Complete guide to renting a car in Croatia for 2025
Renting a car in Croatia unlocks sun-bleached coasts, winding roads, silent ruins, sudden storms—freedom wrapped in ancient, unpredictable beauty.
Planning a journey through rugged coastlines, medieval towns, and hidden inland gems? Renting a car in Croatia might be your ticket to real freedom. This guide breaks down what you need to know—from rental rules to driving tips—so you can explore the country on your terms.
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1. Should you rent a car in Croatia?
If you’re dreaming of Croatia’s sun-soaked coastlines, sleepy stone villages, and off-the-grid hideaways, one question might pop up: Should you rent a car? The answer depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. For some, having a car is the key to unlocking all the best-kept secrets. For others, it’s more of a hassle than it’s worth.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Pros
- Freedom to roam – No rigid bus schedules or missed connections. You go where you want, when you want.
- Access to hidden gems – Small beach coves, hilltop towns, mountain roads—places public transit just doesn’t reach.
- Saves time – Especially if you’re covering longer distances, driving often beats waiting around.
- Great for groups – Split the cost and enjoy the comfort of your own space (and playlist).
Cons
- Parking headaches – Cities like Dubrovnik or Split? Parking is limited, expensive, and often just plain annoying.
- Costs stack up – Between tolls, gas, insurance, and the rental itself, it adds up quickly.
- Challenging roads – Think hairpin turns, narrow lanes, and coastal cliffs—not for the timid driver.
- Not always necessary – If you’re staying in one or two major cities, public transport can cover your needs just fine.
In the end, renting a car in Croatia can absolutely elevate your experience—if you’re up for the ride. But if you’re keeping things simple, buses, ferries, and trains will get you where you need to go without the stress.
2. Where to find a cheap car rental in Croatia?
Visitteo
If hunting down the best rental deal sounds like a chore, let Visitteo do the hard part for you. It pulls prices from all the popular car rental companies and lines them up in one spot—no bouncing between sites, no wondering if you missed a better offer. The same car, same dates, just cheaper. It’s simple, smart, and saves you a ton of time.
EconomyBookings
Trying to keep your trip budget in check? EconomyBookings is built for that. It doesn’t just throw random low prices at you—it brings together reliable rental options that actually make sense. Booking is quick, the choices are solid, and you won’t find yourself stuck with a sketchy deal at pickup. Just great value, minus the headache.
Discover Cars
Not into digging through pages of fine print? Discover Cars gets it. The interface is clean, the process is smooth, and the results are right on point. It sorts through top-rated providers, filters out the fluff, and gives you clear, fair prices without the noise. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend spin or a full-blown road trip, it makes booking feel effortless.
3. Requirements for renting a car in Croatia
Before you’re handed the keys, here’s what you’ll need to rent a car in Croatia:
- Minimum age: Usually 21 years old. Some agencies require drivers to be at least 22 or 23, and you may face a young driver surcharge if under 25.
- Driving experience: You’ll need to have held a valid license for 1–2 years, depending on the rental company.
- License requirements: A valid national driving license is fine if it’s in the Latin alphabet. Otherwise, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- ID documents: A passport or national ID card is required for identification.
- Credit card: A major credit card in the driver’s name is mandatory. It’s used for deposits and security holds.
- No debit cards: Most rental agencies don’t accept debit cards for the deposit – credit cards only.
4. What type of car should I rent in Croatia?
The type of car you rent in Croatia depends on where you’re going and how you like to travel. If you’re hugging the coast—say, cruising from Split to Dubrovnik—a compact or midsize car will do just fine. It’s easy to handle, sips fuel, and makes navigating those narrow seaside roads a breeze.
Exploring cities like Zagreb, Zadar, or Pula? Go small. City streets can be tight, and parking spots even tighter, so a smaller car will save you some serious headaches.
But if you’re heading inland—think Plitvice Lakes, Gorski Kotar, or the hill country of central Croatia—an SUV might be a smarter choice. The roads can get hilly and rugged, and a bit of extra clearance goes a long way.
5. Make sure you get insurance coverage
Most car rentals in Croatia come with basic insurance, but don’t let that fool you—it usually includes a steep deductible. If anything goes sideways, like a scratch, fender-bender, or worse, you could be stuck paying out of pocket. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want on vacation.
Rental prices usually include:
• Third-party liability insurance (TPL)
• Theft protection (TP)
• Collision damage waiver (CDW) – but often with a high excess
Optional (recommended) coverage:
• Reduced or zero excess (Super CDW or Full Coverage) – minimizes or eliminates your liability in case of damage
• Coverage for windows, tires, undercarriage, and roof – these parts are not covered by standard CDW
• Personal accident insurance (PAI) – covers medical expenses in case of injury
6. Best airports in Croatia to start your journey
Where you land in Croatia can set the tone for your entire trip. Whether you’re chasing coastlines, hopping between islands, or exploring inland gems, picking the right airport makes things smoother, especially when it comes to renting a car and hitting the road.
If you’re starting in the north or planning to explore the capital, Zagreb is your best bet. It’s the country’s main international gateway and offers everything you need to settle in quickly. It’s easy to line up a rental car at Zagreb Airport and dive straight into the heart of Croatia.
Heading for sun and sea? Split is the go-to for coastal adventures. Just a short drive from some of Dalmatia’s most iconic spots, it’s a smart move to book your car at Split Airport and start cruising the Adriatic.
Looking for something more low-key? Zadar is small but efficient, perfect for avoiding crowds. You can pick up a car rental at Zadar Airport and be on your way to national parks or charming coastal towns within minutes.
And then there’s Dubrovnik —the southern gem. Grab a rental car from Dubrovnik Airport and you’re instantly set for exploring ancient walls, cliffside roads, or even a quick detour into Montenegro.
7. Top tips for renting a car in Croatia
Compare prices. Don’t settle for the first quote you see. Take a few minutes to shop around—rental prices can vary wildly depending on the site or provider.
Fuel policy matters. Go for a full-to-full policy whenever you can. It’s straightforward, fair, and helps you avoid unnecessary extra charges.
Know the driving rules. Croatian driving laws have their quirks, like keeping your headlights on at all times, even during the day. A glance at the basics can save you from a surprise fine.
Stay on paved roads. Tempted by that rugged dirt track? Think twice. Most insurance policies don’t cover damage from unpaved roads, so it’s best to stick to the asphalt.
Check for mileage limits. Planning a big road trip? Some rental companies cap your daily kilometers, so double-check before heading off on a long haul.
Ask about ferries. If you’re planning to hop over to the islands, make sure your rental agreement allows ferry travel—not all of them do.
Pay attention to parking. Urban parking zones can be confusing and closely monitored. Read the signs, or you might come back to a ticket—or worse, a tow.
Keep your docs close. Always have your license, passport, rental papers, and insurance info on hand. Spot checks are common, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
8. Best cities in Croatia to visit with a rental car
9. Cruising Croatia’s Coastline
Driving along Croatia’s coast isn’t just transportation—it’s one of the highlights of the trip. The Adriatic Highway, or D8, winds its way from Rijeka all the way down to Dubrovnik, hugging the shoreline and offering views that are hard to beat. On one side, the sea sparkles in every shade of blue. On the other hand, cliffs and mountains rise steeply, scattered with olive groves and red-roofed villages.
It’s not a road you rush. The curves demand your attention, but that just gives you more reason to slow down and take it all in. Towns like Zadar, Šibenik, Split, and Makarska pop up along the way, each with its rhythm and charm.
Summer traffic can be heavy, sure, but it somehow adds to the feeling that you’re part of something timeless. Keep your windows down, playlist on, and just enjoy the ride.
FAQs
If you’re sticking to major cities like Zagreb or Split, public transport works just fine. But if you want the freedom to explore remote beaches, mountain villages, or national parks on your schedule, renting a car is a game-changer. It opens up parts of Croatia that buses and ferries just don’t reach.
Yes, basic coverage is typically included. But here’s the catch: it often comes with a hefty deductible. You’ll be offered options like Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection, and Super CDW to reduce your liability. It’s worth reading the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered—and what’s not.
You usually can, but don’t assume. Most rental companies allow cross-border travel with prior notice, and some may charge a fee or require additional paperwork. Always check the terms ahead of time and make sure you’re properly covered.
If your license uses the Latin alphabet—think English, Spanish, French—you’re good. But if it’s in another script, like Cyrillic or Arabic, you’ll need an International Driving Permit to drive legally.
Here’s the general breakdown:
- 50 km/h in towns and cities
- 90 km/h on open roads
- 130 km/h on highways
Book early, especially in summer when demand is high. You’ll need a valid license, a passport, and a credit card in your name. Read the insurance terms carefully, check for mileage limits or fuel policies, and take a few photos of the car before driving off. Also, know that headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.
At minimum, you’ll have third-party liability, but that only covers damage to others. CDW and Theft Protection are common add-ons, and for total peace of mind, consider full coverage or zero-excess insurance. You can often buy that separately in advance for less than what the rental desk charges.
Yes, but they’re not as common as manuals, and they tend to cost more. If you’re not comfortable driving stick, reserve an automatic well in advance, especially in peak season when they book out quickly.
Not really. Croatia is one of the safer countries in Europe when it comes to vehicle theft. Still, basic precautions apply: lock your car, don’t leave valuables in view, and try to use secure parking when you can. Theft protection insurance is usually included or easily added.
Some companies allow it, others don’t—or they’ll charge extra for it. If you’re planning to visit islands like Hvar, Brač, or Korčula, double-check with your rental company. You’ll likely need to inform them in advance and get it in writing.
Yes. Rental companies require a credit card to place a security hold during the rental. Debit cards are not accepted. If you want a smooth pickup process, bring a credit card with you.