6 Ways To Get From Zagreb To Venice (& Venice To Zagreb)

Are you planning a trip between Zagreb and Venice and wondering about the best option to travel? You’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll walk you through 6 different ways to get from Venice to Zagreb and vice versa.

Whether you’re considering travel time, the ticket price, or simply looking for the fastest way, I’ve got you covered.

We’ll explore options, including scenic ferry routes across the Adriatic Sea, where you can enjoy views of the Croatian coast. I’ll also dive into details about ferry schedules, the journey time, and timetables offered by various ferry companies.

Each travel option has its own perks, so whether you’re looking for comfort, speed, or budget-friendly choices, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs. Let’s get started on finding your ideal travel option for this beautiful journey!

People visiting Croatia ask a popular question: “How do I get from Zagreb to Venice?” Alternatively, people sometimes also wonder how to get from Venice to Zagreb. In this article, we’ll list all your options.

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a fun mix of history and modernity. It has the “misfortune” of being the capital of a country that boasts one of Europe’s most spectacular coasts. As a result, it often spends much of its time in the shadow of places like the Istria Peninsula, Split, and Dubrovnik.

On the other hand, Zagreb is the only city in Croatia with a major international airport, making it the arrival and departure point for many foreign visitors.

A visit to Venice is almost irresistible. After arriving in Zagreb and exploring the city and the rest of Croatia, a lot of tourists want to take advantage of Croatia’s proximity to northeastern Italy. So, if that’s on your mind, you should also check out the following Zagreb to Venice transfer options.

However, it is essential to note that all transportation schedules may change. Whether traveling by bus, train, or private transfer from Zagreb, check the respective company’s latest, up-to-date schedule.

Venice To Zagreb Map

1. Zagreb To Venice Drive – The Easiest Way

The drive from Zagreb to Venice is the “freest” way of traveling between cities. With your wheels, you’ll be able to stop wherever and whenever you please, perhaps even making a road trip out of the journey.

You could take a couple of days and swing by places like Ljubljana and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Škocjan Caves. The fastest route from Zagreb to Venice conveniently passes by both destinations.

The total distance is about 385 kilometers. You should count on five or more hours to complete the drive from Zagreb to Venice without any detours. It’s difficult to predict how long it will take you because a border check is involved. Much of the route leads through Slovenia.

Since 2023, Croatia has been a part of the Schengen Zone, like Slovenia and Italy. Both are, and the Croatia-Slovenia border is the effective entry point to the open-border Schengen area.

You will need a passport or European ID card to enter Slovenia (and move on to other Schengen Zone countries such as Italy).

Most visitors will not need a visa. If, however, you’re not a resident of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, or Australia, it is always a good idea to double-check with your appropriate government agency whether or not you’ll need extra documents.

Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy are all part of the European Union so that you can take rental cars in and out of those countries. Note that Slovenia has a national highway toll system in place. We suggest you check with your Croatia car rental company if the toll fees are included in the rental price.

A window sticker indicates that you have paid your toll fees. If your rental car does not have one of those, you must buy one at the Slovenia border.

There is no border control at the Slovenia-Italy border, so there should be no delays.

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2. Zagreb To Venice Private Transfer – Best Choice

You won’t have to worry about how you’ll get to your hotel from the car rental place or bus station if you choose a private transfer from Zagreb to Venice. This exceptional transportation service is the most convenient one there is.

A Zagreb to Venice transfer beats all other transfer options in terms of convenience and time efficiency for a little more money. You’ll be picked up wherever you want, at your hotel, the airport, or anywhere else.

The driver will also drop you off at your preferred location in your destination city. If you like to travel in style, don’t want the stress of driving in a foreign country, and like to have someone knowledgeable taking care of the journey, then a Venice to Zagreb transfer is precisely what you need.

3. Zagreb To Venice Bus – A Very Good Option

The cheapest way to get from Zagreb to Venice is by bus. The bus company FlixBus offers three to four daily departures to Venice. This is subject to change, though, so always check their website. The Venice to Zagreb bus journey can take about 7 hours. Be sure to look out for the direct bus between Zagreb and Venice. While being the cheapest, it’s not so convenient. Tickets start as low as 23 euros.

4. Zagreb To Venice Train Best Route

Train travel is arguably the most comfortable way to travel around Europe. Spacious, fast, and offers a great view of the passing landscapes. Therefore, traveling the Zagreb to Venice and Venice to Zagreb train routes can be one choice. Unfortunately, there is no direct Venice to Zagreb train connection.

Traveling from Zagreb to Venice by train is a convenient and scenic option. The journey involves a transfer as there are no direct trains – well, at least not at the time of writing. Starting from Zagreb, the first leg of your trip will likely take you to Villach train station in Austria, which is about a 6 to 7-hour train ride. From there, you’ll switch to a train bound for Venice, adding another 3 to 4 hours to your journey – not including train connections.

While it might seem like a long trip, train travel offers you the chance to relax and soak in the diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Croatian countryside to the picturesque Austrian Alps and, finally, the charming Italian vistas.

Train travel also gives you the flexibility to stretch your legs, grab a bite in the dining car, or gaze out the window and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Do check the train schedules and ticket prices in advance, as they can vary, and sometimes you can snag great deals on fares.

5. Zagreb To Venice Flight

If you like flying, you can always search for flights from Zagreb to Venice. However, you’ll soon notice that there are no direct flights between the two cities. And just because there will be a layover somewhere else in Europe—Vienna, Brussels, Istanbul, Munich…—this is neither the fastest nor the cheapest option.

Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, and many other airlines offer options, but I’d steer clear myself as you’ll spend a lot of time in transit.

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6. Zagreb To Venice By Ferry – The Much Longer Route

Traveling from Zagreb to Venice by ferry adds a delightful maritime twist to your journey. While there are no direct ferries from Zagreb to Venice (obviously!), you can easily reach the Adriatic coast, where ferries set sail for Venice.

The common coastal starting points for these ferries are Poreč, Rovinj, Pula, and Umag ferry port. From Zagreb, it’s about a 3 to 4-hour drive or bus ride to these coastal towns, depending on your exact departure point. In the high season, traffic could make this even longer.

Once you’re on the coast, ferry travel times to the port of Venice vary. From Poreč, it’s about 2.5 hours, Rovinj offers a 3.5-hour journey, while from Pula, it’s approximately 4 hours.

Umag also has ferries to Venice, typically taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Remember to check ferry schedules and book tickets in advance, as they can vary seasonally.

Opting for a ferry route gives you the chance to unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, making your travel not just a route but a part of your adventure.

We suggest the best way is to rent a car, hop on the bus, or book a private transfer to get from Zagreb to Venice. All have their perks, respectively freedom, affordability, and convenience.