Croatia Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Croatia

What you need to know for your Croatia car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Croatia

Renting a car in Croatia offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the country's stunning landscapes and attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your schedule. This is particularly advantageous for those seeking adventure, outdoor experiences, or family-friendly activities.

For instance, you can visit the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails. In addition, a trip to Split allows you to enjoy the scenic Split Riva and explore historical sites like Diocletian's Palace. If you're looking for beach experiences, Zrće Beach is a fantastic destination, while the charming city of Dubrovnik, featuring Pile Gate and Lapad Beach, is also within reach. Moreover, Zadar with its lovely Kolovare Beach and unique Sea Organ can be easily accessed by car. Overall, renting a car in Croatia not only enhances your travel experience but also ensures that you can visit a variety of beautiful locations, making it a popular choice for tourists.

Most popular car hires in Croatia

  • Compact SUV: This car type is a popular choice for accommodating up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, and families, providing ample space for both passengers and luggage. Its versatility makes it perfect for exploring Croatia's diverse attractions while ensuring comfort during your travels.
  • Economy: The Economy car option is another well-booked choice, also accommodating 5 travellers but with a capacity for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is suitable for solo travellers, couples, and families seeking a budget-friendly option. The Economy car is easy to manoeuvre and efficient on fuel, making it a practical selection for your Croatian adventure.
  • Standard SUV: This vehicle type is designed to accommodate up to 5 travellers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent option for couples, families, and groups. The Standard SUV provides a balance of space and comfort, allowing you to travel comfortably while exploring Croatia's stunning landscapes and attractions at your own leisure.

Where to stay in Croatia

  • Dubrovnik: Known for its stunning beaches and rich outdoor experiences, Dubrovnik is a must-visit for those seeking scenic beauty. Key attractions include the historic Pile Gate, ideal for culture enthusiasts, and Lapad Beach, perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Gruz Harbor offers lovely views and is close to various restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food and drink lovers. Best visited during the summer months, Dubrovnik's charm shines with vibrant outdoor activities.
  • Split: Split is an excellent destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring beautiful beaches and cultural landmarks. The Split Riva esplanade is perfect for leisurely strolls, while the historic Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius showcase the city's rich history. With plenty of cafes and wineries nearby, Split is a great choice for those looking to enjoy local cuisine. The ideal time to explore Split is during the warm summer season, when outdoor activities abound.
  • Zadar: Zadar offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for active travellers. Visit Kolovare Beach for a delightful beach day, or explore the historical Forum and the remarkable Sea Organ, which is a significant architectural feature. The nearby national parks enhance the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Zadar is best enjoyed in late spring or early autumn, when the weather is pleasantly warm for outdoor exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Croatia

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements before making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling choices, which are acceptable too. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking with Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Croatia

The best value period to rent a car in Croatia is March, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. Nearby months like November also offer moderately low prices with low demand, making them ideal for quieter travel. From June through August, however, you’ll encounter moderately high prices and high demand, as this is the peak tourist season. This busy period can make securing a rental more challenging and costly.

Car Hire in Croatia

For many people, a holiday in Croatia is all about sun-filled days relaxing by brilliantly blue waters in the shade of an ancient walled town. Yet, when you hire a car in Croatia, the experiences on offer just get better and even more idyllic.

Undoubtedly the Croatian coast is a main attraction. Its clear waters are dappled with tiny islands that are all just a short hop away on a ferry. Fantastically white pebbles line its beaches, and there are wonderful stretches of sand to be found as you cruise the coast by car. Pull over to lounge in tranquil settings, or take the opportunity to try one of the many water sports offered here, including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.

But drive away from the beach and there are many rich cultural treasures to explore. Situated between the Balkans and central Europe, Croatia bears testament to its history with the Venetian palaces, Napoleonic forts, Roman ruins, Slavic churches, Soviet sculptures and Viennese mansions that pepper its beautiful landscapes.

Those who choose to drive into the interior, away from the lure of the coast, are also in for a natural visual feast. Imposing mountains dominate, with the Dinaric Alps stretching throughout the country. Among all this limestone karst is a beautiful collection of peaks, caverns, river canyons, waterfalls and impossibly picturesque lakes. This is where you can hike or bike to your heart’s content, or where you can experience dramatic rock climbing, rafting and ziplining adventures.


Cheap Car Hire in Croatia

Wherever you are based in Croatia, you can book your car hire through Expedia in advance. We partner with a network of providers to offer great deals on car hire in the cities, resorts and airports of Croatia.

It’s easy to arrange your car hire in Croatia. Simply enter the dates that you will need the car for and select the most convenient location to pick up your vehicle from. Thanks to our network of providers you will always find a great choice of cars on offer, from mini-class to SUV, and you’ll be able to take advantage of all the latest deals.

If you are flying in to Croatia you can arrange to rent a car from Zagreb Airport, Split Airport or Dubrovnik Airport. This means that, once you have picked up your luggage, your car will be waiting for you as you stroll through the arrivals hall. You’ll be able to start your scenic drive straight away, or head to your hotel to plan your Croatian adventures.


Where To Go When You Rent a Car in Croatia

Dubrovnik never fails to impress. Its white limestone streets and baroque buildings are reflected in the shimmering Adriatic, and its ancient city walls tell of its antiquity. Yet, you’ll find all the best contemporary hotels and fine dining options here too.

Coffee lovers will adore Zagreb. A small coastal city made for strolling, Zagreb offers bohemian cafes, museums and galleries to explore as you get in touch with your arty side.

You can see how the other half live in Hvar Town, the haunt of the fashion-conscious and well-heeled yacht owners. This is a great place to party the night away and stroll in the endless sun through lavender fields by day.

At Plitvice Lakes National Park you can park up and explore its maze of paths, woods and meadows – and each will lead you to one of its 16 scenic lakes or its dramatic waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for the bears, wolves and more than 120 species of birds that are sharing this beautiful space with you.

The world is not short of Roman ruins, but Diocletian’s Palace must be one of the most impressive. It forms about half of the old town of Split, and is Unesco-protected for very good reasons. Astonishingly it is made much more than an archaeological site by the fact that people continue to live inside the beautiful structures here.

Zadar may not have the fame of many other coastal towns in Croatia, but that’s just another reason to drive out and experience its lively cafes and fascinating market. The old town is traffic-free, so find somewhere to park and follow its Roman street plan to its numerous bars, restaurants and shops and experience the town in all its marble-clad glory.

Fancy splitting up your road trip with a scenic ferry ride to soak in the rugged shoreline views and admire islands like Hvar and Korčula? With Expedia you can hire a car to get from A to B, then you can leave that car there, and when you arrive at C you can arrange for a brand new car to be there waiting for you. So why not experience the beauty of the Adriatic by travelling between Split and Dubrovnik on a Dalmatian coast cruise?


Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Croatia car reservation?
Cancelling a prepaid hire with at least six hours notice should allow for a complete refund. But this is not always a given. It's a good idea to check your booking details and cancellation policy. Still stuck for answers? Click through to our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Croatia?
Small in size but big on advantages, economy vehicles are the top pick in Croatia. They're a snap to park and handle, which is ideal if you'll be doing mostly city driving. And with fantastic mileage, this reliable type of rental will have you touring around on the cheap. Prefer a larger car? Browse our full-size and premium vehicles.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Croatia with Expedia?
Browse our huge range of hire cars, check out customer reviews and compare prices from big-name suppliers. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you nab the best deal on your wheels. Got a hotel or flight booking? Add on your Croatia car rental and save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Croatia?
Drivers with a valid license aged 18 and above can rent a vehicle in Croatia. While some providers may be willing to rent to drivers younger than 18, they will add on fees. Find out what age range the young driver surcharge applies to, and what it costs, before locking in your ride. Outlets also restrict the types of cars available to young drivers. Higher limits are in place for specialty and luxury vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in Croatia?
Any rental company you select will ask for these two things — a current driver's license and credit card. If you'd like to opt out of the provider's insurance plan, proof of your own coverage may also be needed. Read your policy so you know what to bring when it's time to collect your wheels.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Croatia?
Expedia makes it a cinch to pick up a reliable long-term rental in Croatia. Simply click through to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and compare your options.
Where can I find a Croatia hire car if I am younger than 25?
If you're a young driver hoping to book a rental in Croatia, we recommend reading the policies of the hire companies you're interested in. Some may rent to drivers under the age of 25, some may not. There may be additional costs if you're aged between 21 and 24. To escape any surprises on pick-up, make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Why should I rent a Croatia car with Expedia?
From our exclusive offers to our rewards programme and member prices, you're bound to save when you hire your vehicle with Expedia. And with multiple suppliers in Croatia to select from, you have loads of choice when it comes to finding your ideal ride. But we don't just have superb rates on hire cars. Hotels, flights and more can be added to your booking to create your dream Croatia holiday package. Bundle more and save more! Plus, when you become a member of our free One Key™ rewards programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible flights, activities, hotels and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation