Car Rental in Croatia

Why rent a car in Croatia?

Although it is no longer a niche off-the-beaten-path travel destination, but rather an international tourist powerhouse, Croatia remains one of the most exciting places to see in Europe. Most travelers tend to stay to the country’s beautiful islands and Istrian and Dalmatian beaches, but Croatia’s charming historical towns and cities with their strong Roman and Venetian heritage, and the natural landscapes of the interior, can be of equal interest to any visitor.

If you want to know more about renting a car in Croatia, don't miss our complete guide.

Top ways to enter Croatia

• Zagreb Airport. Serving the national capital and with over three million passengers a year, Zagreb Airport is the busiest in the country. In addition to some domestic routes, the airport provides flights to and from practically all corners of Europe, as well as some destinations beyond.
• Dubrovnik Airport. Serving the charming coastal town of the same name, Dubrovnik Airport is especially busy during the summer months when it handles flights by more than 50 different airlines, including a number of low-cost carriers. The airport is a point of entry for visitors looking to explore the southern coast of the country.
• Zadar Airport. Another coastal airport, Zadar is a big hub for Ryanair, but also has flights by about 20 other airlines, including other low-cost carriers such as Transavia and easyJet. The airport serves the town of the same name and the scenic middle portion of Croatia’s coastline.
• Pula Airport. Offering access to the town of Pula, the beaches of the Istria peninsula, and Brijuni National Park, Pula Airport handles close to 400 thousand travelers every year. 
• Rijeka Airport. Serving Croatia’s third-largest city which is located in the northern corner of the country’s coastline, Rijeka Airport has flights by about ten different airlines and provides connections with Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and several other countries across Europe.
• Brač Airport. Located on the island of the same name, Brač Airport is one of the smallest in Croatia. Only operating for several months out of the year, it provides connections with Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, and a few other countries.
• Osijek Airport. The only other inland airport of Croatia besides the one in Zagreb, it serves the city of the same name and provides some domestic connections, as well as flights to and from Germany and the United Kingdom.
• By land: It’s possible to rent a car in a nearby country and then drive to Croatia. Some large international airports near Croatia include Budapest Airport in Hungary, Vienna Airport in Austria, and Venice Airport in Italy. It should be noted, however, that different visa requirements may be in place for citizens of different countries, so contact your embassy in advance to find out about any international borders you would like to cross.
• By ferry: There is a regular ferry service between various port cities in Croatia and Bari and Ancona in Italy. Bringing your rental car on the ferry may or may not be possible depending on the terms of ferry company, so make sure to check first.

Top cities and places to visit

• Dubrovnik. Located in the far south of the country, Dubrovnik is one of the most scenic towns in Europe. As known for its appearances in the Game of the Thrones as it is for its varied, centuries-long history, the city’s beautiful old town, stunning views of the sea, and surrounding beaches make it one of the most popular travel destinations in the region.
• Split. Quite similar to Dubrovnik, but several times larger and busier, Split is Croatia’s largest coastal city and the seat of the historic Dalmatia region. While most travelers head straight for the beach (there are both popular beaches in the city and nice coastal spots north and south of the city), others take their time to explore the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace and the 1,700-year-old St. Duje’s Cathedral. Split also offers access to many of Croatia’s picturesque Adriatic islands.
• Zagreb. Located in the inland part of the country, Croatia’s historic capital has a markedly different atmosphere than the coastal regions. Quite similar to the nearby capitals of Vienna and Budapest, the city boasts a well-preserved old town and many architectural landmarks coupled with a busy and fun contemporary cultural scene.
• Šibenik. Charming Šibenik is overlooked in most Croatian itineraries. The city sits on the country’s Dalmatian coast and can be found 88km north of Zadar. This is the oldest Croat settlement in the country and dates back to the 9th century. Old Šibenik is made up of a maze-like network of narrow cobbled streets and passageways that open out into grand piazzas lined with al-fresco coffee shops and cafes. One of the most notable buildings that you should look out for here is the UNESCO World Heritage site o the Cathedral of St James. The building dates back to the 15th century and took over 100 years to build. It is the only cathedral in Europe to be made entirely out of stone. Obscure, life-sized stone heads decorate the exterior. Each has a different expression, and nobody has been able to decipher who these heads are supposed to represent or why they are there. 
• Zadar. This is the oldest continually-inhabited city in Croatia. It dates back to the 9th century BC and was initially a Liburnian settlement before being expanded upon by the Romans. While in town, don’t miss the sea organ. This architectural instrument, designed by Croatian Architect Nikola Basicic, uses a network of pipes beneath the Adriatic sea to create whale noises. It is likely unlike anything you will have encountered elsewhere. Whatever time you stop by, you will find groups of people sitting by the sea and enjoying the unique sounds. Nearby, the 9th-century church of Saint Donatus is an unusual circular Byzantine-style place of worship that is one of only a few buildings that survived the 13th-century Mongol invasion. Musicians from across the globe often perform here, and the church no longer operates as a religious site. Check the local listings to see if any events are being hosted here during the dates of your trip. 
• Rijeka. The city of Rijeka is relatively off the beaten path as far as travel in Croatia goes. It was recognized as the European capital of culture in 2020, which speaks volumes for its beauty and charm. Rijeka came under Hapsburg rule in 1446 and remained under the control of Austria-Hungary until World War I. The mark of the Hapsburg empire is reflected on the city’s buildings - most of which have been built in ornate baroque and renaissance styles. 

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Croatia is the Renault Clio, followed by the Volkswagen Up and the Kia Ceed. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Driver's license requirements

• Croatia accepts all driver licenses issued in the European Union (EU).
• If your driver license is issued by a non-EU country, for it to be considered valid you’ll need a Croatian visa. Another requirement is to have been in the EU for no more than six months at the time of the rental. If you’ve been in the EU longer, you’ll need a driver license issued by an EU country.
• If your driver license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation of your license into English or Croatian.
• You must carry your driver license, not its copy, with you at all times.
• You need to have had your driver license for at least one or two years, depending on the car provider’s requirements.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

As of January 2023, Croatia is a member of the Schengen Area. Croatia borders Slovenia and Hungary, which are also in Schengen, meaning you can travel between them without going through border controls. Croatia also borders Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, which aren't Schengen members. To travel to any of them, you may need a separate visa depending on your nationality.

Some car rental companies allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to cross a national border during your rental period, make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a car. Learn more about cross-border rentals on our Help Center.

Toll roads

There’s a toll to be paid for using most Croatian motorways. There are two types of tolls in Croatia, the open ones and the closed ones. On open toll motorways, which are mostly tunnels, bridges, and short stretches of highway, the driver pays when arriving at the road. On closed toll motorways, the driver pays when arriving at the road and is given a receipt for their payment that shows where they entered the toll road. They then need to present the receipt when leaving the toll road. If you lose the receipt, you’ll need to once again for the maximum length of the toll road. If your receipt is more than 24 hours old, for example, because you stay for the night somewhere along the toll road, you’ll need to provide a valid explanation of the situation at the exit toll booth.

The payment for the toll road can be done either in cash or by credit card. You can also purchase a smart card or an expiring seasonal smart card that will include a 10% discount. Both types of smart cards are non-refundable. Some rental cars are equipped with an electronic toll responder the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Do ask your car rental provider about it in advance. Find out more about the toll roads in Croatia on the European toll road website.

Top driving routes

• Istria. The large northwestern peninsula of Istria is actually shared by Croatia and two of its neighboring countries, Slovenia and Italy, although Croatia control’s the lion’s share of it. Nevertheless, the influence of its neighbors is strong — Italian remains both a co-official language and a source of many of the region’s unique traditions. Istria is also home to scenic coastal towns like Pula and Rovinj, a beautiful coastline, and plenty of Roman and Venetian sites.
• Slavonia. Croatia’s forested northeast offers a glimpse of a more traditional way of life. Remaining under the radar of most foreign travelers, it has a distinct off-the-beaten-track atmosphere, an effect that is enhanced by its unique traditional music and cuisine. Highlights of the region include the historic capital, Osijek, as well as the wetlands nature park of Kopački Rit.
• Plitvice Lakes. Made up of 16 beautiful lakes, as well as waterfalls, canyons, and mountain rivers, Plitvice is the most famous national park in Croatia. The area is a hotspot of flora and fauna that is home to such species as the European wildcat, European green lizard, alpine newt, and golden eagle. The national park is near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, about a two-hour drive south of Zagreb, two hours southeast of Rijeka, and 2 hours and 30 minutes northwest of Split.

Car rental prices in Croatia

• Small cars - from $6 per day
• SUVs - from $11 per day
• Medium cars - from $10 per day
• Station wagons - from $14 per day
• Large cars - from $13 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• Premium cars - from $42 per day
• Convertibles - from $59 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Croatia from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent things they mentioned:

• Explore Scenic Locations (mentioned frequently): Many travelers praised the natural beauty of Croatia, highlighting spots like Dubrovnik, Zlatni Rat, and Split. Phrases like "beautiful and friendly" and "gorgeous landscapes" were common.

• Ease of Travel (mentioned several times): Travelers noted the ease of getting around Croatia, with mentions of both driving and local transportation. Phrases like "easy travel around Croatia and Slovenia" were used.

• Hospitality and Local Culture (mentioned several times): Visitors appreciated the friendliness of the locals and the cultural experiences. One review mentioned how welcoming the people were.

• Popular Destinations and Crowds (mentioned a few times): Popular spots like Dubrovnik were highlighted, though some noted that these areas could be crowded, particularly in peak seasons.

• Dining Experiences (mentioned a few times): Many travelers enjoyed the local cuisine, with several mentions of "great restaurants" and the quality of food.

• Car Rental Experiences (mentioned several times): Renting a car was a common theme, with reviews indicating both positive and mixed experiences, particularly around ease of driving and road conditions.

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Croatia:

• Compare rates
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements