Europe > 🇭🇷 Croatia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Croatia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Croatia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Croatia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Croatia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Croatia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik | DBV | |
| Pula | PUY | |
| Rijeka | RJK | |
| Split | SPU | |
| Zadar | ZAD | |
| Zagreb | ZAG |
Should You Rent a Car in Croatia? 🚗🌊
Croatia is a stunning Mediterranean country with historic cities, hundreds of islands, national parks, and one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. The way you choose to travel can dramatically change your experience. So, should you rent a car in Croatia? Let’s explore when it makes sense—and when other options might be easier.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
If your trip focuses on major coastal cities and islands, you won’t need to drive. Croatia offers excellent ferries, catamarans, and intercity buses, making it easy to hop between hotspots.
✅ Car-Free Friendly Situations
| Destination | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik | Compact UNESCO old town, no cars allowed | Walking, taxi |
| Split | Ferry hub + pedestrian old town | Walking, ferry, bus |
| Hvar, Korčula, Brač | Islands built for walking | Ferry + scooter rental |
| Zagreb | Great tram system | Tram, taxi |
| Plitvice Lakes (with a tour) | Transfers included | Tour bus |
➡ If you plan to island-hop or stay in historic centers, a car becomes unnecessary.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
Renting a car lets you discover hidden bays, hilltop villages, wine regions, and national parks at your own pace—especially in Istria, Dalmatia’s hinterland, and inland Croatia.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Access |
|---|---|
| Complete flexibility | Stop at beaches and towns off the main route |
| National parks | Visit Plitvice and Krka without tours |
| Scenic backroads | Explore wine routes in Istria |
| Freedom | Travel coastal roads with sea views |
🚙 Best Self-Drive Regions
| Route | Highlights | Why It’s Worth Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Istrian Peninsula | Vineyards, hill towns | Beautiful rural roads |
| Dalmatian Coast (Split to Zadar) | Beaches, viewpoints | Perfect coastal drive |
| Zagreb to Plitvice | Countryside scenery | Easy highway access |
| Pelješac Peninsula | Wineries and seafood | Limited public transport |
🚦 Driving in Croatia – What to Expect
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Roads are modern and well-signposted
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Coastal roads are scenic but winding
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Parking in old towns can be limited; park outside and walk
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Tolls apply on some highways (credit cards accepted)
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Rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Europcar are widely available
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ferries | Island hopping | Fast catamarans available |
| Buses | Intercity travel | Reliable and affordable |
| Tours | National parks | Transport included |
| Scooter rental | Islands & small towns | Popular with tourists |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City and island hopper | ❌ No | Ferries and buses are efficient |
| Coastal explorer | ✅ Yes | Scenic road trips are a highlight |
| National park visitor | ✅ Yes | Saves time and offers flexibility |
| Wine and food traveller | ✅ Yes | Access to countryside routes |
| Short weekend visitor | ❌ No | Taxis and tours work well |
If you’re traveling from Split (or another city) to Plitvice Lakes by bus:
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Book your ticket in advance if possible, especially in high season.
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Choose the earliest departure if doing a day-trip to maximize time in the park.
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Check the route and stops — direct vs. stops can affect travel time.
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Be aware of the return schedule and ensure you won’t be stuck without a bus later in the day.
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Croatia?
👉 Yes, if you want to experience Croatia’s coastline, countryside, and national parks on your own terms.
👉 No, if you plan to stick to major towns and islands, where ferries, buses, and tours already cover everything you need.