Compare cheap car hire in Croatia with practical tips on airports, coastal driving, pickup locations and prices.
Croatia is one of the best countries in Europe for a driving holiday. The coastline is packed with scenic routes, historic towns and beaches, while inland areas offer national parks and quieter landscapes.
Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the main tourist centres, especially if you plan to travel along the Adriatic coast or visit multiple regions.
Where You’ll Pick Up Your Car
Most visitors collect their rental car at the airport. In Croatia, the setup is usually straightforward:
- Car hire desks are located inside the arrivals hall
- Vehicles are collected from car parks directly outside the terminal
- At smaller airports, everything is within walking distance
Common pickup locations include Dubrovnik Airport, Split Airport and Zadar Airport.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Croatia has strong seasonal connectivity with Ireland, especially during summer.
- Dublin → Dubrovnik
- Dublin → Split
- Dublin → Zadar
- Dublin → Pula
Flight times are typically around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Car Hire Companies in Croatia
Both international and local providers operate across Croatian airports.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Local companies are also common and can sometimes offer competitive prices, particularly on the coast.
Typical Car Hire Prices in Croatia
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €45 | €45 – €75 | €75 – €120 |
| April – June | €30 – €65 | €65 – €110 | €110 – €170 |
| July – August | €60 – €130 | €130 – €190 | €190 – €280 |
| September – October | €35 – €75 | €75 – €130 | €130 – €200 |
| November – December | €25 – €55 | €55 – €90 | €90 – €140 |
Choosing the Right Car
Croatia’s roads are generally good, but your route should guide your choice.
- Small cars – ideal for old towns and coastal villages
- Family cars – better for longer drives along the coast
- Estate cars – useful for luggage and multi-stop trips
- People carriers – suitable for groups and families
Parking can be tight in historic towns, so smaller cars are often easier.
Driving in Croatia
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Roads are generally well maintained, particularly motorways and coastal routes.
Key things to know:
- Motorways are modern but often include tolls
- Coastal roads can be narrow and winding
- Fuel stations are widely available
Road signage uses the Latin alphabet and is easy to follow.
Coastal Driving vs Inland Routes
Croatia offers two very different driving experiences.
Coastal Routes:
- Scenic Adriatic views
- Slower, winding roads
- Popular between Split and Dubrovnik
Motorways (Autoceste):
- Fast and modern
- Toll-based
- Ideal for longer distances inland
Many travellers combine both, using motorways for distance and coastal roads for scenery.
Where a Car is Most Useful
Car hire is particularly valuable in these areas:
- Dalmatian Coast – between Split and Dubrovnik
- Istria – exploring towns like Rovinj and Pula
- Plitvice Lakes – national park inland
- Zadar region – mix of coast and islands
Public transport is limited between smaller towns, so a car gives far more flexibility.
Things to Check Before Booking
- Cross-border travel (e.g. Bosnia or Montenegro) may require approval
- Fuel policy and insurance coverage
- Peak summer availability – book early for July and August
For official travel advice, see Croatia’s tourism website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Croatia?
Yes, especially for exploring coastal areas and national parks.
Is driving in Croatia easy?
Yes, roads are generally good and well signposted.
Are there toll roads?
Yes, most motorways require toll payments.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Can I rent a 7 Seater in Croatia?
Yes, though availability may be limited in peak season.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental providers require one.
Is fuel expensive?
Fuel prices are similar to other European countries.
Can I cross borders with a rental car?
Yes, but you must check with your provider first.
Are roads well maintained?
Yes, especially motorways and main routes.
Which side of the road do you drive on?
On the right-hand side.
Food in Croatia
Croatia also has excellent cuisine with specialties that are sure to make your mouth water and keep you coming back for more.
Seafood platters are especially well liked featuring hearty servings of shrimp and mussels at the same time as seafood pasta with truffles and cuttlefish.
There are tasty meat dishes like roast pork and veal steaks which are also served as sumptuous stews. Croatia is recognized for its wine too so head to the neighborhood bar and ask for the good stuff.
Cafe Culture Croatia
A taste of Rakija or fruit brandy is suggested. Don’t forget to explore the cafe culture when you visit Croatia.
You can find a lot of cafes throughout Croatia where you will discover excellent pastries and of course great coffee that you simply can sip while mingling with the locals.
