Croatia Self Drive Tours
4.6 stars on(9,545 reviews)- Choose from 22 Croatia tours
- 17 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best road trips in Croatia
Compiled by
MelissaCroatia travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
- Croatia Express, Self-Drive
- Best of Croatia - Fly and Drive, National Parks, culture and Dalmatian islands
- Dalmatian Coastline, Self-Drive
- Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
- Grand tour of Croatia 8 Days, Self-Drive
- UNESCO Heritage, Self-Drive
- Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive
- Discover Croatia and Bosnia, Self-drive (Multi country)
- Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive (Multi country)
Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The car was a good quality car and most accommodation was nice.”
REINA, traveled in August
Your Opel Astra stands ready for Croatia's coastal roads, from Zagreb's medieval quarter to Dubrovnik's UNESCO sites. Stop at Plitvice's waterfalls, Zadar's sunset spots, and Split's Roman heritage whenever you choose. Ten nights at selected hotels with breakfast included.
Duration 11 days Destinations Zagreb, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,483
15% Off- US$1,260You save $222
Croatia Express, Self-Drive
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Driving through the various landscapes from Zagreb to the coastal cities was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.”
Juan, traveled in June
A VW Golf or Opel Astra awaits for your independent Croatian adventure, offering unlimited mileage from Zagreb's historic center through Plitvice Lakes to coastal gems like Zadar and Split. The package includes CDW insurance and comfortable stays at Hotel Porto, Hotel Neva, and Hotel Ivka.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split, Omis, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Gulliver Travel From $688
15% Off- US$585You save $103
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, Sibenik, Trogir, Split, Korcula Island, Peljesac, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 6+ Operator 366activecroatia From
15% Off- US$2,814
The open roads of Croatia beckon in a VW Golf or Opel Astra, connecting Split's ancient harbor to Dubrovnik's medieval walls. St Lawrence Cathedral in Trogir and wine tastings in Split await your visit, with comprehensive insurance coverage included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Omis Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Gulliver Travel From $692
15% Off- US$588You save $104
Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Croatia is spectacularly beautiful. We would 100% recommend this tour.”
Bev, 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 $2,271
15% Off- US$1,930You save $341
A VW Golf takes you through Croatia's treasures from Dubrovnik's medieval walls to Split's Diocletian's Palace. Luxury awaits at 4-star Hotel Adria and Hotel Kornati while visiting Krka waterfalls and UNESCO-listed Trogir.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Biograd Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,033
15% Off- US$878You save $155
Your Croatian adventure unfolds in a VW Golf or Opel Astra from Zadar's historic streets to Plitvice Lakes' scenic trails. Visit Split's Diocletian's Palace before reaching Dubrovnik, with comfortable stays at Hotel Porto and Hotel Ivka, breakfast included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Gulliver Travel From $795
15% Off- US$675You save $119
Croatian wonders unfold from Pula's Roman ruins to Split's marble streets in your VW Golf or similar vehicle. Unlimited mileage and full insurance included, with stays at Hotel Bristol in Opatija and Hotel Tragos in Split.
Duration 8 days Destinations Pula, Crikvenica, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Porec Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,136
15% Off- US$965You save $170
Discover Croatia and Bosnia, Self-drive (Multi country)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The route was comprehensive and of course allowed for 'side trips' as things caught our eye.”
Stella, traveled in October
The route from Dubrovnik's medieval walls to Biograd's seaside charm opens up in an Opel Astra. Selected hotels including Hotel Kornat and Hotel Tragos serve as perfect bases for UNESCO sites and national parks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Biograd, Split, Mostar, Ston Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,023
15% Off- US$870You save $154
The Dalmatian coast opens up in an Opel Astra from Split to Dubrovnik. Plitvice Lakes and Biograd's shores await your visit, with accommodations at Hotel Tragos in Trogir and Hotel Kornati in Biograd, full insurance included.
Duration 11 days Destinations Split, Trogir, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Biograd, Mostar, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,392
15% Off- US$1,183You save $209
Croatia Road Trip Reviews
- Croatia Express, Self-Drive
Great tour, to get a taste of Croatia, great stops along the way, you can get a feel for where you would like to stay longer on your next visit Our guide Mirjana was fantastic, she was very friendly, knowledgeable, nothing was a problem, always there to help with any questions or details. We had a group of 22 tourists which was perfect, Mirjana was always making sure we were all together and she was doing all in 2 languages..
- Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
We loved everything about this tour. Our hotels and a few excursions were booked for us so we knew where we needed to be each day. We also had a lot of time to book our own excursions as well. Croatia is a stunning country, everywhere you looked it was like a postcard. The choices of stops were amazing, each one was different but breathtaking in their own ways. We stayed a couple of extra days in Dubrovnito do some touring on our own.. We would absolutely recommend this trip of a lifetime.
- Discover Croatia and Bosnia, Self-drive (Multi country)
This self-catered driving route of Croatia and Mostar was beyond our expectations. The route was comprehensive and of course allowed for “side trips” as things caught our eye en route 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 sties and natural beauty all rolled into one. Would definitely do more self-catered driving tours with Tour Radar.
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.