Country Information




Introduction

Zagreb (ZAG), Rijeka (RJK), Split (SPU), Pula (PUY) and Dubrovnik (DBV) international airports all receive domestic flights (see Getting There by Air). Domestic services also run to Zadar (www.zadar-airport.hr) and Osijek (www.osijek-airport.hr), which both handle some international traffic, and the smaller airports on the islands of Brač (www.airport-brac.hr) and Lošinj (www.airportmalilosinj.hr).

The main domestic routes operated by Croatia Airlines (www.croatiaairlines.hr) are Zagreb-Dubrovnik and Zagreb-Split.


Getting Around by Water

Jadrolinija (tel: (051) 666 111; www.jadrolinija.hr) is the main provider of car and passenger ferries and catamarans in Croatia. There are regular connections between the main ports and the offshore islands. A coastal service runs all the way from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, via Split, Stari Grad and Korčula.


Getting Around by Rail

Croatian Railways (tel: 060 333 444, within Croatia only; www.hznet.hr) operates trains in Croatia. The network connects all major cities except Dubrovnik. However, it is often quicker to travel by bus. An upgrading of the track between Zagreb and Split now means that this journey can be done in 5 hours 25 minutes.


Rail Passes

InterRail One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Croatia. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Inter Rail (www.interrailnet.com).


Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. The last decade has seen considerable investment in Croatia's roads and the country has an extensive network of highways (designated as E roads) and unclassified roads. Motorway connections are continually improving, and Croatia's 11 motorways are designated with the numbers A1 to A11. The A1 is the main artery between Zagreb and Split. The A2 IS now complete between Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Zagreb (Croatia), which means Zagreb is now directly connected to Western European highway system.

Coach:
There are regular services to destinations throughout Croatia. Autotrans (tel: (051) 660 300; www.autotrans.hr) is a key service provider. Timetable information is available from Zagreb Central Bus Station (tel: 060 313 333, within Croatia only; www.akz.hr).

Car hire:
International and local car hire firms have offices in Croatia's airports, cities, bigger towns and leading resorts.

Regulations:
The minimum driving age is 18. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 110kph (62mph) on highways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 90kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding. It is compulsory for front and rear passengers to wear seat belts. It is illegal to use a handheld mobile telephone while driving. Headlights should be turned on at all times.

Emergency breakdown service:
Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK) operates an emergency service (tel: 987; www.hak.hr).

Documentation:
National or International Driving Permit. All motorists should also carry a valid passport or national identity card as proof of identity at all times. A Green Card should be carried by visitors (except EU nationals) taking their own car into Croatia. National registration in country of origin is required for all foreign vehicles. Third party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and a valid credit card is also needed.


Getting Around Towns and Cities

Zagreb: The centre of Zagreb can easily be navigated on foot. It also has a good network of trams and buses run by ZET, as well as a funicular and taxis.

Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik's Old City is pedestrianised. Libertas operates efficient bus services, with stops just outside the Pile and Ploče gates.


Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Zagreb to other major cities and towns in Croatia.

Air Road Rail
Dubrovnik 0.55 4.00 -
Split 0.45 4.00 5.25

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Dubrovnik to other major cities and towns in Croatia.

Air Road Water
Zagreb 0.55 8.00 -
Split - 4.00 9.10
Rijeka - 10.00 22.00