Renting a car in Croatia: tolls, islands, rules and tips

In short: Croatia is great to explore by car, from Istria to Dubrovnik via Plitvice Lakes and the Dalmatian coast. In the old towns (Dubrovnik, Split), park outside. For the islands, check the rental company’s ferry terms, and book crossings in summer.

Do you really need a car?

• Dubrovnik and Split: not for the city itself. The old towns are pedestrian and parking is scarce and expensive.
• Istria, Plitvice Lakes, Krka waterfalls, the Dalmatian coast, Pelješac, the islands: yes. A car links villages, coves and national parks.

Rental requirements

• Age: usually at least 21, with a frequent young-driver surcharge.
• Licence: an EU licence is valid; with a non-EU licence, check with the rental company.
• Credit card: in the main driver’s name, for the deposit.
• Borders: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are outside the European Union; the crossing must be allowed by the agreement (with the insurance green card).
• One-way rentals: Zagreb → Dubrovnik or Split → Dubrovnik is common, but often costs extra.

Driving in Croatia: the key rules

According to the EU’s official page for Croatia (unless signs say otherwise):

• Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas, 130 km/h on motorways.
• Alcohol: 0.5 g/l of blood; 0.0 g/l for novice and professional drivers.
• Daytime running lights: mandatory during winter time.
• In the car: a first-aid kit, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest and spare bulbs (except for xenon or LED lights).
• Winter equipment: from 15 November to 15 April, mandatory on major roads (winter tyres, or summer tyres in good condition with chains on board).
• Phone: hands-free only.
• Children: a suitable child seat is mandatory; book it with the car.

Tolls, ferries and the road to Dubrovnik

• Tolls: motorways are tolled; today you take a ticket on entry and pay on exit, by card or cash. A barrier-free system is announced for 1 March 2027: check before your trip and ask the rental company how tolls will be billed.
• Ferries: the state company Jadrolinija and other operators link the mainland to the islands. In summer, queues are long: arrive early or book where possible.
• Split → Dubrovnik: since 2022, Pelješac Bridge lets you stay in Croatia, without crossing the Neum border (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Our tips

1. Book early in summer and for an automatic.
2. Look at the total price: excess, deposit, one-way fee, border, ferry.
3. Photograph the car at pick-up and return.
4. Park outside the old towns and walk in.
5. Watch out for the bora wind on the coast and bridges: some roads can close to light vehicles in strong winds.

Going further

To plan your trip, see our guide Travel in Croatia, and our guides Things to do in Dubrovnik and Things to do in Split.