A GUIDE TO CAR RENTAL IN CROATIA (MY TIPS, PRICES, REQUIREMENTS, & FAQs)

If you’re coming to Croatia and want to rent a car, in this guide all about car rental in Croatia I’ll help you with all the questions you might have!

I know renting a car can feel daunting and public transport here is fairly easy to use, but Croatia is truly best explored by car. We have good bus and ferry connections, but it’s just not the same as having your own vehicle. You’re much more flexible, you can see a lot more, and so many off-the-beaten-path places suddenly become accessible.

As local Croatians, we’ve spent a lot of time exploring Croatia by car. While we now use our own vehicle, we used to rent cars before, so we know exactly how car rental works here. Before you commit to renting a car, there are a few important things you should know to save money, avoid surprises, and keep your driving holiday stress-free.

These are the key things you need to know before renting a car!

SHOULD YOU RENT A CAR IN CROATIA?

The first and most important question before you even finalise your travel plans is – should you rent a car in Croatia at all? Do you actually need one?

Renting a car in Croatia is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country at your own pace, and I would definitely recommend it. Public transport is reliable between major cities, but it’s limiting if you want to visit smaller villages, hidden beaches, and more remote spots.

Here are a few things to consider that will help you decide whether renting a car makes sense for your trip. Think about what you expect from your holiday and see if it aligns with having your own vehicle.

• With a car you can reach remote beaches, waterfalls, and mountain roads unreachable by bus
• With public transport you are limited to fewer things due to increased travel time and inflexibility of the schedule
• If you have a car you can drive the most beautiful scenic coastal route in Croatia (D8) from Rijeka to Dubrovnik
• With a car you can travel comfortably with luggage or family 
• With public transport you depend on connections to smaller towns/villages which can be very infrequent 
• If you have a car you can visit multiple regions (Istria, Dalmatia, Zagreb) in one 5-7 day trip

I have a whole blog post called Should you rent a car in Croatia? Which goes into great detail on both pros and cons on renting a car in Croatia. I’d highly recommend you check it out if you’re on the fence on renting a car.

WHAT RENTAL CAR COMPANIES ARE GOOD IN CROATIA?

Rental car companies in Croatia don’t really differ much from those in other countries. The most commonly used ones are Sixt, Enterprise, Nova Rent a Car, and Avis. We’ve personally used Enterprise and Avis and had no issues with either.

The most important thing is to read the terms and conditions carefully so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to. You’ll also need a credit card. Without one, the process becomes much more complicated.

If you take full insurance (which I definitely recommend), the deposit is usually much lower. Without full coverage, deposits can be very high, so that’s something to keep in mind.

We usually book through DiscoverCars because it consistently shows the most affordable options for us. I’d highly recommend checking your dates there and comparing prices before booking.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN CROATIA

DOCUMENTS

To rent a car in Croatia, you’ll typically need:

• A valid driver’s license – most companies accept EU, UK, and many non-EU licenses as long as they’re written in the Latin alphabet.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) – required if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example Arabic or Cyrillic).
• Passport or national ID card – for identification.
• A credit card in the main driver’s name – this is required for the security deposit. Deposits can range from €1,000–€3,000 if you don’t take additional insurance. If you add full insurance directly with the rental company, the deposit can drop significantly (sometimes to around €200).
• Debit cards are rarely accepted for the security deposit unless you purchase extra insurance, so it’s always safest to have a credit card ready.

AGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age to rent a car in Croatia is usually 21, but this can vary depending on the company.

Most rental companies also charge a young driver fee, which means drivers under 25 often pay an extra surcharge (usually around €7–€30 per day). You’ll find this clearly stated in the rental company’s policy, so make sure to check before booking.

Some companies also have maximum age limits or may charge additional fees for drivers over 65, so it’s worth double-checking the terms if that applies to you.

CAR RENTAL COSTS IN CROATIA IN 2026

Rental costs vary depending on the season, pick-up location, car type, and any extras you add. Sometimes prices are very reasonable, but they can also get quite high, especially if you plan to pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another.

Here’s a short overview:

Vehicle Type	Approx. Price per Day
Small / Economy	€20 – €45 (low) / €50 – €70 (summer)
Mid-size	€45 – €90
SUV / Automatic	€60 – €120+
Premium Cars	€100+

HOW TO SAVE ON A RENT A CAR?

• Book early, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Prices rise quickly, and cars are booked fast in peak season. I always recommend checking DiscoverCars to compare multiple companies and find the best deal.
• Choose a manual car if you know how to drive one. Manual cars are the standard in Croatia and are usually much cheaper. Automatic cars are available, but they’re more limited and more expensive.
• Travel in the shoulder season (May–June and September–October). Rental prices are lower, there’s less demand, and these are some of the best months to visit Croatia anyway.

FUEL POLICIES IN CROATIA

Car rentals in Croatia usually operate on a Full-to-Full fuel policy. This means you must return the car with a full tank. If you don’t, the company will charge you for a full tank plus an extra service fee.

The best option is to refuel the car yourself before returning it. It’s very simple since gas stations in Croatia are self-service. You fill up the tank and then go inside to pay the exact amount at the counter.

Some companies offer a prepaid fuel option, but it’s usually overpriced and unnecessary since refuelling yourself is quick and easy.

There’s also a refuelling service option, where the rental company fills the tank after you return the car. However, this comes with an additional service fee, so it’s not really the most affordable option.

DRIVING TIPS AND ROAD RULES IN CROATIA

Driving in Croatia isn’t complicated, but there are a few rules and tips that can make your trip easier. If you want a detailed driving guide for Croatia, check out the link below. I’ve covered everything you need to know, so nothing will catch you by surprise!

Road Rules

• Drive on the right side of the road
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on country roads, 110 km/h on speedways, 130 km/h on motorways
• You can’t use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device.
• Speed cameras and police checks are common, especially in smaller towns and along major roads

Toll Roads & Payment

Most highways in Croatia (like A1, A6, and A8) are toll roads, which means you have to pay to use them. When you enter a highway, you’ll get a ticket at the booth. When you exit, you pay the toll based on the distance traveled. You can pay cash or card at the booths, or use an electronic system called ENC for faster passage.

Tips to Avoid Extra Costs 

Here are some extra tips to save money and avoid issues with rental cars in Croatia:

• Return the car to the same location — one-way drop-off fees can be expensive.
• Don’t drop the car in another country — cross-border drop-offs are even pricier, so avoid if you’re on a budget.
• Ferry fees — taking a rental car to the islands usually comes with a daily or one-off surcharge. Check with your rental company before you go. Most islands are easier to explore with a car, so it’s usually worth it.
• Cross-border travel — if you plan to drive into Bosnia, Slovenia, Italy, or Montenegro, expect extra fees.
• Inspect the car before departure — take photos of any scratches or damage to avoid problems later.
• Dubrovnik parking — if you’re driving there, check my Dubrovnik Parking Guide. Fines for wrong parking or driving can be huge.

BEST CROATIA CAR ROUTES – ROAD TRIPS IN CROATIA

As I’ve mentioned, Croatia is best explored by car. Here are some of my favourite road trips:

Croatia Road Trip: A 10-day itinerary covering almost the whole country. It’s packed, but you can adjust it to your own pace.

Split → Dubrovnik (D8 Coastal Road): This guide covers all the best stops along the way and can easily be turned into an itinerary.

Zagreb → Split: Includes all the must-see spots, like Plitvice Lakes — perfect for making a full itinerary.

Istria Road Trip: A 5-day route that lets you explore Istria in detail.

FAQ – RENTING A CAR IN CROATIA

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Croatia?

You don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is EU-issued, but it’s recommended for many non-EU licenses. If your license isn’t in Latin script, like Cyrillic or Arabic, you must have an IDP, otherwise you won’t be able to rent a car.

If your license is in Latin script, like a US license, the rental company usually won’t ask for an IDP. Legally, though, you’re supposed to have one. The chance the police will check it is very small, but I’d get one just to be safe.

What is the minimum age for renting a car in Croatia?

The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, but some companies let 18-year-olds rent if you pay an extra fee. Drivers under 25 often have to pay a “young driver” surcharge. Check your rental company’s policy for the exact details.

How is the parking in Croatia?

Parking in Croatian city centres is usually paid via SMS or parking machines. Look for blue signs and avoid red zones, which are reserved for residents. The safest option is to use large parking lots or garages because that way you don’t risk fines. Check out my parking guides for Split and Dubrovnik to see exactly where you can park!

Can I rent without a credit card?

Most likely, no. Nearly all rental companies in Croatia require a credit card for the refundable security deposit. Some local companies might accept a debit card, but you’ll usually have to leave a very large deposit. Honestly, don’t risk it, if you don’t have a credit card, it’s best to get one before your trip.

Can I cross into Bosnia, Slovenia or Montenegro?

Yes, you can drive a rental car across borders, but you must inform the rental company in advance. They charge a cross-border fee, and without notifying them, you won’t have the proper documents to legally take the car abroad. If anything happens in a foreign country without their knowledge, the fees and liability can be astronomical, so always get approval first.

Is airport pickup more expensive?

It can be more expensive to pick up a car at the airport, but often it ends up cheaper because airports usually have a large supply of vehicles. Sometimes renting from the airport is even cheaper than from the city centre. I’d recommend checking both options and picking whichever works best for you.

What to check before driving away from the renal car company?

Definitely inspect the car before you drive off. Check the fuel level and make sure it’s full, because that’s how you should return it. Take photos or videos of every side of the car and the tyres. If you see any scratches, dents, or bumps, take close-up pictures.

Where to refuel a rental car in Croatia?

There are plenty of fuel stations across Croatia, and on highways you usually don’t need to exit, there’s typically one every 30–50 km. Most popular ones are INA, Petrol, and Crodux. Fuel prices average around €1.40 per liter, and there’s not much difference between stations.

Can you return a car to a different location in Croatia?

Yes, you can pick up a car at one airport and drop it off at another, it’s a common option for travellers in Croatia. Just keep in mind that most rental companies charge an extra fee for this, since they need to return the car to its original location. You can usually find the exact fee in the company’s policy or by contacting them directly.

FINAL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

• Book early to get better availability and lower prices.
• Choose the right car size for your trip and luggage. European cars are smaller than in the US. A compact car is easier for narrow streets in old towns, but bigger cars are fine for city-to-city travel. Just check parking guides, many spots near old towns are designed for smaller vehicles.
• Read the rental contract carefully, including rules about fuel, insurance, and return requirements.
• Download offline maps. You might not have internet everywhere, especially outside Croatia. Google Maps offline is the safest bet for GPS. Croatia has good internet, but if you’re from outside Europe, it depends on your eSim. If you plan to drive to neighboring countries, you may need an extra eSim.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON CAR RENTAL IN CROATIA

I truly think Croatia is best explored by car, so if it’s in your budget, I’d highly recommend renting one. Having a car gives you more comfort and flexibility. See a nice beach or a viewpoint? Just stop and enjoy it! Buses won’t let you do that. If a car is out of your budget, don’t worry. Public transport still works and will get you from one place to another.

CONCLUSION: CAR RENTAL IN CROATIA

If you rent a car in Croatia, it’s going to be super easy. Just book online in advance (we use DiscoverCars.com), pick up your car, and you’re ready to go. Driving here is simple, and having a car will make exploring Croatia so much more enjoyable!