driving in Croatia

Judith We just got back from a driving vacation - Isteria to Dubrovnik. We rented from Sixt. The roads and toll highways were super. In fact, most of our roads in PA are dreadful compared to Croatia. You should note that the toll road to Dubrovnik is not finished so alot your schedule accordingly. OBTW - Croatia was a spectacular trip! If you want to discuss itineraries let me know. Ciao and safe journies.
CraigSC

Don't know your logistics but we rented from Active Rent a Car in Zagreb. They offered to pick us up at the train station and take us to their office. They probably would do the same at the airport. They have offices thru out Croatia with no drop off fees. Very easy to work with and good rates.

Agree with Craig above - easy, no issues whatsoever. Just be aware that in the old center of big cities (like in big cities anywhere in Europe), parking is often difficult and you're better off on foot. Otherwise, we found driving in Croatia to be delightful.

Last summer we rented a car and drove in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia. We never had a single issue (save one that was my fault). The roads are great. We went to Plitvice Lakes (A NOT-MISS STUNNER), and did note that the 2-lane mountain roads were a little challenging - locals were VERY IMPATIENT with tourists, and passed in a hazardous manner. The roads are great though. Make sure that as you transit into a new country that you purchase a highway permit - the fines are steep, and you get hit immediately if stopped (I heard E 250 for the fine, whereas the permit is E 10-15). As another has noted, driving INSIDE cities is crazy. Use the car between cities, and walk or use public transit inside cities. We enjoyed Croatia, and can't wait to go back.

Thank you to everyone for such great advice and help. It think we're going to do it.

Hi, great info, how do you get the driving permits? Also has anyone driven either from Venice to Dubronnik or Vise versa, or leave in Croatia and take train to r from Venice.

Another Croatian rental car company to consider is Uniline. They don't charge a drop off fee for rentals of 3 days or more and they'll pick you up/drop you off during regular business hours (like Enterprise does here) if you request it when you reserve. I used them a few years ago and was very happy with the price and service.

It depends what kind of a driver you are. I wouldn't recommend it for the easily flustered. If you're not taking the 2 lane windy roads fast enough, you will be passed in an aggressive manner. That said, I don't think it's really dangerous, but you need to be a fairly confident driver who won't panic.

Sometimes the drivers on 2-lanes are pretty aggressive. I remember on the road up to Plitvice lakes some totally insane lunatic passed us with only a very short window. Natives in the mountains are nuts. But just let them go. Why let it bother you?