Getting around Croatia
Domestic flights are useful for covering the longer distances between Zagreb and the Adriatic coast. Croatia Airlines operates domestic services linking Zagreb with Split, Dubrovnik, Pula and Zadar, with frequencies varying by route and season. Some coastal cities are also linked by flights operating via Zagreb.
Croatia has an extensive and generally high-quality road network. Motorways connect Zagreb with Rijeka, Zadar, Split and other major cities, making driving one of the most convenient ways to travel between the interior and the Adriatic coast.
Croatia does not use a motorway vignette for cars, and motorways are subject to tolls based on the route travelled and vehicle category. Roads along the Adriatic coast can be scenic but winding, and traffic becomes heavy on routes to coastal resorts and islands during July and August.
Motorways and principal roads are generally well maintained. Roads on islands and in rural and mountain areas may be narrower and more winding, while strong bora winds can occasionally result in restrictions or temporary closures on exposed roads and bridges along the Adriatic coast.
Motorways are identified by the letter A followed by a number, such as the A1 between Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast and the A6 between Zagreb and Rijeka. Other public roads are classified as state roads (D), county roads (Ž) and local roads (L), followed by a route number.
Car hire is widely available at Croatia's airports, in major cities and at coastal resorts. International and local rental companies operate throughout the country.
A car is particularly useful for exploring Istria, inland Croatia, national parks and smaller coastal settlements. Travellers planning to take a hire car onto an island ferry or across an international border should check the rental company's conditions beforehand.
Taxis are widely available in Zagreb and other cities, airports and tourist resorts. There is no standard taxi colour nationwide, but licensed vehicles display a 'TAXI' sign on the roof and identifying taxi or operator markings on the sides. Fares vary by operator, so travellers should check the tariff or estimated fare before starting a journey.
App-based services including Uber and Bolt operate in Zagreb and a number of other Croatian cities and coastal destinations, although availability varies by location and season.
Cycling is popular in regions such as Istria, along parts of the Adriatic coast and on many islands. Dedicated cycle routes are expanding, but infrastructure varies considerably and cyclists may need to share roads with motor traffic.
Mountain biking is available in many inland and mountain areas. Cyclists using coastal roads should be prepared for steep gradients, winding routes and heavy traffic during the summer season.
Intercity buses connect Zagreb with cities and towns throughout Croatia and provide extensive coverage of the Adriatic coast. Frequent routes serve destinations including Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, as well as many places not directly served by rail.
Zagreb Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb) is the capital's principal long-distance bus terminal. Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Dubrovnik and other major cities have their own intercity bus stations, and tickets are generally available at terminals and online.
Traffic drives on the right. Unless signs indicate otherwise, the general speed limits for cars are 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km/h (56mph) outside built-up areas, 110km/h (68mph) on expressways and 130km/h (81mph) on motorways.
Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants, and children must use an appropriate restraint. Drivers may use a mobile phone only with a hands-free system.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, although a zero limit applies to certain categories of driver, including drivers under 24. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be used during the winter period, and winter equipment is compulsory on designated winter sections of public roads from 15 November to 15 April.
For emergencies, call 112. The Croatian Automobile Club (Hrvatski autoklub, HAK) provides roadside assistance; drivers using hire cars should contact the rental company first, as breakdown assistance is commonly included in the rental agreement.
Drivers must carry a valid driving licence. Driving licences issued by EU and EEA countries are recognised in Croatia; visitors holding licences issued elsewhere should check whether an International Driving Permit is required in addition to their national licence.
Drivers using their own vehicle should carry the vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. Rental-car users should keep the rental agreement with them, particularly when taking the vehicle onto ferries or across international borders.
Zagreb has the country's most extensive urban public transport network, combining trams, buses and suburban trains. Trams provide convenient transport around the city centre and surrounding districts, while buses serve areas beyond the tram network.
Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Zadar and other cities rely primarily on buses. Historic centres such as Dubrovnik's Old Town and central Split are compact and largely explored on foot, while parking can be difficult and expensive in popular coastal destinations during summer.
Croatian Railways Passenger Transport (HŽPP) operates domestic services centred on Zagreb. Principal routes connect the capital with cities including Rijeka, Osijek, Varaždin and Split, although the rail network does not serve Dubrovnik or much of the southern Adriatic coast.
Trains can be useful for travel across northern and eastern Croatia, while journeys towards the coast are generally slower than travelling by road. The Zagreb-Split route crosses mountainous terrain and provides the principal rail connection between the capital and Dalmatia.
Engineering works and infrastructure upgrades can affect schedules and result in replacement buses on some routes, so travellers should check current timetables before departure.
Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on participating HŽPP services. Reservations may be required for some trains.
Ferries, catamarans and passenger boats form an essential part of Croatia's transport network, linking the mainland with dozens of inhabited Adriatic islands. Major mainland departure points include Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik, with particularly extensive services from Split and Zadar.
Car ferries serve major islands including Brač, Hvar, Cres, Rab, Pag, Korčula and Mljet, while high-speed catamarans and passenger vessels connect many additional islands and coastal towns. Jadrolinija operates the largest network, with other companies serving additional high-speed passenger routes.
Services are more frequent during the summer season, while some routes operate year-round. Travellers taking a vehicle should check whether the chosen service carries cars and whether the ticket guarantees a place on a particular departure, as arrangements differ by route.
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