The Croatian Auto Club (HAK) has issued an important travel warning ahead of a major open-air concert by Croatian singer Marko Perković Thompson, which will take place in Zagreb on Saturday 5 July 2025.

According to organisers, the event is expected to draw an audience of around 500,000 people, which will significantly impact traffic in and around the Croatian capital.

Heavy Congestion Expected on Motorways

HAK warns that increased traffic volume is anticipated several days prior to the event, with the most severe congestion expected on the day of the concert, particularly on the A1, A2, A3, A4 and A6 motorways and on the Zagreb bypass.

In addition, during the night of 5 to 6 July, following the concert, major traffic jams are likely. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid Zagreb and the surrounding region during this time.

Delays Expected in Zagreb

In the city itself, heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic is expected, especially on 4, 5 and 6 July. Temporary traffic regulation will be introduced on key routes, which may cause additional delays.

Tourists Urged to Plan Ahead

Tourists travelling by road through Zagreb or planning to reach Croatian coastal destinations during this period are advised to schedule their journeys either before 5 July or consider alternative routes to avoid the capital altogether.

HAK has provided a comprehensive list of suggested travel routes depending on the country of origin and final destination.

Suggested Alternative Routes to the Coast

From Austria/Slovenia to Kvarner and Southern/Eastern Istria:

• Graz or Villach – Ljubljana – Postojna – Rupa (Croatian border) – Rijeka via A7 motorway – Kvarner or Istrian destinations.

• From Rijeka, travellers can continue south on the A6/A1 towards Dalmatian destinations.

From Austria/Slovenia to Northern and Western Istria:

• Graz or Villach – Ljubljana – Postojna – Koper – Kaštel (HR border) – Umag – Poreč – Rovinj – Pula.

• Alternatively: Ljubljana – Postojna – Kozina – Starod – Pasjak – Crikvenica or islands via A7/D8.

From Serbia to Istria or Northern Adriatic:

• Enter Croatia at Bajakovo – Slavonski Brod – Nova Gradiška – Popovača – Sisak – Petrinja – Glina – Gvozd – Vojnić – Karlovac – then A6 towards Rijeka or A1 towards Dalmatia.

• Alternatively, travel through Lika via the D1 road from Vojnić.

From Serbia to Southern Dalmatia:

• Use the A3 motorway to reach Babina Greda or Nova Gradiška, then travel via Bosnia and Herzegovina using crossings at Slavonski Šamac, Svilaj, or Stara Gradiška.

From Hungary (west of Barcs) to Kvarner and Southern Istria:

• Nagykanizsa – Maribor – Ljubljana – Postojna – Rupa – Rijeka via A7 – onwards to coast.

• Further travel possible via A6 and A1 towards Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik.

From Hungary (east of Barcs) to Istria and the Northern Adriatic:

• Route 1: Virovitica – Daruvar – Garešnica – Kutina – Popovača – Sisak – Petrinja – Gvozd – Karlovac – then A6 or A1.

• Route 2: Beli Manastir – Osijek – Nova Gradiška – same continuation as above.

From Hungary (east of Barcs) to Southern Dalmatia:

• Route 1: Virovitica – Daruvar – Kutina – continue via Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Route 2: Beli Manastir – Osijek – Babina Greda – continue via Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Suggested Routes for Return Travel

• From Southern/Eastern Istria and Kvarner to Slovenia/Austria/Hungary: Rijeka – Rupa – Postojna – Ljubljana – then onwards.

• From Northern/Western Istria: Kaštel – Postojna – Ljubljana – then onwards.

• From Istria/Northern Adriatic to Serbia or Eastern Hungary: Karlovac – Vojnić – Gvozd – Petrinja – Sisak – Popovača – A3 motorway.

• From Southern Dalmatia to Serbia or Eastern Hungary: Recommended route via Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Final Advice for Tourists

If you are planning a holiday in Croatia during the first week of July and your route passes near Zagreb, HAK urges you to plan ahead, leave earlier or select an alternative route.

With half a million attendees expected in the capital on 5 July, traffic disruption is inevitable.

“For a smoother journey and to ensure a stress-free start or end to your holiday, consider these recommended detours and avoid peak traffic days,” said HAK.

Stay informed with updates from HAK and Croatian travel authorities.