Position
Croatia is a Mediterranean country and borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Montenegro. The Adriatic Sea divides Croatia from Italy.
In 2023, Croatia joined the euro area and entered the Schengen zone, which means that Euro became the only official currency in the Republic of Croatia and that all border controls with other EU members have been lifted.
Croatia Border Crossing
If you are arriving to Croatia from Western Europe, you will most likely use border crossing between Croatia and Slovenia. During the summer seasons borders can get busy on weekends when tourists either arrive or are leaving Croatia, so you should factor this in your trip. The bigger border crossings are:
Driving distances between Croatia and major European cities
|
|
Zagreb |
Rijeka |
Split |
|
München |
543 |
487 |
940 |
|
Düsseldorf |
1100 |
1069 |
1507 |
|
Erfurt |
865 |
851 |
1291 |
|
Berlin |
946 |
1026 |
1316 |
|
Ljubljana |
138 |
113 |
460 |
|
Amsterdam |
1315 |
1285 |
1725 |
|
Milano |
616 |
479 |
897 |
|
Vicenza |
430 |
283 |
694 |
|
|
Zagreb |
Rijeka |
Split |
|
Wien |
330 |
478 |
700 |
|
Zürich |
772 |
704 |
1164 |
|
Praha |
622 |
691 |
987 |
|
Warszawa |
986 |
1134 |
1356 |
|
Budapest |
337 |
499 |
701 |
|
København |
1325 |
1387 |
1816 |
|
Paris |
1326 |
1270 |
1783 |
|
London |
1560 |
1505 |
1987 |
You can also consult our Route planner for more information on planning your trip.
Driving Documents
To enter Croatia, you need a valid driver’s licence, an automobile registration documents, and international insurance card (green card). A passport and/or ID card are required, too.
Croatian roads
Croatia has been building its motorway network over the last decade and major Croatian cities are connected by two lane motorway. Motorway tolls can be paid in cash, with credit cards or ENC devices. Two main motorways lead from Zagreb to Rijeka (A6) and from Zagreb to Split (A1).
Permitted road speeds
- 50 km/h - within built-up areas
- 90 km/h - outside built-up area
- 110 km/h - on major motor routes designed exclusively for motor vehicles and on fast roads
- 130 km/h - on motorways
- 80 km/h - for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer
- 80 km/h - for buses and buses with a light trailer
Motorway tolls in Croatia
More info about toll roads: www.hac.hr, www.bina-istra.hr
Petrol stations
Petrol stations are open from 7 a.m. until 7 or 8 p.m. every day; in the summer season, mostly until 10 p.m. Certain petrol stations in the larger cities and on main international routes are open on a 24-hour basis.
Fuel prices in Croatia: www.hak.hr.
What to do if you had a traffic accident
First inform the police about the traffic accident (Tel. 192), however in the event of a traffic accident which results in minor material damage such notification is not obligatory.
Secure the site of the accident (set up a warning triangle) and undertake measures for elimination of fresh possible dangers. Wait for the arrival of the police.
In the event of any damage to the vehicle, you must obtain a police report on the damage to the vehicle, without which you cannot re-cross the state border.
Should you require vehicle repair services, or your vehicle needs towing, call Road Assistance, on 1987. If calling from abroad, telephone +385 1 1987.
How to avoid traffic jams
To avoid unnecessary prolongation of your journey and becoming involved in traffic jams, you are advised to: - plan your trip by using the traffic organiser in which the days and directions of the highest expected densities of traffic are stated, - check on the conditions on the roads and ferries at HAK (HAK Information Centre: +385 1 464 0800) or on the Second Programme of Croatian Radio (at RDS-HRT2) before starting your trip.
Other important driving information
- To drive a car, you must not have more than 0.05% of alcohol in your blood.
- Use of mobile/cell telephones while driving is forbidden!
- Use of seat belts is compulsory.
- Headlights must be turned on during daytime only during wintertime, but we recommended it also during summer, for your safety (DST – Daylight saving time).
Important telephone numbers
- International country code for Croatia: +385
- Police: 192
- Fire Brigade: 193
- Ambulance: 194
- Roadside vehicle assistance (Croatian Automobile Club - HAK): 1987 (when calling from abroad or by mobile phone, call: +385 1 1987)
- National Search and Rescue Centre: 195
- A single countrywide number for all emergency situations: 112
- General information: 18981
- Information local and intercity numbers: 11888
- Information international numbers: 11802
- Weather forecast and road conditions: 072 777 777 (when calling from abroad or by mobile phone, call: +385 1 464 0800)
- Croatian Camping Union: +385 52 451 324, www.camping.hr