Beginning of organized public transport in Zagreb dates back to the year 1891, when for the first time on September 5th trams started running
Public transport in Zagreb beginning of organized public transport in Zagreb dates back to the year 1891, when for the first time on September 5th trams started running, operated by a horse (one horsepower).
The first railways for the horse tram were built from Mitnica in Vlaška Street (today Kvaternik Square) through Vlaška, Draskovićeva, and Jurišićeva Street across Jelačić Square and Ilica Street to the so-called „South Station“ (now the Western railway station). The tram fleet initially consisted of 10 closed and 6 open (summer) wagons, a total of 16 vehicles. Since then many events were recorded in the diary of Zagreb public transport.
Horse tram
First we need to mention switching to electricity in 1910. The year 1931 also deserves a special mention when a tram is joined by bus transport.
Since 1890 „Uspinjaca“ (funicular) had an indispensable role in Zagreb's public transport as well as Sljeme's ropeway which was included in ZET's transport between 1963 and 2007. Soon, there will be a newer, more modern one after a construction break. Today Zagreb is among the leading European cities in relation to public transport and a lot of thought and effort is put into keeping up with industrial achievements and implementation of new technologies.
Old Sljeme ropeway
USPINJAČA (funicular)
The funicular to Upper Town is the oldest form of organized public transport in Zagreb. It links Donji grad (Lower city) with Gornji (Upper) every weekday, Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holiday between 6.30 am and 10 pm. It departs every 10 minutes and the ride costs 4 kunas. In comparison to other funiculars intended for public transport, with the lenght of just 66 meters, it's the shortest in the World. Since it kept its original shape, construction and most of the technical properties given to it by it's developers, Zagreb's Funicular is protected by law as a Cultural Monument.
Zagreb Funicular
BUS LINES
Buses have 133 day and 4 night lines which connect the extended Zagreb area. The busiest bus stops are Črnomerec, Dubrava, Glavni kolodvor, Savski most and Kaptol, depending on the route you require. The bus pass can be bought on the bus (with the driver) but we recommend buying it in allocated spots in advance to avoid needing to buy one during rush hour. Keep in mind that even though the bus travels down a route it will not necessarily stop at every single bus stop on it's way. On most bus stops you can find information about bus lines that stop on it as well as the arrival time of the next bus. It's important to know that a bus ticket is also valid for the tram.
The atmosphere and charm of the city can be seen from tourist buses that cover 2 lines, the red and green line. The red line covers the inner city, it's 12,5 kilometers in lenght with 6 hop on-hop off stops. The green line covers the wider city area all the way to the Jarun lake and Bundek on one end and Maksimir park on the other, 32.5 kilometers in length with 7 stops along the way.
One ticket is valid for both lines for a period of 24 hours with unlimited hop-on-hop-off options. The buses are equipped with an audio guide in 8 languages. The price of a 24-hour ticket is 70 kunas, for kids between the age of 7 and 18 the price is 35 kunas. Kids under the age of 7 travel for free with a limit of 3 kids per paying adult. Tickets can be bought with the driver, on the main square in a visually recognizable building, and at the ticket counter in Petriceva 4.
The red line departs at 12pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6pm. The green line departs at 2 pm and 4 pm. The starting point is in Bakaceva street, under Kaptol.
TRAM LINES
Today's public transport would be unimaginable without trams which have been safely driving for over a hundred years on the streets of Zagreb on almost 120 kilometers of tracks, with 15 day lines and 4 night lines which transport more than 200 million passengers a year. The east and west sides of the city are connected by line number 11, line number 6 will take you from the main bus station and train station in the city centre, to the main square. Line number 14 will take you though Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb), through the city centre, pass by the National Theatre, and take you to the slopes of Medvednica, a good place for hiking throughout the year and for winter sports when the snow falls. For planning purposes, the ride duration will come in handy. Line number 11 will take you from the furthermost western tram stop to the furthermost eastern one in just under an hour. For detailed information, we advise you to visit www.zet.hr where you can plan your trip and find all the important information.
ZAGREB -Airport
For those arriving in Zagreb by air it's good to know that the airport is linked directly with the city (main bus terminal) with a Bus line operated by Pleso transport (Pleso prijevoz). The line operates from early morning to late night and the service is offered at a reasonable price. The schedule and price list can be found on „Pleso transport“ website http://www.plesoprijevoz.hr/en where you can also make a booking in advance.
As an ideal supplement to the existing forms of public transport, Nextbike offers bike rentals in several locations throughout the city. Private accommodations, hotels, and hostels in collaboration with Nextbike offer the possibility of unique and affordable sightseeing tours. Ask for a Nextbike card at your hostel's reception and explore the city on 2 wheels.
TICKET PRICING
Tickets for buses and trams are not expensive. Single-ride daytime tickets are 10,00 kunas while night-time tickets are 15 kunas. A day pass will cost you 30,00 kunas, a 7 day pass is 150 kuna! Unlimited rides – bus and tram!
