Your driver will meet you at your address in Zagreb.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 hours.
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 Opatija.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
177 km2 hours
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Zagreb to Opatija
Is Opatija in Istria?
While Opatija is on the Istrian Peninsula, it’s not actually in Istria County. This means you get the perfect weather and seaside charms of western Croatia with fewer crowds and lower prices than places like Rovinj and Poreč.
How do I get from Zagreb Airport to Opatija?
The fastest and easiest way to travel from Zagreb Airport to Opatija is by booking a custom trip with Daytrip's private door-to-door service. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Zagreb Airport to downtown and switch to another bus from Zagreb Bus Station to Opatija Bus Station.
How do I get from Zagreb to the coast of Croatia?
A bus, train, flight, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service are the four ways you can travel from Zagreb to the coast of Croatia. However, trains and flights are only available to a limited number of coastal cities. Buses and Daytrip have the most extensive network in Croatia.
Is there a train from Zagreb to Opatija?
There’s no direct train from Zagreb to Opatija. In fact, Opatija doesn’t have a train station! While it’s possible to take a train from Zagreb to Rijeka, you’d then need to take a bus to Opatija. This ends up being slower, less comfortable, and more expensive than just taking a direct bus in the first place.
Can I take a day trip from Zagreb to Opatija?
A day trip is certainly possible since Daytrip can whisk you from Zagreb to Opatija in only 2 hours. Zagreb’s inland location means it has no beaches. Therefore, traveling to the Istrian peninsula allows you to soak up the nation's turquoise waters. It's also a tiny city. So you can see its highlights within one day.
What is the distance from Zagreb to Opatija?
The shortest road distance from Zagreb to Opatija is 107 miles, which can take as little as 2 hours with Daytrip's private door-to-door service. However, leaving during Zagreb's rush hour traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and from 4 PM until 6 PM can increase the duration by 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re 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.
Few car trips can mix traditional vineyards littering rustic mountain terrain with stylish coastal towns packed with majestic Habsburg-era villas. But the stunning drive from Zagreb to Opatija combines everything to create an adventure that will kindle your passion for wanderlust!
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!
About Opatija
After a winding trip from Zagreb to Opatija, you'll arrive where Croatia's land gently falls into the Adriatic Sea. It's also the starting point of the nation's most famous region, Istria. Under 12,000 residents live in this seaside village, adding to its relaxing and sophisticated ambiance.
Records first mentioned Opatija in the 1400s, but it took over four centuries to grow into a sought-after destination. The then-ruling empire of Austria-Hungary dubbed the town "Croatia's Monte Carlo." After the construction of chic hotels, it became what it's known for today.
Its stunning promenade snakes around its jagged coastline, offering views of the Adriatic Sea's turquoise waters. Its compact size and affluent visitors encourage you to unwind and remain in the vacation spirit. And there are plenty of spots to do so, including upscale restaurants, trendy cocktail bars, or its stony beaches.
Language: Croatian
Currency: Euro
Time zone: GMT+1
Climate: Mild Mediterranean
Plug types: C and F
Peak tourist season: July to early September
From Zagreb to Opatija: travel tips
Nobody wants to arrive at "Croatia's Monte Carlo" feeling flustered. So, our local drivers and travel experts put together some insider tips to ensure a straightforward cruise from Zagreb to Opatija!
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!
How to get from Zagreb to Opatija
The lack of transport from Zagreb to Opatija may leave you feeling overwhelmed. But there's no need to worry. The journey is possible, and you'll find out how below!
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!
Things to do when you get to Opatija
Opatija is small in size but big in ways to stay entertained, whether you're here for a week or 24 hours. When you travel from Zagreb to Opatija, you don't have to be worried about feeling bored when you have these things to do on your travel schedule!
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 is the best time to visit Opatija?
Due to its mild Mediterranean climate and position along the Istrian peninsula, the warmer months are the best time to travel from Zagreb to Opatija. This sunny season runs from April, in the middle of spring, to October, towards the end of fall.
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.
Visit these sights on the way
Samobor
The old artesian town of Samobor is known for its gastronomic specialties, with culinary delicacies dating back to the 19th century. This tidy, well-kept suburb of Zagreb offers a welcomed break from city life. A town of gourmet tradition
Karlovac
Karlovac is a city in central Croatia which started out as a military outpost in the 16th century. Today, the historic city is most known for its parks and popular Croatian beer. The city of four rivers
Rastoke
Rastoke is an idyllic Croatian village most known for its 18th century flour mills and traditional homes. Undiscovered Croatian village
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvicka Jezera, or Plitvice Lakes, is a UNESCO listed National Park consisting of 16 lakes interconnected by over 90 waterfalls. Its breathtaking beauty makes it one of the most magnificent natural sights in all of Europe. Croatia's most beautiful natural wonder
Kastav
Kastav is a tranquil Croatian town just a stone’s throw away from Opatija. The medieval town successfully combines its own historic morals with a contemporary way of life. Hilltop town along the coast
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
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traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
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traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If you’re 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 isn’t 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 you’re 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! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” 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 “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t 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.
