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Find competitive car rental prices in Croatia with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, people movers and reserve with no booking fees. Compare car hire at Zagreb Airport, Pula Airport and city locations across Croatia, including automatics, one-way rentals and cross-border options. Book early for summer to secure low prices and set up a road trip to the coast, islands and national parks.
Car Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb Airport | • More than 20 rental companies on-site • No airport surcharge • Convenient for immediate departure • Longer opening hours | • Long lines when many flights arrive at once • Potential wait times (15-30 min) in summer |
| Zagreb City Centre | • Located near hotels and the train station • Avoid paying for the car on days you do not need it | • Shorter opening hours (many close early in the evening and on Sundays) • Smaller selection of cars |
| Pula Airport | • Several international and local companies • On-site parking area (a short walk from the terminal) • Usually a quick pick-up process | • Can be busy during the middle of the day in summer • Potential long waits when flights arrive |
| Pula City | • More than 10 rental companies available • Convenient if arriving by ferry or bus | • Limited opening hours (typically 8 am to 6 pm) • Limited weekend service |
- On-site companies: Most major companies have desks in the airport arrival area, with cars in nearby parking areas.
- Off-site companies: Some budget companies require a shuttle bus to their office (about a 5-minute ride in Zagreb).
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- For July–August in Croatia, book 2–3 months ahead. In May–June or Sept–Oct, compare closer to travel as prices can soften.
- Compare airport vs city pickup. Airports in Croatia usually aren’t pricier, and Zagreb Airport has many providers and no airport surcharge. If you’re staying in Zagreb first, pick up later in the city centre to avoid paying for idle days.
- Manual saves money over automatic by about €15–20 per day. Economy cars are cheapest and fine for highways.
- Mind add-ons: one-way €200–300, additional driver €5–10/day, after-hours €30–50. Return to the same city, keep to business hours, and stick to one driver when possible.
- Shift dates and length. Weekly rates often beat daily pricing, and moving pickup or return by a day can drop the price.
- Factor running costs: use full-to-full and refuel in town instead of highway stations. Include A-road tolls and the 10% June–Sept toll surcharge when comparing total trip cost.
Car hire prices in Croatia 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
| City | Zone System | Hourly Rates (Approx.) | Parking Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | 3 zones (1=central, 3=outlying) | • Hourly rates vary by zone, highest in central areas (Zone 1) decreasing further out (Zone 3) | • Street parking (time limits in central zones) • Public garages | • Pay via machines or SMS • Free parking available outside Zone 3 • Strict enforcement using wheel clamps |
| Pula | Zone system similar to Zagreb | • Hourly rates apply in central areas | • Street parking • Parking Karolina (near Arena) • Smaller lots throughout city | • Many spots free after 5pm until morning • Fill up quickly in peak summer by mid-morning |
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits: 130 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in towns
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
- Headlights required at all times from November 1 to March 31
- Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for drivers 24 and older and 0.00% for drivers under 24
- Winter tyres required from November 15 to April 15 in continental Croatia
- Major highways are toll roads (marked as "A" plus number)
- Payment methods: Cash (Euro), credit cards or ENC electronic device
- 10% seasonal surcharge from June through September
Why rent a car in Zagreb
Book a rental car so you can drive to:
- Split – A1 Highway, Sveti Rok Tunnel
- Plitvice Lakes
- Pula – A6, A8, A9, Učka Tunnel
- Opatija – Vrata Jadrana viewpoint, Kvarner Bay
- Rovinj – Poreč, Motovun
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to rent a car in Croatia?
You'll need a valid driver's licence, passport and credit card in the main driver's name. We also recommend you get an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't from the EU.
Is an automatic transmission car easy to find?
You can find automatic cars, but they are less common and cost about €15-20 more per day than manual cars. You should book them well ahead of time, especially for a summer trip.
What's the typical security deposit amount?
You should expect to pay a security deposit between €1,000 and €3,000. The amount depends on the car category and your insurance choice. If you buy full insurance, the deposit can be a lot lower.
Can I take a rental car on ferries to Croatian islands?
Yes, most rental companies allow this. Some may charge a small fee of about €2/day or a flat €25. You pay for the ferry ticket separately, and its cost depends on the car's length.
Do I need to pay tolls on Croatian highways?
Yes, you need to pay tolls on major highways, which are called "A" roads. You take a ticket when you get on the highway and pay when you get off. The amount depends on the distance you've travelled. You can pay in cash (Euros) or use a credit card.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries?
Yes, but you must tell the rental company first. They will charge you a cross-border fee of about €20 for EU countries and €50 for non-EU countries. To get to Dubrovnik, you can now use the Pelješac Bridge and avoid crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you decide to drive through the Neum corridor in Bosnia instead, you will need special permission and might have to pay the non-EU cross-border fee.
