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!
- Choose from 22 Croatia tours
- 18 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- A
Anthony • traveled in December, 2025
We really enjoyed our Croatian driving trip! Our car was nice. The itinerary was paced just right. We stayed two nights in Opatjia, and we recommend doing a day trip to Rovijn. We also did not stay in Split, our hotel was in Trogir. Our hotel in Trogir was so quaint and nice. Hotel Tragos. Be aware if you stay in Trogir that the church bells ring at 0530. However, we just returned from Morocco, and you have the same issue with call to prayer being announced over speakers at 0530. Communication was very good from the operator and they were patient with all my questions. Highly recommend this if you are looking for a self-driving experience.
Best of Croatia 11 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 - DA
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
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
- UNESCO Heritage, Self-Drive
- Grand tour of Croatia 8 Days, Self-Drive
- Explore Istria and Dalmatia in 8 Days, Self-Drive
- Discover Croatia and Bosnia, Self-drive (Multi country)
- Discover Hidden Gems of Split, Mostar, Medjugorje and Dubrovnik, Self-Drive
Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
7 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 $1,500
15% Off- US$1,275You save $225
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 $696
15% Off- US$592You save $104
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$2,847
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 $700
15% Off- US$595You save $105
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 $2,297
15% Off- US$1,952You save $345
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 $804
15% Off- US$683You save $121
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 $1,045
15% Off- US$888You save $157
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.
















