How to Get to Croatia in 2025

Croatia is a beautiful country in Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It’s an excellent destination to visit, any time of the year.

With its growing popularity, the country has developed a wide network of international air, ferry, and train lines, and a modern highway infrastructure. What’s more, the capital city of Zagreb is very close to other big central European cities.

Makarska Riviera by Tom Wheatley, Unsplash

We already have blogs 10 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Croatia and What's the Best Season to Travel in Croatia, but here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Croatia and what documents you need to enter the country.

So, if you need help arriving at your luxury villa in Croatia, without further ado, let’s learn how!

Passport and Visa Requirements for Croatia

First, let's review all the documents you need to have ready before entering Croatia!

Beach vibes in Croatia

Croatia is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Let us explain what this means for you.

If your country belongs to the Schengen area, you can enter Croatia without a passport, ID, Visa, or other documents proving your identity. However, we advise you to bring your ID for different purposes, if they arise. You can check if your country is part of Schengen on Wikipedia.

On the other hand,if your country is outside Schengen, you will need a passport or ID, and possibly, a visa. Please check the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia for more information.

Generally, European citizens (regardless of whether their country is in the EU) don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, except for the Russian Federation, Belarus, and the Republic of Turkey citizens. Most non-European citizens need a visa to enter Croatia. Here’s an official visa requirements overview.

Most Popular Ways of Travel to Croatia

Ciovo Island, Croatia

As we said, you can arrive in Croatia via land, air, or sea. The most popular option is to visit Croatia by car, but many other tourists also visit Croatia by plane, especially if they’re from outside Europe. The two less common options are by ferry from Italy or Montenegro, and by train, from various European cities.

Let’s discuss each option, so you can find the best one for you!

How to Get to Croatia by Plane

One of the most popular ways to travel is by plane. In fact, Croatia has 9 international airports:

• 5 along the coast (Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar),

• 2 in the continental parts (Zagreb, Osijek),

• 2 on islands (Mali Losinj, Brac).

You can fly with leading world airlines or low-cost carriers, as they all have many flights to and from Croatia. They fly more frequently in summer, but there are year-round departures.

Croatia Airlines, byWikimedia Commons

For example, Croatian flag carrier and Star Alliance member, Croatia Airlines, has direct flights to and from 21 countries, 13 of which are in the EU. All the necessary info to plan your journey is available on their website.

Moreover, all international airports in Croatia provide transfer services to big cities gravitating towards them. For example, if you land at Split airport, which is actually in Kastela, you can either take public transport, taxi, or airport shuttle, or our VIP concierge team can arrange private transfers for your group. This is possible for all airports, regardless of your destination.

How to Get to Croatia by Car

If you’re in Europe and prefer to drive,Croatia has a modern, high-quality network of highwayswaiting for you. All toll highways, state, and regional roads are well-maintained and provide easy and fast access between most destinations. Some islands (Pag, Krk, Vir, Murter, and Ciovo) are connected to the mainland by bridges so you can easily get there. So, it’s no surprise that about 80% of visitors arrive in Croatia by car.

Peljesac Bridge, by Filip Filipović from Pixabay

However, you will need a valid license for the correct category to operate a vehicle. This includes a valid driving license issued in Croatia, a foreign or international driving license, or a certificate of filed request for the issuance of the driving license. Moreover, the driver also needs a vehicle registration certificate. Another thing you need to be able to drive in Croatia is proof of an international motor vehicle insurance policy that is valid in EU territory.

A1 Highway in Croatia, by Benas M. from Pixabay

You will also need to follow the speed limits and regulations, such as not using your phone while driving, keeping the seatbelt on, and having your headlights on all day during some months.

You can check the toll rates and updates regarding traffic and security on Croatian Motorways (HAC) website.

How to Get to Croatia by Ferry

One of the reasons why you’re visiting Croatia is probably its long, beautiful coastline. Thus, it doesn’t surprise that Croatia has over 100 ferry ports on the coast and islands. Nine Croatian cities are connected with Italy and Dubrovnik even has a ferry line to Montenegro.

Jadrolinija ferry, view from Villa Grain of Salt

If you’re traveling from Italy, you can take the ferry from Ancona, Bari, Cesenatico, Pesaro, Trieste, or Venice to arrive in Croatia. Croatian ferry ports connected with Italy are Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Mali Losinj, and Novalja (Pag Island) in Dalmatia, and Rovinj, Porec, Pula, and Umag in Istria. You can travel with the Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija, or several other Italian or Croatian private companies that provide ferry services.

If you’re traveling from Montenegro, you can take the ferry from Budva to Dubrovnik. Currently, 11 weekly sailings operate between these two cities.

Some ferry companies allow you to bring your pets or motor vehicles onboard, so make sure to inform yourself before buying your tickets!

How to Get to Croatia by Train

Traveling by train may not be as popular in Croatia, but there are more options every year. So, it’s definitely worth considering, especially if you want to save money.

Croatian Railways (HZ) maintains the train rails in Croatia and operates most trains. Some other companies operate internationally from Croatia, too.

You can visit Croatia by train from Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy, the Checz Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more.

Train Zagreb - Split, by Albert Koch onFlickr

For example, you can take a train from Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, Ljubljana, Prague, or Sarajevo to Zagreb, and then continue your journey to Pula (Istria) or Split (Dalmatia).

During the summer, there are even more options. You can take EuroNight trains traveling from Split to Maribor, Graz, Vienna, and Bratislava, and vice versa. You can also bring your car or motorbike from Split to Vienna on the train, and vice versa.

You can also take your bicycles on trains as luggage and if your pet has a passport, you may bring small pets and service animals onboard. Just make sure you check the restrictions online.

Additional Info You Need to Know

Once you’ve chosen when, where, and how you’re traveling to Croatia, it’s time to book your trip and find perfect accommodations. Needless to say, an experienced team of agents from VIP Holiday Booker can help you find the perfect villa, arrange private transfers, rent a car, find private chefs, book tours and day trips, and anything else you may need.

We’re here to make your holidays in Croatia as carefree as possible!