Arriving at Zagreb Airport, also known as "Franjo Tuđman Airport" is exciting, but dealing with a long queue at the car rental desk can quickly dampen your spirits. Queues tend to form when multiple flights arrive around the same time. During busy periods, each customer’s paperwork takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, so even just 6 people ahead of you could result in a wait of 30 to 60 minutes.
Such delays often happen because many travellers go for the cheapest airport car rental in Zagreb. Everyone is tired after a flight, and nobody wants to spend their first holiday hour standing in line. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you avoid the long queues.
Zagreb travel planning starts with smart decisions around timing, preparation, and the services you choose. The tips below focus on practical, actionable steps you can take to minimise queues, streamline pickup, and get on the road faster.
One of the simplest ways to avoid queues is to pre-book your vehicle. By making a rental car reservation in Zagreb online, your details are already in the system, and a car is secured for you. Processing is faster at the counter, as much of the paperwork has been completed in advance. By contrast, last-minute bookings on arrival can lead to delays or limited vehicle availability.
Booking in advance also lets you set your preferences ahead of time. You can select the car type, add-ons, and insurance options before you arrive, reducing the number of decisions required at the desk.
If you have flexible travel plans, consider scheduling your flight outside the busiest arrival windows. During Zagreb Airport car rental peak hours, when several flights land close together, rental counters become crowded, and queues grow longest. Mid-morning and early evening typically see the highest influx of passengers, as many European flights arrive within the same short time frame. Weekends and holidays can be also busy, with tourists and returning locals arriving at once.
The best time to pick up a rental car at Zagreb Airport is usually early in the morning, such as the first flights of the day, or late at night when far fewer passengers are arriving. At these times, rental desks are staffed. Arrive an hour or two earlier or later than peak waves.
Some car rental company offers online check-in services or expedited pick up for customers. This usually involves creating a profile or joining a loyalty programme with the rental company before your trip. By doing so, you can upload documents such as your driving licence and ID, enter your personal details, and sign the rental agreement online. Upon arrival, simply present your identification and collect the keys.
At Zagreb Airport, major international rental brands have well-organised systems for fast collection. In some cases, customer names are displayed on information boards in the arrivals hall, directing you straight to your vehicle. If all steps are completed online, you may be able to walk directly to the car park, locate your vehicle, and drive away.
Croatia’s busiest travel time is during the summer and major holidays. From June to August, many visitors arrive at the same time, making the rental desks crowded. Visiting Zagreb in mid-summer often means hot weather and long waits to pick up a car. Even with a booking, delays can still occur due to high demand. Late December and early January can be just as busy due to the Christmas and New Year's travel periods.
Planning your visit during the shoulder season can significantly reduce congestion. May, September, and October offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors. There are also benefits for travelling outside peak season. Rental prices are often lower, and availability is guaranteed, increasing your chances of securing a good deal. If summer travel is unavoidable, arriving on a weekday rather than a weekend can still be beneficial, as weekends typically have higher tourist traffic.
Nothing slows down a rental car pickup more than searching for missing paperwork. Being organised before you land is one of the easiest ways to speed up the process. Make sure all required documents are kept together in your carry-on luggage so you can present them immediately at the counter. Avoid packing essentials in checked bags, as this can cause unnecessary delays.
You will typically need a valid passport or national identity card, a driving licence from your home country, and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP). Non-EU licences that are not in English usually require an IDP. You will also need a credit card in the main driver’s name, usually the same one used for the booking, as debit cards are often not accepted for the security deposit. Finally, keep your booking confirmation or voucher accessible, either printed or saved on your phone.
Rental counters often try to upsell customers on extras and upgrades, such as larger cars, premium insurance, GPS devices, or Wi-Fi equipment. Deciding on add-ons at the last minute can slow down the pickup process. Every additional question or decision at the desk takes more time while the agent adjusts your contract.
Planning your rental needs in advance helps avoid this bottleneck. Think through your requirements before arriving at the airport. If you know you want full insurance coverage, it is usually faster and often cheaper to add it during the online booking process rather than discussing options at the counter. The same applies to GPS units, child seats, or adding extra drivers.
Travel plans do not always run perfectly, and flight delays can easily affect your car rental pickup. A delayed arrival may put you in a busier period at the airport, increasing the likelihood of long queues. To minimise disruption, monitor your flight status closely. If your flight is delayed, contact your rental company. Let them know about changes so they can hold your reservation and prepare for your later arrival. Many companies will keep your car available if they are informed in advance, easpecially if you provided your flight number when booking.
If avoiding queues is your top priority, you do not have to collect your car at the airport. Many rental companies operate offices in Zagreb’s city centre and nearby districts, where queues are often much shorter. Most travellers pick up vehicles at the airport, so downtown branches usually handle fewer customers at any given time. If you plan to spend a day or two in Zagreb before starting a road trip, delaying your car pickup and collecting it in the city can save time.
A short taxi or shuttle ride from the airport may be quicker than waiting in a long airport line. In Croatia, rental prices are generally similar at the airport or in town, as airport surcharges are uncommon.Choosing a city location can also make the start of your trip more relaxed. Instead of driving immediately after a long flight, you can settle in, explore Zagreb on foot or by public transport, and collect your car when you are ready to leave.
A smooth start to your adventure in Zagreb is all about planning ahead. To recap the key points, booking your car in advance, timing your arrival outside of peak periods, and taking advantage of express services will significantly reduce your waiting time at rental desks. By following these tips, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that lead to long queues and delays.
Start exploring Zagreb and beyond without delays by renting a car with Final Rentals. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Zagreb Airport or Downtown as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
