Car Hire in Croatia: Tips and Everything You Need to Know

Croatia

Croatia is one of Europe's most appealing destinations for a holiday along the Adriatic. Its historic cities, beaches, national parks, and stunning scenery make it the perfect country for a road trip. That's why hiring a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to explore the country with complete freedom.

If you're thinking of hiring a car in Croatia, you'll be able to design your own itinerary and travel comfortably between its main cities and top destinations. From Zagreb to Dubrovnik, taking in the Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, or Split, travelling by car will let you discover some of the country's most impressive spots.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about car hire in Croatia, from requirements and necessary documents to driving tips, prices, insurance, and the best routes for exploring the country.

Is It Worth Hiring a Car in Croatia?

One of the first questions many travellers ask is whether hiring a car in Croatia is actually worth it. The answer depends on the type of trip you have planned, but if you want to explore different parts of the country, having your own vehicle is key.

Although it's possible to get between the main cities by bus, travelling by car gives you far greater freedom to set your own timetable and make stops along the way.

What's more, a hire car in Croatia lets you easily reach smaller towns, beaches, and nature spots that can be trickier to visit relying purely on public transport.

If you're planning a road trip, comparing the different options before you travel can help you find the vehicle that best suits your needs. Through CarJet, you can compare a range of car hire choices in Croatia and pick the one that works best for you.

Where to Hire a Car in Croatia

If you decide to book your hire car in Croatia with CarJet, you'll find various pick-up points across the country depending on your planned itinerary. Airports and major cities are usually the most convenient spots to begin a road trip.

Car Hire in Zagreb

The Croatian capital is an excellent starting point for discovering the country's interior. From Zagreb, you can visit the Plitvice Lakes before heading down towards the coast.

You can also use the city as the start and end point for a circular route.

Car Hire in Split

Split is one of the best choices for starting a trip along the Dalmatian Coast. From here, you can visit other destinations like Trogir or Makarska and continue heading south.

Car Hire in Dubrovnik

If you want to explore southern Croatia, hiring a car in Dubrovnik can be a very convenient option. The city is ideally located for day trips and discovering other spots along the Adriatic coast.

Hiring a Car at a Croatian Airport

Another option is to pick up your car the second you land. The airports in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula are some of the main entry points to the country.

Picking up your car at the airport can be especially practical if you want to get your road trip underway as soon as you arrive.

What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Croatia?

Before booking your hire car in Croatia, it's important to understand the requirements you must meet. These can vary depending on the car hire company and the type of vehicle you choose.

Required Documentation for Car Hire

Generally, you will need:

• passport or valid national identity card.
• A valid driving licence.
• Booking documents or vouchers.
• A payment card that meets the requirements set by the hire company (typically a credit card in the main driver's name).

If you make your booking through CarJet, we recommend you check the specific terms and conditions of your chosen supplier before you travel.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

European Union and UK citizens can drive in Croatia using a valid photocard driving licence issued in their home country.

If your licence was issued outside the EU or UK, or if it is written in a non-Latin alphabet, you will need your original licence alongside an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Credit Card and Security Deposit

When picking up the vehicle, the car hire company may require a payment card to place a hold as a security deposit.

The amount and conditions depend on the supplier, so it's best to check this before making your booking.

Tips for Hiring a Car in Croatia

To make sure your trip runs smoothly without any surprises, there are a few key points you should consider before booking.

Compare Different Hire Options

The cost of hiring a car can vary depending on the season, travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the type of vehicle.

Comparing different choices is one of the best ways to find an option that suits your budget. With CarJet, you can compare various car hire offers to find the vehicle that best fits your trip.

Check the Fuel Policy

One of the most common options is the full-to-full fuel policy. Under this arrangement, you collect the car with a full tank of fuel and return it with the same amount.

However, terms can differ between suppliers, so you should always check the terms and conditions of your booking.

Review the Insurance Cover and Excess

Before picking up your vehicle, make sure you check what cover is included and the exact amount of the excess.

If you have any questions, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your booking before setting off.

What Type of Car Should You Hire in Croatia?

The best type of car for your trip will depend on the itinerary you have planned.

Small Car

A great option for navigating towns and getting around urban areas. Plus, it makes parking a lot easier.

SUV

An ideal choice if you're looking for extra space and comfort during long-distance drives.

Family Car

If you're travelling with children or in a group, a family car provides plenty of room for all passengers and their luggage to travel comfortably.

Before making a booking, compare the different vehicle categories available and choose the one that best suits your route.

What Are the Roads Like in Croatia?

The main highways and motorways make travelling between different regions of the country easy and comfortable.

However, in rural and coastal areas, you may encounter narrower roads with lots of twists and turns. During the summer months, some regions can also experience heavy traffic.

Parking in Croatia

Parking can be one of the main challenges when visiting popular tourist towns and cities during the summer months.

In cities like Dubrovnik or Split, it's a good idea to look for accommodation with parking or locate a public car park in advance.

Keep in mind that many historic centres have traffic restrictions, so in some cases, you'll need to park outside the old town.

Can You Cross the Border in a Hire Car?

If you want to visit neighbouring countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, or Serbia during your trip, you must check the terms of your agreement.

Not all hire companies allow their vehicles to cross international borders, and in some cases, you may need to request authorization or purchase additional cover.

Before planning an international route, always review the specific conditions of your hire car in Croatia.