HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA
Croatia is not a big country, but it has plenty to see, and you need to explore it in an efficient way. As a Croatian, I’ve travelled all over Croatia plenty of times in various ways. The best way to explore it is by car, but you can also see a lot using only public transport. These guides can help you discover how to get around Croatia!
BEST TIPS ON GETTING AROUND CROATIA BY A LOCAL
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YOUR GO-TO GUIDES ON HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around Croatia?
The best way is definitely by car. It’s the most flexible and comfortable option, and there are so many off-the-beaten-path places in Croatia that are easiest to see by car. You can rent a car in any bigger town, and I would highly recommend doing that to explore Croatia properly.
Is it easy to travel around Croatia without a car?
It’s not as comfortable as travelling by car, but it’s more than fine. There are plenty of bus and ferry routes between all bigger towns and islands, so with some planning you should easily be able to do your whole trip using public transport.
Is renting a car in Croatia worth it?
Absolutely. I’ve already said that Croatia is best explored by car, and that’s 100% true. Without a car, you just can’t visit certain places like beaches and hidden gems, so you’ll really be missing out on some special spots. Renting a car is easy, and if you book in advance, it’s not even expensive.
How expensive is transportation in Croatia?
Overall, it’s not too expensive. Renting a car is the most expensive option, but even that can be totally reasonable if you book a few months in advance and not last minute. You can find cars for 200 to 500 euros for a week, depending on the car you want. Buses are the most affordable option, ranging from 10 to 20 euros per ticket, while ferries can be a bit more expensive, sometimes going up to 50 euros per ticket.
How do ferries work in Croatia?
Ferries are quite great in Croatia. You can either take a car ferry or a passenger catamaran. The car ferry takes longer, while the catamaran is much more modern and faster. You should buy your tickets in advance if you’re visiting in peak season, but if you’re travelling in the shoulder season, you can buy them on the day, either online or at the port. The companies you can use are Jadrolinija, TP Line, and Krilo.
Is Uber available in Croatia?
Yes, Uber is available in most Croatian cities. However, it’s not available on the majority of the islands. Along with Uber, there’s also Bolt, which is a similar ride-sharing app. I would highly recommend checking both of these apps before taking a regular taxi, as it will most likely be a lot cheaper.
Are taxis expensive in Croatia?
Yes, regular taxis are quite expensive, mostly because the drivers, who are self-employed, have the right to set their own prices, which is quite ridiculous. If you end up using a regular taxi, make sure you agree on the price of your ride in advance and check the POS terminal before paying with a card.
How long does it take to travel between major Croatian destinations?
While Croatia does seem like such a small country, it does take quite some time to get from one place to another. For example, from Zagreb to Split there’s a 4-hour drive, from Split to Dubrovnik 3 hours via highway or almost 4 via the scenic road. From Split to Plitvice Lakes you’ll need about 2.5 hours. Obviously, with public transport, all of these take much, much longer, so plan accordingly and don’t overstuff your itinerary.
Is driving in Croatia safe for tourists?
Yes, driving in Croatia is completely fine. Croatia has excellent highways, and you won’t have any problems driving there. The islands and smaller towns have a bit narrower streets and limited parking. However, if you’re careful and confident, you won’t have any significant problems. Read this driving guide if you have any questions!
Can I visit national parks without a car in Croatia?
Yes, you can visit most of them. Plitvice Lakes NP has buses from Zagreb and Split that drop you at the entrance to the park. From Split or Sibenik, you can also get to Skradin, which is the entrance to Krka NP. You can reach Mljet and Brijuni by ferry. For others, you can book a private transfer or a tour that can take you there!