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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Cathy • traveled in May, 2026
This 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-Drive - D
Dave • traveled in June, 2025
This is an excellent way to see Croatia. We enjoyed driving and seeing the countryside at our own pace. Croatia is spectacularly beautiful. All the accommodations arranged for us were also wonderful. We stayed an extra couple of days in Zagreb and Dubrovnik which we used to tour Slovenia, Budapest, Hungary, Mostar, Bosnia and Kotor, Montenegro. All were amazing and we would 100% recommend this tour.
Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive - S
Stella • traveled in October, 2025
This 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
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MelissaCroatia travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
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Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Country is beautiful and the people very receptive. The hotels selected were very good.”
Barbara, traveled in September
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 $1,553
15% Off- US$1,320You save $233
Great tour of Croatia 15 Days, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $2,353
15% Off- US$2,000You save $353
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$3,005
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, Lokrum Island, Omis Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Gulliver Travel From $725
15% Off- US$616You save $109
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, Opatija, Rijeka, Lovran, Zadar, Biograd, Sibenik, Split, Hvar, Plitvice Lakes National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Gulliver Travel From $1,187
15% Off- US$1,009You save $178
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 $1,082
15% Off- US$920You save $162
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, Cilipi, Lokrum Island Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Gulliver Travel From $833
15% Off- US$708You save $125
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.