Travel to and around Croatia
Wanting to visit Croatia? Here are my top tips and info on travel to Croatia; from flying to driving. As well as how to travel around Croatia, either by public transport or car...
Flying to Croatia
There are several international airports in Croatia. Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula are some of the major airports, although there are also international flights available to Zadar and Rijeka.
With the flight time from London to Croatia is only 2 hours 10-minutes on average, it is an ideal destination for a European city break or summer holiday!
Public Transport
Think about your carbon footprint and take the more environmentally-friendly route of travel. Using public transport can be slower, but it can be nice to take a proper break from the hectic 9-5.
I would definitely recommend using public transport for a city break...
Travel by Train and Rail
If traveling from central Europe then taking the train can be a no-brainer. You can also enjoy the picturesque scenery whilst on the train.
- InterRail (for European citizens or residents) To cover all of Croatia by train, then look at getting the Interrail Croatia Pass for unlimited travel by train in Croatia for either 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 non-consecutive days of your choice within 1 month. An adult ticket (28 years +) for 3 days within 1 month is only €78. If you're looking to travel across Europe by train, then opt for the Global Pass which provides access to train travel in 33 countries across Europe, including Croatia!
- EURail (for non-European citizens or residents) EURail is essentially the same as InterRail but is for non-European citizens or residents. It also offers both Croatia and Global Pass.
- Croatia Railways - Taking the train is a popular choice on Croatian mainline, as well as it being inexpensive compared to Western Europe. Visit Croatia Railways website for more information and to book tickets online. Check out Die Bahn website for both train timetables within Croatia, as well as international ones across Europe.
Travel by Bus
In terms of getting to Croatia by bus, there are several bus companies that provide services from surrounding countries, such as Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. I recommend using search websites like Eurolines and FlixBus for bus travel in Europe.
For traveling around Croatia by bus, the bus service here is great. Traveling by bus is generally not too expensive, and also offers longer-distance services across the country, as well as between small towns and villages. Check out Autobusni Kolodvor website to search different bus timetables for Croatia.
Travel by Boat
Several different ferry services run between Italy and Croatia. Unfortunately, this is the only international ferry service that operates here. Therefore no ferries run from Greece to Croatia.
In terms of traveling around the Croatian islands by ferry, there are plenty of options! The main ferry company that operates in Croatia is Jadrolinija. However other ferry companies do operate here as well.
Krka National Park
Split Croatia
Views of Hvar Island from Vidova Gora mountain, Brač Island
Driving Croatia
If you are looking to do a European road trip to Croatia, or just want to have a car to explore rural areas, then here are my top tips for driving here:
- The UK to Croatia - Due to the fast and well-maintained motorways in Germany and through central Europe, the drive from the UK to the Croatian border takes only approx. 19 hours, with a distance of over 1,000 miles. Make sure you break up the journey with one or two overnight stops.
Remember: You must have either a nationality number plate or a sticker displayed on the back of your vehicle, when driving in Europe.
- Croatian Roads - The road conditions are generally a good standard. Motorways in Croatia operate on a toll system - toll rates can be found on the Croatian Motorways website.
- Hiring a car in Croatia - If you're flying to Croatia or visiting one of the islands, but would still like to explore by car, then you can hire a car here. All major car rental companies operate here, with cars available from major airports or cities, such as Split and Zagreb.
Note: You will have to be atleast 21 years old and have held a driving license for at least 2 years to be able to hire a car in Croatia.
Visiting Croatia - Overview
Head to Croatia for either a European city break or, explore just some of the 1,200 islands along its coastline!
- If you're looking for a European city break in Croatia, then head to Split, Dubrovnik, or Zagreb for a perfect weekend getaway - More on the best places to visit in Croatia.
- Croatia is also perfect for a summer beach holiday - either along the Croatian coastline or on one of its many islands! I would definitely recommend visiting Hvar or Brac Island just off the coast from Split.
- Visit Croatia either in May or June or September or October, to avoid the high season of summer and the crowds of cruise-goers - More on weather in Croatia and when it's best to visit.
- Remember to try some of Croatia's traditional dishes - would recommend the Janjetina lamb and Crni Rižot (Black Risotto)
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