If you’re wondering whether you can visit Croatia without a car, this blog post is for you!
I’ve lived in Croatia my whole life and have explored the country in just about every way possible. There’s something truly special about driving along the Croatian coast in the summer and taking in the incredible views, but is driving the only option to explore Croatia? Keep reading to find out how you can explore Croatia without a car!
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DO YOU NEED A CAR IN CROATIA?
Having a car in Croatia definitely gives you more flexibility and saves time, but it’s not a necessity. If you don’t drive or simply don’t feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, don’t worry, Croatia can still be easily explored using public transportation.
I personally love taking road trips in Croatia, so I prefer exploring the country by car. However, I’ve also spent many summers traveling by bus along the Croatian coast, and it’s really not a bad way to get around. You just need to keep in mind that you’ll have to simplify and shorten your itinerary, since travel times are longer, and some places are simply inaccessible without a car.
If you’re still debating whether renting a car is the right choice, check out this guide on the pros and cons of having a car in Croatia. But if you’ve decided to go car-free, this post will tell you everything you need to know!
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN CROATIA
There are several great ways to explore Croatia without a car.
BUSES
The easiest and most popular way to get around Croatia without a car is by bus. The country has a great bus network, so it’s pretty simple to find a route that works for you. Whether you’re traveling within a city or hopping from one to another, you’ll get where you need to go without too much stress AND without spending a fortune!
Every major city in Croatia has its own public transportation system, making it easy to get around. Cities like Split, Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, and Osijek have fairly frequent bus schedules, so you can reach almost any part of the city pretty quickly.
If you’re traveling between towns, several companies offer reliable bus services. The most popular ones are FlixBus and Arriva, both of which allow you to easily book tickets online. Just be sure to book in advance! They usually leave from the main bus station which is somewhere in or near the city center.
Some of the most popular routes include:
- Zagreb – Dubrovnik
- Zagreb – Split
- Split – Dubrovnik
- Zagreb – Zadar
Keep in mind that delays can happen, especially during the summer when traffic in Croatia can get crazy. We’ve had a few instances where our FlixBus from Makarska to Zagreb or Makarska to Dubrovnik was delayed by up to two hours, but it’s just one of those things you can’t really control.
FERRIES
If you’re planning to visit the islands, ferries are total lifesavers. Croatia has great connections to almost every island in the summer, and to the most popular ones year-round. If you’re in Split or Dubrovnik, island hopping is super easy! The most popular ferry companies are Krilo and Jadrolinija. Prices can vary depending on the distance and the type of ferry you choose; regular ferries tend to be cheaper than the fast catamarans. Book your tickets online and well in advance if you’re taking a popular route!
TOURS
If you have the budget, taking tours is a fantastic way to explore Croatia in more detail. There are so many amazing tours to choose from, and most include transport and any tickets needed for the attractions. This way, you don’t have to worry about catching buses, you’ll have a guide to make the experience more interesting and stress-free, and you can head back when you’re done, no waiting around for another bus! Check out some of the most popular tours in Croatia below.
BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN CROATIA WITHOUT A CAR
ZAGREB
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is the country’s largest city, and you don’t need a car to explore it. The city center is quite walkable, and if you want to reach other parts of town, buses and trams are an easy option. They’re really affordable and run frequently, so a car isn’t necessary. Plus, finding a parking spot in Zagreb can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, so being car-free here is actually a blessing!
SPLIT
Split is also pretty centered around the Old Town, so you won’t need a car to see everything. You can arrive by bus or plane, settle into the Old Town, and easily walk to most places. Plus, it’s simple to catch a ferry for day trips to the islands. If you want to explore beyond the Old Town, public transportation is reliable, or you can book an Uber or Bolt for a bit more comfort.
ZADAR
Zadar is a small, compact town, so all you really need is your own two feet. The Old Town has everything you need, from churches and historic buildings to modern attractions like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. If you want to visit some beaches outside the city, you can easily use public transportation or grab an Uber to get there.
DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is an amazing city, and the best part is that you can easily explore it on foot. The Old Town is the heart of the city, and everything you want to see is within walking distance. If you stay in the Old Town, you won’t need any transportation at all. But if you choose to stay in one of the other recommended areas, getting to the Old Town is easy by Uber or bus. In Dubrovnik, having a car is definitely not necessary because finding a parking spot for less than 5 euros an hour during the summer is practically impossible!
BEST DAY TRIPS IN CROATIA WITHOUT A CAR
ZAGREB TO PLITVICE LAKES
One of the best day trips you can take from Zagreb is to Plitvice Lakes, and thankfully, it’s easy to do even without a car. There are two main ways to visit Croatia’s most popular national park. First, you can take a bus. FlixBus has a few daily routes that run from the Zagreb Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes. Keep in mind, though, that these buses aren’t super frequent, so there’s not much flexibility with the schedule. The other option is booking a tour, and there are plenty of those available! Tours usually include transport, tickets, and a guide, and they typically last around 6-8 hours with great reviews.
ZADAR TO KRKA NATIONAL PARK
Zadar is quite close to Krka National Park, so it’s definitely worth doing a day trip to this stunning destination. You can get there by bus (book through Flixbus) or by booking a tour. The bus is a good option since it’s not too far, so the ride isn’t long, and you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the park between buses. If you opt for a tour, you’ll get there quicker and have the chance to explore with a guide. There are plenty of options available on GetYourGuide, so check them out below!
SPLIT TO HVAR
Hvar is probably the most popular day trip from Split, and I highly recommend taking a ferry to this beautiful island. Hvar is Croatia’s most famous island for a reason, and it’s definitely worth a visit. You can take a ferry from Split to Hvar Town and spend the day exploring. If you want to see more of the island, there’s public transportation that can take you to places like Starigrad or Jelsa. But honestly, just enjoying Hvar Town and some nearby beaches is more than enough for a day!
DUBROVNIK TO KORCULA
While it might not be the quickest or cheapest day trip, visiting Korcula from Dubrovnik is definitely worth it. Korcula is absolutely breathtaking and often called “little Dubrovnik” because of the charm of its Old Town. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours, but the beautiful views along the way will make the time fly by. Once you’re there, make sure to explore Korcula town and enjoy the lovely beaches around it.
DUBROVNIK TO LOPUD
An easier and quicker day trip from Dubrovnik is to Lopud. This charming island, with its stunning sandy beaches, is just an hour away from Dubrovnik. The best part? The island is car-free, so you can fully enjoy the peaceful nature and crystal-clear sea. You can grab your tickets on Jadrolinija or at Gruž port, and the round-trip fare is around 10 euros.
CROATIA WITHOUT A CAR: 7-DAY ITINERARY
Here’s a car-free itinerary I’d recommend for a first-time visit to Croatia. It starts with flying into Zagreb and departing from Dubrovnik. If you’re also leaving from Zagreb, you can take a bus or plane back from Dubrovnik!
DAY 1: ZAGREB
Spend your first day in Zagreb. While two days would be ideal, one day is enough to see the main highlights before heading to the coast. Stroll through the Upper and Lower Towns, Zrinjevac Park, and the Botanical Garden. If you have extra time, hop on a tram or take an Uber to Maksimir Park, one of Zagreb’s prettiest and oldest parks.
DAY 2: PLITVICE LAKES DAY TRIP
On day two, take a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. You have two options, either go by bus or join a guided tour. If you prefer to explore on your own, take the bus from Zagreb’s main bus station at 8:00 a.m., arriving around 10:30. Spend at least 4–5 hours walking through the park, taking photos, and enjoying a ride on the electric boat. If you need tips, you can check out my detailed guide to Plitvice Lakes. When you’re ready to leave, catch a bus back to Zagreb (at 4:15 p.m. or 5:15 p.m.), or continue straight to Split (buses at 4:20 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.).
If you’re looking for an easy and relaxing day trip, maybe book a guided tour to Plitvice Lakes. These tours include transportation and often cover the park entrance fee. You’ll explore the lakes in a small group with a knowledgeable guide, which will be a fun experience. Tours typically start early in the morning and last around eight hours before returning to Zagreb. Here are a few great options!
DAY 3: ZAGREB TO SPLIT
Day three is focused on Split. Take an early bus from Zagreb, or if you traveled directly from Plitvice Lakes, you should already be there. Stay overnight in the Old Town so you’re just a short walk from the city’s main landmarks. To make the most of your two days in Split, use this guide to plan your ideal itinerary. Be sure to visit Diocletian’s Palace, the Old Town, the Riva promenade, Marjan Hill, and a beach of your choice.
DAY 4: SPLIT TO HVAR
Spend your morning exploring any parts of Split you may have missed the day before. Then, take a ferry from Split to Hvar, a stunning island just an hour away. Catch a ferry around 11:00 a.m. to arrive in Hvar Town by noon. This way, you the whole afternoon to explore the town and relax on a nearby beach. When it’s time to head back, you can choose between ferries at 5:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., depending on how much fun you’re having!
DAY 5-7: SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK
On day five, travel from Split to Dubrovnik. You have two options: a bus or a ferry. The bus ride takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and costs about 20 euros, so it’s an affordable choice. Alternatively, you can take a catamaran, which also takes 4.5 hours but costs 50 euros. However, the scenic views and added comfort make it worth it.
Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town, enjoying a meal, and taking a refreshing swim at Banje Beach.
On the morning of day six, your second day in Dubrovnik, start with a visit to the City Walls. Set aside at least two hours to fully explore this incredible landmark, and go as early as possible to avoid the midday heat and strong sun. Afterward, continue exploring the Old Town by visiting some of its most famous landmarks, including the Rector’s Palace, the cathedral, and the historic apothecary.
In the afternoon, head to the famous Sv. Jakov Beach, where you can relax while enjoying stunning views of the Old Town in the distance. In the evening, take the cable car up to the top of Mount Srđ for the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik, especially at sunset.
On day seven, your last day in Dubrovnik, take a day trip to Lopud. This charming island is truly a peaceful escape from the crowds, with beautiful sandy beaches and car-free walks along the seafront promenade. For more details about Dubrovnik, check out this 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary.
