The Best Ways to Travel Around Croatia
Aerial view of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Understanding the different travel options and how you prefer to travel, you can use this guide to consider the best ways to travel around Croatia.
Croatia is small in size but immense in its geographical diversity. With a network of great transportation options, exploring the country is done easily. Visiting someplace new can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know the logistics of the transportation options, but a Zicasso travel specialist makes these logistics both comfortable and exciting.
From seamless connection to the lively cities via train to tranquil cruises across the glimmering bays, there are ways to get around for every type of traveler.
Best for Long Distances: Trains & Flights
Gospic Station, Croatia © Brandreth Hearn/WikiCommons
Trains:
Trains in Croatia are efficient but not wide-reaching. When traveling from Zagreb, you can easily reach towns around the northern and inland regions, but travel to cities, towns, and beaches farther south is a bit more complicated. Direct connections exist between neighboring countries, with the most trains leaving from either the capital or main coastal centers like Split or Rijeka. While the railway isn’t far-reaching and can also be time-consuming when you have a limited number of days, train travel in Croatia gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Flights:
Croatia has an easy to navigate flight infrastructure with ten international and domestic airports scattered across the country. The most popular routes include Zagreb to Split and Zagreb to Dubrovnik, but the airports situated around Croatia allow you to reach different pockets on the mainland and Krk Island. If your time is short, a quick flight can be better than a long drive, but your travel specialist can advise as to what is best.
Best for Short Travel: Private Chauffeur, Cars, and Buses
Tourist taking a photo of the view from the roadside in Croatia
Private Chauffeur:
Hiring a private driver in Croatia is very easy and gives you much more flexibility than any other means of transportation. Your private driver lets you explore cities, towns, the coastline, and countryside at your pace, and most take you off the beaten path for new experiences.They can also offer a stress-free transfer from the airport to your hotel or vice versa.
Car Rental:
A car is one of the best ways to explore and discover Croatia, especially if you opt to travel outside the larger cities. Having a car is a great way to wander the coastline, visit smaller towns, and even venture through the celebrated hills of the Istrian Peninsula. If you plan to remain within the larger cities, having a car is unnecessary as public transportation or walking is generally preferred. The highly developed roads make driving easy and are more efficient than the train if you are inclined to venture off the beaten path.
Buses:
The national bus network is extensive and is reliable. Buses can be picked up relatively easily with stations positioned at the center of town or within easy walking distance. While bus companies operate extensively within specific regions, there is not one line that runs throughout. For some routes, a bus ride could be enjoyable, but also lacks the freedom of a private driver or rental car.
Best for Urban Travel: Taxis, Buses, and Ridesharing Apps
Tram in Zagreb, Croatia
Taxis & Local Buses:
Taxis in Croatia are an easy way to travel within large cities at your pace. Taxis are heavily regulated across the country, and meters are standard. Buses are the most popular form of public transportation in cities like Zagreb or Dubrovnik but also not necessarily available in the cities with historic neighborhoods. Cities like Zagreb and Osijek also have great tram networks that give you another option if you prefer to explore like a local.
Ridesharing Apps:
Croatia does have ridesharing apps available in major cities and popular coastal destinations. Apps are mainly available in larger and famous cities making it easy to find transportation by car or by boat down the Adriatic coast. Croatia also requires that drivers are specifically licensed. Be careful when looking for a ride at a coastal city with some towns only offering drivers seasonally, in addition to the infamous flex pricing that can take place throughout the day.
Best Alternative Travel: Boats
Ferry leaving Split, Croatiaa
Travel by Boat:
Boat travel is essential and enjoyable in Croatia. The famous mainland coastline gives way to the celebrated Dalmatian islands, offering you a different perspective of the turquoise Adriatic Sea on typical ferries or private catamaran. Ferries connect the various islands and cross the Adriatic with international routes connecting other Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece. In the summer, ferries can get crowded with travelers eager to visit the island landscapes making private catamaran transport or private boat rental a comfortable option.
More Travel Information & Tips
Novigrad, Croatia
Croatia has easy transportation options that make exploring the cities and countryside accessible for your schedule. Historic city centers and charming towns, idyllic vineyards to crystal-clear seas make any time of year the best times to visit. The seasons can change the dynamic of Dubrovnik, truffle hunting, or Korcula’s beaches but our Croatia Travel Guide gives you tips on how you can experience your perfect vacation. If you want to plan a trip, you can speak to a Croatia travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.
