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14 July 2026 · SunnVio

Renting a car in Croatia: tips for a carefree road trip

Coastal roads above azure water, more than a thousand islands and old towns like Split and Dubrovnik: Croatia is one of Europe’s finest road-trip countries. With these practical tips you’ll rent a car there without surprises.

Where to rent a car in Croatia?

Most travellers pick up their rental car at the airport of Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar or Zagreb. In high season these are busy locations: book your car well in advance for more choice and a lower price. If the Dalmatian coast is your focus, Split is the perfect base. For a round trip through the whole country — including the Plitvice Lakes and Istria — Zagreb is a convenient start, and you can drop the car off at a different location if you like.

Toll roads: pay per kilometre driven

On Croatian motorways, such as the A1 from Zagreb towards Split and Ploče, you pay tolls by distance. You take a ticket when entering and pay when leaving the motorway — by debit card, credit card or cash. Croatia has no vignette like Austria or Slovenia. Note: if you drive to Croatia via Slovenia, you do need an e-vignette for the Slovenian stretch. Also read our overview of tolls and vignettes in Europe.

To Dubrovnik: via the Pelješac bridge or through Bosnia

Driving from Split to Dubrovnik used to mean crossing a small strip of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum. Since the Pelješac bridge opened, you can stay entirely within Croatia — convenient, because the border crossing at Neum requires the rental company’s permission and a valid green card. Want to visit Bosnia or Montenegro? Mention it before you book, so it’s included in the rental contract. Read more in our article on crossing the border with a rental car.

Taking the rental car on a ferry to the islands

Hvar, Brač, Korčula: for many travellers the islands are the highlight. Many rental companies allow the car on domestic ferries, but always ask permission in advance. In July and August car spaces on popular routes fill up fast — book the crossing early, or cross as a foot passenger and rent a scooter or small car on the island.

Parking in Split, Dubrovnik and other old towns

The historic centres are car-free or barely accessible. Park in a garage or paid car park outside the centre and walk the last stretch. Street parking works with coloured zones and ticket machines or apps; always check the signs, because enforcement is strict and towing does happen.

Good to know on the road

Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them and 130 km/h on motorways. In the winter period dipped headlights are compulsory during the day. The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, with zero tolerance for young drivers. Driving in the countryside or on an island? Don’t count on a petrol station around every corner — fill up in time.

Which documents do you need?

An EU driving licence is sufficient; an international driving permit is not required. Also bring your passport or ID card and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. Planning to share the driving? Add the second driver officially to the contract — if someone not on the contract drives and something goes wrong, you are not covered.

Insurance and excess

In Croatia too, the rental company blocks a deposit on your credit card and a standard excess applies in case of damage. Book through SunnVio and the excess is fully covered: if anything is charged from your deposit, we refund it. How that works exactly is explained in the rental car excess explained.

When to book for the best price?

Croatia is hugely popular from June to September. Book your rental car at least six to eight weeks ahead for high season, and even earlier for July and August. Outside the season supply is plentiful and prices are considerably lower — and May, June and September are wonderful months to travel with quieter coastal roads.