Croatia Self Drive Tours
Ever wondered about exploring Zagreb's Upper Town and St. Mark's Church on your own schedule? You'll self-drive through Croatia to Plitvivce Lakes' cascading waterfalls, Dubrovnik's city walls, and Split's Diocletian Palace. You’ll have the freedom to stop wherever catches your eye, and there’s plenty to see along the Adriatic coast. Genuinely priceless!
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- Choose from 34 Croatia tours
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We had a wonderful trip in Croatia, and all of the plans and accommodations made for us were terrific. Your staff was very helpful and quick to respond when we called on them while traveling. We would definitely consider another tour with you!
Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-DriveThis was a phenomenal way to see this beautiful country up-close. Gulliver Travel took away all the guess-work and research of the logistical side of the trip, so I could delve whole-heartedly into the experiences. I feel certain that we saw the absolute best of Croatia and we learned so much about it's (very recent) history. Roads and gas prices were way better than we expected, even the few tolls we came across weren't oppressive. The interior of the country was probably our favorite - atv-ing in the forest and truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula were some highlights we would definitely recommend.
Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-DriveThis self-catered driving tour of Croatia and Mostar was beyond our expectations. The route was comprehensive and of course allowed for “side trips” as things caught our eye enroute to the next hotel. Flexibility and freedom! The car was great and every hotel had something special to offer. Free breakfasts, pools, lovely staff, helpful locals, beach, historical sites and natural beauty all rolled into one. Would definitely do more self-catered driving tours with Tour Radar.
Croatia Express, Self-Drive
10 best road trips in Croatia
Compiled by
MelissaCroatia travel expert at TourRadar
- Coast and Hvar 8 Days, Self-Drive
- Split, Gateway to the Adriatic
- Self-Drive Tour Zagreb – Dubrovnik
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- Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
- Peljesac: Between the Vineyards and the Sea
- Croatia with Kids: Zagreb, Plitvice, and Trakošćan Castle
- Dalmatian Coastline, Self-Drive
- Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive
Duration 8 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Milna (Hvar Island), Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Krka National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,628
15% Off- US$1,384
Duration 7 days Destinations Split, Solin Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$410
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Brac, Ston, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rocket DMC Adriatic From
15% Off- US$791+$2 local payments
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Trogir, Opatija, Rijeka, Rovinj Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rocket DMC Adriatic From
15% Off- US$674+$3 local payments
The roads from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, along the Dalmatian coast to Split, and through Pelješac's vineyards await in your premium rental car. Comprehensive maps and carefully selected hotel accommodations included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Skradin, Krka National Park, Trogir, Sibenik, Split, Korčula, Peljesac, StonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator 366activecroatia From
15% Off- US$2,407
Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
“Croatia is a stunning country, everywhere you looked it was like a postcard. We would absolutely recommend this trip of a lifetime.”
David, traveled in May
A GPS-equipped rental car guides you from Pula's amphitheater to Dubrovnik's walls, with stops at Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park. Carefully selected hotels, including Hotel Osejava in Makarska, provide comfortable rest.
Duration 15 days Destinations Pula, Crikvenica, Sibenik, Biograd, Makarska, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Porec Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $2,358
15% Off- US$2,004
Duration 10 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Peljesac, Ston, Prapratno, Zuljana, Vis, Orebić, Kuna Pelješka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$504
What our customers ask about Croatia Self Drive Tours
How long are the typical driving distances between major Croatian destinations?
Driving times between Croatia's main destinations are manageable for day trips. The route from Pula to Rijeka takes about 2 hours covering 150km while Split to Dubrovnik spans 230km and takes roughly 3 hours. Zadar to Split is a shorter journey at 160km taking about 1.45 hours. Hotels like the Kornati in Biograd na Moru and Adria in Dubrovnik serve as convenient stopover points between these drives.
What are the must-see highlights along Croatia's Self Drive routes?
Croatia's main attractions include Plitvice Lakes National Park where 16 lakes connect through a network of paths and Dubrovnik's Old Town with its preserved medieval walls. The Diocletian's Palace in Split and the coastal drive along Makarska Riviera offer distinct perspectives of Croatian heritage. Krka National Park's waterfalls add to the natural wonders while accommodations like Hotel Mirjana Rastoke near Plitvice Lakes provide local charm. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The country is beautiful and the people very receptive. The itinerary covered all major highlights perfectly."
When is the best time to do a Self Drive tour in Croatia?
The prime season for driving through Croatia runs from May to September. During these months roads are clear and weather conditions are ideal for exploring. Coastal drives such as the Split to Dubrovnik route are particularly pleasant during June and September with average temperatures of 25°C and fewer tourists on the road. Hotel Tragos in Trogir offers rooms during peak season and as one TourRadar traveler mentioned "we had an amazing holiday in June the weather was perfect for driving and exploring the coastal towns."
What type of vehicle is provided for Croatia Self Drive tours?
The rental fleet includes current model vehicles ranging from compact cars like the VW Golf and Opel Astra to larger options such as the VW Passat and Opel Insignia. Each vehicle comes equipped with unlimited mileage Collision Damage Waiver theft protection and safety equipment including first aid kits and visibility vests. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Good and quality car that gives travellers the assurance that the car can bring them through all the outback region."
How is parking handled at hotels and tourist sites in Croatia?
Parking availability varies across Croatia with most hotels providing on-site or nearby options though fees often apply in major cities like Split and Dubrovnik. One TourRadar traveler observed: "The only issue was lack of free parking at some hotels. In Zagreb had to pay a large amount to park the car." Some properties like Hotel Pula and Hotel Bristol Opatija feature dedicated secure parking for guests.
Are there specific routes recommended for first-time Self Drive visitors to Croatia?
For newcomers to Croatian roads the coastal route from Split to Dubrovnik via the Makarska Riviera offers an accessible introduction. The Istrian Peninsula loop starting in Pula through Rovinj and Porec presents another user-friendly option. The inland drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park rounds out the essential routes with hotels like Opatija's Savoy and Vila Donat in Biograd na Moru providing strategic overnight stops.