Compare cheap car hire at Pula Airport with practical advice on pickup locations, rental companies, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Pula Airport (Zračna luka Pula) is the main airport serving the Istria peninsula in northern Croatia. Located around 6km from Pula city centre, it provides convenient access to coastal resorts, historic towns and the scenic countryside across the region.
Because many beaches and small villages in Istria are spread along the coastline, renting a car at the airport is one of the easiest ways to explore the area. Travellers visiting Croatia often combine destinations along the Adriatic coast and may also compare routes through places such as Zadar Airport, Split Airport or the historic city served by Dubrovnik.
Location of the Car Hire Desks at Pula Airport
The main car hire desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building. After completing the rental agreement, travellers usually collect their vehicle from the nearby airport parking area directly outside the terminal.
The airport is relatively small, so walking distances between the arrivals area and the vehicle collection spaces are short.
Terminal facilities and airport information can be found on the official Pula Airport website.
Flights from Ireland to Pula Airport
There are currently no year-round direct flights from Ireland to Pula Airport. Most travellers from Ireland reach Pula with one stop, usually starting from Dublin and connecting through a larger European airport such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna or Zurich.
Seasonal direct services can appear in some summer schedules, so it is worth checking flight availability before booking if you are travelling during peak holiday months. For most dates, though, Irish travellers should expect a connecting flight rather than a regular non-stop service.
Rental Companies Operating at Pula Airport
A variety of international and regional car hire providers operate at Pula Airport, particularly during the summer tourism season.
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Vehicles are normally collected from the designated car rental parking areas just outside the terminal building.
Typical Rental Prices at Pula Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €35 per day | €35 – €60 per day | €60 – €110 per day |
| April – June | €25 – €50 per day | €50 – €85 per day | €85 – €140 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day | €150 – €220 per day |
| September – October | €28 – €55 per day | €55 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| November – December | €22 – €40 per day | €40 – €70 per day | €70 – €120 per day |
Best Types of Cars to Rent in Istria
Small Hatchbacks
Compact cars are ideal for exploring coastal towns where streets can be narrow and parking space limited.
Family Touring Cars
Mid-size vehicles are popular for travellers visiting several towns and beaches across the Istrian peninsula.
SUVs
SUVs provide extra space and comfort for longer drives along the coast or inland countryside routes.
Driving from Pula Airport
Pula Airport connects to the Istrian Y motorway network, which links many of the region’s towns and resorts.
- Pula city centre – around 15 minutes
- Rovinj – about 40 minutes
- Poreč – roughly 50 minutes
- Trieste (Italy) – about 1 hour 45 minutes
These routes make it easy to explore the coastline or cross the border into neighbouring countries.
Fuel Policies and Security Deposits
Most rental companies in Croatia operate a full-to-full fuel policy. Drivers collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it full.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is normally required for the security deposit. The amount depends on the vehicle category and insurance options selected.
For travel advice and visitor information you can also consult the official Croatia tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Pula
The Istrian peninsula offers many destinations that are easy to explore by car.
- Rovinj – picturesque coastal town with a historic old centre
- Poreč – seaside town known for its Roman and Venetian architecture
- Motovun – hilltop village overlooking vineyards and forests
- Kamenjak Nature Park – scenic coastal park south of Pula
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip across Istria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Pula Airport?
The rental counters are located inside the arrivals hall of the airport terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Pula Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Sixt.
How far is Pula Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 6km from central Pula.
Is driving in Istria easy for visitors?
Yes. Roads across the region are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Do Croatian motorways have tolls?
Yes. Many motorways use toll systems, including parts of the Istrian Y network.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Pula Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the lead driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain more common in Europe.
Should I book Pula Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
Can I drive from Pula to Italy?
Yes. The Italian border near Trieste can be reached in under two hours by car.
What motorway serves Pula Airport?
The airport connects to the Istrian Y motorway network linking major towns across the peninsula.
