Driving in Croatia: Car Hire, Tolls, Parking, Tips for Driving and More

Driving in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country. It gives you real freedom. You can stop when you want and take smaller roads that buses do not use. If you are planning a wider trip across the country, this fits well alongside a full Croatia travel guide.

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We hired a car in Croatia and picked it up from Split Airport. From there, we drove into the city of Split and then travelled much further. We drove through busy cities, along long motorways, and through many tunnels. We also used the car to visit places like Krka National Park and Plitvice National Park, which would have been harder to reach without driving.

This guide is for anyone thinking of driving in Croatia for the first time. It covers the basics and the real things you only learn once you are on the road. If you are planning a road trip and want to explore more than one area, this should help you feel ready.

Is Driving in Croatia Easy?

Yes, driving in Croatia is easy for most visitors. The roads are well maintained. In many places, they are excellent. Even long drives felt smooth and stress free.

Motorways are modern and clearly marked. City roads can feel busy, especially in summer, but nothing felt chaotic. Drivers are confident but not aggressive. If you stay alert, you will be fine.

We drove through cities, tunnels, motorways and some semi-rural roads. Everything felt well organised. If you are used to driving in the UK or Europe, you will adapt very quickly.

Do You Need a Car in Croatia?

You do not always need a car in Croatia. Cities like Split and Dubrovnik are walkable. Public transport works well for short trips. Ferries also cover many islands.

That said, a car makes a big difference. It opens up places that are hard to reach by bus. National Parks, viewpoints and small towns are much easier with your own car.

If you plan to explore beyond one city, a car is worth it. For us, it allowed us to mix city visits with nature and quieter areas. That balance is hard to get without driving.

Car Hire in Croatia

Hiring a car in Croatia is simple, especially if you book in advance. We booked our car before travelling, which made everything easier. Prices were better and we had more choice. Airports are the most convenient places to hire a car.

We picked up our car at Split Airport. The pick-up point was within the airport area, so it was very easy to find. The process was quick and smooth. After a short check, we were on the road and heading towards Split city.

Most rental cars in Croatia are manual. Automatics are available but cost more, so book early if you need one. Always check the car carefully before driving off. Look closely at the insurance options too. Full cover costs more, but it gives peace of mind, especially when driving in cities or on narrow roads.

On our final day, dropping the car off was just as easy. We returned it at the airport and stayed at XIV Century Rooms, which was close by. This worked well and made our departure day simple and stress free.

Driving Licence and Documents

If you have a UK or EU driving licence, you can drive in Croatia. An International Driving Permit is not needed for most visitors, but it is still worth checking before you travel.

You must carry your driving licence with you when driving. Rental documents should stay in the car at all times. Police checks do happen, even though we were not stopped during our trip.

It is also a good idea to carry your passport, or at least a copy. One extra thing to check is your credit card. Make sure it does not expire soon. This was not an issue for us in Croatia, but we did face a problem with this in Romania. Being prepared avoids stress later.

Driving Rules in Croatia

In Croatia, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you are used to driving in the UK, this can feel strange at first. The main thing to watch is junctions and roundabouts. After a short while, it starts to feel natural.

Seat belts are compulsory for everyone in the car, both front and back. Children must use proper child seats that match their age and size. Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed unless it is hands free. This rule is taken seriously.

The drink drive limit in Croatia is very low. Even one drink can put you over the limit. If you are driving, it is best not to drink at all. Fines are strict and checks do happen, so it is not worth taking the risk.

Speed Limits and Road Signs

Speed limits in Croatia are clearly signposted and easy to follow. In cities and towns, the limit is usually 50 km/h. On main roads outside urban areas, it is often 90 km/h. These limits are shown well in advance, so there are no surprises.

On motorways, the speed limit is higher, usually 130 km/h. Many drivers stay close to this limit, especially on quieter stretches. Speed cameras are common, particularly near towns and on roads where limits change quickly. Fines can be high, and rental companies will pass them on to you, so it is best to drive calmly and not rush.

Road signs in Croatia are easy to understand. Many use international symbols, and place names are clearly displayed. Signs are mostly in Croatian, but this is not an issue. You get used to the names quickly, and Google Maps works very well for navigation. Lane markings are clear, road lines are easy to follow, and even road works are well marked. We never felt confused or unsure about where we were going.

Motorways and Tolls

Croatian motorways are excellent. They are smooth, wide, and clearly signed. Driving on them felt easy and safe, even on longer journeys. The road quality was some of the best we have driven on.

Some motorways are toll roads. 

We paid tolls on a few occasions, especially when driving to and from the National Parks. You collect a ticket when you enter and pay when you exit. It is a simple system and easy to follow.

You can usually pay by card or cash at the toll booths. Everything is well organised and clearly marked. The toll roads were well worth it for us. They saved us time and made the drives more comfortable and enjoyable, especially on busy travel days.

Parking in Croatia

Parking in Croatia can be tricky, especially in cities and popular tourist areas. Many towns use zone-based parking systems. You usually pay by machine, mobile app, or SMS. The rules change from place to place, so it is important to check the signs.

Some car parks are free.

In summer, car parks in tourist areas fill up very quickly. Arriving early in the day helps. Prices vary depending on the city and how close you are to the centre. For places like National Parks, it is best to check official websites in advance to confirm parking charges and rules, as these can change.

Always read parking signs carefully before leaving your car. Parking fines are common for visitors. To avoid problems, we often used official car parks. They cost more in some places, but the peace of mind was worth it.

Fuel and Petrol Stations

Petrol stations in Croatia are easy to find, especially on motorways and main roads. Most are modern, clean, and well spaced out. On longer drives, you will see them regularly, so fuel stops are easy to plan.

Most petrol stations accept card payments, and paying is quick. Staff are usually around if you need help, and fuel types are clearly labelled at the pumps. Even if you do not speak the language, it is straightforward.

Fuel prices are similar to other European countries. It is still a good idea to refuel before long drives, especially when heading into rural areas or towards National Parks, where stations can be further apart.

Driving in Cities

Driving in Croatian cities is doable, but it helps to plan ahead. In Split, driving was busy but manageable. We kept it to a bare minimum. The roads are narrow in places, and traffic builds up quickly. We explored most of the main attractions in Split on foot and by using the hop-on hop-off bus, which worked very well.

Traffic increases during peak hours and in the summer months. Parking can also be a challenge near old towns. From what we have heard, Zagreb is easier to drive in. Roads are wider and better planned. Dubrovnik, on the other hand, can be more difficult due to traffic restrictions and limited access near the old town.

If possible, park outside historic centres and walk in. This saves time and avoids stress. City driving in Croatia is manageable, but patience is key, especially during busy periods.

Driving on the Coast

Driving along the Croatian coast was one of the highlights of our trip. The coastal roads are beautiful, and we loved every bit of it. You get a constant mix of sea views, cliffs, and small towns along the way.

Some coastal roads are narrow and winding, with sharp bends in places. It is best to take your time and drive carefully. Local drivers are confident and know these roads well, so do not feel rushed.

Summer traffic can be heavy, especially on popular routes. Always allow extra time for coastal drives. Even when the journey is slow, the views make it enjoyable and part of the experience.

Driving in National Parks

Driving to National Parks in Croatia is straightforward. The roads leading to them are well maintained and easy to follow. Signposts are clear, and you do not need to rely only on maps or sat nav.

Parking areas at the parks are organised and clearly marked. During busy months, especially in summer, it is best to arrive early to get a space. This is particularly true for popular parks like Krka and Plitvice.

Some access roads can be narrow, especially closer to the park entrances. Drive slowly and stay alert. Wildlife can appear on the road without warning. 

Personally for us, having a car made visiting the National Parks much simpler and gave us more flexibility with timings.

Winter Driving in Croatia

Winter driving in Croatia depends very much on where you are going. Coastal areas usually stay mild and rarely see snow. Driving here in winter is generally easy.

Mountain and inland regions are a different story. Snow and ice are common in colder months. Winter tyres are required during certain months and in specific areas. Most rental companies provide suitable cars, but it is still worth confirming in advance.

Snow chains may be needed in higher regions or during heavy snowfall. Always check weather forecasts before setting off. If conditions are poor, it is better to delay your journey than take risks on unfamiliar roads.

Border Crossings

Croatia borders several countries, including Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Border crossings are usually straightforward, but they can take time, especially in summer when traffic is heavy.

You will need your passport and your car rental documents if you plan to cross a border. Some rental companies allow cross-border travel, but others charge extra or place restrictions. Rules can vary, so it is important to check the details carefully.

During the early stages of our planning, we did think about crossing the border to visit Mostar. It is a popular trip from Croatia. In the end, we decided against it and chose to plan a separate trip to properly explore that country. If you are short on time, keeping your drive within Croatia can be simpler and less stressful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid and Safety Tips

One of the most common mistakes is speeding. Speed limits in Croatia change often, especially when entering or leaving towns. It is easy to miss a sign if you are not paying attention. Speed cameras are common, and fines can be high, so slow down when limits change.

Parking mistakes are also very common. Parking rules vary by area, and signs can look confusing at first. Always take a moment to read them properly before leaving your car. Using official car parks helps avoid fines and saves time.

Road conditions in Croatia are very good, but you still need to stay alert. Watch for sudden stops, confident local drivers, and changing road conditions. Try to avoid night driving on rural roads, as visibility can be limited. Animals can cross the road without warning, especially in countryside and National Park areas. Drive calmly, use maps or apps to avoid restricted zones, and stay focused at all times.

Is Driving in Croatia Worth It?

Yes, driving in Croatia is worth it for most travellers. The roads are in very good condition, the signage is clear, and the scenery is stunning. From coastal roads with sea views to winding mountain routes, there is a lot to enjoy along the way.

Having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can easily mix city stops, coastal drives, and visits to National Parks like Krka and Plitvice. It also allows you to discover smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path spots that are hard to reach without a car.

If you enjoy road trips, you will love driving in Croatia. It opens up the country in a way public transport cannot. For more ideas on places to visit, check out our full Croatia travel guide.

Final Tips and Advice

Plan your routes, but stay flexible. Some of the best experiences come from unplanned stops, scenic viewpoints, or small towns along the way.

Allow extra time during summer months, as traffic can be heavier on both motorways and coastal roads. Patience makes the journey more enjoyable.

Overall, driving in Croatia is easy, safe, and enjoyable. It added real value to our trip and helped us see more of the country. With the right preparation, a car gives you freedom, comfort, and the chance to explore Croatia fully.