Getting Around

By Plane

Croatia Air has a near monopoly on flights that travel among Croatia's seven airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, and Brac), and unless one of these cities is your final destination, you'll have to transfer to some other mode of transportations to finish your trip.

Note: Domestic flights booked on Croatia Air from outside the country can cost nearly twice as much as flights booked at a Croatia Air office in the country, unless they are part of a multicity international ticket. Online prices are uniform.

By Bus

Almost every town in Croatia has a bus station, and the network of bus routes makes this form of transportation an excellent, economical option for travel within Croatia. Express routes on updated highways facilitate travel among major cities and buses stop at almost every village in the country, though schedules might be inconvenient for those with limited time.

By Ferry

Ferry/catamaran travel is a way of life on Croatia's coast. There is no other way to get to the islands (except Pag and Krk, which are linked to the mainland via bridges). Jadrolinija, Sem Marina, and SNAV are the major ferry operators. In summer, ferry schedules are beefed up to handle the increased traffic, but not necessarily aligned to make multiple connections needed for island hopping convenient. Some lines reduce their winter schedules, which further hampers efficient travel. Weather is another trip buster: Whenever the bura blows (the fierce northwestern wind that regularly hammers the area), ferries may be delayed or sidelined altogether.

Note: When planning your trip, do not underestimate the time it takes to travel by ferry. Besides calculating time for the water crossing, build in time to get to the ferry port, time to wait in line (which can be hours), and time to get from the port to your final destination. Check ferry schedules carefully, as not all routes operate every day.

By Car

Driving is the best method for seeing the real Croatia -- even the islands. However, car rental and fuel, with a subcompact starting at 50€ per day and gas selling at unprecedented high prices (7.5kn per liter in the summer of 2009) can be expensive. During July and August, it is important to reserve a rental car before you arrive.

You will pay extra for each driver authorized to drive the car besides the primary renter, and every driver must be 25 or older to rent a car in Croatia.

We used local agency M.A.C.K. in Dubrovnik to rent our car. Besides Dubrovnik, M.A.C.K. also has offices in Rijeka, Zagreb, Split, and Cavtat and offers excellent rates. Reps speak English, provide maps and directions, and are very helpful. Go to www.mack-concord.hr/english.shtml for information. Global agencies Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, and Budget all have offices at the Dubrovnik and Zagreb Airports plus other locations in the city.

Croatia's main highways (autocestas) are well marked and well maintained. Secondary roads vary in quality and can range from excellent to unmarked dirt tracts. Gas stations are readily available on the autocestas, along main highways, and outside smaller towns. These usually are hyper gas stations in that most have attached restaurants, convenience markets, picnic areas, and liquor stores. Gas station restrooms are generally immaculate in Croatia, and some even offer shower facilities. They usually are open from 7am to 7pm every day and until 10pm in summer.

Maps that locate gas stations across the country are available and a wise investment if you plan on driving long distances. They usually are available at gas stations. Visit www.ina.hr and www.hak.hr for details.

Note: Almost every city and town in Croatia seems to be converting intersections with traffic lights to roundabouts with varying rules for entering and exiting, so proceed with caution.

Warning: Police are strictly enforcing Croatia's drinking/driving laws and posted speed limits. If you are a driver under 24 years of age, zero tolerance (0.0% blood alcohol) applies. For those 24 and over, a limit of 0.5% is the rule.

The speed limit in urban areas is 50kmph (31 mph) unless otherwise marked, 80kmph (50 mph) on secondary roads, and 130kmph (81 mph) on highways. You'll have to pay fines on the spot. If you are stopped for any reason, you will be expected to produce a valid driver's license, car registration papers and rental contract, and an insurance certificate. Watch for speed traps along the coastal highway and in rural towns and villages.

By Train

Croatian Railways (www.hznet.hr) is an efficient way to travel between Zagreb and towns in the northern and inland parts of the country. All of Croatia's major cities except Dubrovnik are connected by train service.