Plan Your Departure Time Wisely: The bus journey from Metković to Zagreb is long, so consider whether you prefer traveling during the day or overnight. A morning bus allows you to enjoy the landscapes, while a night bus lets you rest and arrive in Zagreb early, saving time for sightseeing or business.
Double-Check Your Departure Location: The Metković Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Metković) is centrally located, but some buses may have additional pick-up points. Be sure to check your ticket details and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Take Advantage of the Morning Market: If you have time before your bus leaves, explore Metković’s local market and grab fresh snacks for the trip. The town is famous for its Neretva Valley citrus fruits, which make for a refreshing travel snack.
Consider Your Rest Stops: While most buses have scheduled breaks, the number and duration of stops vary depending on the service. If you prefer fewer stops, opt for an express bus that takes the A1 highway for most of the journey.
Prepare for a Longer Journey: The trip from Metković to Zagreb typically takes 8 to 10 hours, so bring a travel pillow, comfortable clothing, and entertainment such as downloaded movies, podcasts, or an e-book. Wi-Fi is available on some buses but may not always be reliable.
Secure Your Luggage Properly: When placing your luggage in the storage compartment, make sure it is clearly labeled to avoid confusion when picking it up in Zagreb. Keep your valuables, travel documents, and essential items in a small carry-on bag with you on the bus.
Arriving in Zagreb Late? Plan Ahead: If you’re arriving late at night, make sure you know how to reach your hotel or accommodation in advance. The Zagreb Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Zagreb) is well-connected by trams, taxis, and local buses, but some services may have limited schedules at night.
Take in the Views Along the Way: Unlike the coastal journey toward Dubrovnik, the Metković to Zagreb route gradually moves inland, offering changing landscapes from the Neretva River wetlands to rolling hills and mountainous scenery. If traveling during the day, a window seat is a great choice to enjoy the views.
Enjoy a Meal Before You Leave: Since the bus journey is long and onboard food services are not available, consider having a meal in Metković before departure. Local restaurants serve traditional Dalmatian and Neretva cuisine, such as eels and frogs from the Neretva River, peka dishes, and fresh seafood.
Border Delays if Coming from Nearby Cities: If you are staying in cities near Metković that are across the Bosnia and Herzegovina border, such as Čapljina, Mostar, or Međugorje, remember that you will need a valid passport to cross into Croatia. Border control can sometimes have long queues, especially in summer, so plan ahead and allow extra time to reach Metković before your bus departure.
Buses traveling from Metković to Zagreb arrive at the Zagreb Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Zagreb), which is located near the city center. The station has connections to trams, buses, and taxis.
The bus from Metković to Zagreb departs from the Metković Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Metković), which is centrally located and accessible from different parts of town.
The bus journey from Metković to Zagreb typically takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on the route, number of stops, and traffic conditions. Some buses may take longer if they stop in major cities along the way or encounter congestion, especially during peak travel seasons.
Yes, there are direct buses from Metković to Zagreb, which do not require transfers. However, some routes may include scheduled stops in cities like Split, Zadar, or Makarska. If you prefer a faster journey, check if your bus is an express service with fewer stops.
Buses from Metković to Zagreb run multiple times a day, with increased frequency during summer months (June to September). There are both morning and evening departures, including some overnight buses.
The distance between Metković and Zagreb is approximately 515 km (320 miles). The total travel time depends on whether the bus follows the A1 highway or takes smaller regional roads with additional stops.
You can purchase bus tickets for Metković to Zagreb online through GetByBus.
Most long-distance buses take the A1 highway, which provides a faster and more direct route to Zagreb. However, certain buses make stops in Split, Zadar, or other coastal cities, which may result in parts of the journey being on local roads. If you are looking for a quicker trip, check if your bus follows the highway for most of the route.
No, you do not need a passport to travel from Metković to Zagreb, as both cities are in Croatia.