Getting around Croatia: ferries, buses & cars

Croatia is easy to travel once you know the pieces: ferries to the islands, fast and comfortable long-distance buses on the mainland, and a car for the freedom to roam. Most trips use a mix of all three. Here's how to put them together.

Ferries & catamarans

The islands are served by car ferries (slower, take vehicles) and passenger catamarans (faster, foot passengers only). Split is the main hub, with sailings to Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula and beyond. In summer, book car ferries in advance and arrive early; catamarans sell out fast for popular routes. Our island-hopping guide maps the key connections.

Buses

The intercity bus network is extensive, cheap and generally punctual — the default way to move along the coast and inland where there's no train. Buy tickets at the station or online; the Split–Dubrovnik and Split–Zadar routes run frequently.

Renting a car

A car is worth it for the national parks, the Istrian interior and the Makarska Riviera, where buses are sparse — but it's a liability in walled old towns like Dubrovnik, Trogir or Korčula, where you'll park outside and walk. Many people rent only for the days they actually need it.

From the airports

Each coastal airport has its own quirks for reaching the centre — see our dedicated guides for Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka and Pula.

Then pick your base — start with our city guides for Split, Dubrovnik and the islands.