Best value car hire from top brands
Croatia car hire tips
Where to pick up your car
There are over 20 car hire locations in Croatia, and the most popular city is Dubrovnik.
Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Croatia are Sixt, Fleet Rent, Avantcar, ORYX and Enterprise.
Best time to hire a car
The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Croatia are February and January.
Local currency
Kuna (HRK)
Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Croatia
A mix of Eastern and Western Europe, Croatia is a Mediterranean fantasy.
Parts of the country resemble storybook lands – which is why it’s no surprise that Croatia has become a filming hotspot and shot up the list as a popular tourist destination. With a culture shaped by various kingdoms and atmospheric ruins, along with the mountain roads that wind their way along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia lives on the edge of beauty and tradition.
A car will allow you get off the tourist trail and away from the busy cruiseliner stop offs. Explore the coast but take time to drive inland as well. easyCar compares top car hire brands so you can get the best deal on your rental.
Car hire information in Croatia
Dubrovnik
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from… | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Airport | £5.10 per day | £25.80 per day |
| Dubrovnik Downtown | £6.70 per day | £25.60 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Dubrovnik |
|---|---|
| January | £8.60 |
| July | £33.80 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Tourist tips:
- Dining here has become increasingly expensive and just because a restaurant has stunning views, it doesn’t mean it has good food. Pack a picnic with goods from a local market and head to a vantage point to save money.
- If you’re travelling during the summer months, keep in mind you’ll be queuing up for ages with cruise passengers. Get ahead of the crowds by reserving a table at restaurants during the day and schedule tourist attractions either early in the morning or evening, when cruise passengers are on their ships.
- While the city’s old medieval walls offer amazing views of Dubrovnik, they also get overly crowded with tourists. Try driving up Mount Srd for an alternative birds-eye view of the orange-roofed city.
Split
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from… | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Split Airport | £3.60 per day | £24.10 per day |
| Split Downtown | £6.20 per day | £22.20 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Split |
|---|---|
| January | £6.20 |
| July | £35.80 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Tourist tips:
- Driving along the southern Dalmatian coast, from Split to Dubrovnik, is one of the best road trips you can take. Often featured as one of the top drives in the world, expect the trip to take longer than the estimated four hours, as you’ll definitely want to stop for photos.
- You can easily reach several of Croatia’s islands from here, but if you plan on taking your rental car on the ferry, book well ahead as spots fill up fast.
- Smell, taste and relish the seafood. With Split’s location on the coast, you can expect a bounty of well-prepared top-notch catches.
Croatia car hire stats
Fast facts
| Frequently asked question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most popular place to hire a car in Croatia | 1. Split Airport 2. Dubrovnik Airport 3. Zagreb Airport |
| Most popular rental length | Seven days |
| Most popular month to rent a car | August, where a hire car costs on average £31.90 per day |
| Type of car | Average cost per day | Minimum cost per day |
| Mini | £19.80 | £1.70 |
| Economy | £19.90 | £1.90 |
| Compact | £24.00 | £2.20 |
If you plan on visiting during the summer months – particularly July and August – book your car rental as soon as you can. You will have less choice in rental type the longer you wait.
Croatia driving tips
Toll roads
If you’re pressed for time they’re worth the cost, as Croatia is unexpectedly big and distances between sites are far. But you can find alternative toll free scenic routes if you have more time.
Headlights
Between October and March, you are required to keep dipped headlights on during daylight hours.
Wind
Not something we always think about when driving, but Croatia can get very windy! And you will notice it. Between Zadar and Zagreb wind gusts can reach speeds of 90 to 100km/hr. Roads will only close once gusts reach 140km/h, but if the roads are open, always drive with caution.
Driver etiquette
Croatian drivers are known for deciding their own speed limits, overtaking and being impatient – despite narrow roads which twist around mountainsides. Don’t try to race with other drivers and stick to the actual speed limits, but do drive with confidence and know where you are going.
Book your car hire now
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The ultimate Croatia road trip
Dubrovnik Airport DBV
Dubrovnik airport is the third busiest airport in Croatia.
Car hire pick up point
Car hire desks are located just outside of the Arrivals Hall.
Makarska
The rugged Mount Biokovo serves as the city’s backdrop, while seaside promenades and Riviera beaches fuel an active nightlife.
Zadar
Croatia’s oldest continuously occupied city, here you’ll find old Roman and Venetian ruins.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The largest national park in the country, it is a UNESCO site known for its 16 terraced lakes joined by waterfalls.
Rovinj
A postcard perfect hilltop church overlooks this cobbled stone city on the Istrian peninsula.
The Croatian capital
Zagreb
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from… | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb Airport | £3.60 per day | £24.80 per day |
| Zagreb Downtown | £6.20 per day | £25.80 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Zagreb |
|---|---|
| January | £8.60 |
| July | £33.80 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
What’s it famous for?
Zagreb has been steadily gaining fame in more recent years. While the country’s other big cities rely on their dazzling coastline to attract tourists, Zagreb greets visitors with vibrant food and culture.
Where to visit
Visit The Museum of Broken Relationships for quirky exhibits that will make you laugh and maybe cry. Spend time at Ban Jelačić Square and view an open-air show or shop the souvenir market. If you’re in the city on New Years Eve, this is the place to be.
Local tip:
Coffee culture is strong in the capital, and you will see locals circling in and out of coffee shops all day long. Here are a few terms to help you on your own coffee trip.
Bijela kava – latte
Kratki espresso – a short espresso ristretto
Mali macchiato – a small flat white
