to visit for value for money. Expensive hotels offer affordable prices to fill empty rooms after the summer.