While Zagreb may not be the most popular entry point for Croatian tourism, as sun revellers head for the coast through the coastal airports of Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka and Pula, it is the centre of commerce and the most populated; it also makes an excellent launching pad to discover inland Croatia, while the beach is only a few hours away by bus or train, or a short internal flight with Croatia Airlines, the national carrier.
Direct flights to Zagreb from London
Of the thirteen airlines currently operating out of Zagreb, only two, Wizzair and the national carrier, Croatia Airlines, operate direct routes to the UK. Starting up in 2006, Wizzair has operated an extremely successful route from Zagreb to Luton, currently three times a week - a year-round service unlike many of the low costs routes servicing the coast, which tend to operate from April to October at best.
Croatia Airlines operate a regular service to London Heathrow, with ongoing connections to Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. As it offers internal transfers to Pula, Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik, it if probably the best year-round bet for travelers from more remote locations. From February 2011, a third direct option will come into effect, with Easyjet, already flying into Split, Dubrovnik and Rijeka, opening a London Gatwick - Zagreb route.
Budget airlines to Zagreb from other European destinatons
In addition to the Gatwick route, Easyjet is also offering a direct flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle, which will be a welcome option for French tourists, as there is little in the way of direct flights to Croatia. The growing number of Scandinavian tourists to the Adriatic has been helped by the rapid expansion of Norwegian, which flies down to Split into November, long after the other budget airlines have packed up for the year. It services Zagreb with flights from Karpur, Copenhagen and Aalborg. Travelers from Spain can also take advantage of the low cost carrier, Spanair, which flies year-round to Barcelona at extremely good prices. German Wings flies to its main hub in Bonn/Cologne with connections to 75 destinations.
Other destinations serviced by Zagreb Airport
In addition to its internal routes, Croatia Airlines has other regional connections in former Yugoslavia, including Skopje, Sarajevo, Pristina and Podgorica. Central Europe is connected through Malev to Budapest and Czech to Prague, while Aeroflot to Moscow and Turkish to Istanbul and beyond are the main connections from the East. The other European airlines with a presence at Zagreb Airport include Austrian, Air France, Lufthansa and TAP.
Zagreb Airport - practical information
The airport's website has an English section, including up to date information on flight departures and arrivals. There is an efficient bus connection into the centre, as well as good taxi availability. If you prefer to book your taxi online and have an English-speaking driver meet you with a signboard, this service is available at every Croatian airport.
Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski
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