How to Get Around Croatia: Best Transportation for Travelers

A Zicasso Croatia travel specialist makes the logistics of traveling in Croatia comfortable and exciting, helping you determine the best transportation for your trip. Our specialists will work with you to understand your preferences, whether you wish to cross the country by train on a scenic family adventure or view Croatia from the sea on a luxury island-hopping vacation, planning a seamless experience that exceeds your expectations.

Croatia has an easy-to-navigate flight infrastructure, with several 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 on what is best.

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 most trains leaving from 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.

Hiring a private driver in Croatia is very easy and gives you much more flexibility than any other means of transportation. This way, you can explore cities, towns, the coastline, and countryside at your pace, and most drivers 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.

A car is one of the best ways to travel around Croatia, especially if you opt to travel outside the larger cities. Renting 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.

The national bus network is extensive and 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.

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 catamarans. 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.

Taxis in Croatia are an easy way to travel around large cities at your pace. They 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 not necessarily available in 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.

Croatia does have ridesharing apps in major cities and popular coastal destinations. They are mainly available in larger and more famous cities, making it easy to find transportation by car or boat down the Adriatic coast. Croatia also requires that drivers are licensed. Be careful when looking for a ride in a coastal city, with some towns only offering drivers seasonally, in addition to the infamous flex pricing that can take place throughout the day.

Croatia has easy transportation options that make traveling around the cities and countryside accessible for your schedule. Whether exploring historic city centers, charming towns, idyllic vineyards, or crystal-clear seas, our specialists plan Croatia tours around your unique transportation requests.

As you begin to consider your plans, explore more ideas and inspiration to ignite your imagination in our curated Croatia travel guide.