Car Rental in Croatia - All You Need To Know
March 03, 2025
There's nothing like having your own transport for exploring all that Croatia has to offer - but if you're going to rent a car, it's worth doing your research first.
Well-maintained roads and some of the finest scenery in Europe make Croatian an ideal destination for navigating on four wheels. What's more, the freedom of having your own car also allows you venture off the beaten path, if you desire. Whatever your plans after landing at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport, Split Saint Jerome Airport, Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport, or any other of the country's main airport hubs, whether its cruising along Croatia's gorgeous coastline, driving inland or even taking a car ferry across the water to one of its idyllic islands, having a rental car is sure to enhance your adventure. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car in Croatia.
Legal Considerations
Before you hit the road in Croatia, there are a few important legal things to keep in mind. First off, you need to be at least 21 years old and have had your driver's license for at least two years. If you're under 25, you might face an extra fee, known as a “young driver surcharge.” Don't forget to have your driver's license, passport, and rental agreement with you while driving.
Croatia follows EU driving rules, so cars drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are a must for everyone, front and back, and not wearing one can get you fined. Using a phone while driving is banned unless you're using hands-free, and headlights are required 24/7, especially in rural areas.
If you have a foreign license that isn't written in the Latin alphabet, you'll probably need an International Driving Permit (IDP), as Croatian authorities may not recognize licenses written in other scripts. An IDP is basically a translation of your license and will allow you to drive without any issues or delays when picking up your rental car.
Croatia takes drinking and driving extremely seriously. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but for new drivers and professionals, it's actually zero. So be aware that you might be pulled over for a random breath test, and if you're caught driving under the influence, expect fines, license suspension, or even jail time.
Lastly, it's an easy one to forget, but make sure your rental car comes with a safety kit. By Croatian law, it should include a reflective vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit. If your car doesn't have these, you could face a fine, so be sure to check before you start driving.
Insurance
In Croatia, rental cars come with basic third-party liability insurance by law. This covers any damage you might cause to other vehicles or property in an accident. But there's a small catch - it doesn't cover any damage to the rental car itself, so it's important to check exactly what's included in your policy before you sign anything.
Most Croatian rental agencies offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as an optional extra. It's not required, but definitely worth considering, as it reduces how much you're liable for if the car gets damaged. Just be aware that CDW usually comes with a deductible, which can range from €300 to €1,000, depending on the car and rental company.
Also, keep in mind that most rental insurance in Croatia doesn't cover damage from off-road driving, even on gravel roads. If you're planning on exploring any of Croatia's famous national parks, or remote areas more generally, it's probably best to stick to paved roads to avoid any risk of voiding your coverage.
Given Croatia's popularity as a tourist destination, it's probably not surprising that theft protection is also available at most rental agencies. While crime rates are relatively low, it's still a good idea to protect yourself from potential theft, especially if you plan to park in busy tourist areas or more remote spots.
Tips on Driving in Croatia
One of the most important considerations when driving in Croatia is the speed limit. In cities, you'll usually find the limit set to 50 km/h unless there's a sign saying otherwise. On regular roads outside of cities, the limit is typically 90 km/h, but it might be lower near schools or residential areas. On highways, you can go up to 130 km/h, but always keep an eye out for signs in case of any changes.
Another common feature of Croatian driving are toll roads. Rates depend on how far you're driving on the highway, and you'll also need to pay separately for some bridges and tunnels. Payment is usually easy - you can pay in cash, and most places also accept international credit and debit cards.
Lastly, while driving, it helps to know a few basic road signs and Croatian driving terms. Luckily, most signs are internationally recognised, so you'll have no trouble understanding the usual warnings. Plus, in tourist areas, you'll often find signs with English translations, which makes things a lot easier if you're not fluent in Croatian.
Where to Park
Parking can be a real headache when driving in a new country. In most places in Croatia, parking is split into different zones. Blue Zones are paid parking areas you'll find in city centres. You'll need to use parking meters, which take both cash and cards. White Zones are usually free, but there might be time limits. Yellow Zones are for specific vehicles, like those with disability permits, so don't park there unless you qualify.
To pay for parking in Blue Zones, you can use meters or sometimes a smartphone parking app, which will be advertised on the meter. Some cities also have private parking lots marked with a ‘P', and these usually charge a set hourly or daily rate. Just make sure to read the parking signs carefully, so you don't end up with a fine or your car being towed.
Local Rental Agencies
While all the big European car hire companies like Hertz, Avis and Europcar are easy to find in destinations across Croatia, there are also some great local options to consider. You'll often find that local car hire companies offer better prices than international names, especially if you're booking directly with them.
One popular local option is Active Rent a Car, who are headquartered in Split and have cars available for hire in numerous locations across the country. They're known for their diverse range of cars, friendly service and competitive prices, plus they offer delivery and pick-up services for the maximum convenience of customers.
Another local rental company is Oryx Rent a Car, who have offices in a number of major cities including Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. They offer a variety of cars, from compact models to luxury rentals, and have also gained a strong reputation for their no-hidden-fees policy and excellent customer service.
If you're headed to the Istrian Peninsula, you might want to check out SurPrice Car Rental. With locations in Pula, Rijeka, and other key spots, they offer affordable rates, including great deals for longer rentals. They also have a simple booking process and are often praised for their helpful staff and efficient service.
The Cost of Renting a Car in Croatia
Renting a car in Croatia can be pretty affordable, especially if you book in advance. On average, you can expect to pay around 30-50 EUR per day for a small economy car, but prices can go up depending on the type of car and the time of year. The summer months, especially June through August, are peak tourist season, and rental prices can skyrocket during this time, so book as far ahead as possible.
Also, don't forget to factor in things like insurance, which can add to your rental costs. Most car rental companies offer basic coverage, but if you want to upgrade to full coverage, be prepared to pay more. Fuel is another factor to keep in mind, and while Croatia has plenty of gas stations, it's a good idea to return your car with a full tank to avoid extra refuelling charges.