Compare car hire at Dubrovnik Airport including rental companies, prices, popular vehicles and tips for driving in Croatia.
Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi Airport) is the main gateway to southern Croatia and a common starting point for exploring the Dalmatian coast by car. Many travellers rent a vehicle here to visit nearby coastal towns, beaches and historic destinations along the Adriatic.
The airport is located around 20 km from Dubrovnik Old Town and the drive typically takes about 25–30 minutes. Visitors planning a longer road trip may also want to explore the wider guide to car hire in Croatia.
Airport facilities and passenger information can be found on the official Dubrovnik Airport website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car rental desks at Dubrovnik Airport are located inside the terminal arrivals hall. Once the rental agreement is completed, vehicles are collected from the airport car rental parking area just outside the terminal.
The airport sits close to the Adriatic coastal road (D8), which connects Dubrovnik with other destinations along the Dalmatian coast.
Driving rules and safety information for Croatia are published by the Croatian Automobile Club.
Car Hire Companies at Dubrovnik Airport
Several international and Croatian rental companies operate at Dubrovnik Airport.
- Hertz – Dubrovnik Airport Terminal, Dobrota 24, 20213 Čilipi, Croatia
- Avis – Arrivals Hall Desk, Dubrovnik Airport, Čilipi
- Budget – Dubrovnik Airport Car Rental Area, Čilipi
- Europcar – Airport Rental Desk, Dubrovnik Airport Terminal
- Sixt – Dubrovnik Airport Terminal Arrivals Hall
- Enterprise – Dubrovnik Airport Car Hire Centre, Čilipi
- Oryx Rent a Car – Dubrovnik Airport Rental Area
After signing the paperwork, staff will direct you to the nearby car hire parking area where the vehicle is collected.
Popular Vehicles to Rent at Dubrovnik Airport
The most common rental vehicles at Dubrovnik Airport depend on whether travellers are staying locally or driving further along the Croatian coast.
Economy Cars for Coastal Towns
Small hatchbacks are popular because they are easier to drive through narrow streets and historic areas.
- Volkswagen Polo
- Opel Corsa
- Hyundai i20
- Renault Clio
These vehicles work well for short drives around Dubrovnik and nearby towns.
Family Cars for Dalmatian Road Trips
Visitors travelling with luggage or planning longer coastal drives often choose a larger compact car.
- Volkswagen Golf
- Skoda Octavia
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Corolla
This category offers more luggage capacity and comfort for longer journeys along Croatia’s coastal routes.
SUV and Premium Cars
SUVs and premium vehicles are also available for travellers seeking additional space and comfort.
- Nissan Qashqai
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
These cars are popular with families or visitors touring multiple destinations along the Adriatic coast.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Dubrovnik Airport
Rental prices in Dubrovnik vary significantly depending on tourism demand, especially during the summer season.
| Season | Economy Car | Family Car | Premium Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €18 – €35 | €35 – €60 | €90 – €150 |
| April – June | €30 – €55 | €55 – €90 | €130 – €200 |
| July – August | €70 – €120 | €120 – €180 | €250 – €380 |
| September – October | €40 – €70 | €70 – €110 | €150 – €240 |
| November – December | €20 – €40 | €40 – €70 | €100 – €170 |
Driving from Dubrovnik Airport
The airport connects directly to the main coastal highway used to explore southern Croatia.
- D8 Coastal Road – route connecting Dubrovnik with other Dalmatian towns
- A1 Motorway – main motorway linking southern Croatia with Zagreb
Popular Day Trips from Dubrovnik Airport
Hiring a car makes it easier to explore several destinations along the Adriatic coast.
- Cavtat – charming seaside town located about 10 minutes from the airport.
- Ston – historic town known for medieval walls and oyster farms.
- Pelješac Peninsula – wine region about one hour from Dubrovnik.
Travellers exploring the Croatian coastline often continue toward other airports such as car hire at Split Airport when travelling further north.
Age Requirements for Renting a Car
Most car rental companies in Croatia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, additional charges may apply for younger drivers.
- Minimum age: typically 21
- Young driver fee: often applies under age 25
- Maximum age restrictions: may apply with some suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Dubrovnik Airport?
Yes. Several international and local car hire companies operate desks inside the airport arrivals hall.
How far is Dubrovnik Airport from Dubrovnik city?
The airport is located about 20 kilometres from Dubrovnik Old Town.
Which car hire companies operate at Dubrovnik Airport?
Companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Enterprise.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual cars are more common in Croatia.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage depending on the supplier.
What side of the road do you drive on in Croatia?
Drivers in Croatia travel on the right-hand side of the road.
Are there toll roads in Croatia?
Yes. Several Croatian motorways use toll systems.
Can I drive a rental car into neighbouring countries?
Some suppliers allow cross-border travel with prior approval.
Should I book Dubrovnik Airport car hire in advance?
Booking in advance usually provides better prices and availability during peak travel seasons.
