Renting a Car in Croatia – Is It Worth It?

If you are planning a vacation in the coastal region and want to visit the picturesque bays and fishing villages – a car offers the most flexibility. If you are not arriving with your own vehicle, you can rent a car in Croatia. While you can reach some places by public transport – not all and not always, which is why you should consider renting a car in Croatia. With a rental car, you are more flexible and independent in Croatia – you can visit the desired places at a time of your choice and explore them on your own. However, there are certain factors you should consider when renting a car in Croatia. We explain what you should pay attention to when renting a car in Croatia.

Do I need to rent a car in Croatia?

If you want to explore Croatia, see a lot, and do a lot, then you should definitely rent a car in Croatia. Those who travel to Croatia by plane can turn to the rental stations at the airport to rent a car in Croatia – there are also plenty of car rental options available outside the airport. Especially in the summer, it is advisable to rent a car in Croatia in advance.

Renting a car in Croatia is also sensible because many small towns and holiday resorts have limited shops and restaurants. The nearest larger city is easiest to reach by car. On the other hand, if you plan to spend your free time only in one of the larger cities in Croatia – such as Zagreb, Dubrovnik, or Split – then you do not need a rental car. In the big cities, you are better off using public transportation. This is not only more cost-effective but also saves you the hassle of finding suitable parking spaces. In larger cities, there are often only a few parking spaces available. However, if you mainly want to relax on the beach and do not plan any major trips, you do not need to rent a car in Croatia. On the other hand, if you plan to do sightseeing or visit national parks, then a rental car is recommended.

Renting a Car in Croatia – What Do You Need to Know?

To rent a car in Croatia, drivers must be at least 18 years old. Most rental companies also require the driver to have at least one year of driving experience. Higher-class rental cars are often only rented out to those aged 21 and over. Additionally, a surcharge, known as the "young driver fee," is usually applied to young drivers. The age at which one is considered a young driver can vary from one rental company to another. Some companies apply the surcharge up to the age of 23, while others do so up to the age of 27. Sometimes, an additional fee is also charged for older drivers over the age of 70. To rent a car in Croatia, you must also leave a deposit.

In the summer months, it is advisable to book your car rental in Croatia well in advance. The earlier you book, the cheaper the price. If demand is very high and there are only a few rental cars available – which is often the case from June to September – the prices for renting a car will also increase. When booking online, you pay a small deposit and the rest upon picking up the rental car.

Renting and driving a car in Croatia – things to keep in mind

Many traffic rules on Croatian roads are similar to those in Germany. However, note that if you rent a car in Croatia, you are required to drive with dipped headlights both during the day and at night. Furthermore, all passengers must have safety vests, and you must also carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, and spare tire. In urban areas in Croatia, speeds of 50 km/h are allowed. Outside urban areas, you can drive at 90 km/h, on expressways at 110 km/h, and on the motorways in Croatia at 130 km/h. Croatian drivers under 25 years old must generally drive 10 km/h slower, and this is also recommended for foreign drivers. Stick to the speed limits, as fines for speeding in Croatia are very high!

Renting a Car in Croatia – Costs and Equipment

What costs can you expect for a rental car? In the high season, you can expect to pay around 20.00 to 65.00 euros per day for a rental car. The costs depend on the provider, the season, the vehicle class, the age of the driver, and the equipment of the rental car. In the off-season, it is generally cheaper to rent a car in Croatia. In the summer, you should definitely choose a rental car with air conditioning. Generally, you can of course use the navigation applications of your mobile devices, but you can also book a car in Croatia with GPS and Wi-Fi. Automatic vehicles and child seats are also available. For the return, you can arrange a drop-off location or a pick-up. However, additional fees may apply for pick-ups, but you can try to negotiate a better price.

Are you looking for a luxurious villa in Croatia for your vacation? Then feel free to contact us! You can also get an impression of us in our reviews!