Croatia captivates visitors with its stunning Adriatic coastline, over 1,000 islands, and remarkably preserved medieval cities. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this Mediterranean gem offers crystal-clear waters, rich history, and exceptional cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
- Public
- Zagreb has excellent tram and bus network. Coastal cities rely on buses; no metro outside Zagreb. Ferries essential for island access.
- Taxi
- Uber and Bolt available in major cities at reasonable prices. Traditional taxis metered and reliable.
- Rental
- Car rental recommended for exploring Plitvice, Istria, and Dalmatian hinterland; not needed for island-based travel
- Walking
- Dubrovnik and Split old towns almost entirely walkable and car-free; Zagreb center walkable with tram supplements
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport Bus Pleso Prijevoz - €4, 30 minutes to main bus station
- Shuttle
- Taxi - €20-25, 25 minutes
- Bus
- Uber/Bolt - €15-20, 25 minutes
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Frequent service 5:00 AM - midnight, reduced night service
Alternatives
metro, tram, taxi, rideshare, ferries, bike_rental
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- €2-3
- Apps
- Uber, Bolt (Cammeo in Dubrovnik)
- App Names
- Uber, Bolt (Cammeo in Dubrovnik)
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Most reliable intercity option, frequent service, modern coaches
- Operators
- FlixBus, Arriva, Croatia Bus, many regional companies
- Network
- Extensive, connects all cities and towns
- Zagreb to split
- €15-25, 5-6 hours
- Zagreb to dubrovnik
- €30-40, 10 hours
- Split to dubrovnik
- €12-18, 4 hours
- Booking
- www.getbybus.com aggregates all companies
Flights
Time-saving for long distances, book early for best prices
Routes: Zagreb-Split, Zagreb-Dubrovnik, Zagreb-Pula (seasonal)
Cost: €60-150 one-way
- Operator
- Croatia Airlines, Trade Air
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport
From centre: 17 km
Options: Airport Bus Pleso Prijevoz - €4, 30 minutes to main bus station; Taxi - €20-25, 25 minutes; Uber/Bolt - €15-20, 25 minutes; Private Transfer - €25-30 pre-booked
Split Airport (Resnik)
From centre: 24 km
Options: Airport Bus Line 37 - €4, 40 minutes to Riva; Taxi - €30-40, 30 minutes; Uber/Bolt - €25-30, 30 minutes; Private Transfer - €30-35 pre-booked
Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi)
From centre: 20 km
Options: Airport Bus Atlas - €8, 30-40 minutes to Pile Gate; Taxi - €30-40, 30 minutes; Uber - €25-35, 30 minutes; Private Transfer - €30 pre-booked
Pula Airport
From centre: 6 km
Options: Airport Bus - €3, 15 minutes; Taxi - €15-20, 10 minutes; Rental Car - Numerous agencies at airport
Zadar Airport
From centre: 12 km
Options: Airport Bus - €4, 20 minutes; Taxi - €20-25, 15 minutes; Uber/Bolt - €15-20, 15 minutes
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Best ride-hailing app in Croatia, available Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka — typically 15% cheaper than Uber
Uber
Available in major Croatian cities; reliable with English interface; good for airport transfers
GetByBus
Aggregates all Croatian intercity bus companies with timetables and booking — essential for planning travel between cities
Jadrolinija App
Official Croatian ferry operator app for checking schedules, buying tickets, and tracking ferries to all islands
HŽPP (Croatian Railways)
Official train booking for Zagreb-Split, Zagreb-Rijeka routes; trains slower but more scenic than buses
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy Jadrolinija ferry tickets online in advance for July-August — particularly important if taking a car to islands, where space sells out weeks ahead
The Pleso Prijevoz bus from Zagreb Airport (€4) is far cheaper than taxis (€20-25) and arrives at the main bus station adjacent to the train station
Bolt is generally 15-20% cheaper than Uber in Croatia — install both apps before arrival
The Dubrovnik Atlas bus (€8) from Čilipi Airport is crowded in peak season — private transfers (€30) booked in advance save frustration with luggage
Bura (strong NE wind) occasionally stops all Adriatic ferry services for 24-48 hours — build flexibility into island itineraries
Zagreb tram day passes (€4) are excellent value and cover all city center destinations including the funicular to Upper Town