How to Get to Croatia in 2026: Guide for First-Time Travellers
PLANNING A TRIP AND WONDERING HOW TO GET TO CROATIA?
The good news? Getting to Croatia is easy! You can travel to Croatia by plane, ferry, car, bus, or even train.
Flying is the fastest and easiest option, with major airports in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Ferries connect Croatia with Italy, offering a scenic way to arrive by sea. If you’re visiting from a nearby country, driving or taking a bus is a great way to explore more of the region.
The best way to travel to Croatia depends on where you’re coming from, how much time you have, and what kind of trip you’re after.
Now, let’s explore the best ways to reach Croatia. 🚗✈️⛴️
Visa & Entry Requirements
- EU/EEA travelers: No visa required, just bring your passport or ID.
- Non-EU travelers: Check visa requirements before booking your trip. Croatia is part of the Schengen Zone, so the same visa rules apply as for most of Europe.
Best Time to Travel to Croatia
The easiest time to visit is spring to early autumn (April–October) when there are:
✔️ More direct flights from international hubs.
✔️ Seasonal ferry services between Italy and Croatia.
✔️ Ideal road conditions for scenic self-drive trips.
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Flying to Croatia: Best Airports & Direct Flights
If you’re wondering how to get to Croatia quickly and easily, flying is your best bet. Croatia has several international airports, with direct flights from Europe, the UK, and even some seasonal routes from the US.
Major Airports in Croatia
Croatia’s main international airports are:
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – Best for Northern Croatia, including Plitvice Lakes & Istria.
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) – Ideal for exploring Southern Dalmatia & island hopping.
- Split Airport (SPU) – Perfect for the central Dalmatian Coast, Hvar, and Split itself.
- Zadar Airport (ZAD) – A smaller airport with many budget airline connections.
- Pula Airport (PUY) & Rijeka Airport (RJK): Good for Istria & Kvarner region.
Direct Flights to Croatia
✈️ From the UK & Europe:
- Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air have frequent flights, especially in summer.
- Major hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt offer multiple daily flights.
✈️ From the US:
- United Airlines runs a seasonal direct flight from Newark (EWR) to Dubrovnik (DBV).
- Otherwise, most routes require a layover in European cities like Frankfurt, London, or Vienna.
✈️ From Australia:
- No direct flights—expect at least one or two layovers.
- Common routes connect through Dubai, Doha, or Singapore, then via European airlines.
Flying Time to Croatia
⏱️ London to Dubrovnik ~2.5 hours
⏱️ New York to Zagreb (with layover) ~11 hours
⏱️ Paris to Split ~2 hours
💡 TRAVEL TIP: You may find cheaper flights to nearby cities like Venice, Ljubljana, or Belgrade, and then you can take a bus or train to Croatia. This can be a great option if you’re flexible and want to explore more along the way!
To find the best flight deals, check sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Booking in advance, especially for summer, can save you money!
If you’re still planning what to do once you land, check out the best things to do in Croatia to help you make the most of your trip.
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Taking a Ferry to Croatia from Italy
When we first visited Croatia, we took the overnight ferry from Italy to Croatia. We didn’t read the ferry schedule properly (this was before we had smartphones and were relying on a physical ferry and train guide!) – but it turned into a memorable experience!!
Croatia has well-established ferry routes connecting its coastline to Italian ports, making this a great choice if you want to combine Italy and Croatia in one trip.
However, most Croatia-Italy ferry routes are seasonal, so it’s important to check schedules in advance.
Best Italy to Croatia Ferry Routes
🚢 Venice → Pula, Rovinj, or Poreč – Best for exploring Istria.
🚢 Ancona → Split – One of the most popular ferry routes, perfect for reaching central Croatia.
🚢 Bari → Dubrovnik – Ideal for travelers heading to Southern Dalmatia.
Estimated travel times
⏱️ Venice to Pula ~3 hours
⏱️ Ancona to Split ~10 hours (overnight ferry)
⏱️ Bari to Dubrovnik ~7 hours
How to Book a Ferry to Croatia
Booking a ferry to Croatia is straightforward, but there are a few tips to make sure your journey goes smoothly.
Where to Book Your Ferry Tickets
- Online Booking Platforms: Websites like Jadrolinija, SNAV, and Venezia Lines are great for checking schedules and booking tickets. You can book in advance or last-minute, but to avoid disappointment in peak season, it’s best to book early.
- Third-Party Sites: Platforms like Direct Ferries and Ferryhopper allow you to compare routes and prices across different operators.
Things to Know When Booking
✔️ Booking in Advance: Ferries can fill up quickly, especially during summer, so it’s a good idea to book as soon as you know your travel dates.
✔️ Ticket Types: There are typically options for passenger-only tickets or tickets for passengers with vehicles (cars, motorcycles, etc.). Make sure to select the correct one based on your needs.
✔️ Ferry Schedules: Check for seasonal changes in ferry schedules. Some routes operate only during the high season, while others may run year-round.
✔️ Check-in Time: Arrive at the ferry port at least 30-60 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
💡 TRAVEL TIP: If you’re travelling with a vehicle, make sure to book a vehicle spot early. These can sell out, especially for routes like Ancona to Split or Venice to Pula.
With your ferry tickets booked, you’re all set to enjoy a relaxing journey across the Adriatic!
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Driving to Croatia
Driving to Croatia is a fantastic way to see the country at your own pace. Whether you’re coming from Italy, Austria, Slovenia, or Hungary, you’ll find the roads are in great shape and perfect for a road trip.
Plus, driving gives you the flexibility to explore Croatia’s coastal towns, rolling hills, and scenic countryside.
Key Routes & Border Crossings into Croatia
🚗 From Italy: You can drive through Trieste or Venice into Istria or head south towards Zadar or Dubrovnik.
🚗 From Austria & Slovenia: If you’re coming from Ljubljana or Graz, you’ll find scenic routes through Zagreb and onward to Plitvice Lakes or the Dalmatian coast.
🚗 From Hungary: The Budapest to Zagreb route is a smooth drive, so if you’re travelling through Central Europe, it’s a straightforward option.
Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary are all part of the Schengen Area, which means there are no regular border checks between these countries and Croatia.
Essentially, once you cross from one Schengen country to another, you don’t need to show your passport or go through customs. This makes the drive smoother and faster, as you won’t have to stop for border control each time you cross into Croatia from these countries.
💡 TRAVEL TIP: Remember, if you’re renting a car, check with your rental agency to make sure they allow cross-border travel.
Important Driving Tips for Croatia
Driving in Croatia is an exciting way to explore the country, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your journey smoother.
Here are some essential driving tips to ensure you have a stress-free experience:
Toll Roads
- Be prepared for toll charges, which depend on the distance traveled.
- Croatia’s highways are modern and well-maintained, but many are toll roads.
- You can pay tolls with cash (Euros) or a card at toll booths.
Vignettes
- You don’t need a vignette for Croatian highways.
- If you’re driving through Slovenia before reaching Croatia, you’ll need to buy a vignette online or at gas stations or border crossings.
Peak Summer Delays
- Expect traffic delays during the summer months, especially along the coast.
- Popular cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar can get crowded, so plan for extra time.
- If you’re coming from a non-EU or Schengen country like Bosnia or Serbia, border checks can add to delays.
Requirements to Drive in Croatia
If you’re planning to drive in Croatia, here’s what you need to know:
- Driver’s License: EU/EEA licenses are valid. If your driving license is not written in Latin you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Minimum Driving Age: You must be 18 years old to drive a car in Croatia. Some rental companies may require drivers to be 21 or older.
- Insurance & Documents: If you’re renting a car, third-party liability insurance is included. If driving your own vehicle, you’ll need valid insurance and vehicle registration papers.
- Mandatory Equipment: Cars in Croatia must carry a reflective vest, warning triangle, spare bulbs, and a first-aid kit (rental cars will have these included).
💡 TRAVEL TIP: To avoid traffic, try travelling early in the morning or later in the evening.
Bus Travel to Croatia
Traveling by bus to Croatia is a budget-friendly option, but travel times are longer than flying or driving.
The bus network in Croatia is well-connected to major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, with options like FlixBus and Eurolines covering popular routes.
🚌 From Germany: There are direct buses from cities like Munich and Frankfurt to Zagreb or Split.
🚌 From Austria: Buses run from Vienna and Graz to Zagreb and other Croatian cities.
🚌 From Slovenia: Buses from Ljubljana head to cities like Zagreb and the coastal region.
How to Book a Bus to Croatia
If you’re travelling by bus to Croatia, buying tickets is simple. Here’s everything you need to know to secure your seat for the journey.
- You can easily purchase bus tickets online through popular websites like FlixBus, Eurolines, or GetByBus.
- Booking online in advance is especially recommended during peak season to ensure availability and get better prices.
- Many bus operators offer mobile tickets, so you can skip the paper and just show your phone when boarding.
For more tips on preparing for your trip, check out our Croatia travel tips.
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Other Ways to Reach Croatia
While flying, driving, and taking the ferry are the most common ways to get to Croatia, there are a couple of other options worth considering.
By Train
I love train travel, but the train network in Croatia is limited.
However, arriving in Croatia by train can still be a great option if you’re coming from places like Slovenia, Hungary, or Serbia. It is a relaxed ride with some lovely views. Train travel can be a fun way to get to Croatia!
🚆 From Slovenia: You can catch a train from Ljubljana to Zagreb that takes about 2.5 hours.
🚆 From Hungary: The Budapest to Zagreb train ride takes around 6 hours, making it a good option if you’re coming from the east.
🚆 From Serbia: You’ll find a train from Belgrade to Zagreb or Subotica near the border, but be prepared for a longer journey with possible transfers.
How to Book a Train to Croatia
If you’re looking to hop on a train while in Croatia, you can check out the HŽ Putnički prijevoz website for all the details on routes and schedules.
For international routes, websites like Rail Europe and Omio can help you book tickets and get the best routes.
By Private Transfer/Shuttle Services:
Want a stress-free, direct route into Croatia? If you’re flying into Venice, Ljubljana, or Belgrade, booking a private transfer or shuttle service is a solid choice.
Sure, it costs a bit more, but the comfort and door-to-door service can make the price totally worth it, especially if you’re travelling with lots of bags or a group.
🚖 For booking these types of services, try the local Croatian company Octopus Travels or travel platforms like KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups for options from nearby cities.
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Getting to Croatia from Popular Destinations
Here’s a quick guide on how to get to Croatia from some common locations:
- From the UK: Direct flights to Croatia are frequent, especially to Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, with budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair making it super convenient.
- From the USA: The fastest option is flying via New York to Dubrovnik, with seasonal direct flights from United Airlines. Most other routes will involve a layover in European cities like London or Frankfurt.
- From Italy: Ferries from Venice, Ancona, or Bari to various Croatian ports are a scenic and relaxing way to travel, or you can drive directly if you’re up for a road trip.
- From Australia: There are no direct flights to Croatia from Australia, but the most common routes involve layovers in cities like Dubai, Doha, or Singapore, before connecting to European flights that bring you into Zagreb or Dubrovnik.
Once you arrive, you can follow our 2-week Croatia itinerary to see some of the best spots to visit during your stay!
HOW TO GET TO CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
How to Get to Croatia: FAQs
What is the best airport to fly into Croatia?
The best airport to fly into depends on your destination in Croatia, , so pick the one closest to your plans!
- Zagreb (ZAG) is the main international hub, ideal for exploring central Croatia and nearby attractions like Plitvice Lakes.
- If you’re heading to the coast, Dubrovnik (DBV) is perfect for southern Dalmatia.
- Split (SPU) is great for the central Dalmatian coast.
- Smaller airports like Zadar (ZAD) and Pula (PUY) also serve certain regions.
Do I need a visa when entering Croatia by land from another country?
If you’re travelling from an EU or Schengen Area country, you don’t need a visa to enter Croatia. However, if you’re arriving from a non-EU country, you may need to show a valid passport. Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality, so it’s always best to check ahead.
What’s the best way to get to Croatia?
The best way to get to Croatia depends on where you’re coming from and your preferences. Flying is the fastest option, with major airports in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. If you’re already in Italy, ferries are a scenic and relaxing alternative, while driving or taking a bus is great for those coming from neighbouring countries.
Wrap Up: How to Get to Croatia: A Complete Guide for First-Time Travellers
I hope this guide has helped you plan how to get to Croatia. Whether you’re flying in, hopping on a ferry from Italy, or driving across the border, there are plenty of ways to get to this stunning country.
Flying is the fastest way, with major airports in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. If you’re up for a bit of a scenic journey, ferries from Italy are a great option, though they only run seasonally. And if you’re coming from a nearby country, driving or taking a bus is an easy and flexible choice to get you there.
READ NEXT >> Deciding how to get to Croatia is just one step in our Croatia Travel Plan: Plan Trip in 7 Simple Steps. Find out what the other 6 steps you need to complete are!
