Getting to Croatia
Since 2023 Croatia has been part of the Schengen area and uses the euro – travelling in from the EU has never been easier. Most holidaymakers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland come by car, while many others fly into one of the coastal airports. Here are the main routes, with travel times and tips.
By car
From southern Germany the classic route runs via Munich, Salzburg and the Tauern motorway to Villach, through the Karawanken tunnel into Slovenia and on via Ljubljana to Croatia. Munich to Zagreb is about 550 kilometres, to Rijeka about 500 and to Split around 950. From Vienna the route goes via Graz and Maribor to Zagreb (about 370 kilometres).
Austria and Slovenia require a vignette (digital only in Slovenia); in Croatia motorway tolls are charged by distance – check current payment options with Hrvatske autoceste. On Saturdays during holiday changeovers expect long queues, especially at tunnels and the borders into Slovenia.
By plane
- Zagreb the capital, good for Central Croatia and Plitvice
- Pula and Rijeka (on Krk) for Istria and the Kvarner Bay
- Zadar for North Dalmatia, many low-cost routes
- Split for Central Dalmatia and the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis
- Dubrovnik for South Dalmatia, Korčula and Mljet
- Osijek and Brač smaller airports with seasonal routes
Ferry, bus and train
Ferries run from Italy, for example Ancona to Split and Zadar and Bari to Dubrovnik, mostly in season. Long-distance buses link many cities in Germany, Austria and Poland with Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and other coastal towns. Trains serve Zagreb and Rijeka well; along the Dalmatian coast the rail network is thin and buses take over.
Getting around
A car is the most convenient option for islands and remote coves. Ferries and catamarans are mainly run by Jadrolinija; in high season book car ferries early. Buses run regularly between coastal towns. When the bora blows, expect closed bridges and cancelled ferries.
Frequently asked questions
Are there border checks into Croatia?
Croatia has been in the Schengen area since 2023, so routine checks at internal EU borders have ended – but you should still carry ID.
Do you need a vignette in Croatia?
No, Croatian motorways charge distance-based tolls; vignettes are required in Austria and Slovenia though.
Which airport is best?
It depends on the region: Pula or Rijeka for Istria and Kvarner, Zadar for North Dalmatia, Split for Central Dalmatia, Dubrovnik for the south.
Photo credits
Note: To protect the personal rights of people shown and to respect third-party copyright, some images on this page are AI-generated. They show typical impressions and may differ in detail from how the places actually look.
Last updated: November 2026