Croatia from Italy

Well, there are no trains to Dubrovnik as there is no train station there. The closest you can get is Split which is many hours drive away. Personally, I would rent a car, as Croatia is not really great for those relying on public transport.

Is there a reason for Trieste? Personally, I would take the ferry from Venice to Istria and then rent a car, returning it in Dubrovnik.

Thanks for your response. In this case, since Dubrovnik is not a major priority, we may think about the ferry to one city, or the train from Trieste to Pula and leave it at that.

Trieste is not absolutely necessary but for a couple of minor reasons we thought we'd see it. It may or may not make the cut.

Must investigate ferries / trains to Pula now...

J, I really liked Trieste for the one night I spent there (planning to return), but I like cities. Bus from Trieste to Pula takes about 2.25 hours, ferry is closer to 3 hours.

Rome2rio.com might be helpful.

If you will rent a car in order to visit the Dolomites and some of your smaller Italian towns, then driving is the easiest way to reach Slovenia and/or Pula. Let the car rental agency know your plan, and do return the car within Italy to avoid a high, second-country drop off fee. Trains don't run directly across the border from Trieste Centrale station; it's possible to take a tram to Villa Opicina, then a train to Sezana, but you would need two more trains from there to Pula, running only once daily.

Hi Laura,

Yep, you're on to me - thanks for trying to help connect the dots, but we had hoped not to rent a car at all. It just isn't our favorite way to travel (we're new yorkers and don't even own one in our normal life at home!)

We may skip croatia in general, unless we take a bus from Trieste to Rovinj.

Would love your thoughts on the other Italy thread you cited!